Originally Posted by
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?
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.