I'm getting an M6R, and trying to plan a DIY travel case. Could someone give me some info on what the folded size would be for a brompton with the rack but WITHOUT the saddle.

I'm hoping to minimize size and weight.

Thanks

I guess the answer is "it depends". I do not have the stock saddle or seatpost so I can not measure for you.

This is what i got when searching: https://www.google.no/search?q=size+...NoKV6ATrpY7gDQ

If you are making a case maybe make room for some padding.

A lot of peopel use the DIMPA bag from IKEA as a dIY solution. Some cardboard or sleepingmat is recomended. Can be layered betweel two DIMPA bags. Still cheap.

Edit: Looking at the pictures of folded Bromptons it looks like the stem hinge is the highest part of the bike when seat is removed- unless you have a luggageblock. If you have it looks like that would be the highest point (and therefor volnurable). Regular seatpost would be lower than the stem hinge. Not sure how tall a extended seatpost would be. I use a telescopic seatpost for easy removal when traveling.

Why don't Brompton make their own case, or have one commissioned ?

I had one of the B and W until recently but was not too impressed with it so sold it..Soon after I found an enormous Antler suitcase which my Brompton fits straight into..cost £3 in a charity shop. If you take your time you will find a suitable suitcase in a charity shop for next to nothing. I have three Samsonite suitcases bought in charity shops for my Bike Friday or old Dahon designed folder..Cost at the most £5.

We usually recommend that Brompton customers who intend to use the B&W Claxton case opt for the telescoping seat post. This allows for easy removal of the saddle and makes the overall folded size a bit smaller. While I know this does not answer your question and will likely result in an increase in total weight, I hope this information might prove helpful in assessing your options.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Actually, Brompton does make their own case. But it's a soft case: Brompton B-Bag, soft Travel Case – NYCeWheels.com

Now we get into a counterintuitive situation with transport. You would think a hard case would protect the contents more. In reality, a hard case is more likely to get thrown around by airport workers than a soft case. So the hard case is abused more whereas more care is taken with a soft case. So it's not so much about protecting contents as it is what kind of treatment the luggage is subjected to.

You can find a suitable suitcase lots of places as tudorowen1 states above. I did exactly that a few years ago - took my Brommie M3L into a luggage shop and started trying each one on until I found one that worked. I believe I paid $30 and posted a thread here somewhere on it. Voyageur soft-sided case.

Actually, Brompton does make their own case. But it's a soft case: Brompton B-Bag, soft Travel Case – NYCeWheels.com

Now we get into a counterintuitive situation with transport. You would think a hard case would protect the contents more. In reality, a hard case is more likely to get thrown around by airport workers than a soft case. So the hard case is abused more whereas more care is taken with a soft case. So it's not so much about protecting contents as it is what kind of treatment the luggage is subjected to.

You can find a suitable suitcase lots of places as tudorowen1 states above. I did exactly that a few years ago - took my Brommie M3L into a luggage shop and started trying each one on until I found one that worked. Here's the thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ase-cheap.html

roughly 4 cubic feet : 24 by 24 by 12..


Palo Alto Cal, CM Wasson the oldest Brompton seller in the US , (who may have retired)

used the Brompton saddle adapter pin and replaced the Bolt with a Quick release

to make popping the saddle off the seat post easy and the saddle angle stays fixed.

Same here, two suitcases bought second hand. One bigger than the other (for extra stuff).

Thanks fietsbob, that's useful info.

For all the queries, the reason I'm looking to DIY a case is because I'm trying to come up with something that could be folded somehow to be carried on the rack of the bike. I travel a lot in and out of African countries, so I need something that provides decent protection, that I can tie to the rack and ride to a guest house/backpackers etc.

At the moment I'm thinking of using 3mm ABS, and making two boxes which push into each other. That way I could shrink one of the dimensions by at least a third, so I could make a 60cmx60cmx30cm box which could shrink down to 60cmx60cmx20cm, or if I compress the other dimension it could shrink to 40cmx60cmx30cm.

I'm not sure I could shrink 2 dimensions and still retain strength, so the next thing I need to figure out is what would easily carry on the rear rack. If I can't get the box idea to work, I think I'll go with the recommended two dimpa bags with a sleeping mat between.

Question for all you suitcase purchasers. Do you think you could carry the suitcase on your rear rack?

I would not try to carry a backpack on my B, what you describe is not the kind of traveling I would use it for. IF I had to carry it with me it would be converted into a trailer: https://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/..._travel_system

https://www.google.no/search?q=bike+...w=1034&bih=542

In your situation I would not use a trailer unless you want to carry a lot and need the trailer, I would buy or make a soft paddet "bag" that can be rolled up and strapped to your rack.

Have you checked out the Vincita Sightseer? This could be what you're looking for:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmRAuC_lFOc

What you need is a cardboard box...Leave it at your hotel or wherever..You will always find another somewhere else..I once went to Malaga Youth Hostel with my Bike Friday in a cardboard box..Left the box in the corridor of the hostel..When I came back 14 days later the box was still there..

There is also the Chubby. Made for traveling with a Brompton, same wheel size as the Brompton

https://www.radicaldesign.com/bicycl...iv-chubby.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLAEjkJ5-3Q#t=232

Similar thought, suitcases that meet the Size Max of 60" girth total + a frame to turn it into a trailer , alsoWill work

Bikefriday makes their bikes to work with a Samsonite Suitcase that can be towed , DIY can be done on a similar project(?)

We made two DIY trailers (frames to atatch to suitcases) some time back plus discowered that a small Carry Freedom flatbed trailer can also use 12" wheels. Must dig them out one day.

Yes, I think the DIY trailer/suitcase could also be an option. Doesn't seem too hard to DIY something like that.

I think it would only really work for short trips where you stay in one place, as I've heard the bike Friday trailers aren't great for traveling with due to their width mostly.

This guy has written a lot about Brompton travel, check his ideas. https://sevenleagueboots.wordpress.com

Width is about 26" and I've never found it to be an issue at all when touring. I still prefer panniers since the overall weight is less, but the trailer works fine on trips where I need to transport the suitcase.