RobynCh

Hello. I am planning to purchase a Brompton soon and use it for weekends and perhaps on my travelling. I am 5 feet 2 inches and so was wondering whether to get the M or the S Bar. Help?

osco53

The Brompton debate. - PistonHeads.

ShortLegCyclist

I think that depends on how you ride, are you comfortable with your hands up high or do you like riding in aero positions using drop bars?

The S bars are going to set up lower and the intent is a more forward leaning riding position, which could translate into an upright position with hands lower down for a 5'2" rider who would presumably bring the seatpost down as well.

ro-monster

I'm also 5'2" and I have ridden a Brompton which had the S bar. It fit me and my riding style very well. But I'd say you need to also consider your personal preference in riding position. I like to sit leaning forward about 45 degrees, and position the saddle and bars roughly level with each other. If you prefer to sit upright you might like the M bars better.

ro-monster

I don't think a 5'2" rider would need to bring the seatpost down unless they had a short inseam for their height. The Brompton I rode had the saddle roughly level with the bars and it fit me well (I'm 5'2") with a moderately forward-leaning riding position.

ShortLegCyclist

Sorry, I expressed that poorly. I didn't mean any modification to the stock seatpost, just that a 5'2" person would likely extend it from the normal telescoped/folded position less than I would as you unfold the bike and prepare to ride it.

ro-monster

Oh, I understood what you meant. I was just pointing out that it's still extended enough to create a forward-leaning riding posture with the S bar.

HGR3inOK

Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

blakcloud

There is one other measurement to consider. The S bar stem has a bigger bend then the M bar stem so the reach is farther from the saddle. My wife is your height and she went with the M because she likes that sit up position. Depends on what you like.

1nterceptor

Some bigger Brompton stores will have 2 or 3 types of demo models;
s type, m type, 2 speed, 6 peed, lowered gearing, standard gearing, etc.
Test ride as much as you can.

HGR3inOK

Not sure we qualify as "bigger", but we have S, M, H & P demos with just about every option except superlight and SON dynamo.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

1nterceptor

That's the kind of shop I wish we had in our area.
I think the store I go has 2 demo models:
Williamsburg Bridge, NYC by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

keyven

I have an M-type, H-type and S-type (gotten in roughly that order). My wife and I mostly do casual short-range (5-10km) riding on them.

I'm 5'7 (168cm) and my wife is 5'2 (158) and she actually enjoys the H-type the most. The guy who sold me the H was my height and assured me my scepticism was unfounded. He was right.

It's really a matter of riding style preferences. They all have something to offer.

IMO, mine would be M > H > S overall. It's not that I don't enjoy the S-type, but it doesn't help my stiff neck when I constantly have to tilt my head up. By contrast, I feel like I can ride the other two for hours.

Another good thing about the S and H-stems is that they provide a higher mount for a replacement handlebar. I've tried putting a carbon bar (40mm rise) on the M-stem and it felt too low. I definitely prefer the same handlebar on my S-stem now.

fietsbob

5'2"? yes it seems H stem with a straight bar, is close to the same height, as standard S Mast & Bar..

H mast puts the hinge further up,
so folded down bar is further off the ground.. H + a lower rise MTB bar becomes also possible.

@ 5'9"~ish" I'm good with an M3L.

M bar offers an easy reach adjustment fore and aft in clamp.
S bar is,... well straight, so wont alter with out a bar change.

keyven

The bottom line is: try them all. P for versatility but increased weight, S for racing posture and weight savings, M/H if you prefer a more relaxed, upright riding posture.

chainlink

I have an M type handlebar and love it. I just rode 150 hilly miles over 2 days and while my legs got a little sore because of the hills, my back, neck and shoulders were totally fine. I'm 5'1". Try to test ride if you can.

invisiblehand

You might need the reach as well as the height information.

invisiblehand

The other one is small for some reason. Here is my second try.

RobynCh

Thank you for reply. I like cycling upright, so i guess that means the hand up high?

RobynCh

Glad to have a reply from someone with similar height! I would prefer a moderately straight to forward leaning, so I guess I will have to adjust the seat and saddle a bit.

RobynCh

I am located in Malaysia, but planning to get the Brompton in London, and travel with it this Summer around the italian lakes & swiss alps. Not touring but just leisurely cycles! :-)

RobynCh

I think it looks like I will be getting the M bar. Combination of M6R - gears reduced for hills.

RobynCh

Thanks chainlink! 150 hilly miles in 2 days! Wow! I was thinking of covering not more than 30 miles a day in my leisurelycycling! :-)

RobynCh

Thanks Keyven, I think it looks like the M is the safest bet for me.

chainlink

Excellent! love having the 6 speed and totally love my Brompton. Post photos when you get it!