Thinking about getting a Brommie

[MontyVeda]

Looking on Ebay at Brommie's and there's a few available at the right sort of price within collection distance... but they don't always have mudgards or the rear rack.

What would it cost the get a rear rack, or mudguards as add-ons? And does the rack fit over all mudguards?

 

[Kell]

I can't remember the prices off hand, but the rack needs a specific mudguard to fit.

Fairly sure the prices of the actual mudguards are similar between the two, but you do have to order the right one. Apparently.

 

[Kell]

Front mudguard set is around £35
https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompt...on-advance-front-mudguard-set-for-p-line.html

Rear set without the rack is around £50
STAYS are £32 and the mudguard's about £15

Rear rack and mudguard set is around £125.

https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompt....html?search_query=brompton+rack&results=1746

 

[simongt]

I bought a new & unused rack & mudguard 'unit' from a member for a very reasonable price a few months back. Used a YouTube video to get past a tricky bit.
Obviously makes the rear end a bit heavier for flipping the back wheel under, but very pleased with the setup and gives that fair bit of extra carrying capacity, especially for solid objects.

 

[MontyVeda]

Front mudguard set is around £35
https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompt...on-advance-front-mudguard-set-for-p-line.html

Rear set without the rack is around £50
STAYS are £32 and the mudguard's about £15

Rear rack and mudguard set is around £125.

https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompt....html?search_query=brompton+rack&results=1746

I had a feeling they'd be quite pricey... so best off looking for a second hand Brommie with the gubbins I'll need.
Another question regarding the rear rack... does anyone use Ortleib panniers with it and is there enough ground clearence?

 

[MontyVeda]

I've just bought a Brommie!

 

[EckyH]

I've just bought a Brommie!

But without pictures it didn't happen...

E.

 

[MontyVeda]

needs to be delivered first.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have 2 Bromptons.

If I were to do it again, I would go for a Bike Friday, Dahon or one of the new Brompton clones coming out of Asia.

The paintwork on Bromptons is notoriously bad. They have a habit of releasing Brompton 'Specials'. A change of colour paint is not special.

My main concern is that the Brompton drive train is very unique. If you go touring on a Brompton. You need quite a bag of special spare parts with you as they are not available in bike shops.

Some of the Brompton clones are now getting good reports. They have standard drivetrains, better gearing, disc brakes, wider tyres. Things that Brompton should gave addessed a long time ago.

I ride my Bromptons regularly and I like them. But I think there are better folding options.

 

[straas]

I'm not sure bromptons are a terribly popular choice for touring, and the beauty of the fold is you can jump on a train/bus/taxi if you have something unfixable.

When buying I decided against the rear rack (can't fully remember why) I instead use a waterproof metro bag, that whilst pricy - is brilliant and I would recommend one.

I'd also recommend a little cafe padlock - I attach one to the bars in train baggage storage when I can as a bit of a theft deterrent.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm not sure bromptons are a terribly popular choice for touring, and the beauty of the fold is you can jump on a train/bus/taxi if you have something unfixable.
...

Yeah if i was to tour I'd use a proper bike with a good range of gears and plenty of storage options. The Brommie is so i can cycle/bus to and from work.

 

[steveindenmark]

I'm not sure bromptons are a terribly popular choice for touring, and the beauty of the fold is you can jump on a train/bus/taxi if you have something unfixable.

When buying I decided against the rear rack (can't fully remember why) I instead use a waterproof metro bag, that whilst pricy - is brilliant and I would recommend one.

I'd also recommend a little cafe padlock - I attach one to the bars in train baggage storage when I can as a bit of a theft deterrent.

You hit the nail on the head when you said they are good for hopping on and off trains.

Good for hitching lifts with, getting on ferries, taxis, buses. So much easier than a DF bike for that type of touring. I took mine all over Bulgaria.

If I want conventional touring I just take my Koga World Traveller. It is two totally different ways of touring.

Advertising Bromptons as a City bike was as bad a advertising as advertising e bikes for the aged and infirm.

Bromptons are literally being ridden around the world. They are for what you ever want to use them for.

Funny how they never stuck that tag on Airnimal or Dahon.

 

[oldandslow]

I had a feeling they'd be quite pricey... so best off looking for a second hand Brommie with the gubbins I'll need.
Another question regarding the rear rack... does anyone use Ortleib panniers with it and is there enough ground clearence?

Ground clearance is limited. If you want standard panniers, consider the Kinetics rack. I would think that weight of panniers needs to be watched, given it's on a plastic mounting block. Mine sways a bit even with smaller ones.

Or, as shown above, consider stuff sacks etc. on the rear rack.

I like my Brompton but, personally, don't see it as an ideal tourer, even among folding bikes, compared to say the Airnimal.