Thinking of getting a Brompton...

[Pyromancer]

Bright Greetings!

Following a link from a post on uk,railway, I'm now seriously thinking
about getting a Brompton, probably a T6. I'd heard of "folding bikes"
before, but never really paid much attention, however having had a good
look round the websites (and read some old threads from this ng on
Google), I think perhaps this will be the answer to my requirements.

Does anyone have any up-to-date advice, comments or anecdotes, good or
bad, about the Brompton?

Background: I live in Sheffield, and work in Leeds, and currently drive
from home to the office, which takes about 45 minutes each way. I've
done it by car / train / walk before, however that takes over 2 hours
from where I live now - 15 minutes car to Meadowhall, 1 hour 20 mins on
train to Leeds, and a half-hour hike from Leeds City Station to the
office.

I'm moving in a few months to a flat within sight of Sheffield Midland
station, and had wondered about getting a cheap second hand bike[1] to
keep chained up in the station at Leeds, and using it to ride to and
from the office (should take about 10 minutes), but I suspect it would
either get stolen eventually, or the TOCs/NR would object to its
semi-permanent presence at Leeds station. Living in central Sheffield
instead of out here in the sticks will mean I can use the Virgin trains,
which take 45 minutes to Leeds, rather than the
every-lamp-post-and-blade-of-grass stoppers I can catch at Meadowhall.

I've been cycling off and on for over 20 years, including commuting to
work in Glasgow, and all-day riding in Scotland where I grew up. I want
to cycle partly to make the commute by train more practical, and partly
to keep fit. I also enjoy driving and touring by car, but would like
the option to jump on a bike and go exploring after driving somewhere,
again the Brompton would appear ideal for this, and a lot better than
having an MTB dangling on a carrier off the boot.

I noted from old posts people saying the Brompton frame was a bit
"flexible" - is this liable to be a problem? When not commuting I'm
liable to ride both on and off road, canal towpaths, cycle paths, etc.
While not overweight I'm 6'tall and well built, is the Brompton likely
to be up to me using it intensively? I could keep it just for on-road
use and get a cheap heavyweight MTB for the rougher stuff.

[1] Until a couple of weeks ago I had a 10 quid bright yellow MTB, which
was solid if not exactly elegant. Was chained to a staple outside the
house, and some gloid stole not just the bike but the chain and staple
too. :-(

--
- Pyromancer Stormshadow
http://www.inkubus-sukkubus.co.uk <-- Pagan Gothic Rock!
http://www.littlematchgirl.co.uk <-- Electronic Metal!
http://www.revival.stormshadow.com <-- The Gothic Revival.

[chris French]

In message >, Pyromancer
> writes
>Following a link from a post on uk,railway, I'm now seriously thinking
>about getting a Brompton, probably a T6.

Jolly good idea :-)
>
>Background: I live in Sheffield, and work in Leeds,

I used to do the reverse with my Brommie - Leeds (Bramley) to Sheffield
Hallam Uni.

>I'm moving in a few months to a flat within sight of Sheffield Midland
>station, and had wondered about getting a cheap second hand bike[1] to
>keep chained up in the station at Leeds, and using it to ride to and
>from the office (should take about 10 minutes), but I suspect it would
>either get stolen eventually, or the TOCs/NR would object to its
>semi-permanent presence at Leeds station.

I don't think they really care - I've notice bikes chained up at
stations for such purposes, but YMMV :-) Of the folders the Brompton
certainly is the best for this because of it's compact folded size and
quick fold.
>
>I noted from old posts people saying the Brompton frame was a bit
>"flexible" - is this liable to be a problem?

By it's nature and design the Brommie is a bit more flexible - not so
much the frame I think, but the stem/handlebars - it's one fo the
compromises necessary for a compact quick folding bike. It's not a
problem for me.

>When not commuting I'm
>liable to ride both on and off road, canal towpaths, cycle paths, etc.
>While not overweight I'm 6'tall and well built, is the Brompton likely
>to be up to me using it intensively? I could keep it just for on-road
>use and get a cheap heavyweight MTB for the rougher stuff.
>
Though people have ridden Bromptons in the most unlikely of places and
for long distances, personally I don't like to ride it for to long as it
does get uncomfortable for me probably about 5 miles, certainly no more
than 10.

It's fine on towpaths and other such light 'off road' but it's not
designed for and doesn't really perform on more serious rough terrain. I
would look to an MTB for proper off road use.

I did find the Brompton pannier that mounts on the front useful for
carry stuff back and forward.

>[1] Until a couple of weeks ago I had a 10 quid bright yellow MTB, which
>was solid if not exactly elegant. Was chained to a staple outside the
>house, and some gloid stole not just the bike but the chain and staple
>too. :-(
>
Bummer, but at least you now have an excuse to by more bikes :-)
--
Chris French, Leeds

[Colin Blackburn]

In article >,
says...
[...]
> I noted from old posts people saying the Brompton frame was a bit
> "flexible" - is this liable to be a problem? When not commuting I'm
> liable to ride both on and off road, canal towpaths, cycle paths, etc.
> While not overweight I'm 6'tall and well built, is the Brompton likely
> to be up to me using it intensively? I could keep it just for on-road
> use and get a cheap heavyweight MTB for the rougher stuff.

The Brompton is certainly "responsive". canal towpaths and cycle paths
will be fine. Off road will depend on how off road. The small wheels
obviously don't cope with the sort of off road a 26" wheel would.

Being in Sheffield and Leeds you might want to consider whether you need
a reduced gear T6. I use my Brompton (T5) in Newcastle and Durham and
the lower gears really help compared to the standard T5.

Colin

[philthy]

"Pyromancer" > wrote in message
...

HE HE! can we start a Goths on a bike thread :-)

> Bright Greetings!
Hello,
Though I recognised the name, I'm a sometime poster/permanent lurker on UPG,
EX DJ at Snakebite and black in Newcastle & guitarist for Athamay, you atill
probably don't know me but ya enever know :-)

I'm afraid that I can't really comment on the brompton as I've never used
one, but there is one here at the cycle lock-up at work & it looks solidly &
very well built. The guy who rides it loves it to death.

The bike is certainly fit for your comuting needs, but I wouldn't want to
chance it off the road. Obviously the small wheel size is an issue with
speed if ya in a hurry but apart from that why not go for it.

As for chaining it to a the railings at the station, I'm sure it's feasable
& it certainly takes place from the looks of all the forgotten looking
bycicles outside of Newcastle station. I would have a good look beside the
station in the car park as up here there are some red plastic cycle locker
things, which can be hired daily of monthly, there may be something like
that at Leeds station.

I would IMHO also spend 200 notes ish on a hardtail MTB for your
recreational (Poss last years model in a sale!), I'm sure some people on
here will go "£200 on a bike far too little", but if you look carefully you
can get a surpisingly good frame on a bike if you shop around. This is also
ripe for the upgrade as compenents wear out/break*, depening on how much you
ride/ abuse it of course..



> http://www.littlematchgirl.co.uk <-- Electronic Metal!
A fantastic band indeed!!!

Phil

*My current project is a 2002 Claude Butler Rock, which was picked up in a
sale so far it's only had new tires & a Marzocchi MX Comp air fork added to
it & it handles far smoother and slicker than my mates Specialised or Trek
bike which cost 3 times the amount I paid for this, the frame is class!

[David Hansen]

On Thu, 24 Jul 2003 09:14:31 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Tim
Woodall > wrote this:-

>One of the things I would like is a hub dynamo but I can't work out
>whether this is an after purchase mod (including widening the forks) or
>whether it is an option.

It's not a standard option. However, Kinetics fit them and would no
doubt be delighted to give you a price for a new bike with one
fitted.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

[David Hansen]

On Thu, 24 Jul 2003 03:24:19 +0100 someone who may be Pyromancer
> wrote this:-

>I'm moving in a few months to a flat within sight of Sheffield Midland
>station,

Then you can store your Brompton in the flat and not worry so much
about it being stolen.

>I can use the Virgin trains,

They fit in the luggage racks of the old and new trains. They also
fit between seat backs, if you can find one.

>I also enjoy driving and touring by car, but would like
>the option to jump on a bike and go exploring after driving somewhere,
>again the Brompton would appear ideal for this,

You might want to consider the Birdy for such things. It doesn't
fold as small or as fast as the Brompton, so isn't as good for daily
journeys. However it might be more fun for leisure use.

>is the Brompton likely to be up to me using it intensively?

It is well made and will last for a long time. Everything wears out
though and you will need to replace parts from time to time.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

[Pyromancer]

Upon the miasma of midnight, a darkling spirit identified as chris
French > breathed:
>In message <MPG.1989a7cee4d753be989b44@localhost>, Colin Blackburn
> writes

>>Being in Sheffield and Leeds you might want to consider whether you need
>>a reduced gear T6. I use my Brompton (T5) in Newcastle and Durham and
>>the lower gears really help compared to the standard T5.

>Yes, I recommend that, my T5 has the reduced gearing.

I noticed the references to reduced gearing and did wonder if it would
be a good idea. The only problem being I also like to go fast when
possible, but I'll probably take practicality over speed. Ta!

Was a bit of a shock to find Strummy-Archer had gone to the wall,
though!

--
- Pyromancer, speaking for himself.
http://www.inkubus-sukkubus.co.uk <-- Pagan Gothic Rock!
http://www.littlematchgirl.co.uk <-- Electronic Metal!
http://www.revival.stormshadow.com <-- The Gothic Revival.

[Colin Blackburn]

In article >,
says...
> Upon the miasma of midnight, a darkling spirit identified as chris
> French > breathed:
> >In message <MPG.1989a7cee4d753be989b44@localhost>, Colin Blackburn
> > writes
>
> >>Being in Sheffield and Leeds you might want to consider whether you need
> >>a reduced gear T6. I use my Brompton (T5) in Newcastle and Durham and
> >>the lower gears really help compared to the standard T5.
>
> >Yes, I recommend that, my T5 has the reduced gearing.
>
> I noticed the references to reduced gearing and did wonder if it would
> be a good idea. The only problem being I also like to go fast when
> possible, but I'll probably take practicality over speed. Ta!

Yes, I spin out on the descents but I'd rather that than having to get
off and walk the ascents.

> Was a bit of a shock to find Strummy-Archer had gone to the wall,
> though!

Well, they've gone to Japan I guess. New products imminent.

Colin

[congokid]

In article >, chris French
> writes

>>On Thu, 24 Jul 2003 03:24:19 +0100,
>> Pyromancer > wrote:
>>> Does anyone have any up-to-date advice, comments or anecdotes, good or
>>> bad, about the Brompton?

Got mine after an office move two years ago which meant I had no space
inside to park the FW Evans. Never looked back (well, actually, I do
when I'm on it).

>Personally I don't find showers essential, it's nice, but I can manage
>without.

They're overrated. Especially the one at my office.

I carry a face cloth and also use deodorant when I change, but if
absolutely necessary a quick dab with a hot damp flannel should be
sufficient, assuming one has showered at home first.

>I would not like to cycle 20 miles everyday on my Brompton, but YMMV.

Me neither - my journey at present is about five miles each way although
I could probably manage up to eight without too much bother. But I once
regularly cycled between Alton and Basingstoke in Hampshire, a distance
of about 13 miles, which just made me miserable.

--
congokid
Eating out in London? Read my tips...
http://congokid.com

[Pete Daley]

Pyromancer > wrote in message >...
> Bright Greetings!
>
> Following a link from a post on uk,railway, I'm now seriously thinking
> about getting a Brompton, probably a T6. I'd heard of "folding bikes"
> before, but never really paid much attention, however having had a good
> look round the websites (and read some old threads from this ng on
> Google), I think perhaps this will be the answer to my requirements.
>
> Does anyone have any up-to-date advice, comments or anecdotes, good or
> bad, about the Brompton?

Have you considered a Birdy? It's a folder which is a bit larger when
folded than a Brompton, but it feels a lot more like a full-size bike
to ride. It's also got both front and rear suspension, a light, stiff
aluminium frame, decent v-brakes, and comes in a variety of gear
configurations.

I use an 8 speed 2003 Birdy Red to reduce 40 minutes of walking to 10
minutes of cycling on my daily commute into London. It can even carry
full sized panniers, which are useful for the laptop and associated
paraphernalia.

Check out http://www.r-m.de/ for the (German) manufacturers website.
I bought mine from Avon Valley Cyclery in Bath
(http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/), although there are dealers elsewhere
in the country.

Cheers,
Pete

[Colin Blackburn]

In article >,
says...
> If you take a Brompton to Amsterdam, better bring a GOOD lock!
> Better yet buy a Cyclops chain lock as soon as you get there: much
> more practical than an U-lock (esp. on a Brompton) and at least as
> unbreakable (it's the only lock the local junkies won't touch).
> Wouldn't count on taking it inside a shop/pub/whatever, given the
> "friendly and helpfull" nature of most Amsterdammers.

I was thinking about Brompton security after reading some notices on a
web site about stolen bikes. One Brompton was stolen while outside a
shop, the thief abandoned her other bike and rode off on the Brommie. I
must admit that if I'de have been in this position I'd have ridden her
bike (if it was ridable) and caught her up---unless it was Nicola Cooke.

This did make me wonder though about leaving Bromtons outside shops. I
always take mine in even if I then just park it inside the door. I did
though consider what I'd do if faced with having to leave it unattended
for a short time and came to the conclusion that I'd take both hinge
clamps with me. That would make it pretty hard for a thief to ride off
on it and I could catch up anyone lugging it---unless it was Dwain
Chambers.

Colin