Discussion
I’m going to be going back to work in the big smoke. It would be a 20 min cycle either end for me but will need a folding bike.
Anyone got an recommendations? Brompton is the well known brand but they start at 1k. Even 2nd hand on ebay 15 year old bikes in s
te condition are going for 500 notes.
No big hills to get over so single or 3 speed will be fine. Dont really care about weight. Decathlon do a button cheap one, anyone know if that’s any good?
Anyone got an recommendations? Brompton is the well known brand but they start at 1k. Even 2nd hand on ebay 15 year old bikes in s
te condition are going for 500 notes.No big hills to get over so single or 3 speed will be fine. Dont really care about weight. Decathlon do a button cheap one, anyone know if that’s any good?
Suggest 2 speed Brompton.
I've tried 'bikes that fold' (Dahon in my case) and soon realised that the Brompton - a proper folding bike - was the way to go and have never looked back.
The other folders I have seen are just too bulky and cumbersome to take on the tube or busy train service. But you can a Brompton.
They are not cheap but they really do pay for themselves. There's a few threads on Bromptons in this forum.
I've tried 'bikes that fold' (Dahon in my case) and soon realised that the Brompton - a proper folding bike - was the way to go and have never looked back.
The other folders I have seen are just too bulky and cumbersome to take on the tube or busy train service. But you can a Brompton.
They are not cheap but they really do pay for themselves. There's a few threads on Bromptons in this forum.
lllnorrislll said:
You have been looking at Bromptons, you could make do with a single speed, you recognise that they retain their values, surely a bromton b75 @ £750 new would fit the bill. If on cycle to work, you could possibly class it as investment.
The B75 is a good call.Personally, I'm not keen on the spec: M handlebars, gearing system, etc. but it may suit OP.
OP, I do not recommend buying a Brompton secondhand unless certain it is a good one. They are very robust and long lasting but they can get costly if poorly looked after and maintained and require a lot of work.
1.) Buy an alternative folding bike and be pleased with your self that you haven't had to spend brompton money
2.) Use it for three months and realize the fold is pretty poor when compared to a Brompton
3.) Get fed up carrying non Brompton folder
4.) Sell bike, buy Brompton and admit you should have bought a Brompton in the first place.
This is what I did
I have had mine for over 4 years. Admittedly, its had new wheels, multiple chains and a few other bits, but its used every day five days a week and has just clocked over 9000 miles. Its not well cared for either. They are excellent bikes and I wouldn't use anything else.
The Terns and Dahons ride better, but the fold is very poor when compared to a Brompton. The Birdie and Mezzo are expensive and once again don't fold as well.
Bromptons are well worth the money IME. Mine has paid for its self five times over now and on current commute, it pays for its self every six months. I also take pride in the fact that they were designed here in the UK and are still assembled here in London.
Other folders will come and go, but I still recon Brompton will always come out on top.
The finish on the Bromptons is very good. Powder coated inside and out and very durable.
2.) Use it for three months and realize the fold is pretty poor when compared to a Brompton
3.) Get fed up carrying non Brompton folder
4.) Sell bike, buy Brompton and admit you should have bought a Brompton in the first place.
This is what I did
I have had mine for over 4 years. Admittedly, its had new wheels, multiple chains and a few other bits, but its used every day five days a week and has just clocked over 9000 miles. Its not well cared for either. They are excellent bikes and I wouldn't use anything else.
The Terns and Dahons ride better, but the fold is very poor when compared to a Brompton. The Birdie and Mezzo are expensive and once again don't fold as well.
Bromptons are well worth the money IME. Mine has paid for its self five times over now and on current commute, it pays for its self every six months. I also take pride in the fact that they were designed here in the UK and are still assembled here in London.
Other folders will come and go, but I still recon Brompton will always come out on top.
The finish on the Bromptons is very good. Powder coated inside and out and very durable.
Another +1 for a Brompton.
BY far the smallest and easiest thing to put on a train or tube, you can even take it in the pub with you at the end of the day and put it under the table.
Had mine for 7 years now, yes it cost a lot but it's paid for itself in saved fares and wonderful convenience. There's no reason it should be nicked as you shouldn't ever have to leave it anywhere out of your sight. It also goes in the boot of any car.
I can't imagine using something with a larger and more cumbersome fold on public transport, you'll be in everyone's way.
I once saw a train guard chucking people with bikes off a crowded commuter train I was on, very shortly after buying the bike, he glanced at my folded Brompton and walked by, that was more than enough reason for me to feel good about my purchase.
They are expensive second hand so get a new one. I see no reason I won't have mine for the rest of my days on this earth.
BY far the smallest and easiest thing to put on a train or tube, you can even take it in the pub with you at the end of the day and put it under the table.
Had mine for 7 years now, yes it cost a lot but it's paid for itself in saved fares and wonderful convenience. There's no reason it should be nicked as you shouldn't ever have to leave it anywhere out of your sight. It also goes in the boot of any car.
I can't imagine using something with a larger and more cumbersome fold on public transport, you'll be in everyone's way.
I once saw a train guard chucking people with bikes off a crowded commuter train I was on, very shortly after buying the bike, he glanced at my folded Brompton and walked by, that was more than enough reason for me to feel good about my purchase.
They are expensive second hand so get a new one. I see no reason I won't have mine for the rest of my days on this earth.
bakerstreet said:
1.) Buy an alternative folding bike and be pleased with your self that you haven't had to spend brompton money
2.) Use it for three months and realize the fold is pretty poor when compared to a Brompton
3.) Get fed up carrying non Brompton folder
4.) Sell bike, buy Brompton and admit you should have bought a Brompton in the first place.
This is what I did
2.) Use it for three months and realize the fold is pretty poor when compared to a Brompton
3.) Get fed up carrying non Brompton folder
4.) Sell bike, buy Brompton and admit you should have bought a Brompton in the first place.
This is what I did
Brilliantly put. This was pretty much story, too.Thanks all. B75 looks a good bet. The 2nd hand ones I am definitely put off, they are not good value. Want to try a couple out first as I am tall so that might make a difference, but will get the telescopic seat post. I like the look of the luggage that clips to the front too. I have a rucksack but it is sweaty.
I am quite intrigued about Jimbokas idea of having a bike each end. Euston has a pretty large rack right outside. I did notice that when I went in for an interview at 8am the car park had about 20 spaces left, the bike shed, had about 2. I will be going in early though so that should be ok. st bike, half decent lock should be ok most of the time, if its cheap and 2nd hand so and it gets nicked no big deal.
I am quite intrigued about Jimbokas idea of having a bike each end. Euston has a pretty large rack right outside. I did notice that when I went in for an interview at 8am the car park had about 20 spaces left, the bike shed, had about 2. I will be going in early though so that should be ok. s
t bike, half decent lock should be ok most of the time, if its cheap and 2nd hand so and it gets nicked no big deal.OP, does your new employer do the Cycle To Work scheme? Get a Brompton on that perhaps?
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/brands/bro...
I’ve got one of these Mini bikes in lime green.
https://shop.mini.co.uk/mini-uk/en_GB/p/mini-lifes...
It’s a rebranded Dahon, and I didn’t pay anywhere near as much. No issues with the fold, really quick when you get used to it, but it is bigger/heavier than a Brompton. The plus side however is 20 inch wheels, which feels a bit more stable under me - I’m 6ft and 15 stone. Overall I’d have preferred a Brompton but mine is only for occasional use so I couldn’t justify the additional spend at the time.
The thing with Bromptons is that they really hold their money as a used buy, so if you can afford one now then go for it and either keep and love it forever, or trade out of it when you need to.
https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/brands/bro...
I’ve got one of these Mini bikes in lime green.
https://shop.mini.co.uk/mini-uk/en_GB/p/mini-lifes...
It’s a rebranded Dahon, and I didn’t pay anywhere near as much. No issues with the fold, really quick when you get used to it, but it is bigger/heavier than a Brompton. The plus side however is 20 inch wheels, which feels a bit more stable under me - I’m 6ft and 15 stone. Overall I’d have preferred a Brompton but mine is only for occasional use so I couldn’t justify the additional spend at the time.
The thing with Bromptons is that they really hold their money as a used buy, so if you can afford one now then go for it and either keep and love it forever, or trade out of it when you need to.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Tuesday 24th September 23:02
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