a.twiddler
Veteran
Some Thoughts on a Longer Trip on the Brompton
On 2/9/22 I thought I’d give the Brompton a proper workout. I booked a cheap ticket by train from Nantwich to Welshpool with the intention of cycling back on as much of the Montgomery canal towpath as possible, then through the lanes to home. My wife dropped myself and folded bike off in Nantwich on the way to Stoke. Although part of the route worked out rougher than anticipated and overall it took much longer to get back than planned, the Brompton proved much more capable than I’d expected. Although no off roader, it fulfilled its folding and portability functions magnificently and was capable of dealing with less smooth surfaces as well. I took it partially folded into a couple of shops and a public toilet with no one batting an eyelid, which was useful as leaving my bike unattended while I'm inside somewhere is one of my least favourite things about cycling on my own. I did fear for the tyres at times but they held up well too. More details on “My ride today”.
Brompton outside Sainsburys, Nantwich.
I’d expected to have to change the original Brompton saddle for something more comfortable but up to the time of this trip it hadn’t been a problem so I gave it a chance to prove itself. Even after the 65 miles of this trip it was fine. That was a bonus, as it has bag loops. The riding position, despite looking as if it would be cramped, was fine, with older generation M bars and my home grown cross brace, foam grips, bar ends and Shimano brake levers. The only thing that was a little annoying was my Mirrycle as the stem blocked part of the bar end. I’ve seen photos of Bromptons with the mirror fitted below the bar which I think I will try, as it also fits in with the fold better.
The Radical Brompton front bag worked very well. So easy to get stuff out when stopped, without dismounting.
The gearing could do with lowering a smidge but generally everything worked as it should. The untried hub generator also worked as expected. I need to see what I can do with the mounting bracket as the front light contacts the bottom of the front bag before It can be raised as much as I would like.
On the whole, a satisfactory first trip.
On 2/9/22 I thought I’d give the Brompton a proper workout. I booked a cheap ticket by train from Nantwich to Welshpool with the intention of cycling back on as much of the Montgomery canal towpath as possible, then through the lanes to home. My wife dropped myself and folded bike off in Nantwich on the way to Stoke. Although part of the route worked out rougher than anticipated and overall it took much longer to get back than planned, the Brompton proved much more capable than I’d expected. Although no off roader, it fulfilled its folding and portability functions magnificently and was capable of dealing with less smooth surfaces as well. I took it partially folded into a couple of shops and a public toilet with no one batting an eyelid, which was useful as leaving my bike unattended while I'm inside somewhere is one of my least favourite things about cycling on my own. I did fear for the tyres at times but they held up well too. More details on “My ride today”.
Brompton outside Sainsburys, Nantwich.
I’d expected to have to change the original Brompton saddle for something more comfortable but up to the time of this trip it hadn’t been a problem so I gave it a chance to prove itself. Even after the 65 miles of this trip it was fine. That was a bonus, as it has bag loops. The riding position, despite looking as if it would be cramped, was fine, with older generation M bars and my home grown cross brace, foam grips, bar ends and Shimano brake levers. The only thing that was a little annoying was my Mirrycle as the stem blocked part of the bar end. I’ve seen photos of Bromptons with the mirror fitted below the bar which I think I will try, as it also fits in with the fold better.
The Radical Brompton front bag worked very well. So easy to get stuff out when stopped, without dismounting.
The gearing could do with lowering a smidge but generally everything worked as it should. The untried hub generator also worked as expected. I need to see what I can do with the mounting bracket as the front light contacts the bottom of the front bag before It can be raised as much as I would like.
On the whole, a satisfactory first trip.