Folding Bikes - suspension on brompton?

when riding on a brompton, i felt a harsher ride compare to my downtube mini. everytime i go over cobblestones, small pothole, i really feel it. is there any particular reason for this? both are 16" wheel and the only difference is my downtube mini has a suspension at the rear while the brompton just has a solid block at the rear. is it the thin marathon tires on the brompton? the downtube mini tires are kenda 16" x 1.5" and look a bit wider than the brompton tires. or is it lack of suspension on the brompton?

for those ppl that own the brompton and dont like the "bumpiness," what do u do to correct this? do u get a spring brook saddle like this one?

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SA407A23-Brooks+Flyer+Leather+Saddle.aspx

and does it really helps?

the rear block that i'm talking about look like this rear block that i rode on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/3391852859/

would getting the newer rear block like this one help also?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warriorwomen/2631793908/


thx in advance.

Yes to all three questions lol.I use a Brooks flyer and the first pic the block is the firm one,the second pic is the softer riding one meant for folks under i think 165 lbs or somewhere around there.Mine rides quite well although i use the Brompton yellow tires at full pressure(100lbs)so do feel even a rock under it.It actually is getting better riding over time.Im thinking the rubber block is getting weaker maybe.Im sure if i changed out the tires to scwalbes or however it's spelled it would be considerably smoother.When i get it pedaling flat out i feel the suspension moving quite a bit,bouncing along so it works.

Yes to all three questions lol.I use a Brooks flyer and the first pic the block is the firm one,the second pic is the softer riding one meant for folks under i think 165 lbs or somewhere around there.Mine rides quite well although i use the Brompton yellow tires at full pressure(100lbs)so do feel even a rock under it.It actually is getting better riding over time.Im thinking the rubber block is getting weaker maybe.Im sure if i changed out the tires to scwalbes or however it's spelled it would be considerably smoother.When i get it pedaling flat out i feel the suspension moving quite a bit,bouncing along so it works.

what type of scwalbes tires? the big apples? i thought those are the 305 wheels for the dahon 16" bike and not for the brompton 349 wheel bike?

also what do u recommend to upgrade for most bang for ur bux? the softer block suspension or the brooks flyer? the softer block suspension cost around $16.40 and the brooks spring saddle cost around $125. or to a schwabes tires instead? if it exist for a brompton?

Well i have no experience with the heavier rubber block or the schwalbe marathons that the Brompton site shows as upgrades,but i do like my saddle.But i suspect and maybe someone else can confirm that the tires would make biggest difference if one had to pick only one thing.I certainly know from experience with other bikes that tires can really change a bike ride.The rubber block being so cheap i think i would get it if i didnt have it already.
I just happened to have the flyer around.Its old now and really broken in and i find stock seat to be uncomfortable.Plus it gave me the extra height i needed with out having to get extended post.I never sell my bikes with my Brookes saddles on,to much trouble to get them broke in.I'm surprised it works well with suspension cause it sure doesnt with suspension seat posts.To much bouncing goin on. Hope this helps.You can also email Brompton themselves and inquire,i find them to be very helpful.

when riding on a brompton, i felt a harsher ride compare to my downtube mini. everytime i go over cobblestones, small pothole, i really feel it. is there any particular reason for this? both are 16" wheel and the only difference is my downtube mini has a suspension at the rear while the brompton just has a solid block at the rear. is it the thin marathon tires on the brompton? the downtube mini tires are kenda 16" x 1.5" and look a bit wider than the brompton tires. or is it lack of suspension on the brompton?

Have you considered the fact that the Downtube is an aluminum frame and the Brompton is a steel frame? Or the tire might be a bit narrower than the Downtube's? My Raleigh Records on the Brompton are quite narrow. My rubber block is the standard old fashioned one-size-fits-all one. I am not heavy as most men being female. So I am fine with it since it is paired with a Nirve "beach cruiser" sprung saddle (see below).



for those ppl that own the brompton and dont like the "bumpiness," what do u do to correct this? do u get a spring brook saddle like this one?

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SA407A23-Brooks+Flyer+Leather+Saddle.aspx

and does it really helps?

the rear block that i'm talking about look like this rear block that i rode on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/3391852859/

would getting the newer rear block like this one help also?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warriorwomen/2631793908/

thx in advance.

Getting a special new rubber block might be the solution. The Brooks saddle is for people who like to break in their own saddles. I for one found that a simple saddle with springs in the rear like mine is fine for my purposes.

Have you considered the fact that the Downtube is an aluminum frame and the Brompton is a steel frame? Or the tire might be a bit narrower than the Downtube's? My Raleigh Records on the Brompton are quite narrow. My rubber block is the standard old fashioned one-size-fits-all one. I am not heavy as most men being female. So I am fine with it since it is paired with a Nirve "beach cruiser" sprung saddle (see below).



Getting a special new rubber block might be the solution. The Brooks saddle is for people who like to break in their own saddles. I for one found that a simple saddle with springs in the rear like mine is fine for my purposes.

which rubber block do u have? the one with the ridges or the one with the firm block? if u have the ridges, have u ever rode on the one with the firm block and does it really makes a difference?

Vince, I bet those narrow tires are giving you a harsh ride. Fast yet harsh. I have the Brompton Greens (Kevlar belted) on my bike and it does give a comfortable ride. I think they are a bit fatter than the Schwalbes hence more cushioning. A side fact is that I have never had any flats in 3 years or so..

Vince, I bet those narrow tires are giving you a harsh ride. Fast yet harsh. I have the Brompton Greens (Kevlar belted) on my bike and it does give a comfortable ride. I think they are a bit fatter than the Schwalbes hence more cushioning. A side fact is that I have never had any flats in 3 years or so..

what about the softer suspension block? do u think it will make a difference?

also it looks like ur green kevlar tires is the same specs as the regular brompton tires: 16" x 1 3/8th":

http://www.foldabikes.com/PriceListHTML/plSection.php?6

so are u sure ur kelvar tires are fatter?

and any other "fatter" tires out there that is compatible with the brompton? preferably, 16" x 1.5" or 16" x 2".

Sorry Vince, I misread your post. So you have the yellow brompton tires on right now? If you do then I agree that you might want to change the suspension block if you want a more comfortable ride. I agree that a comfortable seat will help too, I have an unsprung Brooks B17 and it is just great.

Have you considered the fact that the Downtube is an aluminum frame and the Brompton is a steel frame? Or the tire might be a bit narrower than the Downtube's? My Raleigh Records on the Brompton are quite narrow. My rubber block is the standard old fashioned one-size-fits-all one. I am not heavy as most men being female. So I am fine with it since it is paired with a Nirve "beach cruiser" sprung saddle (see below).



Getting a special new rubber block might be the solution. The Brooks saddle is for people who like to break in their own saddles. I for one found that a simple saddle with springs in the rear like mine is fine for my purposes.

What a weird thing to say. Maybe leave it to us to explain why we use Brooks?

Sorry Vince, I misread your post. So you have the yellow brompton tires on right now? If you do then I agree that you might want to change the suspension block if you want a more comfortable ride. I agree that a comfortable seat will help too, I have an unsprung Brooks B17 and it is just great.

i dont have a yellow brompton tires...no yellow tag anywhere. but the tires is 16" x 1 3/8" though....what other cheaper saddles are out there that are good for suspension beside the spring saddle? will gel saddle work?

i think i found a solution to my problem. it is the BioLogic™ Suspension seat post for $46.50 on thor usa:

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/seatpost.htm

a couple of question...have any1 try this seatpost on their dahon or brompton before and how well is the suspension? it is .34mm in diameter...and i think the brompton seatpost is also .34mm in diameter. so how do i take out my existing brompton seatpost and replace it with this one? i try to pull it all the way out on my brompton but it doesnt go all the way out.

i think i found a solution to my problem. it is the BioLogic™ Suspension seat post for $46.50 on thor usa:

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/seatpost.htm

a couple of question...have any1 try this seatpost on their dahon or brompton before and how well is the suspension? it is .34mm in diameter...and i think the brompton seatpost is also .34mm in diameter. so how do i take out my existing brompton seatpost and replace it with this one? i try to pull it all the way out on my brompton but it doesnt go all the way out.
Its designed in such a way that it doesnt come out from top.Take saddle off and pull it out from bottom.

Its designed in such a way that it doesnt come out from top.Take saddle off and pull it out from bottom.

cool...thx man...i will let u guys know how this upgrade goes.

one last question...when the brompton is fully folded...to unfolded it, first you must pull the seatpost up....i dont know what is keeping the brompton "lock" in its place. otherwise u can't unfold it.

if i get the biologic seatpost, will it also have the same feature?

The post you put in will have to be at least the same length(or close) as what you took out or it wont lock in place.When the post is down it bumps up against that round post stopper thingy.The piece that attachs rear brake to frame by rear reflecter. You will have to measure it might be able to go 2"shorter ,just guessing didnt really measure just eyeballed it.

The post you put in will have to be at least the same length(or close) as what you took out or it wont lock in place.When the post is down it bumps up against that round post stopper thingy.The piece that attachs rear brake to frame by rear reflecter. You will have to measure it might be able to go 2"shorter ,just guessing didnt really measure just eyeballed it.

the standard brompton seatpost length is 53 cm:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Brompton-Brompton-Standard-Length-Seat-Pillar--QSP0P-3014.htm

the biologic seatpost length is 48 cm.

i'm 99% sure it will work...but what do u think?

Its designed in such a way that it doesnt come out from top.Take saddle off and pull it out from bottom.

i just thought of something...if i get the biologic seatpost...that mean when i install the biologic seatpost on the brompton, i've to push the seatpost up from the bottom...but from that pix...u can see some sort of an "adaptor" above that "rubber" suspension. and i dont see anyway u can remove the adaptor. if i have to go from the bottom up...i don't think it will fit thru the brompton tube.

the only way i see i can install it is to push the seatpost from the top down. but do u think it will work base on the brompton design?

i got another route...how about upgrading to a 16" x 1.5" tires like this one?

http://harriscyclery.net/product/greenspeed-scorcher-16-x-1-1-2-iso-349-slick-tire-1688.htm

do u think it will compromise on the fold and be in the way of the fenders? i dont like the above tires...it looks like it can't stand nyc street...i can see the tires will be punctures after several miles of nyc st. any1 know other tires that are 16" x 1.5" and compatible with the brompton?

Should be able to put new seat post down through top.The Bromi post is flared at bottom to stop pulling it through top.New one doesnt look flared.As i said i didnt measure but looks like you might have 1-1/2-2" to play with.Heard those scorchers are good but doubt they ride any better than what you have.With the Flyer saddle and the soft rubber block i dont get much of a rough ride through my butt,but its still rough through bars.But very tolerable,for me.

Vince, just a thought, before going through any major upgrades, perhaps you can change your riding habits a bit. When negotiating potholes or rough sections stand on the pedals with your knees and elbows bent and let the bike float through the rough stuff. This might just be all you need. Now if it is not, then by all means upgrade for a comfier ride.

I got one of my Brooks B17's through Wallbikes (Wallingford Bicycle Parts) at Ebay for less than $50. They are saddles that were returned and sould at a discount. When mine arrived I could not see any sign of use save for very light creases near the rivets. A great deal if you ask me.

Vince, just a thought, before going through any major upgrades, perhaps you can change your riding habits a bit. When negotiating potholes or rough sections stand on the pedals with your knees and elbows bent and let the bike float through the rough stuff. This might just be all you need. Now if it is not, then by all means upgrade for a comfier ride.

I got one of my Brooks B17's through Wallbikes (Wallingford Bicycle Parts) at Ebay for less than $50. They are saddles that were returned and sould at a discount. When mine arrived I could not see any sign of use save for very light creases near the rivets. A great deal if you ask me.

i'm already doing that with that kind of riding when going over big potholes and jumping curbs. and regarding brooks...sorry that saddle aint for me. i dont want to ride like 1000 miles to break into that saddle...that aint my cup of tea.

and i already went to a store to check out the rear suspension with the ridges and it is almost as stiff as my existing rear suspension w/o the ridges. i think my rear suspension is even "softer" than the newer standard brompton rear suspension. look like the biologic suspension seatpost is the way the go for me.

i got another route...how about upgrading to a 16" x 1.5" tires like this one?

http://harriscyclery.net/product/greenspeed-scorcher-16-x-1-1-2-iso-349-slick-tire-1688.htm

do u think it will compromise on the fold and be in the way of the fenders? i dont like the above tires...it looks like it can't stand nyc street...i can see the tires will be punctures after several miles of nyc st. any1 know other tires that are 16" x 1.5" and compatible with the brompton?

Check BromptonTalk. I believe they don't fit.

Another alternative is to use the telescoping Brompton seatpost and replace the telescoping post with a suspension post. I vaguely recall that the OD of the telescoping post is 26.8 ... but you should definitely double check that figure before proceeding.

i got another route...how about upgrading to a 16" x 1.5" tires like this one?


Wider tyres will not fit in a Brompton.

Another alternative is to use the telescoping Brompton seatpost and replace the telescoping post with a suspension post. I vaguely recall that the OD of the telescoping post is 26.8 ... but you should definitely double check that figure before proceeding.

y get a telescoping brompton seatpost AND THEN replace it with a suspension seatpost when i can just get a biologic suspension seatpost?

and regarding brooks...sorry that saddle aint for me. i dont want to ride like 1000 miles to break into that saddle...that aint my cup of tea.



The 4 B17's that I have were comfortable right off the bat, and only get better with use.

What a weird thing to say. Maybe leave it to us to explain why we use Brooks?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html)

From His Article:
"Plastic vs Leather

Plastic saddles have four advantages over leather ones:

1. They are lighter.
2. They are weatherproof.
3. They do not require breaking in.
4. They are cheaper.

Leather saddles have only one advantage over plastic, but it is a big one:

1. They are much more comfortable!

They are not for everyone. Leather saddles are substantially heavier than synthetic ones, and they do require breaking in. A new leather saddle is quite hard and rigid, and it takes several hundred miles to break one in. In addition, they require care, and can self destruct if not properly maintained....."

In the past, my old 3 speed bike from the 1960's had a leather saddle. All my present bikes have the plastic ones for cost as well as my limited time actually riding my bike (usually no more than 10 miles) that I ride a bike now. I simply find the plastic ones ready to go and use from the moment of attachment to the seat post. I don't have much time for a long break in period anymore as my riding needs have changed from the time I was younger.

I always encourage people to use the right saddle for them. It is such a very personal decision like buying a pair of good shoes.


which rubber block do u have? the one with the ridges or the one with the firm block? if u have the ridges, have u ever rode on the one with the firm block and does it really makes a difference?

My Brompton is approaching 4 years old so it is not a new model. The new ones offer different types of rubber blocks. When I bought mine, only one rubber block was offer-a one size fits all one that had no ridges or anything else as it is smooth on it's surface. I am planning to photograph the bike's parts close-up for my new Website next week when the heat wave passes. I will be sure to post the photo for you to see for yourself.

The 4 B17's that I have were comfortable right off the bat, and only get better with use.

that saddle doesn't have any springs...it maybe comfortable for u. but how is the suspension? anyway a bit off topic...does any know how to remove the existing brake lever w/o damaging it? i see a small round hole at the bottom of the brake lever but it doesn't look like allen key would fit. does any1 know how to remove the existing brake lever?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html)
A new leather saddle is quite hard and rigid, and it takes several hundred miles to break one in. In addition, they require care, and can self destruct if not properly maintained....."

...... I don't have much time for a long break in period anymore as my riding needs have changed from the time I was younger.


Though this may be true for some Brooks models, the B17's are actually comfortable when new and only get better. Give it a try and you might be surprised.


that saddle doesn't have any springs...it maybe comfortable for u. but how is the suspension? anyway a bit off topic...does any know how to remove the existing brake lever w/o damaging it? i see a small round hole at the bottom of the brake lever but it doesn't look like allen key would fit. does any1 know how to remove the existing brake lever?

The B17 like all Brooks saddles have a "hammock" suspension where a piece of leather is suspended between points of attachment fore and aft, which makes it comfortable. I understand now that you are looking for a plush ride that suspension will give you. I think your only recourse is to get a suspension seat/seatpost, or get a different bike that has suspension. I have always thought though that the Brompton has a comfortable ride, in between that of my road bike and my mountain bike.

bykerouac: do u know how to remove the existing brompton's brake lever w/o damaging it? i want to move my brake lever in a bit to make more room so i can put other things on the handlebar (i.e lights, bell etc.).

When I moved my shifters and brakes in a bit to make room for stubby bar ends, I used an Allen key. I don't remember exactly which one, I tried a couple till I found one that fitted - looks like 3 or 4mm. It's really no more difficult than moving the brakes on a big wheeled bike. Just make sure the tool fits.

When I moved my shifters and brakes in a bit to make room for stubby bar ends, I used an Allen key. I don't remember exactly which one, I tried a couple till I found one that fitted - looks like 3 or 4mm. It's really no more difficult than moving the brakes on a big wheeled bike. Just make sure the tool fits.

thx...does the hole at the bottom of ur brake lever look like a small round circle instead of like hexagon? mine has a small circle and i try different allen key size and doesn't fit...if u dont know what i'm talking about i can take a pix of it. just let me know.

ps i do have hex on the shifter though. dont know if brompton brake lever is proprietary or what and how to remove them.

y get a telescoping brompton seatpost AND THEN replace it with a suspension seatpost when i can just get a biologic suspension seatpost?

Depends on what the stresses the seatpost is designed for on a Brompton versus the alternative. For instance, is the minimum insertion point at an appropriate place for where you need it? I never use suspension seatposts -- you can imagine how familiar I am with them -- but I would assume that you would have more options with the telescoping version.

The silver clamp that goes around handle bar joins to black plastic piece the brake lever is in.Right where it joins is the bolt,its got a washer behind it and the bolt or screw has hex in middle.Actually has a head that looks like a hex head screw.
I dont want to sound rude so please dont take it that way but judgeing by all the questions youve asked your not to mechanically inclined.If thats so it might be better to get some help from some one who is,it doesnt take long to mess things up when one doesnt do things right.No offense please,if i lived nearby i would gladly help,but i dont.
The Brompton people say there is quite a difference between the two rubber blocks available by the way.I still think you should try that. All this trick seat post stuff can be a problem especially for the less mechanically inclined if its sticking out to far,thats why its designed to only pull up so far re:having to remove it from the bottom.My Brookes Flyer was comfortable from day one, only getting better as time goes by,has springs in it.Rides awesome.Just trying to save you some grief is all.Just saying.:)

The silver clamp that goes around handle bar joins to black plastic piece the brake lever is in.Right where it joins is the bolt,its got a washer behind it and the bolt or screw has hex in middle.Actually has a head that looks like a hex head screw.
I dont want to sound rude so please dont take it that way but judgeing by all the questions youve asked your not to mechanically inclined.If thats so it might be better to get some help from some one who is,it doesnt take long to mess things up when one doesnt do things right.No offense please,if i lived nearby i would gladly help,but i dont.
The Brompton people say there is quite a difference between the two rubber blocks available by the way.I still think you should try that. All this trick seat post stuff can be a problem especially for the less mechanically inclined if its sticking out to far,thats why its designed to only pull up so far re:having to remove it from the bottom.My Brookes Flyer was comfortable from day one, only getting better as time goes by,has springs in it.Rides awesome.Just trying to save you some grief is all.Just saying.:)

no offense taking...but don't take this the wrong way either...i already saw/felt both the newer firm rubber block and the other softer block. both of the newer blocks look exactly the same and the firm has the word "firm" written on it. the only difference on my "older" block is it has no "ridges" and mine felt much softer or about the same as the other softer block. so upgrading to the newer block won't help.

regarding the "silver clamp that goes around handle bar joins to black plastic piece the brake lever is in. Right where it joins is the bolt,its got a washer behind it and the bolt or screw has hex in middle.Actually has a head that looks like a hex head screw." so how do i get to the hex if it is behind the bolt and the washer? what tool do u use to remove the bolt?

ok i'm have taking some pix of mine brake lever:

here is the top of the brake lever:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7661/img2300k.jpg

here is the bottom side with the small round circle (bolt) where all the different allen key size i tried doesn't fit:
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5243/img2299.jpg


so my question is how do i loosen the brake lever if the hex is located inside the black plastic?

I see yours are different than mine,mine is 09 model with flat bars.Your bolt is gotten at from bottom.If you pull on brake lever and get a flash lite and shine it up in the housing you will see the bolt to loosen.You have the fiddely kind but you will be able to get allen up there.You will have to hold brake on while you get wrench in there.It has to be in there as the bolt has to be on back side of the clamp.I suggest keeping allen in there until you move everything if you can so that you can retighten with out haveing to hunt for bolt when loose and maybe moving around.Dont take it out all the way or you will have real fun.

I see yours are different than mine,mine is 09 model with flat bars.Your bolt is gotten at from bottom.If you pull on brake lever and get a flash lite and shine it up in the housing you will see the bolt to loosen.You have the fiddely kind but you will be able to get allen up there.You will have to hold brake on while you get wrench in there.It has to be in there as the bolt has to be on back side of the clamp.I suggest keeping allen in there until you move everything if you can so that you can retighten with out haveing to hunt for bolt when loose and maybe moving around.Dont take it out all the way or you will have real fun.

thx...i see it now when i use a flash light and pulling on the brake lever. can i remove the brake cable completely so i can take out that bolt? cuz the brake cable is in the way. and do i use a wrench or an allen key? i dont see how i can fit a wrench into that tiny space.

thx for everyone inputs...i think i may tried a different saddle or a spring saddle first before getting this biologic post. this maybe a cheaper option. i noticed that the standard brompton saddle isn't on any rail what so ever...so that maybe a reason for the "stiffer" ride also. heck, for all i know i just need a rail saddle to absorb all the bumps and shocks. i was looking at some cheaper saddle online and this came up on my search...what do u guys think of this saddle?

http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/835/Leather-Hairpin-Spring-Saddle/

it is only $29.99, but too bad it is temporary out of stock. is this compatible with the brompton with a standard saddle adaptor?

i also saw one person this weekend riding on his brompton on a "bell" spring saddle, but i wasn't able to catch to him to talk with him and ask him what model it is....does any1 know what model is it? links will be appreciated.

what do u guys think of this saddle also?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165S5MI/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p200_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1HG53BQPAVC73CXZDEFT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

I dont have your style brake so this is guess work but i would think yours will be allen wrench, you should be able to squeeze allen wrench past cable easy enough to reach it im sure.

Ah, your brakes are different to mine - I thought they were all the same.

As regards the saddle, to get a saddle with rails you'll need a pentaclip (bottom of this page (http://www.brompton.co.uk/explorer/accessories/index.asp?view=10#)) - after that it's all down to personal preference. I'm happy with the Fizik saddle that came with mine.

why not just give the brompton to me,
and you buy:
1.dahon jetstream
2.birdy
3.downtube 9fs

sorry, just a suggestion...

Ah, your brakes are different to mine - I thought they were all the same.

As regards the saddle, to get a saddle with rails you'll need a pentaclip (bottom of this page (http://www.brompton.co.uk/explorer/accessories/index.asp?view=10#)) - after that it's all down to personal preference. I'm happy with the Fizik saddle that came with mine.

actually u dont need the expensive pentaclip. all u need is one of this saddle adaptor that goes for like $2 in ur lbs:

http://redirectingat.com/?id=42X129555&url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_EqgpUrE0IEs%2FSDHgaaKMk4I%2FAAAAAAAAAGU%2FPuLYO8SJ_uw%2Fs200%2 Fseatpost%2Badapter.jpg

u see, u learn something new everyday.

why not just give the brompton to me,
and you buy:
1.dahon jetstream
2.birdy
3.downtube 9fs

sorry, just a suggestion...

actually what makes me finally decided to get a brompton is i travel alot with my job and like to take a bike with me. and currently brompton is the smallest fold that fit into a suitcase w/o any major disassembly. plus i was able to save some $ by buying a used brompton. but i'm still unsatisfied with some of the stuff on my brompton and decide to do some mods on it. once i complete my mods, i will show everyone here my pimp out brompton.

i'm having 2nd though on the brooks saddle...for the ppl that have brooks saddle like bykeroauc and ddez, perhaps u can answer my question. i heard about downsize of a brook saddle is the constant maintenance it. can u tell me more abou that? also i noticed the brook saddle that u guys have doesn't have a small indent in the middle in the saddle. as a male rider, how do u guys feel about that?

Like any saddle it takes time to get it positioned right,but absolutely no pressure once thats done, on sensitive parts with Flyer or regular B17s.Did have a B17 narrow once which i got rid of,very uncomfortable for me.I have had no problems with the others above.
These are used by lots of around the world tourers,there is no real big up keep.When first getting it,coat underside liberally with Brooks Proofhide and topside lightly,leave dry,wipe top off(not bottom side) and apply to top maybe every 6 mos. or so.I use an shower cap thing which (i stick under saddle in rails when not in use)when it rains put that over seat to stop it from getting wet.Thats it.Fenders should keep wet off underside.Good idea to go to Brooks website and read up on it,very informative,follow there instructions which is what i do.They obviously know better than what some people might tell you, theyve been making them since 1866.No big deal no big upkeep and will last a life time which i like.Different bums different seats i guess.Work for me.

Like any saddle it takes time to get it positioned right,but absolutely no pressure once thats done, on sensitive parts with Flyer or regular B17s.Did have a B17 narrow once which i got rid of,very uncomfortable for me.I have had no problems with the others above.
These are used by lots of around the world tourers,there is no real big up keep.When first getting it,coat underside liberally with Brooks Proofhide and topside lightly,leave dry,wipe top off(not bottom side) and apply to top maybe every 6 mos. or so.I use an shower cap thing which (i stick under saddle in rails when not in use)when it rains put that over seat to stop it from getting wet.Thats it.Fenders should keep wet off underside.Good idea to go to Brooks website and read up on it,very informative,follow there instructions which is what i do.They obviously know better than what some people might tell you, theyve been making them since 1866.No big deal no big upkeep and will last a life time which i like.Different bums different seats i guess.Work for me.

how come no pressure on the sensitive part when there is no middle indention in the middle of the saddle? and what happen when it get wet from rain and stuff? what is the avg. life span if u dont protect from it the rain? this maybe a deal breaker for me.

What happens to leather shoes when they get wet too many times?Takes 2seconds to cover saddle when it rains.

which rubber block do u have? the one with the ridges or the one with the firm block? if u have the ridges, have u ever rode on the one with the firm block and does it really makes a difference?

Here is the promised photos of my own set-up on my own Brompton. I use the same smooth old fashioned one-size-fits-all rubber block that came with older Bromptons before the upgrades and choices now available. In addition to the rubber block, here is other photos of my Brompton with it's sprung saddle together on it's bike stand that I have been using since I replaced the stock one.

Perhaps this will help you customize your bike to whatever suits you the best.