Please help choose my Brompton's colour!
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2009
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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?
#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
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.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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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.
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.
#4
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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!
#5
Bicycling Gnome
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,877
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From: 55.0N 1.59W
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!
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.
#6
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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?
#7
Bicycling Gnome
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,877
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From: 55.0N 1.59W
#8
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
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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.
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.
#9
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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?
#10
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Joined: Sep 2004
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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).
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#11
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
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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#
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#
#12
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
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#
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#
#14
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Joined: Jan 2009
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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 :-))
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 :-))
#15
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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.
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#16
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.
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.
#18
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
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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
Here's my *new* M6R-X (in orange!)
https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/pho...eat=directlink
Mad Cabbage
#19
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 !!!
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 !!!
#20
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 !!!
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 !!!
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
#21
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
The best colour? There really is no contest, it has to be the Raw Lacquer
#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
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.
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.
vic
#23
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?
#24
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





