Brompton Premium?
Discussion
I’m thinking of getting myself a collapsible bike for the train/cycle commute to work via a company cycle-to-work scheme. I haven’t owned a bike since I was a kid so I’m completely out of touch with the market.
My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
Hi mate,
This question has been asked many times. Bromptons are the folding bike, they fold up quite compactly and allow you to take them almost anywhere. Yes they are quite expensive, but there is a reason for that, they are brillianr at what they do.
I haven't got one myself as I cycle to the station and leave my station bike there and the walk to my office from the London station I commute into is only 3 minutes so do not need a Brompton, however, if I had a twenty or so miunte walk it's the first thing I would buy. Also if you get it on the cyclescheme you will be saving approx 35% (based on 40% tax payer) slightly less if you're lower rate.
This question has been asked many times. Bromptons are the folding bike, they fold up quite compactly and allow you to take them almost anywhere. Yes they are quite expensive, but there is a reason for that, they are brillianr at what they do.
I haven't got one myself as I cycle to the station and leave my station bike there and the walk to my office from the London station I commute into is only 3 minutes so do not need a Brompton, however, if I had a twenty or so miunte walk it's the first thing I would buy. Also if you get it on the cyclescheme you will be saving approx 35% (based on 40% tax payer) slightly less if you're lower rate.
It depends what your priority is
Bromptons fold up neatly into the smallest package and ride well, but they are expensive. They are also pretty heavy I find, although for me the folded size was critical to fit into a car boot and so I bought one. Great bikes but I would test / review some of the cheaper bikes if the folded size / ride quality is not your top priority
Bromptons fold up neatly into the smallest package and ride well, but they are expensive. They are also pretty heavy I find, although for me the folded size was critical to fit into a car boot and so I bought one. Great bikes but I would test / review some of the cheaper bikes if the folded size / ride quality is not your top priority
IMO Bromptons represent good value. They are a high quality product that seem to be significantly more durable than most other folders as well as being more compact and convenient. The two we have give sterling service day in, day out in all weathers. My only real beef is that you can't get studded tyres for the winter.
I've just been looking at the Moulton "New Series" - purely out of interest and I was genuinely shocked at the price. I paid less for a 2-year old Subaru.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=204859
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=204859
Fittster said:
I’m thinking of getting myself a collapsible bike for the train/cycle commute to work via a company cycle-to-work scheme. I haven’t owned a bike since I was a kid so I’m completely out of touch with the market.
My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
One thing to look at is the resale value, try buying a second hand Brompton, and you are still looking at pretty serious money, so you can argue that the actual cost of ownership would be low (but mainly this would be deployed if you actually really wanted one, and would be unlikely to sell it My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
)pokethepope said:
They do a really nice looking clear-lacquer finish so you can see all the gold brazing. If I was in the market for a folding bike I'd find it hard to resist a Brompton purely because of that finish.
This finish is the dogs.....Had to resist going for it very strongly, as I'd already specced it up quite a bit (thats another thing with Brompton, the options are very desirable, but also add up...)
Watchman said:
I've just been looking at the Moulton "New Series" - purely out of interest and I was genuinely shocked at the price. I paid less for a 2-year old Subaru.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=204859
That is just nuts. £9500 for a folding Proflex, with suspension that was old 15 years ago.http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=204859
pokethepope said:
They do a really nice looking clear-lacquer finish so you can see all the gold brazing. If I was in the market for a folding bike I'd find it hard to resist a Brompton purely because of that finish.
I have one of those!, pics about half way down this page:-http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f...
Nice bikes, although pretty heavy to carry. You can easily spend £500 on titanium upgrades but that will save the weight of a water bottle, so a waste of time!
I may get another soon when current cyclescheme ends, but will get S type (straight bars) & 2 speed as far simpler & lighter. Fine for around town..
Burrow01 said:
Fittster said:
I’m thinking of getting myself a collapsible bike for the train/cycle commute to work via a company cycle-to-work scheme. I haven’t owned a bike since I was a kid so I’m completely out of touch with the market.
My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
One thing to look at is the resale value, try buying a second hand Brompton, and you are still looking at pretty serious money, so you can argue that the actual cost of ownership would be low (but mainly this would be deployed if you actually really wanted one, and would be unlikely to sell it My first thought about which brand to go for was Brompton but they seem to cost significantly more than other brands of folding bikes. Do they offer value for money or would I be better off with another brand?
)mph1977 said:
which for cyclescheme funded bikes is a minus point you want a bike which is still sound but nearly worthless at the end of the lease period so the final payment is minimal
No difference at all on my cyclescheme. After 12 months (save around 50%) I then pay a 7% deposit & ride the bike for 3 more years. They then give it to me. Does not matter the value (eg a £900 Brompton will still fetch £700 + after a year. Some bikes half that I imagine. But both treated the same). I can then start again & buy another on the scheme.Jimboka said:
mph1977 said:
which for cyclescheme funded bikes is a minus point you want a bike which is still sound but nearly worthless at the end of the lease period so the final payment is minimal
No difference at all on my cyclescheme. After 12 months (save around 50%) I then pay a 7% deposit & ride the bike for 3 more years. They then give it to me. Does not matter the value (eg a £900 Brompton will still fetch £700 + after a year. Some bikes half that I imagine. But both treated the same). I can then start again & buy another on the scheme.HMRC have stopped them 'giving' the bikes to lesees , it;s now a proper lease with a substantial final payment.
mph1977 said:
Jimboka said:
mph1977 said:
which for cyclescheme funded bikes is a minus point you want a bike which is still sound but nearly worthless at the end of the lease period so the final payment is minimal
No difference at all on my cyclescheme. After 12 months (save around 50%) I then pay a 7% deposit & ride the bike for 3 more years. They then give it to me. Does not matter the value (eg a £900 Brompton will still fetch £700 + after a year. Some bikes half that I imagine. But both treated the same). I can then start again & buy another on the scheme.HMRC have stopped them 'giving' the bikes to lesees , it;s now a proper lease with a substantial final payment.
The most attractive option for employees will be to pay a small, refundable deposit (3% or 7% of the equipment value*) and continue to use the bicycle for an extended period of up to 36 months.
At the end of this period, if the employee does not wish to keep the bicycle, then Cyclescheme will refund the deposit in full. Alternatively, Cyclescheme may at its discretion, offer ownership of the bicycle to the employee at this point, and no further action or payment will be required if they wish to keep the bicycle.
Its only a substantial payment if you want to 'buy' the bike after the 12 month period. In reality most will take the extended hire for the 7% is over £500, 3% if less than £500
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 28th June 12:13
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