Still Pedaling

Well I finally made a decision regarding the replacement for those Adventure bikes I bought a couple of months ago. I went to a great store here in Tempe AZ called Portapedal Bike ( potapedalbike.com ). They deal strictly with fold up bikes. Its run by wonderful people. After looking at a number of models from Tern and Dahon I made a decision to go with a Brompton. Unfortunately I had to go into debt to get it, but both my wife and I fell in love with the bike. I know its waaay beyond what I planned to spend, but the quality etc., is absolutely awesome. The whole concept of the bike suited our needs to a tee. It folds so neatly and compact that you can put it practically anywhere. We spoke to a number of people who were at the store who are Brommie owners. One couple mentioned that they travel around the world a lot (must be nice) and are able to put their bikes in the overhead compartments on the plane. That really impressed me. They started a website called bromptonmafia.com . Lots of pictures to browse.

I know that I am going to have this bike for many, many years and I feel it will perform well with, hopefully, no, or at least, few problems down the road. My wife and I are going to save up for a second one, but in the mean time, I will ride my mountain bike when we are able to ride together and my wife can ride the Brommie. Here are some pics I took this morning. I'm a bit frustrated because since I picked up the bike it has done nothing but rain. This is the first time I recall getting ticked off because of the rain here because when it does rain on the occasion we sort of rejoice. People out east or perhaps up north must think we are wacko here due to our getting excited over rain , but I'm not smiling now. I'm dying to get out on the bike -- errrrrr

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Cheers
Wayne

Pinigis 

Wow! Congratulations! That is one hell of a step up from the Adventure Bikes. I am sure that you will enjoy your Brompton.

Call Me Al

Looks very pretty. Enjoy.

Still Pedaling

Thanks

It surely is a step up alright -- from one extreme to the other. Its like moving up from a Yugo to a Ferrari.

darukhan

Woohoo! Like Paul stated... that's quite the step up from your first folders! Congratulations. Fun color combo too. I see Bromptons here in Chicago, but I rarely see two-tone Brommies. Enjoy!

Still Pedaling

It be pretty. Since my wife was kind enough to agree to put ourselves in debt, I let her choose the color. We really do think so much alike because I would have chosen the same one. Although we both liked the "all raw lacquer" as well. It showed the color of the brazed joints. Very unique.

cplager

You think Bromptons are expensive? Try a velomobile. Often into 5 digits (in dollars or euros).

One velonaut, when asked how much his bicycle cost responded: "A lot less than quadruple bypass surgery."

Sometimes you need to spend more money than you want to get the right tool for the job. Life's short, but may be prolonged by bicycling, so, well, don't sweat it too much.

That's a really long way to say congratulations.

jur

You are taking the well trodden steps of people getting into folding bikes.

First, one tends to look at the ones with the lowest price tag. (Oh look at this Alice, how bad can it be?)

The new purchase is then ridden for a time, providing enjoyment but even more importantly, experience. During this phase, one begins to appreciate the difference in quality between various brands.

And then the itching begins. (Wow, just look at how tiny the Brompton folds! And Alice, the quality - impeccable!) This phase is followed by the budgeting and justification phase which culminates in the purchase.

The next phase is a huge enjoyment riding the quality purchase, realising how well spent the money is.

Be warned, that is not the last phase. The last phase is a phase of realising that folding bikes are like chocolates - one is not enough. They are all different. This phase is characterised by spending all free time on this forum, posting pics of your steeds, poring over others' stables, and increasing your own collection. This final stage is called folderitis and is almost incurable.

You, dear sir, are displaying a very rapid progression.

Congrats!

Still Pedaling

I have yet to see any out where I am, but I'm sure when I get a chance to ride after the rain stops I might come across a few. Strangest thing. The morning I left to pick up the bike, I thought I would check out craigslist for any used ones just for fun. I looked at all major cities across the country and only came up with one used Brompton for sale in LA. It was an older one and he wanted $1300 for it. All I can say is they sure hold their value. There are tons of them sold in NY, Chicago etc., and nothing used available. I guess they really love their Brommies.

Cheers
Wayne

Still Pedaling

Wow! 5 digits. They must be made for those who have good standing with the "Heavy Wallet Brigade".

You are so right about life being short, but prolonged by cycling. Yes, it sure cost us a packet, but its worth it -- and I'm certainly not going to sweat it. The only sweat will come while riding .

1nterceptor

Congrats on the new ride!
Don't be afraid to ride it in the rain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeZhBw3cjI

Still Pedaling

That WAS definitely my situation. Waiting to enjoy the next phase now -- "enjoyment riding the quality purchase". Hopefully the rain will stop sometime soon and out I go. "Folding bikes like chocolates". Love that phrase. We are, in fact, planning for the next Brommie (as soon as we pay down the loan on this one that is). It's like having kids. Its going to soon need a brother or sister.

fietsbob

the new spider crank-set is a definite improvement. they keep doing little things ..
that 44 the tooth one?

does AZ all stop when it rains?

Pinigis 

We have these available now on our website at origamibicycles.com, and I can attest to the fact that they are amazingly bright. I have spent a couple of nights out with one over the past two weeks and this light was brighter and whiter than most car headlights. You do have to be careful not to point it into the faces of oncoming drivers.

Still Pedaling

Cool video. That light is pretty powerful. I should probably consider something like that soon as daylight is getting shorter now.

Was that a Go Pro or Contour cam you are using? Pretty decent low light capabilities.

Once the newness wares off a bit I won't be too concerned about being in the rain. Only thing is, it rarely rains here. That's a good thing .

bhkyte

Well played.
Good idea to try out the concept of a folder then comit to a long term bike. Often cheaper in long run. I went though a lot of bikes but enjoyed the process and managed not to lose money.
Brompton concept is good and versitile, it can carry a lot of stuff and be comfortable in many situations. Its not perfect, like all folders.

Buying new good idea, spider crank, doulbe wall rims? And better levers are much needed upgrades imo.

I have a very good condition, upgraded mark2, which proves the longivity you expressed, and I can fit all modern brommie bits other than the front frame halves!

BassNotBass

WOW! Congrats on getting the Brommie! It's one thing to read about the bike but nothing short of awesome in person.

kamtsa

Congratulations. Great looking bike! Here is a very useful accessory for it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67DfSoxRts0

fusilierdan

Congrats on the Brommie. You'll never have to buy another bike for yourself. Wiley of your wife to let you get the first one. Now she has time to research different features to get ones she wants. I hope you enjoy the bike. My wife and I both have Dahons and use them often while travelling and for paths closer to home.

kamtsa

They have a very nice selection of folders. You are lucky.

https://portapedalbike.com/products-page/bikes/

Still Pedaling

Lucky -- you bet. An awesome store run by awesome people. Very friendly and helpful. It's a good drive from where I live, but worth every mile.

Still Pedaling

We are definitely going to try and save for a second one. While she can ride this one when ever she wants, we will be mindful of her needs when purchasing the second one, if that be the case. Not sure when that will be as they are a lot of money, to say the least. If we feel that we can't afford another Brommie, we will purchase something else. She can ride the Brommie whenever she wants and especially when we ride together. I have it during the week everyday anyway . We purchased it together, so really it is both our bike.

Still Pedaling

That is so funny -- where can I get one

Still Pedaling

Man, isn't that the truth. I'm really happy that we took the plunge. Yes it's a lot of money and we are in debt for it, but it will be worth it in the long run. You could say that its somewhat of an investment. There's hardly any used ones to be found and those that are available are not selling for much less than what the original purchase price was. One thing for sure, because this was made in England, if the day comes when or if they start making them in other parts of the world like China, for example, those that are made in the UK will only go up in value because they will be highly sought after. Something to consider.

Still Pedaling

I have to agree regarding the levers. For such a quality bike, they really missed in that department. One would think that better quality ones should have been used.