Looking to join The Fold

[brommieinkorea]

The rear rack with easy wheels is great, and you won't be bending the fender stays. The luggage block and front carrier rack are the best way to carry the everyday essentials however. There are things I've regretted buying (certain cars...) but a Brompton was not amongst them. The rear rack is also a much better place to mount a taillight than the bridge mounting where the L model has a light/ reflector.

 

[brommieinkorea]

For what it's worth. Really big bags, (28liter Borough) may be too big and make you not like the handling. Mini s bag and some narrow aftermarket bags won't accommodate full size paper or laptops. I've been known to carry a stuffable backpack just in case I buy too much stuff at the store, the rear rack is useful here too. For a planned grocery trip by Brompton, nothing beats a Burley Travoy behind the bike. The Travoy also folds up neat enough to use it on an inter modal trip.

 

[T4tomo]

The rear rack is also a much better place to mount a taillight than the bridge mounting where the L model has a light/ reflector

rather heavy as lamp brackets go though!

 

[Dogtrousers]

rather heavy as lamp brackets go though!

If you've chosen a Brommie the it's a bit late for weight-weenieism.

Now, I've never tried this, but I doubt if I (or anyone else here) would be able to feel the weight difference with/without rack on a blind test. Although I'm not sure how you would arrange such a test. Blinkers maybe?

 

[SA3BR]

I 2nd the idea that the rackfree rearlamp mount means that many lamps' lit area is obscured by the mudguard: eg the Solo.

and isnt the Advance rack much lighter than its cast predessor?

But a rackless Brompton can still have robust rear 'wheeling' wheels, with diy:

http://mybikesite.org/#MudguardWheels

I did something similar for a while but above is much more minimal. (I later fitted a rack as needed it for luggage even with front block).

Nb I dont like the handling without some rear weight so even rackfree I would have a qr traditional saddlebag in addition to any front luggage..

 

[Kell]

Late to the party, but I've snapped/cracked two mudguards through overly aggressive folding. So I'd say the mudguards is prone to damage if you're not careful.

My solution was to buy a mudgard protector - thouhg it was so long ago, I don't remember the brand. I do remember it took some fettling to make it fit though.

I'll try and find a link.

 

[Kell]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/rear-mudguard-protective-strip.280592/