bromptonben

Will there be any problems with oxidation if I'm riding and living by the ocean? Is it a bad thing?

Any input as appreciated before I decided on Titanium or Steel.

Thanks!

bargainguy

Titanium has excellent corrosion inhibition, but on the Brommie, it's only the rear triangle in ti. The rest of the bike will be steel.

smallwheeler

very funny.

bromptonben

Thanks for the tip bargainguy.

For upgrading to an electric assist, the forks and rear triangle need to widened.
Is it possible to do this with ti?

dynaryder

It can be done with Ti,but you'll prolly have to do some serious digging before you find someone with the ability. Better to go with steel,or get a custom fork/triangle done up.

fietsbob

You can pry it apart , but why ? the springy ness of Ti will work against you .

and the steel is cheaper and Prying it out an inch wider 74 to 100 MM will be more reasonable using steel

the pound less of the pricier Ti end pieces and then put on on a 5 pound motor and 10 pound battery seems silly




I live By the ocean And a block from the columbia river I bring the Brompton Inside..

Suppose you can pour in 'frame saver' in the tubes too..

bromptonben

Thanks of the tip fietsbob!

I will get the steel version.

I've been told that the gear ratio should be reduced in a hilly area.

Does it still make sense to reduce the gear ratio with a motor and battery installed?

keyven

Are you planning to use the motor all day? I live in Singapore which is generally flat, but the Brompton dealer sells the 44T (-12%) gearing as standard. Any other gearing and I'd have to pay for it (US$30) - my initial reaction was to raise it to standard gearing, but the dealer convinced me to stick with the -12%.

Turns out, it works great. IMHO I'd absolutely recommend a reduction, as it works well for 'regular commuters' unless you're a fitness and/or speed freak. I guess it also depends on the quality of the motor.

bromptonben

I plan to use the motor uphill or when I'm tired.

Looks like I'll stick with the -12%.

Thanks keyven!

keyven

I've ordered a ShareRoller to use as a motor so my wife and I could share it on our Bromptons.

It's a small 5.5 lb rectangular box that opens up to run a friction motor over the front wheel - the base version has a 12 mile radius maxing out at 18mph, with small lights and a usb charger built in.

The most prohibitive thing may be the cost - about US$1,000 for the base model but I love the idea of being able to remove it easily (less than 10 seconds to install/uininstall) and use the Brompton as per normal.

bromptonben

The ShareRoller is a great idea. It unfortunately blocks the Brompton carrier block

Edit: They actually have a solution! Checkout the quote below:
Please upload pictures when you receive it keyven!

fietsbob

functionally .. reminded me of the old French Velo Solex Mopeds, a friction drum runs on top of the front wheel.

keyven

Haha yeah I saw your reply on email before the edit and I was going to update you on that. I expect the SR to arrive within 2 to 4 weeks - likely early to mid August.

There's a pretty comprehensive video review by electricbikereview.com that goes into detail and demonstrates what it's all about.

ShareRoller Version 1 Review

It's definitely noisier than I imagine but the sheer versatility of such a device sold me from day one. Everyone is saying it is expensive, which is true because it's being manufactured in relatively small numbers. However, the Brompton setup is very well thought out and takes care of any remaining doubts I had.

Like you, I intend to use the ShareRoller as an energy-saver for climbing, and hot days (of which there are plenty in Singapore) - the bulk of usage will likely be from my wife who simply loves the idea.

keyven

Yes some say the downside is extra wear-and-tear on the front wheel, but I guess that's only something to worry about in the long-term eh? Apparently it works pretty well in the wet as well.

fietsbob

I just pedal it , Mine runs off potable ethanol

smallwheeler

it's exciting to see individuals spending thousands of dollars on their passion for cycling. personally, i'm going to wait for the 2015 brompton mk 5 series. i'm still trying to decide if i will go with the full suspension model with disc brakes or the carbon fork model. either way, the ti stem, seatpost and rear triangle re-design are very appealing.


Image: Brompton LTD


Image: Brompton LTD

fietsbob

I love how google translation never translates..

smallwheeler

it's their way of encouraging you to learn foreign languages.

bromptonben

That's an April Fools joke.

Does anyone know when Brompton will announce 2015 models?

fietsbob

they would [By 12/14 certainly] , I don't .. watch the company Website. ask your B dealer.

smallwheeler

party pooper..