Dynocoaster 

I talked to Kat at Calhoun and she says they ship to Canada
https://www.calhouncycle.com/productc...?idCategory=95

The Limited Edition london has cool graphics.

Purpleorchid

Oooh...they have a raw lacquer M6L!

matchpoints

Found this a little while back.
Brompton for Sale on Kijiji
I had e-mailed the poster before and here are the pics I got from him. He's in Ontario.


A bit outside my budget so I bought a Tern D8 from Thor to get me by Now looking at the Mezzo D10's....maybe one day I might spring for a Brompton....

feijai

Ozonation, this may be too late of a comment, but you may wind up being quite disappointed with the Brompton after test-riding it. Even with its seat pushed all the way back, the Brompton has an extremely short reach, among the shortest of any of the common folding bicycles made. At 5'11" you'll find yourself stuck with a very upright bike posture. This can only be slightly compensated by getting the Model S, which angles further down but gives you a very slightly larger (diagonal) reach as a result. In combination with the Brompton's notoriously short mechanical trail, I found the Model S to be surprisingly unsafe-feeling. Putting it gently, the Brompton is sized for the, erm, diminutive amongst us.

From what I gather Tern generally has about the same reach as Dahons, which is to say, between one and two inches more than the Brompton. That's a really big difference.

My bet is: if you actually get your hands on a Brompton and a Tern, even as awesome as you've found the Brompton online, you'll buy a Tern.

fietsbob

With their Saddle adapter Pin, on the extended seat pillar ,
I was able to get a comfortable reach. and more setback..
with my Mk2, M3L with the longer frame of the Mk4 bike there is little need,
the top tube length is:

24", 61cm.. the same saddle adapter pin is used to make the reach shorter ,
placing it pointing ahead of the seat post.
and placing the seat clamp above the SAP.

chagzuki

I think the reach/cockpit length on Bromptons is actually generally longer than Dahons. With the M handlebars there's scope to move them forwards or backwards by an inch or so each way and the S and P types have the bars about 5cm further forward than the M type. Combine that with the option to put the saddle clamp (pentaclip) facing forwards or rearwards and there's a lot of scope for adjustment.
The shorter wheelbase pre-2004 Bromptons had a short cockpit.

Ozonation

Not too late. I decided to shop around some more. If I do buy a Brompton, I might buy from NYCE given that they have more in stock and the colour combo I want.

Hmmm... inical mentioned Urban Cycle in Toronto, I went to their website, and saw their Bike Friday offerings. And since then, I've read a slew of "Brompton vs Bike Friday Tikit" comparisons. I'm sure some of you have seen this one:

"At my height and reach (fairly average), the Brompton M3L was pretty cramped, and though the S2L allowed a bit more reach, it did so by having handlebars so far down (for me) as to feel very unsafe. If you're an average-sized male, only get a Brompton if you must fold down to its level of compactness." https://cs.gmu.edu/~sean/stuff/tikit/four.html

This got me thinking... on my current hybrid, I have the seat pushed back as far as possible for comfort. I'm 5'11" and don't have a slim build so I do like some "roominess". At the same time, I'm considering a folder precisely for its efficiency in going from place to place. So, I don't want to end with a bike that I won't want use because: a) it's uncomfortable; or b) it's cumbersome to travel with.

Agrhh... I wish that I could easily get to Toronto maybe try them out, but my work schedule is just awful and I can't get away anytime soon. I'm relying heavily on user comments. I got to say that this has got to be one of the most useful forums I've been in. You be amazed (maybe not) what people write in photography and Apple (Mac) forums...

jur

It's been a long time since I used the Birdy. Because I go shopping often from work, having the Brommie is very convenient. It's gearing is more than adequate for commuting. For road rides, I use the Swift. For long rambles with Connie on bike paths and the like, I use the Moulton. So there isn't any pressing need for the Birdy once I got the Brommie, so now I am actively planning to sell it.

feijai

Two years back I took a measuring tape and compared a brand-new (2010) Brompton model M and model S, Dahon Speed P8, older 2005 Dahon Helios P8, and three 2008 Bike Friday Tikits (small, large, medium), at the same handlebar and seat height (mine). The Models M and S were pushed out (seat and handlebars) as they could go. I no longer have the exact measurements, but here's the rough ordering I had found:

Brompton Model M = Small Tikit < Brompton Model S (generously) = All Measured Dahons <= Medium Tikit (depending on stem) < Large Tikit

You can do various hacks to the saddle to extend the reach on most of these bikes, but the you're moving into serious wheelie-bike territory. It's not as good as buying a longer top tube or adding a longer front stem, neither of which the Brompton can do.

If Brompton's extended their frame further, maybe I oughta repeat this test.

I'd hope I'd seen it -- I wrote it!

I gotta update that site, it's getting long in the tooth. For example jur has determined that current Bromptons can be fitted with Scorcher tires.

All I'm saying is: you definitely want to try, and for an extended time, before you buy.

As to tikits: Bike Friday can build a tikit for your weight, but it'll cost more (the "heavy rider upgrade"). My first inclination would be Tern.

chagzuki

I've got a Brompton and 2 Dahons, when I got the Brompton I spent quite some time measuring stuff to make the cockpit the same as my 20" Dahon. So I stand by my claim. My Brompton is a second-hand short-wheelbase version and with an M stem/handlebar I was able to match the Dahon cockpit by rotating the handlebars forward. Then I put an S stem on it and now the cockpit is longer than my Dahon Vitesse, and that's with pentaclip angled forward. So with a LWB S or P type there's scope for a very large cockpit.

blakcloud

If you do order from NYCeWheels and have it shipped you will pay 13% sales tax, not duty. Which leaves the question is there duty to pay since the product is made in England and not America? You will also have to pay some type of brokerage fee depending on who they use to ship the bike. If FedEx or UPS count on an insane amount for brokerage charges. USPS is the best way to ship to Canada and then let Canada Post charge you the brokerage fee. Of course you could have it shipped to Detroit and then pick it up and drive it back over the border and hope for the best (not recommended for legal reasons).

My point is it may be better to buy in Canada, it may be a lot cheaper than you think. Curbside is a good place. I am awaiting their shipment of bikes so I can test drive a Brompton again.

Azreal911

They Ran outta bromptons!? maaan last time I had a whole wall to play around with and ride! The gas pipe main tube does feel alot beefier in person though.

Dynocoaster 

He are some ready to ship.
https://portapedalbike.com/products-page/brompton/

CSG

I live in a state where there are no folding bike dealers whatsoever. On a trip to California last year, I hit two bike shops that sold Dahon, Bike Friday, and Brompton. I also got to see the Giant variant. I was predisposed towards Brompton because of the fold, quirkiness, and cult. After thoroughly testing a variety of bikes, the Brompton was the easy choice. I got mine in basic black, added a Brooks B-17 saddle, and changed the grips to Ergons. I couldn't be happier with my choice. It's always with my in my rig unlike my fullsize bike. I've done 25-30 miles on it and it's great fun. Absolutely no regrets.

I should add that I'm 6' and 180. I find the bike to be an excellent fit with the extended length seatpost. I prefer a more upright riding position. I would definitely not buy ANY bike without giving it a good tryout.

folder fanatic

If you mean me, I use simple battery powered lights (front & rear) for all my bikes-including the Brompton. I don't as a rule ride at night. When I do so, I really like my Viewpoint Flair 5 LED Light From Performance Bike (Where I bought mine from a retail store nearby my residence). I have found it to be very bright, durable, and easy to move & attach between all my bikes. The only problem I experienced with it is putting the batteries in the right order & position.

As for bags, I make or adapt already sewn ones and now have too many bags-even with 3 bikes! The Easy Wheel upgrade is something that I should have placed on my own bike when I bought my own Brompton. Those awful little crappy wheels that came with the bike is not up to the task of wheeling the bike around high enough off the ground when folded up.

One more simple Brompton made accessory that I added and strongly recommend is the Seat Pillar Rubber Bung . It is described as "......fits into the lower end of the seat post. When the Brompton is folded, the bung retains contact with the ground to prevent the bike from rolling away on a slanted surface....."-https://www.foldabikes.com/PriceListHTML/npricelist.php Also listed at: https://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-a-eazy-bung.html I have one on my bottom of my seatpost. I noticed that it also serves to protect the bag's bottom from getting holes in it as it did before I bought the part. And it seems to protect my wooden floors at home.

Well, I think your wife will be interested in a Brompton. How do I know this? I am female and a bit wary of Bromptons before I bought mine. After I lived with it for a month or so and saw how well it integrated into my lifestyle, I became so pleased and happy with my purchase. I felt that I used the little money my father's estate left me very wisely for this particular bike.

Now for the color issue. That is a very important and personal one which should not be rushed or glossed over. If you are like me, you will be living with that particular bike for a very, very long time. The color will "speak" and draw you to ride and enjoy your bike far more than if you pick out any old color. Go the extra mile (and bike shop) to get you your dream Brompton. If you are happy, that is the most important point of owning the Brompton of all.

Purpleorchid

There's also the new for 2012 H model. The difference between the H and M models is the handlebar height. The actual handlebar post and handlebars are identical between the H and M. But the H frame has an extra 2.5" stem where the handlebar post inserts into the frame while the M doesn't have it. The extra stem doesn't change the folded size, but it apparently affords a little more fore/aft (by rotating the handle bars) than the M in addition to the more upright riding position. I can't picture how there would be more fore/aft rotating adjustments though with a 2.5" stem height increase.

Anyhow, I liked the H riding position over the M when I test rode them.

Good luck in your search!

Ozonation

Well, no decision yet! I'm going back and forth on the pros and cons. That Tern Verge s11i looks sweet! Not sure how compact a Tern is when folded. I've looked for Bromptons - or just about anything else - and very few bike shops in Michigan or Ohio carry any sort of folding bike model to physically try out. So, unless I'm able to get to Toronto and assuming Bromptons and others are in stock to try out, I may have to take a chance.

I almost feel obligated to pursue a Brompton on principle: another poster mentioned "quirky"? I'm sure I qualify! I have a quirky cat, use a Mac, shoot Nikon, have several Tom Bihn bags, Saddleback Leather briefcase, and work in academia. Ah, nothing like stereotyping...

And yes, I'd rather patronize Canadian shops if possible, but I'd like to get the bike in the next two weeks because I will start traveling mid-May. Ordering from the US seems faster. If I order from the US, I'm pretty sure duty is 13% in addition to regular taxes because bikes are specifically mentioned by Revenue Canada and a Brompton would not have been made in Canada, US, or Mexico to qualify under NAFTA. I ordered a mok jong (kung fu training dummy) from the US and because it was sourced and made in the good ol' US of A, no duty, just tax. However, we went shopping at IKEA in Michigan and got dinged on almost all the furniture since it was originally made in Asia. Ah well...

Ozonation

Yes... after some consideration, the sage green did not speak to me. What the heck - I'm fussy!

blakcloud

Last November they had a Black Friday Sale at 20% off including Bromptons. They sold everyone they had that day.

CSG

Brompton in basic black with a tan Brooks B17 saddle is very becoming IMO. I looked at all the colors and played with the online configurator software that NYCE offers but in the end, black and that tan leather saddle was too elegant to not go with. For me, anyway. And if I'm going to ride a clown bike I want it to be a *masculine* clown bike.

feijai

If it's quirky you're after, and you don't need a tight fold (or indeed a good fold) you might be a good candidate for a Bike Friday. Designed to pack in a standard large suitcase, rides exceptionally well, and can be fitted precisely for you, including weight. Built by treehuggers 100% in Oregon, comes with an extraordinarily high customer satisfaction rating. A Pocket Rocket might be fun, though they start at about $1700. A Pocket Companion starts at $1000. You could do a Tikit too of course (folds well unlike the others): at your weight it'd probably run around $1300. BF also sells bikes direct, just call them up.

Ozonation

Hey thanks feijai. A Bike Friday will fit into a large suitcase? I wasn't sure. I was trying to figure out if Terns generally fit into a large suitcase as well. I guess it depends on the case!

As for Brompton colours... I saw in greater detail a few photos of one in raw laquer. It's pretty striking...

kamtsa

If you fly with the bike, you want a suitcase not larger than 62 linear inches (W + H + D).

Tern sells this one https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/node/6649

Brompton fits into this hard case with virtually no disassembly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh2GDokqlx4

BF sell these cases https://www.bikefriday.com/thestore/index.php?cPath=46 , check with them what fits what and with what level of disassembly.

People also fitted their folders in 'standard' cases. Search in this forum and see what you find.

If you want to contact BF, the best way is over the phone. They are very friendly and responsive.

Azreal911

pretty much most 20 inch bikes and under would fit into a large store bought suitcase. You just gotta work it a bit and it'll go. Another thing is if you are only doing this like 1-2 times a year then you would have more choices than a brompton. But if you do this every month where you want to pack it in a case then brompton is the only way to go else you'll get sick of taking the bike apart all the time.

feijai

Every BF ever made has fit into a large suitcase -- the tandems into two. It's BF's defining feature. See for example their head badge:



Which Terns fit, I cannot say. You might ask Thor.

Warning: though BF packs into a suitcase, expect it to take 30 minutes or so. It's not like Bromptons which just fold and can be tossed into cases (designed for them, not standard ones).