(Advice needed) Convert Brompton 6 speed into a race bike?

[brommiephillip]

Hey guys
I have been riding Bromptons for 10 years but about 1 year into my 6 speed, that ive taken more serious. (Pics below)

View: https://i.imgur.com/Bh2EMs2.jpg


View: https://i.imgur.com/l9QQbGt.jpg


View: https://i.imgur.com/rf8Cq7C.jpg

I got a better setup for myself on the stem area, so I can have a proper height, and I got it fitted for me (Cut handlebars to size/width and all the correct measurements for me). I got some clip in shoes and these MKS pedals/quick release which I love. One side regular for normal shoes, and one side SPD for clip in.
Ive started to do 30-50 mile rides like this and would like to start riding with the Rapha local crew here in NYC and other 'big wheel' group rides... but I need to sustain 15-20mphs they said with lots of elevation.
Been training for about 2 months now and im getting better and stronger but the hills are brutal. Flats doing very well with this setup.
Questions and Advice needed - Im considering getting the Kousac wheel set here
https://josephkuosac.com/product/wheel-and-parts/wheelset/jk-mini-velo-wheelset/#jp-carousel-1299
Maybe new chain ring 60T and 11T Variocoq
https://josephkuosac.com/product/brompton/brompton-chainring/
New pedals for Look style. Anything to get it faster and better for the distance rides.
Can anyone comment on the Kousac upgrades or any other stuff you can recommend for me, for big rides with the 'big wheel' ppl?

 

[Tigerbiten]

Don't know anything about Kousac upgrades.
But Ben at Kinetics, Glasgow does a lot of mods for the Brompton.
Look here -> https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/folding-bikes/brompton/
Different wheel sizes and gearing options are possible.
More ideas from Kinetics here -> https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/category/custom-builds/

Luck ...........

 

[Sharky]

sustain 15-20mphs

Don't get too hung up on numbers like this. Once you get used to riding in a group, your speeds will increase significantly, benefitting from slip streaming.

The biggest challenge is being able to respond to changes in speed. When a group sets off, you will get a whip lash affect at the rear and it can be very difficult hanging on. Practice and experience will resolve this.

So best if you just get started on some of the group rides. You may surprise yourself.

Good luck

 

[mitchibob]

When you say, a lot of elevation? What sort of gradients?

JK Superfirm suspension blocks gives better power delivery for less comfort, and titanium seatpost helps that while dropping at least 300g off bike weight. Switching to 2 or 4 speed rear wheel will be even faster as even better power delivery, plus lighter.

It really depends on kinda race you want to be fast in. Those during seriously long endurance races have very different set-up needs from doing a BWC race.

Disclaimer: I don't often ride in a group, and when I do in sportive or something, hugging someone else's wheel means you don't get to appreciate any of the view for most part as concentrating on wheel in front instead, even if you're saving a bunch of watts. Plus, speed I climb, zero point in following anyone's wheels when gradient goes up over certain percentage. I'm just happy to get to the top in one go if I can. Oh, and in last BWC race I did, could NO way keep up with the lead group.... they were flying. Emma Pooley was leading that group! Zero chance of me hanging to group with her in it. Lap down on them. Insane speed they were going when they went past to lap me (probably camera bike was giving the too much draft ;-)

 

[alicat]

Small wheels and hills aren't a good combo. You might want to be near the front at the start of a climb ....

 

[T4tomo]

to start with, if you want to go on longer road bike rides, you'd be better off spending your £1000-1500 on a new or 2nd hand road bike rather than losing a few grams off the wheels and fitting a chainring that will make your brommie so high geared you'll be struggling on steep hills.

riding with the Rapha local crew here in NYC

is this really a desirable thing? if they are anything like the rapha cafe club rides in the UK they would be best avoided.

 

[Kell]

Here’s the thing.

It is doable. But you will have to be fitter and stronger than everyone else if you want to keep up - especially on long distances.

No matter what you do to a Brompton, you’ll still always be left with little wheels.

And therefore more rolling resistance.

There’s a very good video here explaining all the little differences.

View: https://youtu.be/F98oQ7Xo5mI

 

[tinywheels]

Lol no hope of keeping in the peleton.
Just chill and enjoy the unique experience of riding a Brompton.