So I finally bought a Brompton.
Discussion
After months of looking at secondhand ones and their crazy prices I ordered a new one a few weeks ago which arrived a week later. My logic being that as I can take it with me everywhere, I will use it more and so far it has worked or is it just the nice weather.
So last week it came away with me in the boot of the car and spent the nights in my hotel room and was used to commute to the site everyday where it was stored under a desk. I even used it for shorts rides after work up to Beachy Head.
This week I have been slinging it in the boot of the car and driving to Richmond Pk to do a couple of circuits as I get my fitness back up after not cycling much for the past couple of years.
I have even managed to pass a few of the slower Tour de France wannabies on the up hills but they always come flying past me on the down hills. Sorry did I say hills, I meant slopes
So far I'm impressed and it is quite nippy. I did have to sell a couple of my barely used yet 3 year old road bikes in order to fund the purchase, but as they have just sat in the shed for the past year, I felt it was worth it.
Here's a pic of it on my Eastbourne commute.
So last week it came away with me in the boot of the car and spent the nights in my hotel room and was used to commute to the site everyday where it was stored under a desk. I even used it for shorts rides after work up to Beachy Head.
This week I have been slinging it in the boot of the car and driving to Richmond Pk to do a couple of circuits as I get my fitness back up after not cycling much for the past couple of years.
I have even managed to pass a few of the slower Tour de France wannabies on the up hills but they always come flying past me on the down hills. Sorry did I say hills, I meant slopes
So far I'm impressed and it is quite nippy. I did have to sell a couple of my barely used yet 3 year old road bikes in order to fund the purchase, but as they have just sat in the shed for the past year, I felt it was worth it.
Here's a pic of it on my Eastbourne commute.
I've got an S3L in bare lacquer. Had it about 3 years and it gets used more than all my other bikes put together.
My road bike is better for a Sunday run; my "mountain" bike is better for rides in the park with the kids (actually, it's not any better but I have to justify keeping it); my fixie is better for erm ...
Short of sport riding, my Brompton gets used because it is just easier to live with as it's so easy to take anywhere and everywhere. Fantastic design and still made in west London, I believe.
My road bike is better for a Sunday run; my "mountain" bike is better for rides in the park with the kids (actually, it's not any better but I have to justify keeping it); my fixie is better for erm ...
Short of sport riding, my Brompton gets used because it is just easier to live with as it's so easy to take anywhere and everywhere. Fantastic design and still made in west London, I believe.
Nice Brompton, these are mine. A Raw lacquer 6 speed & a 16 year old BRG 3 speed. I've used mine a lot & have sidelined a few other bikes to use the Brompton. They are just so easy to use & great for rides along my local canal tow path, if I fancy a pint I just take the bike in the pub. The other thing about them is we have 2 in our conservatory & folded they take up hardly any room. How many bikes could you keep for 16 years & sell for more than you paid for it? The BRG one is worth more now than it was new! I call them happy bikes as they make me smile when I ride them :-)
Never tried the S model but it looks great in that colour, enjoy it.
Never tried the S model but it looks great in that colour, enjoy it.
I had a raw lacquer M3 for a couple of years. Didn't use that much so sold it for 100 less than I paid for it!
But I missed it do just got a new S6 with rack via Halfords bike scheme (from another dealer). I prefer the S type riding position although it limits front luggage choices...
Purchased a IKEA Dimpa bag for £6 from EBay (better than expensive others) to carry etc
The brakes are far better in last couple of years too...
But I missed it do just got a new S6 with rack via Halfords bike scheme (from another dealer). I prefer the S type riding position although it limits front luggage choices...
Purchased a IKEA Dimpa bag for £6 from EBay (better than expensive others) to carry etc
The brakes are far better in last couple of years too...
Daveyraveygravey]lideman said:
I call them happy bikes as they make me smile when I ride them :-)
All bikes do that!
All my bikes don't do that, I have a carbon racing bike which just makes me angry. If you look at fellow racing bike riders they all seem to have a pained expression on their faces. If you ride a Brompton they just seem to disappear & you enjoy the ride instead of trying to go fast. People seem to get more attached to Bromptons, they can be a bike for life. All bikes do that!
croyde said:
Got stopped by a cyclist in Richmond Park yesterday, who wanted to talk about my Brompton. That's never happened with any of my other bikes.
Just hoping that some Emily Blunt lookalike wants to do the same
You've a better chance of a James Blunt lookalike stopping you to talk about Bromptons Just hoping that some Emily Blunt lookalike wants to do the same
Had some doubts before I took the plunge just after Christmas, but love the daily commute on my M3L now. (3 speed, ebay special)
Had get the seat post extender as I'm 6'4", so I do look like I'm on a clown bike, but get lots of favorable comments. It's a pleasure to ride.
Any of you guys doing the BWC next month? After seeing the videos, thought it'd be a laugh with the Le Mans style start so signed up
Had get the seat post extender as I'm 6'4", so I do look like I'm on a clown bike, but get lots of favorable comments. It's a pleasure to ride.
Any of you guys doing the BWC next month? After seeing the videos, thought it'd be a laugh with the Le Mans style start so signed up
WarrenG said:
If I had to have a bike in this category - I'd get a Moulton.
separable rather than folding, but many light/stiff/performance features.
As you say, not a folder. And the Brompton is cheap in comparison, I'd love the Moulton Double Pylon to hang in the wall as a work of art!separable rather than folding, but many light/stiff/performance features.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=174107
Bare lacquer, titanium rear and forks, telescopic seat post and Brooks saddle on 6 speed here. Doing the Brompton World Championship next month as well.
My work colleagues take the piss, but I really like how it rides, although it is a bit flexible. It's a bit slower over my commute than my road bike, but not a lot. This may be done to the fun to be had passing roadies who aren't expecting a clown bike to be that quick.
My work colleagues take the piss, but I really like how it rides, although it is a bit flexible. It's a bit slower over my commute than my road bike, but not a lot. This may be done to the fun to be had passing roadies who aren't expecting a clown bike to be that quick.
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