Profpointy
Legendary Member
Just to help guide my decision, I find myself in the market for a small folding bike, Brompton being the obvious starting point. I envisage using it whilst working away, in London if training it to London an this kind of thing. So having got used to fairly nice bikes for everyday use, I don't want something crap, but nor do I want a £10k ultra super moulton either. Probably looking at the single speed, but might consider other options. Following Grumpy's post on a related thread, I gather Kinetic do Alfine and even Rolhoff conversions too, so I'd not be stuck with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed.
Factors.
Must be "reasonable" quality - Brompton looks "OK" quality but perhaps no more, but questioning Sturmey Archer options. Moulton seems very nice quality, but may be worse for foldability and price.
Easy to fold and unfold, and portable / carryable when folded (Brompton good on this) - anyone know about moulton or Birdy for foldability?
Gears - tending to single speed, but maybe 2 speed derailleur. Have jaundiced views of Sturmey Archer 3 speeds from my youth - but maybe I'm being silly. Could go single speed then upgrade to the Alfine (Rolhoff is too expensive for a low-use machine). Can't find gear-inches on Brompton's site - though searching other posts has given some guidance. As I say single speed is fave for now as I can get by with fixie in Bristol - certainly for the journeys I envisage.
Anyone managed to fix toe clips to their fold up pedals?
Anyone got a Birdy or Moulton - what are thoughts on these - for my short journey (5 miles say) purposes?
I have ridden a Brompton - very wobbly but OK. I guess. Never seen a Birdy in the metal
Any other advice ?
Thanks all
Hywel
Factors.
Must be "reasonable" quality - Brompton looks "OK" quality but perhaps no more, but questioning Sturmey Archer options. Moulton seems very nice quality, but may be worse for foldability and price.
Easy to fold and unfold, and portable / carryable when folded (Brompton good on this) - anyone know about moulton or Birdy for foldability?
Gears - tending to single speed, but maybe 2 speed derailleur. Have jaundiced views of Sturmey Archer 3 speeds from my youth - but maybe I'm being silly. Could go single speed then upgrade to the Alfine (Rolhoff is too expensive for a low-use machine). Can't find gear-inches on Brompton's site - though searching other posts has given some guidance. As I say single speed is fave for now as I can get by with fixie in Bristol - certainly for the journeys I envisage.
Anyone managed to fix toe clips to their fold up pedals?
Anyone got a Birdy or Moulton - what are thoughts on these - for my short journey (5 miles say) purposes?
I have ridden a Brompton - very wobbly but OK. I guess. Never seen a Birdy in the metal
Any other advice ?
Thanks all
Hywel