Originally Posted by driftwork

#1 M-Type, S-Type, P-Type. I’m not totally sure which handle-bar configuration to get. What is the most popular configuration? What are the drawbacks / benefits of each? What would people consider the best all around model? Is the geometry of the M type and S type and P type bikes exactly the same? Are the stem lengths on each the same? If so, do people swap out different handle-bars as the need arises. If not, are you sort of locked in?

#2 Gears:

(Part A) This is a major question. I would like to have a bike that provides lots of options, however, after riding the S-Type 2 speed, I realized simplicity can be good too. Are the 2 and 3 speed Bromptons significantly lighter than the 6 speed? Do people generally wish they bought a 6 speed after initially getting a 2 or 3 speed? Is the 6 speed much better on hills.

(Part B) I have heard that Brompton is now making its own 6 speed hub that will be different from the previous models. These bikes should be available in February. Are they worth waiting for? Is this a major upgrade? How will it be different than the previous 6 speed?

#3 Titanium parts: They say you save a kilo. In total, its about 500 USD more. Realistically, will these titanium parts be worth it in the long run or should I (as they say in the movie: 13th Warrior) just grow stronger? Is this a big deal for people who carry their bike around a lot?

#4 Options:

Tires: What is the best all-around tire option? Is it common for people to swap out Brompton tires for some better 16 inch aftermarket variety?

Lights: I don’t understand the need for light dynamos and such? Why, in the age of LED lights, would I need to spend money on a Dynamo driven light. Am I missing something? It seems to me that these Dynamo lights just add a lot more weight.

Rear-Rack: I want the bike for traveling and I can imagine that I’ll use the bike for carrying some degree of baggage. However, after seeing the rear-rack on the bikes, it seems like it does add a fair amount of bulk to the over-all fold-factor. Seems like the rear-rack does provide some stability when folded. Also, it rolls easier. Do people feel that the rear-rack is an important option?

Easy Wheels. Seems like it’s a good idea to score a set of easy wheels to replace the casters on the bike. They are, however, about 50 bucks! Do people order these or create a different (off the shelf) option for themselves.

Saddle: It seems like the Brooks B-17 is considered a god-send my most cyclists. Should I believe the hype?

#5 Maintenance. I recently watched a video on YouTube that describes how to take off the rear hub-assembly to fix a blown tire. Holy Smokes! Very involved! Are Brompton’s built with user-maintenance in mind? Are they fairly maintenance-free? Is it easy to figure out how to do all the work myself? What is the size of the tool kit that most people have to carry around with them? I imagine that the tools need to be in imperial?

#6 Other options: Besides the bike cover, are there any other Brompton options that people regard as a good idea? Pump? Certain luggage bags?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses. I know that many, if not all of these issues have been covered somewhere and at some point before but I’m hoping for lots of fresh ideas.

Cheers.