Brompton tyres sucking the life out of me

[GrumpyGregry]

Are kojaks really that prone to visitations and can't park patches take care if visited?

 

[TheDoctor]

Kojaks were vigorously discouraged from FNRttC rides for over fairy-friendliness IIRC.

 

[reppans]

As many have mentioned, nothing inherently slow about the small wheels - they've actually broken quite a few land speed records, including a Moulton record still standing.
http://www.rodbikes.com/articles/bicycle-land-speed-records.html

IMHO the Brompton feels slower/less efficient than it actually is - I've run time trials with my equivalently priced 700x32 (same pressure, similar tire profile) gravel bike and was surprised to find I was only ~1mph/7% slower on the B. Rigged my M bars with a aero drop position and cut that in half to 0.5mph/3.5%, not to mention adding comfort. Knock that down another 1% if I included the necessary 2kg of locks for the gravel bike. I figure that last 2.5% is there to stay - a combination of inefficiencies from the dual drivetrain (derailleur+IGH), imperfect gear ratios, handlebar/suspension flex, and half-clip vs Clipless pedals.

For me the difference in speed/efficiency/comfort between the two bikes is now so small that I regularly alternate between two on loop exercise rides (no intentions of stopping/locking/folding). The Brompton always feels slower to me, but the endless advantages of that fold make it my goto bike. YMMV, of course.

 

[Elybazza61]

No chance. If I did then it would have to be a clunker to leave overnight locked to racks. I do not do clunkers and leaving a bike overnight in SE London, well...

This is what I do in Cambridge;it's an old Ridgeback frame which looks like it's been fired at with a shotgun, set up single-speed with old shimano bits.It can get left for a week without use but it's always there when needed,even if it did get nicked I wouldn't worry as it's not cost me anything and the money saved not buying a Brompton/Dahon/whatever has gone on blingy bits on the nice bikes.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Agree with the others ordinary marathons have a good balance between ride and puncture protection. You will not feel like the life is being sucked out of you.

 

[simon.r]

Somewhere in between the Marathon and the Kojak is the standard Brompton tyre:

https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompton-tyres-tubes/117-brompton-tyre-kevlar-16in.html

I’m another pootler on the Brompton, but on the odd occasion I do push on I can’t say I notice significantly more rolling resistance on these than an average 700c tyres.

Worth looking on eBay if you want a pair cheap as they quite often appear on there in nearly new condition.

 

[The Jogger]

Tannus? Although mine is now in getting a marathon +

https://www.tannus.co.uk/

 

[Dave 123]

My rear tyre blew a big hole on my Spa yesterday @ianrauk and I went to replace it. It was a Schwalbe Marathon Racer. Rutland cycles only had an M+, it was either that or go home on my front wheel!

It's like riding on concrete tyres! I feel your pain!

 

[fatjel]

I have Brompton tyres on mine. They came with it and feel OK .
Was expecting to have to change them as I’m very picky about tyres as a rule.
Never had m+ that I could tolerate. Normal marathons always feel like they roll better to me
I have to say carbon frame and dura ace wheels get me along a bit quicker

 

[ianrauk]

I've changed the tyres from Marathon Plus to the standard Brompton Tyres. They do seem to be a little bit better rolling.
However, I think that having had to change my mindset as to how I am riding and a month down the line of using the bike. My mind, body and muscles are becoming more in tune with the Brompton. I am definitely getting a little quicker on the commute.

The M+'s are in the shed and will be used as spares.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've changed the tyres from Marathon Plus to the standard Brompton Tyres. They do seem to be a little bit better rolling.
However, I think that having had to change my mindset as to how I am riding and a month down the line of using the bike. My mind, body and muscles are becoming more in tune with the Brompton. I am definitely getting a little quicker on the commute.

The M+'s are in the shed and will be used as spares.

That’s good, and I think normal. The B is a different riding proposition and it takes a while to settle into it.
Another thing I thought if was whether setting the saddle more rearwards might help. I used the Brompton extension to do that and it makes the bike feel a little more ‘normal’ for me (of long back and short legs).
Glad it’s getting better anyhow :-)

 

[ianrauk]

The saddle seems to be in the right position, it's certainly not uncomfortable.
I do also have the seat post at the max. I'm 5'9", so anyone taller must have a bit of a problem or have a taller post.

 

[Kell]

It's more about aero dynamics. Brompton set up their bikes with the sadlle pushed as far forward on the rails as it will go - obviously making you more 'sit-up-and-beg' It was one of the first things I altered. Flipped the pentaclip the other way up and pushed the seat right back.

I also think they do take a lot of getting used to.

After 30+ years of riding MTBs I bought my first road bike (or racer as we used to call them) about 3 years ago and it felt really twitchy. Now when I use the road bike after being on the Brompton all week, it feels really planted.

It also takes a while to get used to the gearing.

Brompton set up:

Mine:

 

[lazyfatgit]

At 6 2 I should probably have got the extended post but get by with the pentaclip reversed and as close to the top of the post as I dared.

I don’t commute on it now but when I did I found the Brompton green tyres ok. I dislike the M+ that I tried on a previous bike and have never purchased any since. Did run Marathons on the tourer and they weren’t too bad.

 

[ianrauk]

Thanks @Kell That's very interesting about the saddle. I may have a look at that.