Brompton - how annoying?
Discussion
So I've accepted a new job - we live about 25 mins walk from the station so I'm thinking of getting a Brompton to halve that. Other end I can use it too to avoid the tube.
I rented one yesterday just to have a check - and it seems quite annoying - and bulky for getting on / off busy trains - any thoughts. I don't really want to go through the "cycle" of having station bikes - we don't really have storage at home and what we do have is taken up with my "proper" bikes.
Money wise really not an issue as it'll be cycle to work - would like a P series, but will probably get a C. Anyone recommend carry handles etc? is the Brompton luggage good?
I rented one yesterday just to have a check - and it seems quite annoying - and bulky for getting on / off busy trains - any thoughts. I don't really want to go through the "cycle" of having station bikes - we don't really have storage at home and what we do have is taken up with my "proper" bikes.
Money wise really not an issue as it'll be cycle to work - would like a P series, but will probably get a C. Anyone recommend carry handles etc? is the Brompton luggage good?
What do you fiind annoying about it?
Having had a couple of cheaper folding bikes in the past, I've found the Brompton to be easier to fold and unfold, more compact, and a lot more solid feeling to ride. For carrying I have a cheap velcro secured handle that fits across the middle and makes the bike easy to carry.
Luggage options are very good, although not cheap. The large basket/bag for the front is excellent. I have the rack on the back, with wheels, which means if you fold the bike, but not the handlebars, you can push it along like a trolley, and use the basket too. I wheel it around shops like that. If you think you'll want the rear rack then get it at time of purchase, as apparently retrofiiting isn't as easy.
Having had a couple of cheaper folding bikes in the past, I've found the Brompton to be easier to fold and unfold, more compact, and a lot more solid feeling to ride. For carrying I have a cheap velcro secured handle that fits across the middle and makes the bike easy to carry.
Luggage options are very good, although not cheap. The large basket/bag for the front is excellent. I have the rack on the back, with wheels, which means if you fold the bike, but not the handlebars, you can push it along like a trolley, and use the basket too. I wheel it around shops like that. If you think you'll want the rear rack then get it at time of purchase, as apparently retrofiiting isn't as easy.
I have one, although not used every day.
Your points are pretty valid in fairness, they’re not light, and they are a bit cumbersome.
However, they’re a lot less awkward than a full size bike on a train, you won’t ever get on and find you haven’t booked a space for a bicycle, you can take them into shops and nobody cares, you can fold it up and take it into the office with you etc. Look at it as a public transport or walking replacement instead of a bicycle.
They also ride amazingly well (for what they are). Fast, agile and very solid, perfectly usable as a real bicycle. My limit on mine is about 10-15 miles, but anything above that and I’d use something more suited.
Luggage is excellent too. As stated above, it’s wince-inducingly expensive for what it is, but the front-mounted luggage block is excellent, both in terms of how much it hold and the way in which it steadies the handling.
I love mine.
Your points are pretty valid in fairness, they’re not light, and they are a bit cumbersome.
However, they’re a lot less awkward than a full size bike on a train, you won’t ever get on and find you haven’t booked a space for a bicycle, you can take them into shops and nobody cares, you can fold it up and take it into the office with you etc. Look at it as a public transport or walking replacement instead of a bicycle.
They also ride amazingly well (for what they are). Fast, agile and very solid, perfectly usable as a real bicycle. My limit on mine is about 10-15 miles, but anything above that and I’d use something more suited.
Luggage is excellent too. As stated above, it’s wince-inducingly expensive for what it is, but the front-mounted luggage block is excellent, both in terms of how much it hold and the way in which it steadies the handling.
I love mine.
When we lived in the UK, my wife used one daily for the London commute and loved it. I have used it over here for commuting, and it's great at what it does. It's not the best bike you'll ever ride, but it's quick and easy to fold and unfold. You can also wheel our along the platform without unfolding which makes it easier to manage. And the luggage is really good, but pricey.
QJumper said:
. If you think you'll want the rear rack then get it at time of purchase, as apparently retrofiiting isn't as easy.
It is dead easy to fit, around 30 minutes comes with full instructions, you will need to remove the rear wheel as the rear mudguard is different.As others have said they are brilliant and nothing else folds that small, I had a Dahon years ago and it was a pain in the backside against a Brompton.
If you have any questions ask away, I work with them every day.
I've had one for years since I became freelance at my job, so visit many different places.
Obviously they aren't as good to ride as a real bike but the ability to mix cycling with public transport is what makes them so useful. It's probably paid for itself in saved fares/taxis.
I was once with it on an overcrowded commuter train, the guard came round and chucked off everyone with a full sized bike, he totally ignored the Brompton which was neatly parked in the luggage rack.
Also gives a new meaning to park and ride, I often just leave it in the car, I was once passing York on the way back from a job, I'd not been there so I parked in a nice road on the edge of town and went in on the brompton for a look around.
It's not been nicked as I never have to leave it anywhere, it comes into work with me or anywhere else I go, lifts from friends, it goes in any car boot.
A solid very well made thing, wouldn't be without it.
For a Sunday morning ride around the hills though, give me a nice road bike anytime.
Obviously they aren't as good to ride as a real bike but the ability to mix cycling with public transport is what makes them so useful. It's probably paid for itself in saved fares/taxis.
I was once with it on an overcrowded commuter train, the guard came round and chucked off everyone with a full sized bike, he totally ignored the Brompton which was neatly parked in the luggage rack.
Also gives a new meaning to park and ride, I often just leave it in the car, I was once passing York on the way back from a job, I'd not been there so I parked in a nice road on the edge of town and went in on the brompton for a look around.
It's not been nicked as I never have to leave it anywhere, it comes into work with me or anywhere else I go, lifts from friends, it goes in any car boot.
A solid very well made thing, wouldn't be without it.
For a Sunday morning ride around the hills though, give me a nice road bike anytime.
I've had mine for a couple of years-bought it for the occasional commute to the station when I can be arsed, plus general rides about and the key thing-ease of storage and ability to sling it in a car.
It really does ride well considering it's got dinky wheels and a solid frame-chips along quite nicely and I can spend an hour in the saddle with no discomfort. I've got the large roll bag for the front luggage clip if I ever go to work/shopping on it and it's amazing what you can fit in.
Expensive, yes, but you do get what you pay for. As an upshot, they hold value rather well!
It really does ride well considering it's got dinky wheels and a solid frame-chips along quite nicely and I can spend an hour in the saddle with no discomfort. I've got the large roll bag for the front luggage clip if I ever go to work/shopping on it and it's amazing what you can fit in.
Expensive, yes, but you do get what you pay for. As an upshot, they hold value rather well!
Assuming the bike has the standard saddle, I find the best way to carry is the the front part of the saddle, designed for that.
Also I only really carry on or off of a train. Push it around to that point, fold/unfold in a few seconds by the train rather than carting it too far. Perhaps not strictly allowed on stations, but nobody cares.
Expensive, but half price odd via cyclescheme as you say.
Got both of mine that way.
I rarely commute now but tempted by the Brompton electric via the scheme!
Edited by James6112 on Saturday 3rd September 08:16
James6112 said:
Assuming the bike has the standard saddle, I find the best way to carry is the the front part of the saddle, designed for that.
Also I only really carry on or off of a train. Push it around to that point, fold/unfold in a few seconds by the train rather than carting it too far. Perhaps not strictly allowed on stations, but nobody cares.
Yes life’s easier if you keep it unfolded for as long as possible. In my experience station staff (in London) never have an issue with this - they must see it so often and know the score. Also I only really carry on or off of a train. Push it around to that point, fold/unfold in a few seconds by the train rather than carting it too far. Perhaps not strictly allowed on stations, but nobody cares.
Edited by James6112 on Saturday 3rd September 08:16
I have a Brompton backpack that clips to the front. It’s secure, convenient and I appreciate the extra weight over the front wheel.
Depending on your use I’d consider the 2 gear model. I have one and if you’re mainly zipping around town and don’t intend pointing it at hills it’s fine and a bit lighter than the hub gear ones.
I think you have to live with a Brompton to appreciate their genius. Never had an issue taking it on public transport, bars, cafes etc. It’s almost like they’re invisible when folded people just don’t give them a second look.
Once you’ve got used to the twitchy/nimble handling they’re great fun. Remarkably quick off the mark too. That can catch some people out
3 speed flat-'barred owner here. I dont use mine for daily commuting but it gets used frequently enough. If you get the extended seat post that doesn't go down flush to the frame in the fold - it sticks out a few inches - maybe a factor if you store it in a custom alcove. Found that out the hard way.
I really like mine and as I dont rely on it for daily commute I got the faster kojak tyres and it rolls along great. They are very expensive especially as the components are nothing special but they do seem pretty indestructable judging by the manky old ones you see still trundling about. Oh, the reason theres so many manky ones about is that they're a bugger to keep clean.
I really like mine and as I dont rely on it for daily commute I got the faster kojak tyres and it rolls along great. They are very expensive especially as the components are nothing special but they do seem pretty indestructable judging by the manky old ones you see still trundling about. Oh, the reason theres so many manky ones about is that they're a bugger to keep clean.
My only niggle with Bromptons is that they don't represent anything like good value for money, ridiculously overpriced and have have been for ages.
However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
Interesting comment. I felt the ONLY good thing about Brompton was how compact they were when folded.
They're awful to ride and massively over hyped but they I find them easy to handle.
A friend recently got a no name folding bike, used but new condition for £90 which is much nicer to ride but not a patch on the Brompton for the size it folds up to.
They're awful to ride and massively over hyped but they I find them easy to handle.
A friend recently got a no name folding bike, used but new condition for £90 which is much nicer to ride but not a patch on the Brompton for the size it folds up to.
neilr said:
My only niggle with Bromptons is that they don't represent anything like good value for money, ridiculously overpriced and have have been for ages.
However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
I won’t defend Brompton pricing, especially nowadays as the spec you get for the money is terrible, but when you factor in the resale value they really aren’t that much (relatively speaking). They command very high used values and seem to sell very quickly. However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
I suppose it's down to the individual. I had a cheaper folding bike which, although ok, didn't feel anything like as stable as the Brompton.
Having got used to it, I find little difference in riding it compared to my hybrid. I can go just as fast, and often go on 2 or 3 hour rides without feeling uncomfortable. Gear choice, and whether you face hills will make a difference too. I was fortunate in that I picked up a used one that was fiitted with an 8 speed hub set up and so, with the added convenience, I hardly ever use the hybrid now.
In the end it's a matter of personal preference, and so would thoroughly recommend anyone thinking of buying one to try out one of their hire bikes first for a couple of days, as they're only a few pounds a day. They are expensive to buy, and so a waste if you don't get on with it, but well worth it if you do. That said, they hold their resale value well.
Having got used to it, I find little difference in riding it compared to my hybrid. I can go just as fast, and often go on 2 or 3 hour rides without feeling uncomfortable. Gear choice, and whether you face hills will make a difference too. I was fortunate in that I picked up a used one that was fiitted with an 8 speed hub set up and so, with the added convenience, I hardly ever use the hybrid now.
In the end it's a matter of personal preference, and so would thoroughly recommend anyone thinking of buying one to try out one of their hire bikes first for a couple of days, as they're only a few pounds a day. They are expensive to buy, and so a waste if you don't get on with it, but well worth it if you do. That said, they hold their resale value well.
neilr said:
My only niggle with Bromptons is that they don't represent anything like good value for money, ridiculously overpriced and have have been for ages.
However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
Given how much of them is made in the UK, with everyone working there earning at least London living wage, it's not too bad really. And demand is still exceeding supply even at the prices now.However, they are excellent. My brother and his wife have them and although they are a bit weighty they are great. The size folder as many have already said cant be beaten. My Dahon Glide is much bigger and heavier (but still small enough to able to take on the Eurostar as luggage). The Dahon is great but not so usable for commuting / public transport situations if its busy.
If I had to take a busy train to commute id swap to a Brompton without hesitation. But i dont, so i wont bother.
I liked mine but I bought it for a train commute that was going against the flow so I always had plenty of space. Wouldn't be so keen to try to barge into a busy, standing-room-only commuter carriage with it. When I just needed to get from station to office quicker than the tube, I found the hire bikes a much better bet.
As a regular train user going into Paddington, I hate Bromptons and their ignorant careless owners who bash people with them, who try and unfold them on a busy train before it gets to the station, who step off the train and unfold them before moving away from the door, who stink of sweat, who put the bikes in footwells preventing others from sitting on a busy train etc
Dick has a Brompton - don't be a dick
Dick has a Brompton - don't be a dick
TT1138 said:
I won’t defend Brompton pricing, especially nowadays as the spec you get for the money is terrible, but when you factor in the resale value they really aren’t that much (relatively speaking). They command very high used values and seem to sell very quickly.
It also depends on what it's replacing - mine saved me approx. £10 per day parking at the station, and about £5 a day on the tube. For the first 6 months I rode it virtually every day. It more than made back its cost in that period alone. Add in petrol, other running costs, benefit to health, and your saving is at a greater scale than even man maths can forecast. I've had it about 7 years now, and replaced tyes once, a couple of chains and brake pads.
If I was buying one again I'd get the electric version, as parking and the tube are even more expensive now! I'd be confident of getting near break even inside a year.
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