My Brompton S6L arrived, it’s exaclty as I wanted it and it’s awesome. Ive only clocked about 20 miles or so on it, Im perfectly happy with my choice of the standard gearing, it forces me to work just a little harder than either of my current bikes, and ultimately its faster, and I like how “taut” drivetrain is, compared to anything else I’ve ridden.

In pretty short order, Ive come to better understand the logic (if thats the right word) for the uncustomary drivetrain on the 6 speed, or at least quickly understand its strengths and how to maximize its quirkiness. Like.

Im not a particularly sophisticated cyclist...vintage beach cruisers are my primary depth of experience bicyclewise, but the Brompton fulfills several criteria for me including a low stepover for reduced range-of-motion from a THR, a small fold lending itself to mutli modal travel use, and it also tickles my penchant to defy convention in my two wheeled vehicles...it’s kinda quirky (and I find that a desirable feature). Additionally I appreciate the old-world characteristics in it’s production and it’s DNA. Employing skilled craftspeople, not robots in products I pursue, is something I value more and more as I march on.

My wife got one too (we recreate together almost exclusively) She chose an M6L, and seems to being enjoying it too. She is particularly enamored with the “sound of Cicadas” the Brompton makes in several gears. Having owned and ridden several motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles she is eager to get to know, and enjoy her conveyances.

So, there is my first impressions of this unique, and sometimes controversial bicycle offering. More to come, but so far soo good Bromptonwise in my world.


Taking a little breather (me that is)

Almost so easy it hurts,

Shouldnt be too hard to configure....

Update: interviewed by a neighbor...bike “parked” on driveway.

Neighbor: “Did the frame give?”
FolderBeholder: “No....it’s designed that way”
Neighbor: Oh. Why?
FolderBeholder: “Its part of its folding system. Its almost pocket sized!”
Neighbor: Really?
FolderBeholder: “Well, that might be a bit of an embellishment, but it DOES offer one of the fastest, smallest folds around”
Proceeds to un-park bike for neighbor as a demonstration-point....
Neighbor: “Don’t you worry about it folding up while youre riding it?”
FolderBeholder: “Nope...I worry about other things, but having this fold-up with me on isnt one if them. And anyway, it still
takes me a concerted effort and about a minute and a half to properly fold it up, others can do so in a
just a few seconds”
Neighbor: “OK...? Does it have gears?”
FolderBeholder: “ Yes....this is the six-speed model”
Neighbor: “I only see 2 sprockets...”
FolderBeholder: “It has a 3 speed hub, and 2 cogs. 3 X 2 equals six!”
Neighbor: “OK. Shifts here?” (Points to right side shifter)
FolderBeholder: “Yes, and here” (points to left side shifter)
Neighbor: “Sounds...complicated”
FolderBeholder: “Not really. Just think of it this way; When it says “1” here, youre in 1st or 2nd. Says “2”....youre in 3rd or 4th
and “3” is either 5th, or 6th gear depending on this (points left) setting. Easy!”
Neighbor: “Alrighty then. Well, keep the shiny side up man, and I hope that frame doesnt snap on you” (walks away slowly)
FolderBeholder: Haha, will do...thanks Ill be careful”

Anyway, really enjoying riding and getting to know this unique (around here anyway) bike. Im thinking about some Ergon GP1 grips for my S bars, and the missus is also wondering on some for her M type bars. Does anyone know which size Ergons will best fit? Thanks.

On average, how long did experienced Brompton riders take before they stopped hitting the parking wheels with their heels while pedaling?

....my bruising should be gone shortly

Haha, no, not long feet, Quite unremarkable ones at that.
Im certain it’s a problem with a loose nut (the one who holds the handlebars I mean)