CliffordK

For my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, with drop bars:

• Both pedals removed.
• Stem removed (quick release)
• Handlebars removed from stem and split in middle.
• Front and rear wheels removed.
• Rear Triangle and seatpost folded forward. Squishy water bottle cages help.
• I think the rack also needs to be removed if you have it on the bike.
• I've also removed the fenders, but I'm not absolutely certain that is neeed.
• The trailer frame and wheels also are supposed to split and get packed. Easy to remove, but I haven't packed it with the bike yet.

It is a bit of a pain. But, no cables are cut, so reassembly is quick (except a quick cable splitter on the IGH if necessary).

ttakata73

Haha, that's awesome.
I have a Brompton M2L and although comfy; I never feel like riding fast due to its upright posture and low gearing.
I suppose if I had an S6L I would want to speed more.
I know there are lots of Brompton races so it can be fast; just not as fast as a Moulton.

Just search any bike you are interested in and suitcase and lots of pics will result if it can be done.

BassNotBass

Even the 6 speed Brompton has a spread of 15-20 G.I. between gears in the upper range so maintaining optimal cadence under varying conditions or in a paceline when speed is determined by other riders means that the Brompton falls short in the performance department and can mean the difference between keeping up or getting dropped on a ride. That is why something like a Bike Friday or Moulton TSR27 (or even TSR9) has an advantage over a Brompton for 'performance' riding.

Ozonation

A better spec'd Tern would probably be more comfortable than a minimally spec'd Brompton. However, if you spend the additional money to get a nice saddle (e.g., Brooks or one to your liking), upgrade those ridiculous glued on foam handles that come stock (seriously Brompton?), and a few other choice items, I think you would be quite impressed by the ride quality of the Brompton. If you get one of the higher end Terns, then yes, it would probably outride the Brompton, but you might not have the same form factor convenience.

I have personally ridden 40 km on my Brompton for a single outing over bike paths, some gravel, and some nasty potholes. Like I said in past threads, I've flown with and rode my Brompton in multiple cities across Canada. Never had a problem with check in. I've ridden just about everywhere that has reasonable terrain. Where you will find limitations are steep grades and soft dirt trails - which might limit you unless you had a better bike period, so those limitations are not exclusive to a Brompton.

I personally think a Brompton suits your scenario the best: you indicated you wanted the bike for international travel. That suggests:
- Quick assembly and disassembly, or preferably NONE at all.
- A fairly robust frame and parts.
- Easy to pack up, store, or lock up when not riding it to prevent theft.
- Easy, built in carrying solutions to carry work documents if on business travel, or cameras/clothes when on vacation.
- Easy to maneuver when you're not riding the bike.
- Probably shorter rides but to more places (to this park, to that museum, easy to take on public transit).

So how has my Brompton stood up to such criteria?

1. For me, because I have the extended seat post, I remove the saddle so it packs better. I foam block the wheels and strap the frame tightly so that if it shifts during transport, it doesn't break any connecting parts. I also deflate the tires slightly. Total time to pack about 20 minutes (I'm fussy). Total time to re-assemble and pump up the tires. About 15 minutes. At the hotel, it typically takes me longer to figure out where I am and where I want to ride to than setting up my bike again.
- Note 1: My wife has a regular sized Brompton - no need to remove the saddle. Pack up and reassemble are literally less than 10 minutes each.
- Note 2: Buy a good, small air pump with a dial. The one that comes with the Brompton is handy, but frustrating.

2. While some parts are specific, much of the Brompton is kind of standard. If something so specialized breaks, it probably would have broken on any bike. Just bring some basic tools for changing a tire, etc.
- Note 3: Get good inner tubes with robust valve stems. Cheap stems leak and blow out.
- Note 4: Buy extra locking parts. These are the plastic connectors that hold the frame together when folded. They cost only about $20 and with a multitool, would take you probably 5 minutes to change. BUT if you don't have the part on the road and they break, then you've lost the whole convenience of folding.

3. The whole point of the Brompton is its form factor. I've taken it on trains where even folding bikes were technically not allowed with the simple bag draped over it. It's smaller than most carry ons. Nobody notices and therefore, nobody cares. Once folded, I sometimes lock it up to a rack with a mini-U lock and a thick cable. I had to do this at the Chicago aquarium because there was nowhere inside to put the bike - they didn't even have a bag/coat check. I'm pretty sure bike thieves would look at it and think, "What the hell?"

4. Great assortment of bags and carrying system. Relatively expensive, but hey, oh so hip!

5. You can wheel it around and use it like a shopping cart with the attached bag in, say, a market! It stands on its own to free your hands. And it's not particularly bulky. The convenience of this is not to be underestimated when the point of the ride is to enjoy the ride, and not suffer from the agony of biking as fast as you can...

6. Seriously... with the black bag - it even covers the saddle when the bike is folded - it's pretty inconspicuous. If it rains, wrap it up and haul it on the bus or metro back to the hotel.

Yes, I'm biased, but those have been my experiences.

fietsbob

Get a P Bar Brompton and then you have a Drops like lower grip position (though the Brakes are still on the Top)

Or a H bar mast and fit straight bars then add Ergon grips and Bar ends ..

There are hand made Adapters to mount a FD on Bromptons to run a double .. being sold around the world there are lots of add on bits made.

Even custom made forks for both ends to run discs and Rohloff Hubs ...

BassNotBass

It all depends on the type of riding you intend to do. If you are going at your own pace then a Brompton will be more than capable enough to even do a century... in fact any bike will be fine just as long as you make it comfortable enough to spend hours in the saddle. Long distances have to do with ergonomics, nothing else. I wouldn't hesitate taking my Brompton on an extended tour just as long as I'm not at the mercy of other riders and their bikes who may have a greater range of optimal gearing at their disposal.

bhkyte

Brompton is a great bike for international travel from a convience point of view.
I spoke to a person you world toured with two Birdies with partner. I asked him why he didnt use a Brompton and he gave me the best answer to sum up my thoughts also:" I have never enjoyed riding a Brompton and its what its about".
Brompton (or diblasi?) is the obvious choice for this usage, but the reason above is why bike friday and other manufacturers do good business for many people. Others dont want to shell out a grand for a low spec but remarkably useful bike. (that applies to most 1K folders also)

I recommend anyone to test ride a folder before purchase.

linberl

"I recommend anyone to test ride a folder before purchase."

Best advice ever. I had originally planned on a brompton because I loved the look and the fold. However, test rides with both the straight bar and M bar made me realize I could not comfortably ride the bike. Not enough adjustment. I suppose I could have made it work with aftermarket parts but when one spends that much, it should fit imo. After test riding I had to completely re-think my plan. +1 on substantial test riding.

chrisx

I looked at a couple folding bikes just now. I did not like the up right position. I like my handle bars about 2 inches above the seat, and 28 inches from seat post to bar. I fear rideing with the bars that close would cause wrist pain. Are all the folders built for a person about 5.6? Being comfortable on a bike is the most important thing. If a person is comfortable thay ride a bike because they want to. If uncomfortable, they ride because they have too.

Do any folders exist with geometry for a person 6 feet tall=?

linberl

https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...-tall-guy.html

Pinigis 

The Origami Mantis is designed for riders up to 6'5", but it will not pack easily into a suitcase for travel (but it is possible with a bit more dis assembly than I would like). Unfortunately, it is out of stock until the middle of January.

prathmann

Bike Friday will build the bike based on dimensions that you send them of whatever bike you currently feel most comfortable riding. Mine has drop bars a little below the seat and is certainly not an upright position. Ride is very similar to my non-folding bikes.

bhkyte

Mezzo suit riders up to 6 foot and a koga telescopic seat post takes you over that if need be.
Birdie cope well
Downtubes cope well.
Most dahons ok espically the 20 inch versions.
I am 5 10 1/2

I dont think bromptoms fit a person over 5 8 well, but many beg to differ and the bike can be customised or speced to suit a taller rider. However, in my experience it does not suit a low riding postion for a taller rider. It can support an upright position.
There are many options out there that fit a larger rider and most bikes can be made to fit with longer seatposts and forward extending stems.

See my posts on adding bull bars to compact folders with good results, including a bromptom with about 12 inches more reach.

Ozonation

Well, I'll beg to differ then. I'm 5'11". And I can easily ride my Brompton. I do have the extended seat post, but it's not like the seat post is some fantastically huge post. I've heard of much taller riders riding a Brompton too.

I don't know if the OP has tried testing riding a Brompton. I am positive that a Brompton is more than adequate size wise. Whether or not you like what it offers is going to be a personal choice.

invisiblehand

Assuming that your suitcase isn't a size of a refrigerator, then I completely agree with this. From memory, I've never had size randomly checked but weight is _always_ checked.

invisiblehand

You should spend some time to test ride bikes. Many are one-size-fits-all trying to get an OK-to-good fit for a broad range of folks.

bhkyte

+1

lucille

I've taken my bike Friday in a suitcase many times on the plane, the suitcase is not oversized. They may ask you to take it to oversize area for scanning (and if they don't, I ask myself), which is great. The agent can scan your bike right in front of you, and if they want to open the suitcase and see (never happened yet), you're right there if something doesn't fit back in properly.

Ozonation

So, to the OP... what did you end up getting or thinking of getting? Going to get yourself a nice holiday present?

BassNotBass

I'm just over 6'2" and even my Brompton is very comfortable. Something that not a lot of people know is that Brompton doesn't just change the handlebars and call it a different model, there are different steering masts too so I took that into account when finding the the right mast/handlebar combination to get me the height and reach that I found comfortable.

mingo

BNB, that's a very informative graphic. I'm looking to sell my M model and buy an H, and the numbers are very helpful. Thank you.

linberl

VERY helpful chart! I went with a BF because I could not get comfortable on a brompton (short person and even shorter arm reach, longer leg). From the chart, I might have been okay with an M mast and S handlebar, but the shop never suggested that. Maybe they don't come that way. But if I had seen this, I would at least have know to ask. I'm extremely happy with my Bike Friday now, though.

BassNotBass

As far as I know Brompton doesn't offer that mix and match option and I'm sure the typical dealer wouldn't be too keen on offering it either because of the hassle. However I think it's something a dealer can point out to show that the bike isn't strictly a "one size fits all" affair. I've heard people mention that they didn't like the close reach of the M type and tilting the bar forward just felt wrong to the wrists so they crossed the Brompton off of their list. If they had known that the P type actually has a different mast they may have tried a P type, discovered that they liked the reach and bought an M type handlebar to replace the P handlebar.

1nterceptor

I have stuffed a Tobukaeru(20 in. wheels) and a Citizen Tokyo(16 in. wheels) in a Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage.
Dimensions: 28.0" x 19.0" x 13.0". Both bikes fold similar to the Dahon curve SL; frame folds in the middle, handlebar post folds down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUQNU2DKiWw&index=36&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA


2013 Citizen Tokyo in a suitcase by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

1nterceptor

I already had a roadbike that I use for century charity rides and long club rides. So when it was time to buy a folder; I went with Brompton.
I was thinking it was good for commuting, travelling, going to the store. But I found out that with a few tweaks; I could ride the Brompton
40, 80 even over 100 miles. Escape New York charity ride; over 50 miles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROYH...aIoDLA&index=8

New York City Century; over 100 miles:
100 Miles(160 Km.) on a Brompton by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

Tour de Staten Island; over 40 miles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgIz...IoDLA&index=14