2009 Brompton: Pre-purchase Questions
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2009 Brompton: Pre-purchase Questions
Hi All,
I am looking to purchase a Brompton in the near future. A couple of questions for you experts, hopefully you can help.
1) One of the new features I'm very interested in is the new BWR 6 speeds. Knowing that this is a new tech, does anyone have first hand experience in riding one and can provide feedback? I guess the question is: should I get last year's model because it's been tested and it's more reliable?
2) I've decided on the S-type. There were some documents stating that 2009 models will have a longer handlebar, is this still the case?
3) Does anyone know when these models will reach the US? Last I checked, these new models has not been delivered here yet.
Thx in advance.
I am looking to purchase a Brompton in the near future. A couple of questions for you experts, hopefully you can help.
1) One of the new features I'm very interested in is the new BWR 6 speeds. Knowing that this is a new tech, does anyone have first hand experience in riding one and can provide feedback? I guess the question is: should I get last year's model because it's been tested and it's more reliable?
2) I've decided on the S-type. There were some documents stating that 2009 models will have a longer handlebar, is this still the case?
3) Does anyone know when these models will reach the US? Last I checked, these new models has not been delivered here yet.
Thx in advance.
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There has been talk about the fact that the new handlebar will be longer and lighter than the 08 version.
I suspect it will be a week or so before anyone starts to report on the new BWR hub... reason being is that they were officially made available on the 1st January but most people at Brompton would not have been back to work before the 5th January. I placed my order on the 12 of January and was told that there is a 6-8 week wait, so I should get the bike within a week or two.
I am in the UK, so I guess you would have to add an extra week or so for orders from the USA.
I suspect it will be a week or so before anyone starts to report on the new BWR hub... reason being is that they were officially made available on the 1st January but most people at Brompton would not have been back to work before the 5th January. I placed my order on the 12 of January and was told that there is a 6-8 week wait, so I should get the bike within a week or two.
I am in the UK, so I guess you would have to add an extra week or so for orders from the USA.
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I would like to have been able to say “yes”, but unfortunately I still don’t have my new Brompton.
There has been a delay on the raw lacquer frames and then another delay on 2-speed wheels. I was originally told my order would be “6-8 weeks” it now looks as though it will be at least 12 weeks by the time it arrives. I hope to have it before Easter.
There has been a delay on the raw lacquer frames and then another delay on 2-speed wheels. I was originally told my order would be “6-8 weeks” it now looks as though it will be at least 12 weeks by the time it arrives. I hope to have it before Easter.
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BWR review
Hi Scholasticny,
Like PDR, I am waiting for my new brompton (M6R-X), with a new BWR hub. This will be my 2nd Brompton, replacing a 2008 M6R.
I did take a good test ride on the BWR before buying, and was really amazed! -Managed to climb up a 40% hill, without using the low ratio dureiller, and then sprint faster than I ever could on the old 6-speed (no "pedal-out" - I ran out of road..)
The new gear is also slightly lighter than the old.
I can't quote for reliability, but the simplicity of design (it's only a 3 speed hub), suggests that it will be as reliable as the old.
I had been looking at the Kinetics 8-speed mod, but Sonamtash's reviews decided me against it.
Keep holding out - it''ll be worth the wait.
Like PDR, I am waiting for my new brompton (M6R-X), with a new BWR hub. This will be my 2nd Brompton, replacing a 2008 M6R.
I did take a good test ride on the BWR before buying, and was really amazed! -Managed to climb up a 40% hill, without using the low ratio dureiller, and then sprint faster than I ever could on the old 6-speed (no "pedal-out" - I ran out of road..)
The new gear is also slightly lighter than the old.
I can't quote for reliability, but the simplicity of design (it's only a 3 speed hub), suggests that it will be as reliable as the old.
I had been looking at the Kinetics 8-speed mod, but Sonamtash's reviews decided me against it.
Keep holding out - it''ll be worth the wait.
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Delivery time
PDR,
Could you let us know if your delivery time changes - I ordered mine last week of Feb, with delivery est 10th April. (7 weeks) - had hoped to have it for holiday next week - guess It'll be there when I get back
Could you let us know if your delivery time changes - I ordered mine last week of Feb, with delivery est 10th April. (7 weeks) - had hoped to have it for holiday next week - guess It'll be there when I get back
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Hi Madcabbage,
I placed my order on the 12 Jan 2009 and the bike shop had confirmation of my order with Brompton a few days later. There have been two separate hold-up with my order, firstly a delay in getting the raw lacquer frame and then a delay in the supply of 2-speed wheels.
I have been told that my bike is due to be built on the 31st of this month, so I hope to take delivery the following week.... in time to enjoy some rides over the Easter holidays. Thankfully I am a very patient person.
You may get lucky depending upon your build options.
I placed my order on the 12 Jan 2009 and the bike shop had confirmation of my order with Brompton a few days later. There have been two separate hold-up with my order, firstly a delay in getting the raw lacquer frame and then a delay in the supply of 2-speed wheels.
I have been told that my bike is due to be built on the 31st of this month, so I hope to take delivery the following week.... in time to enjoy some rides over the Easter holidays. Thankfully I am a very patient person.
You may get lucky depending upon your build options.
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Just had a call from the bike store to say my Brompton has arrived... going to pick it up this evening..
Really excited now :
Really excited now :
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Here you are:
We will be supplying a 16-tooth and a 13-tooth sprocket with the BWR which, with a 50-tooth chain wheel, will give the following distances of travel:
Gear 1: 33.0 gear inches (2.63 metres along the ground)
Gear 2: 40.5 gear inches (3.23 metres travel)
Gear 3: 51.5 gear inches (4.11 metres travel)
Gear 4: 63.5 gear inches (5.06 metres travel)
Gear 5: 81.0 gear inches (6.45 metres travel)
Gear 6: 99.5 gear inches (7.94 metres travel)
This represents a gear range (top gear/bottom gear) of 302%; by comparison, the current SRAM 6-speed arrangement offers a range of 215%. Like our existing 6-speed offering, however, the gearing may be raised or lowered by fitting a 54-tooth (+8%) or 44-tooth (-12%) chain wheel in place of the standard."
We will be supplying a 16-tooth and a 13-tooth sprocket with the BWR which, with a 50-tooth chain wheel, will give the following distances of travel:
Gear 1: 33.0 gear inches (2.63 metres along the ground)
Gear 2: 40.5 gear inches (3.23 metres travel)
Gear 3: 51.5 gear inches (4.11 metres travel)
Gear 4: 63.5 gear inches (5.06 metres travel)
Gear 5: 81.0 gear inches (6.45 metres travel)
Gear 6: 99.5 gear inches (7.94 metres travel)
This represents a gear range (top gear/bottom gear) of 302%; by comparison, the current SRAM 6-speed arrangement offers a range of 215%. Like our existing 6-speed offering, however, the gearing may be raised or lowered by fitting a 54-tooth (+8%) or 44-tooth (-12%) chain wheel in place of the standard."
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Here you are:
We will be supplying a 16-tooth and a 13-tooth sprocket with the BWR which, with a 50-tooth chain wheel, will give the following distances of travel:
Gear 1: 33.0 gear inches (2.63 metres along the ground)
Gear 2: 40.5 gear inches (3.23 metres travel)
Gear 3: 51.5 gear inches (4.11 metres travel)
Gear 4: 63.5 gear inches (5.06 metres travel)
Gear 5: 81.0 gear inches (6.45 metres travel)
Gear 6: 99.5 gear inches (7.94 metres travel)
This represents a gear range (top gear/bottom gear) of 302%; by comparison, the current SRAM 6-speed arrangement offers a range of 215%. Like our existing 6-speed offering, however, the gearing may be raised or lowered by fitting a 54-tooth (+8%) or 44-tooth (-12%) chain wheel in place of the standard."
We will be supplying a 16-tooth and a 13-tooth sprocket with the BWR which, with a 50-tooth chain wheel, will give the following distances of travel:
Gear 1: 33.0 gear inches (2.63 metres along the ground)
Gear 2: 40.5 gear inches (3.23 metres travel)
Gear 3: 51.5 gear inches (4.11 metres travel)
Gear 4: 63.5 gear inches (5.06 metres travel)
Gear 5: 81.0 gear inches (6.45 metres travel)
Gear 6: 99.5 gear inches (7.94 metres travel)
This represents a gear range (top gear/bottom gear) of 302%; by comparison, the current SRAM 6-speed arrangement offers a range of 215%. Like our existing 6-speed offering, however, the gearing may be raised or lowered by fitting a 54-tooth (+8%) or 44-tooth (-12%) chain wheel in place of the standard."
It's such a shame they couldn't come up with an 8 gear Brompton. Why couldn't they make a 4 gear hub I wonder?
#13
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Here is a source for an 8 speed Brompton. You can also purchase a conversion kit from the same store.
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/more_info.shtml
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/more_info.shtml
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Here is a source for an 8 speed Brompton. You can also purchase a conversion kit from the same store.
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/more_info.shtml
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/more_info.shtml
#15
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Here is another device that might be worth considering...I don't know if it'll fit though...
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/schlumpf.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/schlumpf.html
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Here is another device that might be worth considering...I don't know if it'll fit though...
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/schlumpf.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/schlumpf.html
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More on Gearing...
For Reference - 2008 6-speed SRAM vs 2009 6-speed BWR:
BWR SRAM
Gear 1: 33.0 40 gear inches
Gear 2: 40.5 46 gear inches
Gear 3: 51.5 55 gear inches
Gear 4: 63.5 64 gear inches
Gear 5: 81.0 75 gear inches
Gear 6: 99.5 86 gear inches
(big thanks to A to B magazine https://www.atob.org.uk/)
There have been problems with the hubs used on the 8-speed mods - see posts by Somnatash for details
That must be one hell of a hill! - I only use my bottom (SRAM 6-speed) mine on a 40 deg slope
BWR SRAM
Gear 1: 33.0 40 gear inches
Gear 2: 40.5 46 gear inches
Gear 3: 51.5 55 gear inches
Gear 4: 63.5 64 gear inches
Gear 5: 81.0 75 gear inches
Gear 6: 99.5 86 gear inches
(big thanks to A to B magazine https://www.atob.org.uk/)
There have been problems with the hubs used on the 8-speed mods - see posts by Somnatash for details
That must be one hell of a hill! - I only use my bottom (SRAM 6-speed) mine on a 40 deg slope