Bromptons as commuting bikes

[Twanger]

There have been one or two posts recently suggesting that Brompton bikes are not the cats whiskers. So I thought I'd start a thread.

As a commuting bike, how do you rate them? Any really satisfied Bromptoners out there?

 

[hackbike 666]

Dunno,never rode one.

 

[PBancroft]

Dunno,never rode one.

Me neither, but I suspect that it wouldn't be suitable for a longer commute (though I'm happy to be disputed on that), especially if it was a hilly commute. I also seem to recall that the handlebars aren't adjustable... is that correct? I'd find that a pain (ho ho) after a few miles.

 

[Tynan]

Obviously qualities have been compromised for the need to fold it down small/light/easily, a matter about how important the fold etc is releative to riding

I see lots of them i the city, ridig from the terminuses I suppose, that said I've seen them on the FNRttCs

 

[Crankarm]

Brilliant - 3 posters chiming in and they've no experience of Brompton ownership .

Like all bikes if it fits you it will likely be a good purchase. If not you may as well throw your money away.

Bromptons are very capable. I think because of their superb design and success they seem to generate jealousy and ignorance of their abilities in equal measure.

As the Brompton is aimed at the commuting market if you can't commute on it then one is not likely to be able to commute on any bike. I would certainly prefer to commute on a Brompton than a suspension MTB or full on road bike.

....I also seem to recall that the handlebars aren't adjustable... is that correct?

Which bike does have adjustable handlebars? The Brompton is no different to any other bike in adjustment of the bars. It also has several types - std u shape, flat bars and butterfly for touring.

Wrt to the OP:

There have been one or two posts recently suggesting that Brompton bikes are not the cats whiskers. So I thought I'd start a thread.

As a commuting bike, how do you rate them? Any really satisfied Bromptoners out there?

I don't reall know what the phrase the cat's whiskers is supposed to mean but where are the Brompton posts you refer to?

I commute on mine and I am really satisfied with it. I also tour on it.
Go and test ride one. Make sure you adjust it to fit you first before you ride off on it - saddle height and bar postioning.

 

[PBancroft]

Which bike does have adjustable handlebars? The Brompton is no different to any other bike in adjustment of the bars. It also has several types - std u shape, flat bars and butterfly for touring.

I missed out a word - my bad - I meant handlebar height.

 

[Crankarm]

I missed out a word - my bad - I meant handlebar height.

Yeap you can get different height head tubes and different bars which have different heights. But any set up has to allow the bike to still fold.
Your own body geometry might be perfectly comfortable with the handle bar position as is so it will not be an issue. How many times have you ridden a bike that is set up for you and thought after 10, 15, 25, 60 miles oh I know I'll adjust the height of the handlebars. I don't think so. Are you in the market to buy one or just seeking to find fault?

 

[PBancroft]

Are you in the market to buy one or just seeking to find fault?

Maybe I'm just asking if I've got my facts straight, as I noted in my orginal post with the statements

I'm happy to be disputed on that

and

... is that correct?

.

 

[Twanger]

OK, more background. sorry, I posted last night, tired, and without really thinking about it. My aim is not to diss Bromptons, but find out more about them.

My company is starting up the ride to work scheme, and I already have a great commuter bike which does the trick from Crystal Palace into the west end, but I would like to benefit from the opportunity to get a cheap bike. I am not ever going to be a club rider, or a road warrior, so I really don't want to buy a road bike. A Brompton has suggested itself, just to shove on the train on odd occasions when I don't want to takae the sirrus.

But i am hearing mixed tales.

On the one hand, there was a thread recently in which someone was speaking in disappointed terms about bromptons, talking about major repairs, and the thing wearing out in a couple of years. Cats whiskers is an old expression (because I am an old person!) meaning very good.

On the other hand, I see them everywhere. People on the street I have spoken to all like them.

I get overtaken by Bromptons.

On the third hand,they do seem to be delicate, with odd cheap looking bits of plastic all over them.

On the fourth hand, people seem to go touring on them.

So, how do you find bromptons. Are they a good commuter bike, or has to much been sacrificed to make it foldable for it to be a serious bike?

 

[palinurus]

I found my Brompton fine for my nine-mile commute. Obviously slower than my road bike but about the same as my slicked-up MTB. The upright position did used to give me a sore arse- but only after 40 miles or more (although I replaced the original saddle I suspect upgrading to a Brookes or something would have helped here).

I liked riding it. If I was feeling miserable I'd get it out and ride it to work because it'd generally cheer me up.

I must add that I didn't need to use my Brompton for commuting- I bought it so I could have a bike with me when I had to travel by train. Consequently I have no experience of using one daily, all year round, on my commute- this, I suspect, is the sort of experience you are after.

It felt strange at first: I tested a few folding bikes and I preferred the ride of Dahon-type designs but the fold on the Brompton was so good that I couldn't imagine using anything else on the train. After a few rides I warmed to the Brompton and learned how it liked to be ridden.

I don't have one now, I rarely need to travel by train in the UK and Paris now has Velib'.

They hold their value well, so selling one is easy. Even a very old and tatty Brompton can sell for £250+.

 

[palinurus]

They are very handy as a second bike- don't take up much space. Quite handy as a sixth bike too.

Another use is that if you have a guest you can lend it to them- they fit pretty much anyone at a pinch.

 

[Bigtwin]

I commuted on mine. Slower than big bike (3 sp hub), but not significantly around town.

Need high pressure tyres, and front brake and saddle upgrade, and the folding pedal. I also changed the bars and put bar ends on mine so the fit is more or less the same as my MTB - the stock bars are very sit up and beg. I also have the telescopic seat post extension, as the stock one doesn't go up that high. I have a front bag, and a carry bag and shoulder strap for it, which make life very clean and easy.

Ride is harsher coz of small wheels. It's also more twitchy due to steering geo, but you get used to it. It's not the ideal machine for climbing lots of hills, but you get there, albeit a little slower.

It's very easy to cultivate a different mindset when riding one - I'm riding instead of walking/bus/whatever, which in and of itself is a good feeling, so what's not to like.

In short, they are very good at what they are designed for. A Brommie will go on a train luggage rack, and get where you want to go with under a min of folding/unfolding.

Only downside is that the standard steel ones are quite heavy to carry around for any distance if you don't have a bag and shoulder strap, which are extras.

 

[Twanger]

Consequently I have no experience of using one daily, all year round, on my commute- this, I suspect, is the sort of experience you are after.
.

Yes, it is. But still you seem to like it and it hasn't fallen to bits. Thanks.

I actually have a Dahon folder which I hate and am going to sell. It's a Vitesse D7HG. Too much effort for too little result and a really dodgy design on the stem.

 

[Twanger]

A follow up question - is the "X" version worth the extra cash?

 

[Bigtwin]

A follow up question - is the "X" version worth the extra cash?

Depends how strong you are and how much carrying it you are going to do.

Not for the ride difference.