Maybe I should prepare a set for tours then, like an 52T chainring and extra chain, that I would swapI've led 70 mile rides over the Chilterns when I was the only one on a Brompton. That was an S-Type with a 52" lowest gear.
Maybe I should prepare a set for tours then, like an 52T chainring and extra chain, that I would swapI've led 70 mile rides over the Chilterns when I was the only one on a Brompton. That was an S-Type with a 52" lowest gear.
It's just that when I see a group of tourers they are all wearing expensive gear and roadbikes more than my monthly apartment so it made me think the Brompton might stick out both in looks and performance.
Oh no I was referring to random groups I see around when they pass by. My friends are relatively serious cyclists, they tour every other weekend, and have got nice gear too. To what price I don't know but I do know they are drooling for those expensive bikes.Your friends are fancy - when I'm touring, I don't wear expensive gear although bikes are admittedly expensive.
There'll be a lot of people - including some roadies - who'll be envious of you being able to afford a Brompton.Oh no I was referring to random groups I see around when they pass by. My friends are relatively serious cyclists, they tour every other weekend, and have got nice gear too. To what price I don't know but I do know they are drooling for those expensive bikes.
what they saidIt's all relative. Touring is generally, in my opinion anyway is relaxing and enjoyable, not a hell for leather dash from one place to another.
I think Bromptons are about 5-10% less efficient than road bikes. If you are reasonably fit you will not be the slowest. If you are the slowest, well someone has to be :-) Go for it!New to biking in general and waiting to purchase a brompton, I want a folding bike primarily for city commute but I also want to use it for some minor touring (city to city).
Have you joined other cyclists on their road bikes for tours and did you feel like you were slowing down the group? Is it bad form not bringing a road bike? I know it's possible to tour and to bikepack with Bromptons, but just worried how it would be if I joined friends in some tours. Especially as I plan on taking the - 12% gearing. Am I expecting too much from the B?
I didn't even think about the front luggage actually. Yeah the bigger bags would definitely be less aero but I heard something about heavy front bags making the ride "better" or some sort?I've toured couple of times with a 14L backloader and Ortleib mini on the front (not camping or anything)... definitely a little more aero than having a T-bag or new Borough bag on the front, which, riding to Wales with inevitable headwind the entire way, did improve things slightly. Switching to S-like bars has made bike a little quicker too.
But as others have said, when it comes to on the road performance, Brompton isn't that much slower than my road bike in my experience. 5-10% is probably a good call. On the 6-speed, with 44T chainring, I find it's a bit slower, mostly due to not being in the most efficient gears on the flatter bits most of the time. But then, very few hills are ever a problem with that. I've ridden to London to Cardiff a couple of times in a couple of days, with 50T and 54T, both of which were fine, but I had a 44T in the bag for when I got there!
First time I took the 14L backloader on my road-bike for a road tour, though, within 5 miles felt like something was applying a brake, and after quick inspection, I was heading back home as rear wheel and worn through it completely. That'd NEVER happen on the Brompton! But actually, similar rides on road bike haven't been that much quicker. I'm not even convinced more comfortable. Maybe nicer having more choice of gears, but actually, way less convenient in terms of just getting into a hotel room, pub, Aunt's porch, luggage rack on train, etc.
Definitely improves front-end stability a bit.I didn't even think about the front luggage actually. Yeah the bigger bags would definitely be less aero but I heard something about heavy front bags making the ride "better" or some sort?