folder fanatic

I would like to annouce that we are the proud owners of a Brompton C type or C3E. The actual research and purchasing of this bike was nothing like I imagine it would be. We were expecting a simple transaction of a bike purchase. It turned out to be something much more.

I (the one and only Folder Fanatic) went to a distant bicycle shop some 90 miles from our residence. I purposely chose to go by transit rather than car in order to test this possible one if purchased, as well as any other folder's unique ability to squeeze into the most tight or cramped space available. The transportation modes that I chose were: commuter train, light rail, and city bus in that order with the bike hidden in a bag that I brought along.

The trip down was a totally relaxing one with the Pacific ocean sometime lapping at the track's rocky protective edge. The bike shop is only a couple of blocks off the final stop at the train station (which doubles as a transit zone). The shop does not look like a traditional bike shop filled with bike nutters and kids. This shop is more like a general store of past years with a wide variety of souvenirs, curios, and interesting things for the home and dress. But don't let how it looks fool you. It has more high end folders in there than 99% of other more traditional looking bike shops including a Birdy. And the lady that owns the shop knows her folders and is a damn good mechanic.


She let me try out a demo Brompton she keeps out for that purpose. She pointed out the flaws left from previous riders like blown out tires (they were mismatched for that reason), I took it for a spin, did not like the brakes on that particular bike (too mushy for my tastes), and chose to purchase another Brompton she had. I like my bike from the start. It is simple, easy to fold, (although I still at a loss about the pedal-don't worry, I am still learning), great brakes, and no excess clutter that I must cart along when folded or bagged. The price was very reasonable and a good compromise from the ones with fenders/mudguards since I fold up when the weather changes anyway.

The trip home was uneventful since I bagged the bike before I boarded the train. My bike did not take any room from other bikes (limit 2 as space is available) since I treated it as luggage rather than a bike. I took it bagged to a restaurant for dinner. No problems, no worry of theft or vandalism and the bike fit in little corners or nooks as needed.

I recommend to visit the shop you do business if you can. There are so many variables that could change your outcome (plus your finances) if something is not dealt with at the time of purchase.

wpflem

Sounds like a remarkable store. Will you give us the name and location?

folder fanatic

Of course I will. It is: Nautique/Folding Bikes West, 220 Wisconsin Ave., Oceanside CA 92050, The telephone number is 760 757 3440. It is the southern coast branch of Folding Bikes West in Seattle, WA. I located both stores online on the official Brompton UK website.

Thank you all for the time you spent writing to me.

origami cyclist

I can also heartily recommend the folding bike experience at Nautique. You can test ride the Brompton C3E and M6L and the Birdy as well get some time-tested advice from the knowledgeable owner.

(I ordered the Brompton M6R!)