Folding Bikes - Got my new Brompton (Raw Lacquer, Lightweight S-Type)

I picked up my new Brompton last night. It is a 2009 S2L-X, in Raw Lacquer. Lightweight Titanium version with no guards, rack or lights. I bought an S-Type Bag and a bike cover, both seem really well made.

I waited 10 weeks for this bike.... and now I am VERY HAPPY the bike looks wonderful.:love:


I was concerned that the new semi matt raw lacquer finish might not look very nice but my fears were unfounded, as I think the frame looks really good.






Sorry that the photos aren’t that good, I took them indoors this morning (on our venom extraction bench). I will try and get some better photos tomorrow, taken outdoors.
I chose the 2-speed version of the bike to keep the weight to a minimum... I rode up the hill this morning with ease using the lowest gear, so I think my home-work studying gear inches paid off.:thumb:
This bike does feel different to my Dahon MU SL, it certainly feels stiffer and better made. Only done a short distance so far, so I will report my findings once I have put a few miles on it, but so far I’m happy:D:

Delightful!


I hope you enjoy it big time.

Wow. Breathtaking.

The saddle must be perfectly horizontal. :twitchy:

Your bike is beautiful! I agree, your choice to go 'raw' was a good one! :thumb:
Thanks for share'n!

Very nice, very nice indeed. I recommend adding some stubby bar ends, they weigh very little and are well worth it for providing an extra hand position - they don't even interfere with the fold.

The raw lacquer Brompton is clearly one of the most desirable folders in the market today. IMHO

Good choice!





* venom extraction? *:eek:

Very Tasty! - it really looks superb!
I'm sure you'll have many good times together!

Still waiting for my "Titanium Orange"....

"Venom Extraction??"

sweet...now i am drooling...that is one heck of a bike. now i know why...

Wow, it's just beautiful!

Aaaah, another internet crush bike! :love:

Thanks guys,

I spent time practising the fold last night (20 plus times) so that I wouldn’t look silly at the railway station this morning ;) certainly takes up less room than the Dahon.
I’ve already been thinking about fitting stubby bar ends. Might call in the bike shop in the morning to see what they have available.

Venom extraction..... I am a professional Herpetologist working for a venom research unit. I manage the largest collection of venomous snakes held in the UK and hold the distinction of being the only person licensed to extract venom.

Verrrrrrrrry nice.

tcs

The raw lacquer Brompton is clearly one of the most desirable folders in the market today. IMHO

Good choice!




+1111111111 :) Sweet ride you have there, raw laquer next on my list!!!

me too. this is next on my list. i saw one guy holding his folded brompton inside the bus i am riding in and you can see my envious eyes staring at that bike and am not blinking.....

Congrats! Great pix. The last pix almost looks like the Brommie is floating on air (w/a white background). Thanks.:beer:

I gotta get me one of those! Just as soon as the economic recovery starts showing up. I figure I may be waiting a while, though :-(

so what bits are titanium? and how much does it actually weigh?

Very nice, very nice indeed. I recommend adding some stubby bar ends, they weigh very little and are well worth it for providing an extra hand position - they don't even interfere with the fold.

+1 on the bar ends. While it does take some fiddling to get the stubbies adjusted right (they need to clear both the wheel and the ground in the folded position), the end result is well worth it.

ECB

Small Titec bar ends £9.99 fit nicely on mine.
No mudguards on yours - brave.
It does look nice tho. Enjoy.

I took the Brompton for a ride around Chester this afternoon. I found the riding position really comfortable for me. I was expecting it to be more twitchy compared to my 20” wheeled Dahon, but the Brompton handles very well and if anything I’d say it is even better that the Dahon.

The new saddle seems fine so far (I only did about 4 miles). I have criticised the look of the brake levers and the gear shifter in the past..... but they do work well. The brakes are better than I was expecting. The bike rode really smoothly with no rattles or squeaks. The overall feel is a lot more sturdy than my Dahon MU SL which is flexible by comparison.

The gear range isn’t as wide as my Dahon, but I found the two speed good enough for what I need.

I took it with me into 4 different shops without any bother (I did use the cover in one store).

I have just weighed the Dahon and Brompton using the bathroom scales and there is only about 200g between the two. The Dahon MU SL weighs 9 Kg (with peddles) and the Brompton 9.2 Kg.

Regarding mudguards, I really think that they spoil the look of a bike. In over 18 months of using folding bikes I have only be caught out in heavy rain on 3 or 4 occasions so it is not worth fitting ugly mud guards.

The more that I look at this Brompton, the more I realise what a marvellous feat of engineering it really is.:thumb:

Drool... I have my 2009 S1E in Raw lacquer on the way. It's good to see the new finish on a production bike.

I have a black one but only because there is no way
I had the patience to wait for that raw color you got
IT IS GORGEOUS !!
I used to keep 90-something specimens of
arboreal pit vipers :roflmao2:so you had be curious with that remark
things are strictly non venomous here tho
and your pic btw look great
thanks so much for posting. that is a fantastic looking bike !:thumb:

Wow, nice bike. I'm jealous.

I'm visually making love to your Brompton right now. :love:

I'm visually making love to your Brompton right now. :love:

Eeeeeeeww!

Too much information! ;)

Eeeeeeeww!

Too much information! ;)

Haha! I can't help it. Those pictures are bicycle pr0n! :D

hmm, so what parts of this bike are titanium then? just the seatpost, or the rear triangle too? the fork? anything else?

Yes, seat post, rear frame, front forks, titanium folding pedal axle and the “X” version comes with the new lightweight front wheel.

I took the Brompton for a ride around Chester this afternoon. I found the riding position really comfortable for me. I was expecting it to be more twitchy compared to my 20” wheeled Dahon, but the Brompton handles very well and if anything I’d say it is even better that the Dahon.


Interesting you write that..........

My wife now has a MuSL, probably like yours, & just like the advert, she does smile when she lifts the bike over a fence, BUT......... it's a PITA when we go anywhere to stop, like a cinema, restaurant, etc., whereupon it's a liability! The fold is too big.

Unlike Macclesfield, Wilmslow, etc., we have hills where we live now, so your 2 speed would be no faster than our Stridas :-)

The MuSL can't be pushed along single handed, as the steering flops right or left immediately, another pain.

You must be very lucky with rain. We regard mudguards as essential, but we're about 200 kms south of you so maybe it's very dry up your way ;-)

Yes, it is a superb design, probably why poor (in the spiritual sense of course) Andrew Ritchie is still single :-)

For me, so far, it's the most *practical* bicycle design I've been fortunate enough to have experience of.

John

I picked up my new Brompton last night.
I waited 10 weeks for this bike.... and now I am VERY HAPPY the bike looks wonderful.:love:



I wish you had not posted those pictures - that bike of yours looks great.
And now my credit card is feeling the pain : I've just pushed the button on a slightly heavier six speed S6X Raw Lacquer.

Now I have a chance to realize a dream plan to go small plane Island hopping around the Scottish Western Isles and Orkney this summer.
The Brompton should be small enough to get on the plane that lands on Barra's beach and short strip on Fair Isle :)

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/barra/airport/index.html
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/fairisle/loganair/index.html

I'm visually making love to your Brompton right now. :love:


You ought to read these two articles:


With regard to the second article, it is interesting that all these cases took place in Scotland. They are a wee bit dour up there. They pursued the Naked Rambler very heavily too - I think they still have him in jail.


http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_headline=accused---of-having-sex-with-his-bike--&method=full&objectid=19347288&siteid=64736-name_page.html

The Scots are a bit screwed up -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7098116.stm

You ought to read these two articles:


With regard to the second article, it is interesting that all these cases took place in Scotland. They are a wee bit dour up there. They pursued the Naked Rambler very heavily too - I think they still have him in jail.


http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_headline=accused---of-having-sex-with-his-bike--&method=full&objectid=19347288&siteid=64736-name_page.html

The Scots are a bit screwed up -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7098116.stm


well if Island Hopper intends a "short strip on Fairisle" it looks like he needs to be pdq in getting his (her?) kit on and off again then....:lol:

well if Island Hopper intends a "short strip on Fairisle" it looks like he needs to be pdq in getting his (her?) kit on and off again then....:lol:

I'm sure that Island Hopper is a regular chap and not at all into such things.

My reference to 'the Scots' was really sparked by this passage on the BBC web page about the bike in the bedroom episode. All the cases mentioned were in Scotland.


This is not the first legal case involving someone simulating sex with an inanimate object.

In 1997 Robert Watt, 38, was fined £100 for trying to have sex with a shoe in an Edinburgh street
In 2002 the same man was arrested for simulating sex with a traffic cone in front of a crowd of people
Earlier this month, sentence was deferred on teenager Steven Marshall, from Galashiels, who admitted simulating sex on a pavement while drunk.

I think in England such stuff would go down as disorderly behaviour or something of the sort. They are a bit severe on 'earthy' matters up north. You should look into the trials of 'The Naked Rambler' and ex soldier who wanted to walk naked from Lands End to John O' Groats. He went right through England and was interviewed once at a police station, after which he was taken back to where they'd picked him up and set off again by the cops. He was a great hit all along the way mostly. Once he crossed the border into Scotland, tehy lifted and imprisoned him constantly, and when he was let out and went back to the last point on his walk, he was arrested again and taken away to court within minutes.

I think he is in a Scottish prison right now. He's been in for years because as soon as he is let out, he strips off again.

http://www.nakedwalk.org/

Darn, I envy you and congratulation to your pride and joy. :D

My reference to 'the Scots' was really sparked by this passage on the BBC web page about the bike in the bedroom episode.

Slightly worryingly the B-spoke product order code for a Brompton with flat bars, no rack or mudguards and ultra-light frame would be: S*E-X
( where * = 1,2,3 or 6 as you prefer )

http://clients.squareeye.com/uploads/brompton/012%20&%20013%20B-spoke%20UK%20Ret%20Broch%20CY09_15%20cropped.pdf

'6' for me please.

:lol:

Hi PDR, I am bumping this up to ask about your new bike after a few weeks. I rode a similar one at bicycledoctor in Manchester, and it was very nice - overcame my anti-brommie prejudice to the extent I have to have one, so am selling everything I own to get there.

Can I ask, what decision did you make on the bar-ends ? I don't think you mention this in your subsequent post on this bike?

And, a daft question perhaps, but what do you use it for - commuting ? If so, how is the finish handling the folding/unfolding and lifting around ?

And, how are your luggage options working out - I see you have a block for the front bag. I need a bike to shop with from time, but obviously there is no point going titanium and then adding a rack.

And (edit) last: what choice did you make saddle-wise - and what prompted the change, is the brommie one unsatisfactory ?

Its a real nice bike to ride though...

Hi PDR, I am bumping this up to ask about your new bike after a few weeks. I rode a similar one at bicycledoctor in Manchester, and it was very nice - overcame my anti-brommie prejudice to the extent I have to have one, so am selling everything I own to get there.

Can I ask, what decision did you make on the bar-ends ? I don't think you mention this in your subsequent post on this bike?

Small Titec bar ends £9.99 fit perfectly and don't affect the folding they are about as long as the hand is wide, any larger and they will interfere with the folding.


And, a daft question perhaps, but what do you use it for - commuting ? If so, how is the finish handling the folding/unfolding and lifting around ?

You can use it for pretty much everything except serious off road action :D. The folding/unfolding becomes second nature and you tend to ride it rather than carrying or lifting it. Mind you this would depend on your individual circumstances. It is easy to carry if necessary, just carry it using the frame and not the saddle as this will weaken it over time.


And, how are your luggage options working out - I see you have a block for the front bag. I need a bike to shop with from time, but obviously there is no point going titanium and then adding a rack.

I agree. A front block with touring pannier is the best and most practical option. Would seem pointless to go for all titanium and then go for the rack option....


And (edit) last: what choice did you make saddle-wise - and what prompted the change, is the brommie one unsatisfactory?

If you fit a different saddle you will need the Penta clip adaptor that costs about £18 from Brompton then you can fit any saddle that takes your fancy. For me the Brompton saddle is just fine :).


Its a real nice bike to ride though...

Indeed it certainly is :D.

If you fit a computer then wireless is the only option as a wire just doesn't work as mine broke too often despite leaving a generous loop for the head tube hinge to take into account the folding. Also remove the inner brake cables and grease them copiously which will improve braking performance no end as they are assembled dry in the factory.

Received my "Titanium Orange" just over a month ago (that's an M6R-X) - and are most impressed!
Highlights are:

2kg's less to carry
6 separate gears (v.little overlap)
.....which gives

much higher top speed

niiiiice cruising

Also...

New suspension is amazing!! - stiffer, yet more absorbant (how did they do that?)
New light front wheel is really *sweet*
...As is the new right-hand pedal (really completes the look of the bike - the old plastic one was horrible)
Amazzzzingly Orange!! - the new satin paint finish is really nice!

All adds up to a real fun ride - I have had lots of fun on the old M6R all steel - this looks like it's going to be even better!

Check out the pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/xPbDXX4vHy4bqSoWsPjKdw?feat=directlink

MadCabbage

the Brompton handles very well and if anything I’d say it is even better that the Dahon.

Almost wish I hadn't seen this. Was interested in your Dahon for sale and just about to ask if you’d be prepared to meet up at Manchester-Barton airfield for the handover.
But reading about your new Brompton - I think I’ll save up a bit more and go for a Brompton. Good luck with the sale though!

Talked myself out of a sale have I?:(
There is not much in it really.... I think the Brompton handles a bit faster / twitchier with the 16” wheel and the bars are a fair bit narrower (good for weaving in and out of pedestrians who are walking in the middle of the road in the city centre). The Dahon is more stable at speed than the Brompton.
The Dahon is sitting in its box on top of the book shelf... I might have to think about reducing the price a bit more.... If I put it on e-bay they are going to be taking about £70 in sellers/paypal fees :cry:

PDR, you where talking about stiffness. Where precisely do you see the advantage of the Brompton compared to the Dahon? Main hinge? Or handlepost hinge?

BTW, the regular Bromptons I tested can't hold a candle against a Dahon Mu Sl when it comes to fast riding. No comparison.

PDR, you where talking about stiffness. Where precisely do you see the advantage of the Brompton compared to the Dahon? Main hinge? Or handlepost hinge?

BTW, the regular Bromptons I tested can't hold a candle against a Dahon Mu Sl when it comes to fast riding. No comparison.

TBH I think it is more to do with the inherent difference between steel and aluminium. The Brompton has a steel frame, handlebar stem and a titanium seat post whereas the Dahon has mainly alloy components.
The gear range for the Dahon is 31” – 90” (9 gears). My Brompton is a 2-speed with 56” & 74” gear inches so the Dahon has both lower and higher gears. I have not done any long rides on the Brompton yet, but I suspect that I will struggle in some sections which would be no trouble on the Dahon. The Dahon has a much better & faster gear change shifters.
Both are range topping (expensive) lightweight bikes.

Regarding mudguards, I really think that they spoil the look of a bike. In over 18 months of using folding bikes I have only be caught out in heavy rain on 3 or 4 occasions so it is not worth fitting ugly mud guards.



Personally I think fenders and mud guards are much more useful <i>after</i> it rains because the roads are still wet. Anything useful looks beautiful to me! :thumb:

Really gorgeous bike though, wish my 2008 model had the new seat and clamp.

..............
BTW, the regular Bromptons I tested can't hold a candle against a Dahon Mu Sl when it comes to fast riding. No comparison.

Really?

What exactly is a "regular" Brompton?

I occasionally (when I've repaired it eg.) ride a MuSL.

Is a Brompton 2009 BWR a "regular" Brompton in your view?

Personally I think fenders and mud guards are much more useful <i>after</i> it rains because the roads are still wet. Anything useful looks beautiful to me! :thumb:

Really gorgeous bike though, wish my 2008 model had the new seat and clamp.

Umbrellas are also useful but you will NEVER see me with one! If it looks like rain (and I’m not on the bike) I will don one of my 9 Akubras (Australian Bush Hats).
:thumb:

Really?

What exactly is a "regular" Brompton?

Yeah, they come in all flavors, true.

I did try couple of times lower speced variants. M-type handlebar wasn't my geometry. I prefer lower bars with more reach. And these did not ride well fast. Also tested a ligthweight Ti Brompton briefly from my LBS. Wasn't impressed either with the performance. The Mu SL is in a different league when it comes to fast riding. But I think the titanium bits plus special wheels make a difference. Also the Kojak tires. And the sporty bend hadlepost plus flat bar. Don't know exactly. Might need some more time an thorough testing to come to a final conclusion. I am tempted by the bike that PDR shows off here. There are situations where I would like to have smallest possible fold and Brompton is king in this discipline, no question.