Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Please help choose my Brompton's colour!

Search
Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Please help choose my Brompton's colour!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-22-09 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Please help choose my Brompton's colour!

Yes I know it's all subjective but would love to have some opimions... I understand all Bromptons are now shipping with matt not gloss colours (in uk at least). I was going to go for black but it's a bit predictable and maybe less safe in grey rainy Britain! I quite like the look of red or orange - which look cool with the twenty-something slim guys riding them in the brochure, but would it just be sad for someone a decade or two older and not quite so svelte and also would it ruin potential resale? Anyone out there got an orange one and love/hate it?
eminegrise is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 11:25 AM
  #2  
Bicycling Gnome
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 1
From: 55.0N 1.59W
Raw Laquer.

There is no other choice from my point of view. I LOVE the way you can see the steel and brass where the frame is brazed - beautiful and puts you in touch with the engineering that has gone into the bike.


Also - who cares about 'svelt' young guys and how they look or what WE older guys look like? Not me. I ride and enjoy and give not a 'fig' (or the other f word) for what anybody thinks!!



Enjoy it whatever you get.

EDIT:
And don't worry about re-sale value. If you have any soul - you'll never part with it.

https://www.greenspeed.com.au/brompton/raw.html



Last edited by EvilV; 02-22-09 at 11:33 AM.
EvilV is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 11:50 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: Mid-Atlantic

Bikes: A bunch

The light colors look nice with a contrasting scheme in the fork and rear triangle. I've got an orange S6 Brompton with titanium superlight triangle and fork, and colors like Turkish Green (a.k.a. turquoise blue) and the now-discontinued ivory look nice with black extremities. I wouldn't worry about resale. They all sell well second-hand.

I agree that the raw lacquer is nice if you want a dark colored and unique finish. I don't think it is the only good scheme or necessarily the best choice. It costs more because the frame needs extra prep by hand before coating.

I recommend you get whatever color you like best.
CHenry is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 11:58 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Oh no - why did you have to show me pictures of that one! I'd dismissed it without really looking because of the price but - yes you are completely right - it looks fantastic. Maybe I should do without any lights and get that instead. I just hope owning the bike will be as pleasurable as choosing the spec!
eminegrise is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 12:00 PM
  #5  
Bicycling Gnome
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 1
From: 55.0N 1.59W
Originally Posted by eminegrise
Oh no - why did you have to show me pictures of that one! I'd dismissed it without really looking because of the price but - yes you are completely right - it looks fantastic. Maybe I should do without any lights and get that instead. I just hope owning the bike will be as pleasurable as choosing the spec!
Oh - I'm quite sure that owning it will be a delight as long as you can get over the worry of having some sub-human stealing it. Just take it with you everywhere you go, and make sure that the only thing you chain it to is your wrist when you are asleep and everything will be fine.

If the lights are that expensive just stick a couple of £5 blinkies on it and get the raw lacquer - that's a no brainer. The more you ride it in daylight, the more pleasure you'll get from just looking at it.

EvilV is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 12:02 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I guess you're right - ultimately I've got to choose. It's quite hard though as my local dealer only has black in stock and I don't see that many around here to judge what the colours are like - pictures never really do them justice do they?
eminegrise is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 12:06 PM
  #7  
Bicycling Gnome
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 1
From: 55.0N 1.59W
Originally Posted by eminegrise
I guess you're right - ultimately I've got to choose. It's quite hard though as my local dealer only has black in stock and I don't see that many around here to judge what the colours are like - pictures never really do them justice do they?
I have seen mulleady's raw lacquer and it is just like that photo. It's a lot prettier than he is....

EvilV is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 12:43 PM
  #8  
PDR
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK

Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike

I spent quite a bit of time studying the various colours and kept coming back to just one finish....
My order went in on the 12 Jan so I should be getting my new Brompton within the next couple of weeks....
I chose a 2 speed, S-type, lightweight in Raw Lacquer

I will post up some photos when it arrives.
PDR is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 01:50 PM
  #9  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
That's interesting to know and would love to see the pictures (although will hopefully have ordered mine within next week or so). What lighting option did you go for? It's amazing how much time you can spend thinking about every aspect of a purchase like this isn't it?
eminegrise is offline  
Reply
Old 02-22-09 | 03:54 PM
  #10  
LittlePixel's Avatar
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 4
From: London UK

Bikes: 1982 Raleigh Twenty Hotrod Fixie; 1984 Peugeot Premier Fixie, 2007 Merc Lightweight folder

I think the only colours that look good in the new matt colour palette are the military drab ones - there's a sand one for definite and I think there's also a sort of slightly olive green. Beyond that - black is good but as you point out a bit unimaginative, and of course the lovely raw lacquer (though this probably looks diferent in matt too). The other colours just look like primer or bloom from being in the sun too long (IMHO).
LittlePixel is offline  
Reply
Old 02-23-09 | 09:58 AM
  #11  
PDR
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK

Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike

Yes it is fun going through the specs...
I chose the S-type, 2-speed, lightweight, Stelvio tyres, no rack, guards or lighting system.
My aim is to keep the bike as light as possible. I will fit a set of lightweight LED lights only when I need them. As for guards, none of my bike are fitted with them as I prefer the sportier look.

To be honest I have only gotten soaked with the rain about 3 times during the last 18 months of train/bike commuting so I don’t need guards. I normally have several pairs of lightweight over-trousers at home and work so I can grab a pair if it is chucking it down.

Oh, and here is a link to frame colours:
https://www.brompton.co.uk/explorer/bikes/index.asp?s=4#
PDR is offline  
Reply
Old 02-23-09 | 04:11 PM
  #12  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by PDR
Yes it is fun going through the specs...
I chose the S-type, 2-speed, lightweight, Stelvio tyres, no rack, guards or lighting system.
My aim is to keep the bike as light as possible. I will fit a set of lightweight LED lights only when I need them. As for guards, none of my bike are fitted with them as I prefer the sportier look.

To be honest I have only gotten soaked with the rain about 3 times during the last 18 months of train/bike commuting so I don’t need guards. I normally have several pairs of lightweight over-trousers at home and work so I can grab a pair if it is chucking it down.

Oh, and here is a link to frame colours:
https://www.brompton.co.uk/explorer/bikes/index.asp?s=4#
Thanks PDR - I'm in Wales and it's more often wet than not so probably will have the mudguards even though I agree about the look. I checked out the colours on the website but they have all changed to matt colours - even the laquered one apparently. I called Brompton today and they were unable to send me photos of the new colours or say when the website would be updated. Shame. Also was disappointed to hear they don't let people visit the factory - I'd got some idea in my head it would be like Morgan cars; you know an old traditional British company that you could visit and watch your bike being built. Perhaps I'm living in the past! If anyone can sed a photo of the new matt laquered finish I'd be very grateful.
eminegrise is offline  
Reply
Old 02-23-09 | 05:44 PM
  #13  
parcoju's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
I was going to say white because I always saw it as the "purest" color, but the Raw Lacquer tops white by miles. You get to see the welds in its "purest" form, so yes, raw lacquer gets my vote.
parcoju is offline  
Reply
Old 03-23-09 | 08:20 AM
  #14  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
In case you haven't ordered....

The raw laquer does look stunning, but if you want to be seen, go for the white - looks really good, the acid yellow (if you like flou green/yellow clothes - this is for you) The flamingo pink or orange (also available in matching clothes!)

I own an orange/black, and have just ordered a orange superlight (couldn't afford to change my clothes :-))
MadCabbage is offline  
Reply
Old 03-23-09 | 09:28 AM
  #15  
neilfein's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,798
Likes: 1
From: Highland Park, NJ, USA

Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.

The raw is very handsome, but I'd get the yellow if that weren't an option.
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix

My bands:
neilfein is offline  
Reply
Old 03-23-09 | 10:03 AM
  #16  
PDR
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK

Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike

I have seen a yellow Brompton in a Bike Store and it did look good.
I also saw a guy riding yellow one down to the railway station... so have had the chance to see a “S” type yellow Brompton in a real-world situation, in motion, being ridden by someone and not just on static display.... and yes it still looked really good.
PDR is offline  
Reply
Old 03-23-09 | 11:57 AM
  #17  
Herbie
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
YELLOW is a nice color for a Brommie

RED is nice too, but maybe too common

Y E L L O W


Yeah, yellow.....
Driver88 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 02:36 AM
  #18  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
The Future's Bright

Orange is a great success....
Here's my *new* M6R-X (in orange!)

https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/pho...eat=directlink
Mad Cabbage
MadCabbage is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 07:09 AM
  #19  
gringo_gus's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 638
Likes: 2
From: NW England/Aveiro

Bikes: Joey Sport; Mezzo D9;Curve D3; Surly LHT self build cargoesque

well, I have been whiling away more hours of my life than I spend on my bike on this, which might help the op

https://site.nycewheels.com/Brompton/.../brompton.html

Click on the frame and extremities colours and they will appear on the bike.

Enjoy, and kudos nycewheels !!!
gringo_gus is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 08:24 AM
  #20  
kamtsa's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by gringo_gus
well, I have been whiling away more hours of my life than I spend on my bike on this, which might help the op

https://site.nycewheels.com/Brompton/.../brompton.html

Click on the frame and extremities colours and they will appear on the bike.

Enjoy, and kudos nycewheels !!!
Awesome!

My wish list:
1. Add a 'link to' feature that creates a link with the selected colors.
2. Add a similar page for Bike Friday NWT.

Thanks,

Kam
kamtsa is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 08:30 AM
  #21  
PDR
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK

Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike

That is a really useful tool.
The best colour? There really is no contest, it has to be the Raw Lacquer
PDR is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 11:08 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, SF California

Bikes: Dahon Speed TR and Dahon Speed Pro TT

Originally Posted by PDR
I spent quite a bit of time studying the various colours and kept coming back to just one finish....
My order went in on the 12 Jan so I should be getting my new Brompton within the next couple of weeks....
I chose a 2 speed, S-type, lightweight in Raw Lacquer

I will post up some photos when it arrives.
so it's taking that long for your order to ship. that's about 4 months of anticipation, sleepless nights, anxiety, excitement....

vic
vmaniqui is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 11:26 AM
  #23  
folder fanatic's Avatar
Banned.
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 3
From: Anti Social Media-Land
Originally Posted by eminegrise
Yes I know it's all subjective but would love to have some opimions... I understand all Bromptons are now shipping with matt not gloss colours (in uk at least). I was going to go for black but it's a bit predictable and maybe less safe in grey rainy Britain! I quite like the look of red or orange - which look cool with the twenty-something slim guys riding them in the brochure, but would it just be sad for someone a decade or two older and not quite so svelte and also would it ruin potential resale? Anyone out there got an orange one and love/hate it?
When I purchased my own Brompton 3 years ago, there were no options for my model except for all red. And the other models did not offer much in the way of color or finish choices. Now is the time to consider a nice color/finish for a new Brompton. I will be back in the folding bike market within a year or so. I already have my heart and the choice is clear-Raw Laquer. The matte finish will add greatly to the bike's appeal too. Together they will define my new bike as a postmodern bike of the 21st Century. That is the theme of the next Brompton. My present one is more of a retro-60s/70s stingray type of bike as you can see in these photos:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
Proud To Be A Brompton.jpg (99.1 KB, 27 views)
folder fanatic is offline  
Reply
Old 05-12-09 | 02:10 PM
  #24  
PDR
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK

Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike

Originally Posted by vmaniqui
so it's taking that long for your order to ship. that's about 4 months of anticipation, sleepless nights, anxiety, excitement....

vic
Bike was ordered on the 12/01/09 and arrived 26/03/09.... there was a bit of a delay.
PDR is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.