Making a Brompton more comfortable
Discussion
Hello,
Had a Brompton for ages and love it (happy with the compromise to get the flexibility of travel with it). Have already got the softer suspension block and marathon tyres that I run at 80psi to assist with the compromised rolling of the small wheels.
It came with a Brooks B17 special saddle which I subsequently moved to my main bike and I love that sadle - would be unlikely to choose another make.
Not been out on the folder for a while but was out on it the other day and over rough roads (not potholed just larger stones in the tarmac for grip) it was a real bone shake as I was using just a cheap saddle. Rather than swap them over each time I swap bikes I'm just going to get another Brooks.
So it's either going to be a B17 special (same again which seems like a missed oportunity) or was looking at the Flyer (one with springs).
Anybody tried the springs based Brooks saddles or is it just additional fluff and better of with the non-sprung Brooks classic saddles? Some of them are pretty fancy with three springs on the delux models.
Seems it could do with a bit more suspension but at the same time I would want it to have a bit of stability.
Any other recommendation on making the Brompton a bit more rough tarmac friendly?
Many thanks in advance.
Had a Brompton for ages and love it (happy with the compromise to get the flexibility of travel with it). Have already got the softer suspension block and marathon tyres that I run at 80psi to assist with the compromised rolling of the small wheels.
It came with a Brooks B17 special saddle which I subsequently moved to my main bike and I love that sadle - would be unlikely to choose another make.
Not been out on the folder for a while but was out on it the other day and over rough roads (not potholed just larger stones in the tarmac for grip) it was a real bone shake as I was using just a cheap saddle. Rather than swap them over each time I swap bikes I'm just going to get another Brooks.
So it's either going to be a B17 special (same again which seems like a missed oportunity) or was looking at the Flyer (one with springs).
Anybody tried the springs based Brooks saddles or is it just additional fluff and better of with the non-sprung Brooks classic saddles? Some of them are pretty fancy with three springs on the delux models.
Seems it could do with a bit more suspension but at the same time I would want it to have a bit of stability.
Any other recommendation on making the Brompton a bit more rough tarmac friendly?
Many thanks in advance.
I did about 2000 miles on my Brompton and loved it. Have you tried padded cycling shorts or mountain bike shorts with pads. You can also wear them under jeans etc.
I didn't find it much of a problem to be honest. The Marathon tyres are pretty good. I did hear the Marathon Plus are more puncture resistant and also probably more of a hard ride. I used the standard Marathons at 120psi. The little rubber block thing at the back made the ride more comfortable - maybe you can get one that is more springy.
I've swapped out the Brompton and now have a carbon road bike which really does feel the bumps!
I didn't find it much of a problem to be honest. The Marathon tyres are pretty good. I did hear the Marathon Plus are more puncture resistant and also probably more of a hard ride. I used the standard Marathons at 120psi. The little rubber block thing at the back made the ride more comfortable - maybe you can get one that is more springy.
I've swapped out the Brompton and now have a carbon road bike which really does feel the bumps!
Domski86 said:
Schwalbe marathons/plus are like tanks, built to last not for comfort. I'd lower the psi to get the extra suspension first but explore more compliant (if puncture susceptible) tyre options. Schwalbe ones are well regarded on big bikes. Depends how rough your roads are.
Best thing I every did with my Brompton was to bin the Marathons for these: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-small/continenta...Much smoother to ride and rolls a lot better
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