Welp, ordered a Brompton
 

I just couldn't wait to see if I wanted the new H-type so I found what I wanted with Channell Wasson and placed the order. Mostly because he had the bike ready to go. Other shops either didn't have the color, gearing (or had a delay in converting the stock 6), etc.

Basic black ML6 with the reduced gearing and stock Brompton Kevlar tires. I'd thought seriously about the Marathons but as this will be primarily used on paved bike paths I think the stock tires are a bit more free-running and should be sturdy enough. I can't remember the last time I got a flat.

I also got the extended seat post and firm suspension block but no luggage items. I usually carry a small Mountainsmith lumbar pack for water and misc. I'll have to see about maybe the front luggage options down the road. Also, will try the stock saddle for a while but may switch to a Brooks B-17 down the road. I've got one on my MTB so I can try it and see.

Appreciate all the advice I've gotten here and wading through the many Brompton threads. I've learned just enough to be dangerous...

Good stuff. I find it hard to believe anyone would want a ride as upright as with the H bar, plus it would've added weight to the bike (as would have Marathons).

The additional 60mm height of the H-type is probably too much for me based on being 6'. You can move the M bars slightly inwards w/o affecting the fold and that gives you a more upright position if you want it.

Woohoo! Welcome to the club.

I've got an M3L and love it. Please post pix when you have it in hand.

Channell already sent it out. I'm guessing Monday or Tuesday and will put up photos when it arrives. Maybe I'll put the Brooks on it first just for style points. :D

If you get tired of that back pack , the front shopping basket may swallow it up, easily
or you can get one of their other bags and sling it over your shoulder off the bike .

the weight up front really does IMHO steady the handling..

I may add the luggage block and a bag down the road. I was just feeling too poor after sending $1400 to Folda-Bike. ;)

money well spent! you will get in return years and miles of enjoyment!

I bought this to help further my philosophy - "Always Have A Bike". It will fit in the trunk of my wife's hybrid or the back of my Land Cruiser. I don't have a rack on my wife's car but do on the LC. Problem is, if I think I *might* want to go for a ride, I have to load up my full size bike. With the Brompton, I can simply leave it in either vehicle and ride more impulsively; no planning required. It will also fit under the rear seat of my PleasureWay Traverse camping van which means I've got a no-brainer bike with me whenever I go camping.

It's a beautiful thing!

Sorry about missing this particular thread, CSG. I am really happy for you and wish may years of riding for both you and your wife. Trust me, she will love it too. I look forward to your posted photos when they are up.

I did not buy everything up front at my Brompton's initial purchase. I either bought or sewed the accessories for the bike over the 5 years I had mine.

Below here are 2 self-made designs I did for my own Brompton. At the time of each project, there was no Brompton dealer close by to buy either a bag or a slipcover for my bike. I ordered a luggage block plus a Front Brompton Metal Carrier Frame (frame only) from Channell. When the package arrived, I went ahead and drafted 2 patterns and sewed up my own versions of these 2 accessories.

My wife hasn't ridden a bike for 30 years or more and has no interest. Her loss.

I'll probably break down and get some sort of Brompton bag in the future as I'm too lazy to look at all the alternatives. I've thought about just the block and frame but we'll see.

It's SoCal that offers my favorite riding but then I grew up down there.

You did? I am rather sorry that you left us. I am sure that the reasons had to be very good for you to move away.

I left in 1994 and all the reasons were political so not really appropriate to discuss here. Let's just leave it at I don't miss it all that much. I get my fill on our annual trips there. That gives me all the California I want or need. ;)

I like riding on the beach trails but there are some spectacular places elsewhere too. It's just the seasons are shorter.

The whole benefit of the Brompton will be to always have a bike on my travels without the hassles of taking my mountain bike.

I'll see you for a couple weeks when the snow flies later this year or early next. ;)