EvilV
11-27-08, 09:56 AM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/your_say/article5199644.ece
Folding Bikes - Times article on Brompton
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makeinu
11-28-08, 08:52 AM
Typical. Despite all the praises the author still had to lock it outside.
stocksy
11-28-08, 09:54 AM
Typical. Despite all the praises the author still had to lock it outside.
Maybe I'm just lucky but I've never once had anyone refuse to let me bring my bike in - shops, pubs, hospitals, whatever - maybe it's just my extremely charming personality :notamused: B&Q let me wheel my Brompton round with my trailer and use it instead of a shopping trolley, very cool of them.
Maybe I'm just lucky but I've never once had anyone refuse to let me bring my bike in - shops, pubs, hospitals, whatever - maybe it's just my extremely charming personality :notamused: B&Q let me wheel my Brompton round with my trailer and use it instead of a shopping trolley, very cool of them.
EvilV
11-28-08, 10:40 AM
Yeah - I find the B&Q people helpful, with the exception of a fearsome looking security guard who always looks at me like I am a bank robber. Makes me want to hold my hands out to the side and say, 'Ok - frisk me big guy.' I suspect he looks at everybody the same way and by the expression on his face, he has probably reduced their pilfering losses to nil. I have a suspicion that he wouldn't allow a brompton inside the shop, although I did once see two drunk guys in there and one had the other in the trolley. Maybe he had a day off that day.
mulleady
11-29-08, 03:21 AM
Yeah - I find the B&Q people helpful, with the exception of a fearsome looking security guard who always looks at me like I am a bank robber. Makes me want to hold my hands out to the side and say, 'Ok - frisk me big guy.' I suspect he looks at everybody the same way and by the expression on his face, he has probably reduced their pilfering losses to nil. I have a suspicion that he wouldn't allow a brompton inside the shop, although I did once see two drunk guys in there and one had the other in the trolley. Maybe he had a day off that day.
It's just you EvilV. With evil eyes and a grin like yours, I wouldn't let you in to B&Q, never mind with a Brompton clone :p
It's just you EvilV. With evil eyes and a grin like yours, I wouldn't let you in to B&Q, never mind with a Brompton clone :p
mulleady
11-29-08, 03:31 AM
Thanks for the article link EvilBoy, enjoyed that :D
My Brommie solves many 'public transport conundrums' In London too. Where it might take 2 hours on roundabout transport links my trusty steed can provide me with more direct routes in between. Of course all folding bikes can do this to some extent but few are better than the Brompton for commute-and-go style travel.
I've had the health & safety cliche from a security guy outside the WH Smith store (magazines and books etc) in Paddington station. Luckily the store manager overruled him saying the bike was fine to bring inside in its folded state. A wise decision as there are a lot of Brompton users who commute through London Paddington and the Brompton is no more a risk than some of the big suitcases brought inside.
Security staff refusing the journalist in the article at a pop concert. Now that's funny. A Brompton versus some drunken and screaming pop fans. That's a no brainer lol!
My Brommie solves many 'public transport conundrums' In London too. Where it might take 2 hours on roundabout transport links my trusty steed can provide me with more direct routes in between. Of course all folding bikes can do this to some extent but few are better than the Brompton for commute-and-go style travel.
I've had the health & safety cliche from a security guy outside the WH Smith store (magazines and books etc) in Paddington station. Luckily the store manager overruled him saying the bike was fine to bring inside in its folded state. A wise decision as there are a lot of Brompton users who commute through London Paddington and the Brompton is no more a risk than some of the big suitcases brought inside.
Security staff refusing the journalist in the article at a pop concert. Now that's funny. A Brompton versus some drunken and screaming pop fans. That's a no brainer lol!
EvilV
11-29-08, 04:31 AM
Aha - How are you doing 'Calves' Mulleady?
Yes - in retrospect - the B&Q security guard is right. He knows I'm casing the joint and am planning to raid the store with truck and run off with twenty five toilet bowls and a pallet of bricks. Ha ha ha - I'll be rich I tell you..... (maniac laughter and evil grins).
Yes - in retrospect - the B&Q security guard is right. He knows I'm casing the joint and am planning to raid the store with truck and run off with twenty five toilet bowls and a pallet of bricks. Ha ha ha - I'll be rich I tell you..... (maniac laughter and evil grins).
mulleady
11-29-08, 04:37 AM
I'm fine you mad Geordie, been very busy last few months but no complaints!
Yes you would probably stack them all on the back of your Merc and ride off with them. How could you covet a Dahon Vitesse 2008 when she has been your partner in crime for so long?
Be careful or I wil come up and snap the chain on your bike as well hahaha!
Yes you would probably stack them all on the back of your Merc and ride off with them. How could you covet a Dahon Vitesse 2008 when she has been your partner in crime for so long?
Be careful or I wil come up and snap the chain on your bike as well hahaha!
EvilV
11-29-08, 05:00 AM
I'm fine you mad Geordie, been very busy last few months but no complaints!
Yes you would probably stack them all on the back of your Merc and ride off with them. How could you covet a Dahon Vitesse 2008 when she has been your partner in crime for so long?
Be careful or I wil come up and snap the chain on your bike as well hahaha!
More likely snap the frame fat boy!
Actually, I'm punishing myself for coveting the dahon. What would it bring me that I don't have already? I have several bikes in my summer house that have not been used for a while. Actually - the term summer house may convey an unwarrantedly grand impression. It's a large shed that I used to use as an office and sit out in on summer evenings drinking wine.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Volpoon/DropBox?authkey=blp1AaOY3n4#5274047906809839842
Yes you would probably stack them all on the back of your Merc and ride off with them. How could you covet a Dahon Vitesse 2008 when she has been your partner in crime for so long?
Be careful or I wil come up and snap the chain on your bike as well hahaha!
More likely snap the frame fat boy!
Actually, I'm punishing myself for coveting the dahon. What would it bring me that I don't have already? I have several bikes in my summer house that have not been used for a while. Actually - the term summer house may convey an unwarrantedly grand impression. It's a large shed that I used to use as an office and sit out in on summer evenings drinking wine.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Volpoon/DropBox?authkey=blp1AaOY3n4#5274047906809839842
mulleady
11-30-08, 05:19 AM
More likely snap the frame fat boy!
Actually, I'm punishing myself for coveting the dahon. What would it bring me that I don't have already? I have several bikes in my summer house that have not been used for a while. Actually - the term summer house may convey an unwarrantedly grand impression. It's a large shed that I used to use as an office and sit out in on summer evenings drinking wine.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Volpoon/DropBox?authkey=blp1AaOY3n4#5274047906809839842
Excuse me I'm 92kg of muscle you Geordie freak and I'll snap your head with my calf muscles if you are not careful. :P (sounds like a scene out of a Bond movie lol)
Your wife should put you out to sleep in the shed with your beloved Merc, her spare parts and the rest of your collection. :lol:
Actually, I'm punishing myself for coveting the dahon. What would it bring me that I don't have already? I have several bikes in my summer house that have not been used for a while. Actually - the term summer house may convey an unwarrantedly grand impression. It's a large shed that I used to use as an office and sit out in on summer evenings drinking wine.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Volpoon/DropBox?authkey=blp1AaOY3n4#5274047906809839842
Excuse me I'm 92kg of muscle you Geordie freak and I'll snap your head with my calf muscles if you are not careful. :P (sounds like a scene out of a Bond movie lol)
Your wife should put you out to sleep in the shed with your beloved Merc, her spare parts and the rest of your collection. :lol:
EvilV
11-30-08, 05:21 AM
I have slept in it many times, I tell you. In winter and summer.
mulleady
11-30-08, 05:23 AM
No foto showing you Div! :D
Dahon.Steve
11-30-08, 07:00 PM
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/your_say/article5199644.ece
I don't know why the Brompton continues to get looks of amazment in the UK? You would figure with the thousands already in use, they should be quite common place by now. Strange.
I don't know why the Brompton continues to get looks of amazment in the UK? You would figure with the thousands already in use, they should be quite common place by now. Strange.
Dahon.Steve
11-30-08, 07:07 PM
Thanks for the article link EvilBoy, enjoyed that :D
My Brommie solves many 'public transport conundrums' In London too. Where it might take 2 hours on roundabout transport links my trusty steed can provide me with more direct routes in between
+1
My Brompton allows me to board the bus with far more confidence than ever. Transfers between bus lines require waiting upto an hour but the Brommie allows me to skip the second bus. I'm able to reach far more destinations quicker with less cost than the traditional transit user. If more people were taking folders on board the bus or lightail, I might be in trouble due to the lack of space. However, I'm glad no one has yet discoverd my multimode secret!
My Brommie solves many 'public transport conundrums' In London too. Where it might take 2 hours on roundabout transport links my trusty steed can provide me with more direct routes in between
+1
My Brompton allows me to board the bus with far more confidence than ever. Transfers between bus lines require waiting upto an hour but the Brommie allows me to skip the second bus. I'm able to reach far more destinations quicker with less cost than the traditional transit user. If more people were taking folders on board the bus or lightail, I might be in trouble due to the lack of space. However, I'm glad no one has yet discoverd my multimode secret!
mulleady
12-01-08, 01:00 AM
I don't know why the Brompton continues to get looks of amazment in the UK? You would figure with the thousands already in use, they should be quite common place by now. Strange.
Because they are still used by a minority of people. As you rightly say Bromptons are far more commonplace now but not so common like non-folders and cars that they don't attract attention when folding and unfolding. Some people also never sieze to be amazed and some end up coveting such a bike but its price remains a deterrent. It shouldn't be if their employer operates the Cycle to Work Scheme or there is payback on not using public transport when some people live less than 6 miles from work.
Even on multi-mode commuting I still save around £500 in not having to buy a zone 1 component to my travelcard. It also means I'm free of the underground as i hate the constantly packed trains and going in and out of the stations. Overland rail into London + Brompton is a delight and I've really got to know my bearings in London almost to the level of cab drivers :-) And remember London cab drivers train 3 years for the famous 'knowledge' test by going around the streets of London on a moped. Of course their memory for recalling street names, orating routes and knowledge of London suburbs would far outweigh mine. Nevertheless, there are a lot of people who could not navigate central London on foot or by bike! :D
Because they are still used by a minority of people. As you rightly say Bromptons are far more commonplace now but not so common like non-folders and cars that they don't attract attention when folding and unfolding. Some people also never sieze to be amazed and some end up coveting such a bike but its price remains a deterrent. It shouldn't be if their employer operates the Cycle to Work Scheme or there is payback on not using public transport when some people live less than 6 miles from work.
Even on multi-mode commuting I still save around £500 in not having to buy a zone 1 component to my travelcard. It also means I'm free of the underground as i hate the constantly packed trains and going in and out of the stations. Overland rail into London + Brompton is a delight and I've really got to know my bearings in London almost to the level of cab drivers :-) And remember London cab drivers train 3 years for the famous 'knowledge' test by going around the streets of London on a moped. Of course their memory for recalling street names, orating routes and knowledge of London suburbs would far outweigh mine. Nevertheless, there are a lot of people who could not navigate central London on foot or by bike! :D
mulleady
12-01-08, 01:03 AM
+1
My Brompton allows me to board the bus with far more confidence than ever. Transfers between bus lines require waiting upto an hour but the Brommie allows me to skip the second bus. I'm able to reach far more destinations quicker with less cost than the traditional transit user. If more people were taking folders on board the bus or lightail, I might be in trouble due to the lack of space. However, I'm glad no one has yet discoverd my multimode secret!
Probably true on buses but I've sometimes placed my Brommie beside 1-2 others on the overland trains. I also think commuter buses even have limited room for luggage never mind more than one Brommie ;) Hopefully the uptake of Brommies on your routes will remain minimal Steve. :)
My Brompton allows me to board the bus with far more confidence than ever. Transfers between bus lines require waiting upto an hour but the Brommie allows me to skip the second bus. I'm able to reach far more destinations quicker with less cost than the traditional transit user. If more people were taking folders on board the bus or lightail, I might be in trouble due to the lack of space. However, I'm glad no one has yet discoverd my multimode secret!
Probably true on buses but I've sometimes placed my Brommie beside 1-2 others on the overland trains. I also think commuter buses even have limited room for luggage never mind more than one Brommie ;) Hopefully the uptake of Brommies on your routes will remain minimal Steve. :)
EvilV
12-01-08, 04:00 AM
I don't know why the Brompton continues to get looks of amazment in the UK? You would figure with the thousands already in use, they should be quite common place by now. Strange.
They are far from evenly distributed around the cities of the UK Steve. Although London has thousands of them because of its nature as a hub for millions of workers who travel in by train from far away, other cities don't work like that. I'd bet there aren't more than ten Bromptons in use around the city of Newcastle upon Tyne where I live - if that even. Newcastle is a city of at least 250,000 people and is part of a larger connurbation. If there are more Bromptons here than that, they aren't getting a lot of use. I ride my knock off around almost daily and very occasionally, I come across someone with a Brompton. Thinking about it, I have only seen five here over the last three years, and naturally, I'm looking for them. I once met a guy with a Merc like mine. The Brompton really comes into its own when people have to take a train ride as part of their journey and then have a substantial walk at the other end. The London train bombings also created an incentive to stay off the underground as does the dreadful overcrowding on trains in rush hour. Newcastle has a Metro system that goes below ground in the central business district, but it is new, clean and not usually unpleasantly crowded so people use it rather than take to folding bikes. I suppose Liverpool, where the article said the bike turned heads is rather like this city in size. Plenty of people ride bikes, but they probably do the journey end to end on them so no need to have a bike that folds.
They are far from evenly distributed around the cities of the UK Steve. Although London has thousands of them because of its nature as a hub for millions of workers who travel in by train from far away, other cities don't work like that. I'd bet there aren't more than ten Bromptons in use around the city of Newcastle upon Tyne where I live - if that even. Newcastle is a city of at least 250,000 people and is part of a larger connurbation. If there are more Bromptons here than that, they aren't getting a lot of use. I ride my knock off around almost daily and very occasionally, I come across someone with a Brompton. Thinking about it, I have only seen five here over the last three years, and naturally, I'm looking for them. I once met a guy with a Merc like mine. The Brompton really comes into its own when people have to take a train ride as part of their journey and then have a substantial walk at the other end. The London train bombings also created an incentive to stay off the underground as does the dreadful overcrowding on trains in rush hour. Newcastle has a Metro system that goes below ground in the central business district, but it is new, clean and not usually unpleasantly crowded so people use it rather than take to folding bikes. I suppose Liverpool, where the article said the bike turned heads is rather like this city in size. Plenty of people ride bikes, but they probably do the journey end to end on them so no need to have a bike that folds.