Brompton question
07-21-18 | 05:49 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 128
Likes: 2
Brompton question
if ease of folding and the compactness after folding is my main priority... is Brompton the way to go? While I can afford it the price seems extravagant. As I’m sure others have commented on the price as well. . But I am putting smallest fold as my priority and I love the way the back wheel swings underneath the frame with one quick move among other things
07-21-18 | 06:04 PM
#3
Stardust
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 377
Likes: 35
From: Rio de Janeiro
Bikes: Dahon Curve Sturmey Archer Srf8; Brompton Sturmey Archer Srf8; Brompton M6r
if ease of folding and the compactness after folding is my main priority... is Brompton the way to go? While I can afford it the price seems extravagant. As I’m sure others have commented on the price as well. . But I am putting smallest fold as my priority and I love the way the back wheel swings underneath the frame with one quick move among other things
07-21-18 | 07:44 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 98
From: NorCal
Bikes: Haibike Sduro Trekking SL, Rivendell Appaloosa, Concinnity singlespeed, KHS mini velo (Japan market), Trident Spike trike
You can't beat the fold. Most models come with a frame-mounted pump, but that tool kit you saw in the front of the frame is an extra $75. It's a nifty little device, but I don't like the metal tire levers.
07-21-18 | 08:21 PM
#7
LET'S ROLL
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 59
From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
To some people, they're too much money. To some folks, cost is justified.
For awhile I had 3 Bromptons; now I'm down to just 2.
Size Matters by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Exploring by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
For awhile I had 3 Bromptons; now I'm down to just 2.
Size Matters by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Exploring by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
__________________
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07-21-18 | 11:17 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 46
From: Inland Southern California
Bikes: 1963 Schwinn, EuroMini Urbano, Magnum Premium 48, Brompton S6L, Tokyo Bike Mini-Velo
The value of something is much more than what it costs....but also what it provides. Bromptons provide many things of VALUE which one may not find in other folding bikes:
It’s one of a kind “fold”
Renowned, european, hand-built craftsmanship
Known durability
Reverse upgradabilty
Numerous configuration options
Heirloom quality resale value
If any of these are on one’s list of requirements for a folding bicycle, then its VALUE is commensurate with the price.
If not, there are less costly choices offering different value propositions and different price-points.
Good luck with your decision process!
It’s one of a kind “fold”
Renowned, european, hand-built craftsmanship
Known durability
Reverse upgradabilty
Numerous configuration options
Heirloom quality resale value
If any of these are on one’s list of requirements for a folding bicycle, then its VALUE is commensurate with the price.
If not, there are less costly choices offering different value propositions and different price-points.
Good luck with your decision process!
07-22-18 | 12:16 AM
#9
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 5
From: France
Bikes: Brompton, Time, Bianchi, Jan Janssen, Peugeot
Metal tyre levers are obligatory if you have Schwalbe Marathons on the bike. You won’t get the tyres off with plastic ones, they’ll break. They’re another example of how well thought out this bike is.
07-22-18 | 05:20 AM
#10
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Bikes: 2017 Brompton Nickel H6L Superlight
The Brompton will fulfil your main requirement. Always worth testing one if you can which will help you to choose the spec you may require. I didn't test one but knew it would be fine and did a lot of reading about the various options and what would be best for a 6ft person with a dodgy back.. I went H6L with telescopic seat post.
Price wise, they're not cheap but nothing good ever is. For me the cost of ownership is more important and that includes resale. Not that I ever want to sell but it's nice to know it will retain a good amount of value should I wish to sell it.
Must admit I tend to keep the toolkit in my car most of the time to save a bit of weight. As the bike is mostly used for commuting at the moment (2 miles each way)) around an area I do not like, I would not want to try to change/repair a tyre at the side of the road.I'd rather push it the rest of the way or hail a taxi. On a long pleasure ride I'd put the toolkit in the frame.
I find they're a good conversation piece too. Just the other day I parked away from a tourist area then cycled to the area and when I returned later to pack it back into my car someone approached me to ask all about it.
Also been tempted to get a second one too so I can have one for pleasure and one for commuting but held off for now - depends how long I'll be working with my current client for. I like the orange and black combo of the black edition Only available in 2 or 6 speed and ideally would want 3 (already have a 6)
Had one puncture in about 11 months, the awkward rear. Took it to the shop as didn't have much time and they were great - even talked me through the entire process so I can do it myself next time. I might swap to Kojak tyres so I can get experience of a tube change. Overall low maintenance so far.
Price wise, they're not cheap but nothing good ever is. For me the cost of ownership is more important and that includes resale. Not that I ever want to sell but it's nice to know it will retain a good amount of value should I wish to sell it.
Must admit I tend to keep the toolkit in my car most of the time to save a bit of weight. As the bike is mostly used for commuting at the moment (2 miles each way)) around an area I do not like, I would not want to try to change/repair a tyre at the side of the road.I'd rather push it the rest of the way or hail a taxi. On a long pleasure ride I'd put the toolkit in the frame.
I find they're a good conversation piece too. Just the other day I parked away from a tourist area then cycled to the area and when I returned later to pack it back into my car someone approached me to ask all about it.
Also been tempted to get a second one too so I can have one for pleasure and one for commuting but held off for now - depends how long I'll be working with my current client for. I like the orange and black combo of the black edition Only available in 2 or 6 speed and ideally would want 3 (already have a 6)
Had one puncture in about 11 months, the awkward rear. Took it to the shop as didn't have much time and they were great - even talked me through the entire process so I can do it myself next time. I might swap to Kojak tyres so I can get experience of a tube change. Overall low maintenance so far.
Last edited by DarrenM343; 07-22-18 at 02:21 PM.
07-22-18 | 08:03 AM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 792
Likes: 20
From: New England
Bikes: Brompton M6R, Specialized Tricross Comp, Ellsworth Isis, Dahon Speed P8
-Smallest/easiest/fastest/funnest (in a puzzle game way) fold
-With rack/X-roller/EZ wheels, my favorite feature is how well it rolls while folded. Paired with a T-bag, it's my shopping cart in grocery stores; baby stroller for carting touring/camping gear through museums; and pull-behind wheeled carry-on luggage (descrete w/nylon cover) in fancy restaurants and hotels.
-With delicate and greasy bits folded inside, and the locking fold, it's my easiest bike to carry for distance, on staircases, and through narrow doors/hallways/trails (i.e., water-container/shoulder-carry style).
-Was also pretty easy to tune to be nearly as comfortable and aero/efficient as my 700x32 gravel bike.. I'm now indifferent to riding either on pure exercises rides (no folding) and still favor the Brompton more.
-With rack/X-roller/EZ wheels, my favorite feature is how well it rolls while folded. Paired with a T-bag, it's my shopping cart in grocery stores; baby stroller for carting touring/camping gear through museums; and pull-behind wheeled carry-on luggage (descrete w/nylon cover) in fancy restaurants and hotels.
-With delicate and greasy bits folded inside, and the locking fold, it's my easiest bike to carry for distance, on staircases, and through narrow doors/hallways/trails (i.e., water-container/shoulder-carry style).
-Was also pretty easy to tune to be nearly as comfortable and aero/efficient as my 700x32 gravel bike.. I'm now indifferent to riding either on pure exercises rides (no folding) and still favor the Brompton more.
07-22-18 | 09:18 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 456
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
So now you have confirmation that the fold is the smallest and fastest. If that's your primary criteria, then all you need to do now is decide between new and used and what gearing you want. Otoh, I highly encourage you to ride one. 90% of the people who ride them, love them and find the fit options adequate. There are a few of us who did
not find the fit workable, at least not without some very expensive after-market modifications (which might work or not). Go ride one. If you're in that 90%, you are all set!
You'll have a super portable bike that you can ride comfortably. If you find you're in that 10%, come back here and we can help direct you to plan B. Keep in mind a quality bike will last you a very long time if you take care of it, so don't let the cost throw you - in the long run, it always pays to buy a quality item. If you're only going to use it for a short time, ymmv.
not find the fit workable, at least not without some very expensive after-market modifications (which might work or not). Go ride one. If you're in that 90%, you are all set!
You'll have a super portable bike that you can ride comfortably. If you find you're in that 10%, come back here and we can help direct you to plan B. Keep in mind a quality bike will last you a very long time if you take care of it, so don't let the cost throw you - in the long run, it always pays to buy a quality item. If you're only going to use it for a short time, ymmv.
07-22-18 | 11:14 AM
#14
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 5
From: France
Bikes: Brompton, Time, Bianchi, Jan Janssen, Peugeot
So now you have confirmation that the fold is the smallest and fastest. If that's your primary criteria, then all you need to do now is decide between new and used and what gearing you want. Otoh, I highly encourage you to ride one. 90% of the people who ride them, love them and find the fit options adequate. There are a few of us who did
not find the fit workable, at least not without some very expensive after-market modifications (which might work or not). Go ride one. If you're in that 90%, you are all set!
You'll have a super portable bike that you can ride comfortably. If you find you're in that 10%, come back here and we can help direct you to plan B. Keep in mind a quality bike will last you a very long time if you take care of it, so don't let the cost throw you - in the long run, it always pays to buy a quality item. If you're only going to use it for a short time, ymmv.
not find the fit workable, at least not without some very expensive after-market modifications (which might work or not). Go ride one. If you're in that 90%, you are all set!
You'll have a super portable bike that you can ride comfortably. If you find you're in that 10%, come back here and we can help direct you to plan B. Keep in mind a quality bike will last you a very long time if you take care of it, so don't let the cost throw you - in the long run, it always pays to buy a quality item. If you're only going to use it for a short time, ymmv.
07-22-18 | 04:06 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,544
Likes: 456
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
it's the best for his criteria. You like to start trouble, don't you, lol. ;-)
