Originally Posted by
AvnerBen
my P6RX Brompton fully equipped (but with Russian-made titanium rack) weighs 13.5kg.
This seems pretty heavy for a superlight Brompton !
Mine, originally a S6Ex with many lightweight components (AX Lightness saddle, Brompfication seatpost, Ridea brakes, Tune Bigfoot crank, TI Parts Workshop bottom bracket, HT AR12 Ti pedals...), but with added Ti parts Workshop rack, SON XS new hub dynamo, SON Edelux II light, SON rear light, 17carbon mudguards and a Rohloff Speedhub weight about 11kg with Marathon Plus tires, much less with lightweight tires (I am waiting for the new Schwalbe One of the 2019 CHPT3, I hope that Brompton will sell them as spare parts as it was the case for the tan Kojak of the previous CHPT3)..
So a fully equipped Brompton with its original frame can have the same weight as a non equipped Helix !
I also can confirm that the Chubby is accepted by several airlines. One of its advantage is also light weight compared to most other trailers. Its wheels size is ETRTO 349, same wheel size as the Brompton (there is also a version with ETRTO 355 wheels for the Birdy)..
Originally Posted by
spambait11
What you argue is valid, but I think the real problem most people have is that Brompton charges 2019 prices for 1980s technology which you admit has not changed much. If someone wanted to charge you $2500 for a bike made in the 1980s (even if it was brand new, never used), I think you’d think that person was crazy. Well, I think brompton is crazy.
The Bromptoin frame (including the titanium fork and rear triangle), painting and assembly are made in UK, this has a price !
Look at the price of the US made Seattle Cycles Burke or at the price of the Bike Friday. The Birdy is also very expensive even if its frame is made in Asia.
The Tyrell folding bikes aren't cheap too.
I do not know what you call "old" and "new" technology, but the Tyrell Ive, BF and Birdy are made of good old steel or aluminum and the entry level models use the same kind of equipment as the Brompton.