My 2012 Brompton Review
 

Hello all!

I should have written this review a year ago when I bought it, but here it is if you are interested in getting a Brompton. Oops, I somehow couldn't link it. Here is the address. http://ilovebikingsf.com/2013/03/04/...-bikes-review/

Hope it helps.

Happy cycling!

Chris

Thanks, Chris. I learned from the review about the Tern Aiporter Mini option and its limitations.

An excellent review! I like reviews that give a bit of context (your prior trips to Europe) because your motivation to buy the bike and how you intend to use it is so significant: if I was a potential buyer, would I have the same needs and wants as you, the reviewer?

Thanks Chris, enjoyed that a lot. First-class pic of the Brommies on a bridge too.

Great report, thanks. It's the first positive proof I see that a Brompton fits in a mini airporter. I think I will get one.

BTW, I saw reports that the pump can fall while riding and get into the spokes. You may want to secure it (I dropped it all together and carrying a micro pump in the saddle bag).

Edits:
1. Pump issue: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group.../message/91843
2. Mini Airporter for $200 and no external label: http://www.thorusa.com/accessories/bags.htm (scroll)

In addition to the mini airporter, don't forget the B&W case that can be used to hold a Brompton as checked luggage. Very durable; a bit pricey.

I jave traveled several times domestic and overseas with zero protection except for a strap that goes around the Brommie and holds it well together. No damage. I think a semi-soft bag is more dangerous that nothing at all. The one time I had my Brommie in a soft bag, also with the same strap and additional padding and so on, the steering got bent.

Was your bike checked or carry on? If checked, I've wondered if the lack of case - so that the handlers can actually see what it is - means that the bike would be treated more carefully.

There's a red plastic/rubber grommet that's supposed to keep the pump
extended all the way. In the OP's review; you can see that the red piece
has slid down a bit. Possibly making the pump lose and come off:

http://ilovebikingsf.files.wordpress...heel.jpg?w=830

Yes, this does not look good. I used to push it in carefully until I read this in that BromptonTalk thread

"Anyone that has had a Brompton for a period of time knows that the pumps can
wander of on their own, even if the red bit is pushed right in."

This is when I removed the stock pump. Now I carry in the saddle bag two 16g CO2 cartridges + Innovations Air Chuck + this micro pump:

http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/MicroRocketCB

The supplied pump, while convenient, is not the greatest. I found it hard to use to re-inflate the tires after a trip, particularly since you're trying to hit 90 psi. I bought a portable pump with a built in gauge that had a fold-out mini foot stand so that I could stand on it and pump much more effectively.