Thinking about getting a Brommie

[a.twiddler]

Front luggage block is one of the best features of the Brompton design. It does feel a bit odd at first not being to see the front wheel, but who actually rides looking down at the front wheel? It certainly makes it feel more planted. For something less spendy than a Brompton, a Dahon or Tern folder can be had with a similar feature.

Sticking with the Brompton. At the back, a saddlebag can be used through the Brompton saddle bag loops, or for touring loads, a rucksack resting on the rack, strapped to a dowel through the saddle rails and a strap round the seatpost. If there isn't a strap between the rucksack and rack, the rear can still swing under to partially fold it and roll it on the rack wheels. It's a surprisingly versatile bike once the initial pre owner bugs have been ironed out.

 

[simongt]

Front luggage block is one of the best features of the Brompton design. It does feel a bit odd at first not being to see the front wheel, but who actually rides looking down at the front wheel?

That's the beauty of the front bag of a Brommy. Loaded, it improves handling, although because the bag is attatched to the frame and not the wheel, initially turning and seeing the front wheel moving independently of the bag / frame was a bit weird - !

 

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

Heresy coming up... you don't even need a Brompton to use the Brompton block!

After much searching I found a Klickfix -> Brompton converter on Etsy. Allows me to use my Brompton bags (I do have a Brompton too) with my Dahon Mu. Works very well but I won't as liberally interpret the weight limits as it moves the bag out quite a bit compared to on the Brommie. Borough Shopper bag in case anyone is curious, probably the most versatile they make (stuff anything inside, rucksack, laptop bag, your shopping...)

 

[MontyVeda]

I've had the Brommie a fortnight now and I've still not ridden it

The chain was stretched so much i decided to get a new one, which meant having to get a new BB and cranks and a rear sprocket (yet to be delivered). It's looking like another week before i get chance to put it back together and take it out for the first time.

 

[Pennine-Paul]

Got a final payment from old employer since retiring and bought myself a flame lacquer 2 speed!
Excuse the mess not long moved to the delights of Huddersfield!

 

[ColinJ]

Got a final payment from old employer since retiring and bought myself a flame lacquer 2 speed!
Excuse the mess not long moved to the delights of Huddersfield!
View attachment 804248

But... It isn't fixed!!!

 

[blackrat]

Got a final payment from old employer since retiring and bought myself a flame lacquer 2 speed!
Excuse the mess not long moved to the delights of Huddersfield!
View attachment 804248

I hate to say it, but that really is a daft looking bike. Will it grow up one day? But come to think of it, it does look rather poorly. Is it ill, or on a special diet? Any hope for it?

 

[MontyVeda]

Daft is part of the Brommie's charm. The other part is being able to take it on public transport. Having had mine on the road for a couple of weeks, it's certainly harder* to ride than my 'proper' bike but not significantly slower. A seventeen minute trip on my 'proper' bike takes twenty on the Brommie. And i know some of you Strava types will say three minutes is hugely significant, but it's a utilitarian bike. Three minutes doesn't matter and if it does you set off three minutes earlier.

I'm probably going to put some slightly wider handle bars on at some point and hope it doesn't affect the fold.

*only three gears compared to a 7speed triple, which i guess is just like having a 1speed triple. The gaps between gears feel that big.

 

[MontyVeda]

Fingers crossed that the new BB and your new crank (which one?) will be a working combination.
...
E.

39tooth. All a working combination. Initial ride felt like 39 teeth was far too slow so ordered a 48... but then I tried a few good hills on the 39t and the lowest gear is a bit too high, so the 48 is now surplus.

...
I don't love the front luggage as I find it hard to place my front wheel.
...

It took some getting used to, but oddest of all was the bag staying straight when steering. It feels like it's not steering, which was weird. Certainly getting used to it. And i love how the front bag stays sort of upright when folded. I thought I'd be having to take it off all the time.

 

[EckyH]

It took some getting used to, but oddest of all was the bag staying straight when steering.

In my experience the "non steered" front luggage is a very clever detail. With some weight in the front bag the handling changes much less than with steered luggage.

And i love how the front bag stays sort of upright when folded.

If you don't fold the stem and bar, then the whole thing can be used as a shopping cart. Been there, done that. In german supermarkets!
Nobody complained yet. Perhaps nobody dared...

E.

 

[Gunk]

I've had the Brommie a fortnight now and I've still not ridden it

The chain was stretched so much i decided to get a new one, which meant having to get a new BB and cranks and a rear sprocket (yet to be delivered). It's looking like another week before i get chance to put it back together and take it out for the first time.

Your bike is probably fitted with a 1/8” chain and rear sprocket, 1/8” chains are still available, would have been much cheaper than changing the whole drivetrain.

 

[MontyVeda]

Your bike is probably fitted with a 1/8” chain and rear sprocket, 1/8” chains are still available, would have been much cheaper than changing the whole drivetrain.

The big chainring was shot so a new crank/ring was needed anyway.

 

[Gunk]

The big chainring was shot so a new crank/ring was needed anyway.

The joys of buying an older Brompton, the costs can rack up very quickly.