Brompton bikes- cheapest online or shops?
Discussion
Lock up a £10 Gumtree beater bike either end of your commute?
Seriously though, get a folder. Mine has transformed the way I travel around, although as I never need to stick it under a desk I got a 26” wheeled Dahon Espresso, and pimped it a bit.
Everyone I’ve worked with who rides a Brompton loves them, and they hold their value well too.
Seriously though, get a folder. Mine has transformed the way I travel around, although as I never need to stick it under a desk I got a 26” wheeled Dahon Espresso, and pimped it a bit.
Everyone I’ve worked with who rides a Brompton loves them, and they hold their value well too.
They're really strict on their pricing and I don't think shops are allowed to give discounts or sell them mail order. I think the cheapest way to get a new one is via a cycle scheme if your workplace offers it. They're pretty bomb proof though, so a used one would be a good alternative.
In terms of living with one, your use case is pretty ideal. I used my old one for a 5 minute ride to the station and then 15 minutes across London to the office and it was perfect, much quicker than the tube. I've just got an electric one now as I've moved a fair bit further from the station and it just about copes - the small wheels and high pressure tyres aren't ideal for the rutted country lanes I take it down, but they do the job!
In terms of living with one, your use case is pretty ideal. I used my old one for a 5 minute ride to the station and then 15 minutes across London to the office and it was perfect, much quicker than the tube. I've just got an electric one now as I've moved a fair bit further from the station and it just about copes - the small wheels and high pressure tyres aren't ideal for the rutted country lanes I take it down, but they do the job!
Edited by ecs on Monday 1st October 09:00
Jimboka said:
Easiest way to tell is the gear trigger. The latest have newer design, a pic of mine is in the 'show off your bikes' thread. The older type rattles like a skeleton in a biscuit tin. I have a 2015 with one of those.
No it isn't. The handle bars are much shallower on the newer models and its an easy spot too. With the handlebar change, came rubber grips as opposed to the older foam ones. However if you can get a cheaper old style model, then I would go for it. Bromptons are, IMO fantastic bicycles. Mine has just clocked over 6000 miles and is used in all weathers. Its also paid for its self three times over now since I started using it in approximately 2 1/2 years ago.
Mine is looking pretty tired now and in reality it isn't even that old. Its got a load of marks on it where people pu their lugagge on top of it on the train and a scuff mark where it slammed into a kurb after I was hit by a truck. When it hits 7000 miles, I'm treating it to carbon bars and new grips. Also, it makes it look distinctive, which deters the thieves somewhat.
There is quite a lengthy thread on Bromptons here in PP. Worth a read.
Bromptons generally aren't discounted and I'd be amazed if you find any shop that advises a discount. Generally speaking Brompton don't need to discount.
However I feel that their longevity will be their eventual downfall. As in, you buy one once and short of a crash or wanting a change you won't need to buy another one for years
I ran a Tern before my Bromton. 20in wheels meant it rode better than a Brompton, but the build quality wasn't a patch on the brompton and the fold on the Brompton really is excellent and I'm sorry but the Terns are complete rubbish when compared to a Brompton.
Sa Calobra said:
Checked my work can do CTW 
If it’s £1000 limit it’s a bit tightMy pretty basic 6 speed S type (and the easily spotted new gear levers
) came in @ 1070However my LBS let me pay a £70 ‘deposit’ when ordering then the £1000 voucher covered it.
About 5 week wait for factory build (I opted for higher gearing as don’t live near Everest). Larger front chain ring.
Jimboka said:
If it’s £1000 limit it’s a bit tight
My pretty basic 6 speed S type (and the easily spotted new gear levers) came in @ 1070
However my LBS let me pay a £70 ‘deposit’ when ordering then the £1000 voucher covered it.
About 5 week wait for factory build (I opted for higher gearing as don’t live near Everest). Larger front chain ring.
Shouldn't be a problem at all. I have topped up my purchase with cash on both of my CTW scheme bikes. My Fuji was £1271 and my Brompton was £1069 I think. My pretty basic 6 speed S type (and the easily spotted new gear levers
) came in @ 1070However my LBS let me pay a £70 ‘deposit’ when ordering then the £1000 voucher covered it.
About 5 week wait for factory build (I opted for higher gearing as don’t live near Everest). Larger front chain ring.
I would aslo question the OP on wht he wants a 6Sp. Adds unnecessary complexity. Three and two speed are ample unless you are crossing the alps every day!
Or is this a case of 'this one looks the most expensive, I'll go with that'
I used to have a Dahon until it got written off when I was hit by a car, now using (or was until I broke my wrist) a friends Brompton. The build quality of the Brompton is much better and it will last much longer, indeed the one I am using is about 20 years old,
However i much prefer the fold mechanism on the Dahon which is pull over clip, one in the frame and one if the handlebar. With the Brompton you have two knobs to twiddle, takes much longer,
However i much prefer the fold mechanism on the Dahon which is pull over clip, one in the frame and one if the handlebar. With the Brompton you have two knobs to twiddle, takes much longer,
Chrisgr31 said:
I used to have a Dahon until it got written off when I was hit by a car, now using (or was until I broke my wrist) a friends Brompton. The build quality of the Brompton is much better and it will last much longer, indeed the one I am using is about 20 years old,
However i much prefer the fold mechanism on the Dahon which is pull over clip, one in the frame and one if the handlebar. With the Brompton you have two knobs to twiddle, takes much longer,
Two clips is hardly fiddly. Tern also had massive issues with cracking frames! The magnets rarely line up properly so carrying the bike sometimes results in it just swinging open wildly into the path of oncoming walking commuters. However i much prefer the fold mechanism on the Dahon which is pull over clip, one in the frame and one if the handlebar. With the Brompton you have two knobs to twiddle, takes much longer,
It doesn't stand that well when folded. Many people including me used bungy cords to lash the bike the pole on the train.
Its very very uncomfortable to carry as it basically digs into the side of your body.
The low point of mine was when it fell over on a train and marked someone's clothing
The only saving grace was I didn't loose much money on mine and it came with a carry bag and a couple of locks. Think I paid £220 and sold it for £210. Evans sell Terns and they are nearly always discounted in the sales. Bromptons are never discounted.
I use mine if I cba cycling the 30 mile round trip for home - overground, overground - work on a road bike
good choice on the 6 speed, I've a 3 speed and its good around town but Id no way chose it for a 'proper' ride or anything particularly lumpy, the extra ratios may help towards that and fyi, I got mine 2nd hand as I couldn't do the man maths to justify *another* bike
good choice on the 6 speed, I've a 3 speed and its good around town but Id no way chose it for a 'proper' ride or anything particularly lumpy, the extra ratios may help towards that and fyi, I got mine 2nd hand as I couldn't do the man maths to justify *another* bike
Brompton M3L on C2W here, standard except for a Brooks saddle. I think it might be my favourite bike. It's just so much fun to ride. Obviously I wouldn't recommend it for a long journey (although some nutcase did attempt the TransCon on a Brompton and I think someone has completed PBP!) but for pottering around in civvy clothing, it's a great little thing.
Personally I find the standard gearing quite long, it's OK for most London riding but if your town is hilly I'd suggest the -8% gearing.
Also, spec the extended seatpost if you are over 5'10. I thought I'd get away without it, but I was sitting far too low even at full extension. The longer one is a bit less convenient but allows me a much nicer riding position.
Personally I find the standard gearing quite long, it's OK for most London riding but if your town is hilly I'd suggest the -8% gearing.
Also, spec the extended seatpost if you are over 5'10. I thought I'd get away without it, but I was sitting far too low even at full extension. The longer one is a bit less convenient but allows me a much nicer riding position.
Usget said:
Brompton M3L on C2W here, standard except for a Brooks saddle. I think it might be my favourite bike. It's just so much fun to ride. Obviously I wouldn't recommend it for a long journey (although some nutcase did attempt the TransCon on a Brompton and I think someone has completed PBP!) but for pottering around in civvy clothing, it's a great little thing.
Personally I find the standard gearing quite long, it's OK for most London riding but if your town is hilly I'd suggest the -8% gearing.
Also, spec the extended seatpost if you are over 5'10. I thought I'd get away without it, but I was sitting far too low even at full extension. The longer one is a bit less convenient but allows me a much nicer riding position.
I'm 5ft 10in and I have the post on the limit or just above it. I prefer to be able to at least get my toes square on the floor when riding in the city. I know some people will ride a bike where the tows can just about touch the floor because that is their optimum position, but I'd rather err on the side of caution. Personally I find the standard gearing quite long, it's OK for most London riding but if your town is hilly I'd suggest the -8% gearing.
Also, spec the extended seatpost if you are over 5'10. I thought I'd get away without it, but I was sitting far too low even at full extension. The longer one is a bit less convenient but allows me a much nicer riding position.
You never know when you might need to plant your foot on the floor in a hurry!
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