Originally Posted by
Roegmann
A local is selling his 2016 Brompton Black Edition with 11sp Alfine for $2K.
I have the Downtube Mini; love it, but my kid likes it also. So, I was thinking this is a good excuse to try something different.
It will be a commuter bike (5-8 miles with a couple of nasty hills, the train and the bus) that doubles for fun on the weekends (mostly long flat riding and a lot of beach duty; I am a few blocks from beach).
My kid saw the Crius 14 on Thor's website and thinks it looks "*****in" (I can't remember talking like that, but I am sure my dad would say otherwise) and for a lot less. It seems that the Crius would be limited compared to the Brommie, just by tire size alone. Am I being unfair with the comparison?
I've been pondering this exact question of a Brompton vs Crius 5. As well, I currently ride a Dahon Curve "D8" which is similar to a Downtube Mini. While I have no experience with either bike here is what I've come up with.
Brompton
PRO
- can take on an international flight without disassembly
- can get studded tires for winter commuting
- beautiful bike
- more versatile bike (long distance riding and over rougher ground)
- can participate in fun events such as the Brompton World Championship
- parts and accessories widely available
- holds value
CON
- expensive
- odd gear configuration, that I would replace with a Sturmey Archer 8
- some custom parts
Crius 5
PRO
- can take on an international flight without disassembly
- beautiful bike
- standard parts
- inexpensive
CON
- 14" wheels mean no option for studded tires unless you make them yourself
I think the wise move for me is to get a Brompton. Black one of course. I really like my Dahon Curve, but if it was to be stolen, after I had a Brompton, I think I would replace it with the Crius 5. Then doing an upgrade to a Crius 8, of course.
Hope this helps with your decision. I don't think there is a wrong choice.