simon l& and a half
New Member
- Location
- Streatham Hill
http://www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=50849.0
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OP
OP
User169
Guest
simon l& and a half said:
Thanks Simon.
jonesy
Guru
I think Simon is being a bit harsh, though there are undoubtedly compromises with the Brompton and I'd certainly advise you to try out its newer competitors as well.
FWIW I use one for my daily commute, which usually involves a dash from one side of Reading station to the other... and while I try to use the subway rather than the crowded footbridge to avoid hitting people I don't otherwise consider the weight to be major problem. However, I usually use my L3, which is a basic 3 speed with hub gears (very reliable). I also have a T5, which has a rack, dynamo and a less reliable 5 speed hub. This is much heavier and I'd be less keen to use it every day. With good modern LED lights I don't think the dynamo has the advantage it used to have, and you don't usually need lots of gears on the sort of route you'd normally use a Brompton for, so I'd definitely recommend anyone thinking of a getting one to stick to the lighter, more basic models. I'm sure the 2 speed is pretty good for most commutes.
In terms of handling, I find the Brompton a delight in congested city traffic; it is really nippy, fits into small gaps and the hub gears are much easier for stop start traffic. Not so good on poor surfaces; I am much more concious of potholes than on a full size bike.
And as for luggage, the front mounting bag is a work of genius, greatly assisting loading and unloading off trains.
FWIW I use one for my daily commute, which usually involves a dash from one side of Reading station to the other... and while I try to use the subway rather than the crowded footbridge to avoid hitting people I don't otherwise consider the weight to be major problem. However, I usually use my L3, which is a basic 3 speed with hub gears (very reliable). I also have a T5, which has a rack, dynamo and a less reliable 5 speed hub. This is much heavier and I'd be less keen to use it every day. With good modern LED lights I don't think the dynamo has the advantage it used to have, and you don't usually need lots of gears on the sort of route you'd normally use a Brompton for, so I'd definitely recommend anyone thinking of a getting one to stick to the lighter, more basic models. I'm sure the 2 speed is pretty good for most commutes.
In terms of handling, I find the Brompton a delight in congested city traffic; it is really nippy, fits into small gaps and the hub gears are much easier for stop start traffic. Not so good on poor surfaces; I am much more concious of potholes than on a full size bike.
And as for luggage, the front mounting bag is a work of genius, greatly assisting loading and unloading off trains.
CopperBrompton
Bicycle: a means of transport between cake-stops
- Location
- London
I really can't understand a criticism of a Brompton on the grounds that it's heavy to carry, as you never need to carry it! It takes seconds to fold and unfold, and then you just wheel it along.
Of course it doesn't ride like a full-size bike, but it's fast, ultra-maneouverable and you can fit it in absolutely anywhere when folded. The front bag also has seemingly infinite capacity.
Ben
Of course it doesn't ride like a full-size bike, but it's fast, ultra-maneouverable and you can fit it in absolutely anywhere when folded. The front bag also has seemingly infinite capacity.
Ben
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Takes me minutes to lock and unlock my bike at work - folder would be quicker for you !
BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
andygates said:
/but you has Monkey Butt!! Not that that's the brompton's fault.
Sig SilverPrinter
Senior Member
- Location
- In the dark
Ben Lovejoy said:
CopperBrompton
Bicycle: a means of transport between cake-stops
- Location
- London
That's cheating, though: carrying one bike between (nearly) two of you.
