Originally Posted by
LDier
Does anyone out there have a perspective on the Brompton 3 speed regular vs the reduced gearing options for the 3 speed (-12% and -18%)?
I'm hoping to get a Brompton soon, and want to ride it in the Sierra Nevada foothills and in the flats. I'm pretty sure the reduced gearing is what I want rather than the regular geared 3 speed Brompton. But I don't know whether to go for the -12% or the -18% lower gearing.
I'm a little worried that if I get the -18% I may spin out and not be able to go at a decent rate of speed when on the flats in high gear. I do think I would make good use of the low gear though for going up hills in the foothills.
My latest thoughts are to go with a 3 speed just for the simplicity of it.........but picking the right gearing is tough when you can't ride the bikes before ordering. I've ridden the regular geared 3 speed a couple of times and really think the reduced geared bike would suit me mo betta.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Before I got my Brompton, I test rode a regular 6 speed and a regular 3 speed. Fortunately, the bike shop was located near a road that ran for fair distance at a reasonably steep grade up a hill. The 3 speed was frankly too limiting gear range wise. The 6 speed was better - fairly manageable up the hill.
When I finally bought my Brompton, I ended up going with a different shop because they had one available in the configuration I wanted and they recommended the 6 speed reduced range. I asked why? They found through experience that while you might miss the high end for the occasional speed, I would benefit much more from the lower end for hills, wind, packed sidewalks, etc.
He was right. I use the lower ranges much more frequently that I would the higher range. If you're going to be riding around foothills, you want climbing potential more than anything. Furthermore, you'll find the Brompton will be used in many more grab-and-go situations where practicality will trump speed: it's just too fun and convenient to ride.
So, if you have the option, I'd go for the reduced 6 speed version.