Help me choose my Brompton
 

Hi all,

Yesterday I sold my NWT so I have room for a second folder. I am thinking of a super folder for short rides to complement the TSR. The natural choice is a Brompton and I am considering this configuration.

* M type (low weight)
* 6 speed lowered gear
* No mudguard (it's sunny around here)
* No rack (light and simple)
* Standard seat pillar (light)
* Brompton saddle (don't plan long rides)
* Brompton Kevlar tires (light)
* Firm suspension
* No lighting (light, can use battery light if needed)
* No front luggage
* Eazy wheels
* Cover and saddle bag (covering when getting into places)

My questions to you are

1. Anything in the above configuration I should change?

2. The brochure says that no-mudguard-no-rack option does not come with fitted pump. Where is that pump is fitted? Is it good? Can I buy the mudguard option and use the pump without the mudguards? Does it make sense?

3. If I don't have mud guards and rack, can I still park the bike in that signature Brompton semi fold standing position?

4. With the above configuration, will I be able to roll it easily when folded? Should I make any change here? (I read something about people using after market small wheels).

5. The minimal front luggage option in the brochure is Front Carrier Block Only. I don't plan to carry anything. Can I drop it from the order? Can I buy it latter if I change my mind? How much does it add to the weight?

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Kam

Here's my take.

1. I like the S bars better than the M. The S bars are still a good height, feel much more solid and weigh a bit less.

2. I’m not sure about this. As far as I’m aware of the only option that drops the cage for the pump mount is if you opt for the titanium model. But maybe that’s what you meant when you said “* M type (low weight)”.

3. Yes, the tire acts as the third contact point instead of the wheel on the mudguard.

4. Depends where you are doing this. The easy wheels glide over a smooth surface but if you were going to use them on anything more broken than sidewalk I would suggest using inline skate wheels. But honestly the easy wheels should handle 90% of your real world use. Easywheels are also pretty slim so it gives your heels a bit more room out back.

5. Drop it. This can easily be added later. Not sure of the weight but it is very light.

Front mounting block, then a Front bag, S bag the smallest.
[front basket, being simple, probably lightest]
you put your pump/patch kit/tube spare in it.

easiest partial fold, roll is the 4 easy-wheel set for the rack.


bolt to mount the rollers is M6, so if you want skate wheels,
make sure the bearing ID is big enough

S bar is significantly lower than the M bar,
so better if a shorter [or]
younger for the bending over flexible person.

if light is your priority, the X version uses Titanium front and back parts,
and an aluminum seat post

start at a bit over $2K, though..

I second the suggestion to keep the front block. It's very handy and weighs little.

I have an extra set of inline wheels and can help you put them on. It makes pushing the bike very easy with the seatpost raised. Only slight negative is a potential for heel strike, but one gets used to it quickly.

Your desired configuration is very similar to my current setup. You are welcome to come over and take a close look for yourself prior to buying. Just like we did for your TSR :)

Being in the SF bay just go to CM Wasson's shop in Palo Alto and ride the inventory.

Actually seeing your Brompton in the last folder ride, watching its fold and and riding it for few miles back to the fire station bumped it to the top of my wish list ;-)

Thanks for the pointer. I setup an appointment with him. Will also try the S handlebar as elzy suggests (thanks!). From the feedback here it seems that the minimal Brompton's 'rollability' will work well enough for me. I will get more clarity about the options after the meeting with the dealer. Will also ask him about the pump.

I am not considering the Titanium option. Insufficient benefit/cost for me.

Have a look at post #4 on this thread and you will see my minimalist titanium, 2-speed S-type
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ton-S3L-Review
It now sports a titanium railed Brooks Swift saddle.

I would keep the front luggage block as it weighs next to nothing.
S-Type bars are my favourite and give a much more sporty ride than the sit up and beg M-bars.
I'm really fond of the Schwalbe Kojak, light, fast and very puncture resistant (2 punctures in 2 years of daily use).
Rather than carry a pump, I have a co2 air chuck with me http://www.bicycleeverything.com/pro...-Chuck-SL.html

then don't sweat a gram here or there.. :rolleyes:

the clip is already on the steel rear section,
you just have to buy the pump, the one that they make the clip around, separately.

I'd keep the front block and lose the rear rack (as you already suggested). The front block is a great way to carry stuff and makes the bike much more useful. But YMMV.

Inline skate wheels were a good improvement over the Brompton wheels, IMO, and less expensive.

Oh ... I say keep the block since plans often change. The weight of the block isn't going to prevent you from winning (or losing) races. ;)

For me the rack makes the Brompton (despite the extra weight) as it allows for proper shopping cart functionality. I didn't realize how poorly the bike balances without a rack until I bought one second hand. . . luckily I found someone selling one for a good price.

Thanks everybody for the feedback. Things were moving faster than I planned. 24 hours after I sold my NWT I am a proud owner of a beautiful red Brompton. No mud guards, no rack, no front light, with rear light, straight handle bar, 6 gears (12% lower) and no front block or bag, Brompton saddle, Brompton Kevlar tires, standard seat post, easy wheels, and under the saddle bag and cover. The dealer customized it on the spot per my preferences and I liked the read color he had so did not have to special order.

He also had fascinating stories about his bike rides (including Brompton centuries and a Moluton UK to Russia trip) and his meeting with Alex Moluton but this i s another story.

In respective, getting easy wheels was not a good choice, compared to an after market inline wheel, but that's minor.

The bike looks simple clean and mean and it feels stiffer than I expected.

I will post the obligatory pictures from home.

Thanks again,

Kam

I bought my own Brompton off the shelf just as you did. Feel free about not adding upgrades right away, but as it proves to be a good item to add on as you get used to your new Brompton as I tried to do with mine. My CE3 "Companion" model is a bit more simple as it is only a 3 speed, Raleigh Record tires, and was very basic when first bought. Now at over 5 years of ownership, here it is with it's upgraded (added later over the years as needed) luggage block, 98 mm Scooter wheels substituted in place of Easy Wheels-though added after this photo was taken, Seat Pillar Rubber Bung, Nirve Beach Cruiser saddle, and traditional metal shifter:

Pics or it didn't happen :D

Here are pictures of my new Brompton. Took it this evening for a short ride. Was very happy with the gear range (6 gears, -12%) and the frame's stiffness. The ride is on the rough side compare to my TSR due to the smaller wheels and lack of suspension but I guess that this is the cost of super fold-ability. I may try wider tires if they fit instead of the Brompton Kevlar tires.

One problem I have is that at a slight right turn, the cable rubs the front wheel and makes noise. The dealer mentioned something about a missing part on the fork but thought that it will not matter. Apparently it does. Anybody can tell me what is the proper arrangement (a picture will be nice) so I can be more inform when talking with the dealer. I marked the location on the fork and the rubbing point with yellow circles below.

Thanks,

Kam

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Been along time since i posted a picture,just took the pic specially for you. Hope this works. You have the tab on fork for it. The little thingy is half round with a beveled edge so as to not cut into the brake cable. Ugly but effective. It comes standard with fenderless model E bike. With fender on of course its not needed as fender does the job. You could probably fabricate something quite easy for a temporary fix till you get factory one. Maybe a large washer or something. Make sure you smooth the edge of whatever you use is all.

Thanks ddez. Yes, this looks as the missing part. The bike came with fenders but I asked the dealer to take them off so this explains why the part is missing. I sent him email with your picture. As you said, I can improvise something until the part will arrive.

BTW, the dealer mentioned some missing part but thought that it protects the cable when folded. We looked at the folded bike and did not see any problem so dismissed it as an unnecessary part. Apparently it is not. ;-)

Kam

maybe a Zip Tie will suffice ?

Im thinking a zip tie wont allow it to fold and when turning right it would likely hold cable even tighter to the tire. The cable just hangs loose and the little washer dealy just holds it away from the tire when turning just as a fender does.

I think you need this
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brompton-...0c940676ed6c33

I'm also thinking of going fenderless for summer, I live in San Mateo, and commute to Sunnyvale, usually Caltain Hillsdale-MountainView, sometimes I ride evenings all the way, through Palo Alto very close to Charles Wasson's place. PM me if you want to go halves on the the postage for a UK order.

Hi Nigel, yes, it looks like the part I need. CW ordered the part for me so I think I will just improvise something until it will arrive. I purchased in the past from SJS (not Brompton related) and was very please with the service and shipping.

BTW, just looked Brompton spare part list at SJS, wow! this is the most extensive folding bike part list I have ever seen (mostly BF, Moulton and Dahon). Not to mention the inventory and expertise of the local dealer. I am impressed.

I second this. SJS has EVERYTHING. Shipping can be expensive and also consider your method of payment. Most credit cards will charge an additional 3% as a currency exchange fee.

I use SJS, they are a good company :thumb:

Fenders / Mudguards.... no thanks I prefer the the clean lines and sporty look of bikes without them. I've been commuting via train and folding bike for the last three years in all weathers and have not felt the need for horrid fenders yet.

Kamtsa, Your bike looks great :thumb: