Folding bike for 7 mile flat journey - Adive Needed

[John the Monkey]

Given you say you have owned three I would suggest you rather like them or alternatively are just one of life's whingers or a masochist. I think Bromptons are simply brilliantly ingenious.

I can see that someone might have owned a few, even with those experiences - until recently, nothing's come close to them for the compactness of the fold. People could well end up regarding what they see as problems with the design &c as tradeoffs to achieve that compact fold.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Agree with the rack. It's actually pretty light (we fitted one to Mr Houtkop's bike, as I bought a M6L for him rather than the M6R we wanted because it was in stock & I'd heard of the waiting times - see eg Charlie's post above).

Additionally, the drag when using the rear bag is vastly better than when using front luggage. My commute seems to have a permanent headwind when heading home (no tail wind when heading in though, unfortunately!) so I've taken to using the rear rack only whenever possible. I do also go shopping with my bike though, and then I need the front basket, rear rack and backpack!

I would however not recommend the dynamo lighting (tyre) - can't comment on the SON as I don't have it.

Also a good upgrade is to get Ergon grips. Just upgraded mine and I think the new ones are great! This isn't a Brompton option so you'd have to do it post purchase.

 

[Crankarm]

Agree with the rack. It's actually pretty light (we fitted one to Mr Houtkop's bike, as I bought a M6L for him rather than the M6R we wanted because it was in stock & I'd heard of the waiting times - see eg Charlie's post above).

Additionally, the drag when using the rear bag is vastly better than when using front luggage. My commute seems to have a permanent headwind when heading home (no tail wind when heading in though, unfortunately!) so I've taken to using the rear rack only whenever possible. I do also go shopping with my bike though, and then I need the front basket, rear rack and backpack!

I would however not recommend the dynamo lighting (tyre) - can't comment on the SON as I don't have it.

Also a good upgrade is to get Ergon grips. Just upgraded mine and I think the new ones are great! This isn't a Brompton option so you'd have to do it post purchase.

Nice post and something to consider as I just use the front touring pannier as it is cavernous and very strong. Occasionally I attach the seat post rack I have and attach small Orkney panniers which works quite well. However, I can see how wind resistance might be reduced but then again if I'm on my other bike rear panniers seem to cause just as much wind resistance as on the Brompton. I hate wind especially when it's in one's face .