Brompton cycles

[Bob Downie]

Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles? I am shortly to find
myself spending most of my summer in London (commuting home at weekends)
and am distraught at the thought of not having my cycle to hand.

I have been told that Bromptons are good folding machines (i.e. they
really fold) and are reasonable to ride. Anyone have any thoughts e.g.

ride quality?
foldability?
will they fit on an aeroplane?
which model?
prices?
alternatives?

Anyone know of a second-hand one for sale?

Thanks
--
Bob Downie

Remove #n0spam# to reply directly

[Colin Blackburn]

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 14:54:27 +0100, Bob Downie
> wrote:

> I have been told that Bromptons are good folding machines (i.e. they
> really fold) and are reasonable to ride. Anyone have any thoughts e.g.
>
> ride quality?

Responsive or twitchy depending on whether you like them or not. Small
wheels take a little while to get used to if you are used to 700 and 26"
wheels. I find the ride very smooth, there is a little built-in
suspension, and with the right tyres fairly fast.

> foldability?

Excellent. Fast and small.

> will they fit on an aeroplane?

Depends on the size of the aeroplane. Boom boom!

> which model?

Get an L or a T rather than a C. Get the T if you want to carry stuff on a
rack and need dynamo lighting. Alternative get an L and fit a front
luggage holder and then upgrade the front wheel to the new SON hub dynamo.
You then have the option of 3 gears or 6 and of standard or lower gearing.
I've not cycled in London though so I'll defer advice to someone else.

> prices?

Variable. New from 300-600ish.

> alternatives?

A lot these days but nothing to match the foldability.

> Anyone know of a second-hand one for sale?

There are always half a dozen on ebay these days. There are often bikes
listed on the free ads at Velo Vision and some bike shops (I bought mine
through one of the York bike shops online free ads). Campervan John will
probably have one for sale ;-)

Colin

[Will H]

very practical for the last few miles of a commute and you won't ruin your
clothes, but I'd have a full sized any day. Can't do the small wheels.

Beware the thieves though. Congestion charging has made them hot property.
We lost one from outside the police station at Waterloo Station. I
understand that there is a man on the Commercial road who fences the stolen
items but I was dissuaded from discussing the matter with him by my
girlfriend.

*sighs*

======
"Bob Downie" > wrote in message
...
> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles? I am shortly to find
> myself spending most of my summer in London (commuting home at weekends)
> and am distraught at the thought of not having my cycle to hand.
>
> I have been told that Bromptons are good folding machines (i.e. they
> really fold) and are reasonable to ride. Anyone have any thoughts e.g.
>
> ride quality?
> foldability?
> will they fit on an aeroplane?
> which model?
> prices?
> alternatives?
>
> Anyone know of a second-hand one for sale?
>
> Thanks
> --
> Bob Downie
>
> Remove #n0spam# to reply directly

[davek]

Bob Downie:
>ride quality? foldability? will they fit on an aeroplane? which model?
>prices? alternatives?

Prices are on www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk - and those are the prices you
can expect to pay for a new bike because they don't allow dealers to
sell them for less (according to my local Brompton dealer).

They hold their value well too so even the ones on ebay won't be cheap.

I love them. Unfortunately, I don't *need* one enough at the moment to
be able to justify the expense. Otherwise I'd go straight for the T6.

d.



--

[Peter Clinch]

Colin Blackburn wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 14:54:27 +0100, Bob Downie
> > wrote:

>> ride quality?

> Responsive or twitchy depending on whether you like them or not. Small
> wheels take a little while to get used to if you are used to 700 and
> 26" wheels. I find the ride very smooth, there is a little built-in
> suspension, and with the right tyres fairly fast.

I don't find it twitchy at all, maybe I've just got used to it. Lent it
to a pal back in January and she said she found it twitchy right after
starting, but by the time we'd got to the end of the station car park
she pronounced it fine, having "dialled in" by then.

The ride position is quite upright, which can be a bit odd if you're
used to drops but again it doesn't take long to get used to.

>> foldability?
> Excellent. Fast and small.

Indeed. I've yet to see anything else that comes too close to either
the speed or compactness of the Brom fold (and the unfold is just as
quick and easy).

>> will they fit on an aeroplane?
> Depends on the size of the aeroplane. Boom boom!

The folded package is just under 2' square by 1' deep, so it won't go
under the seat in front or in the overhead lockers. But there shouldn't
be any problem getting them in the hold, though they'll take a chunk out
of your baggage allowance. They're not the lightest folders out there,
but OTOH they're well built and will take a fair bit of punishment
(mine's been mountain biking a few times and lived to tell the tale!).
Depending on spec it's between 10.7 Kg and 12.9 Kg

>> which model?

> Get an L or a T rather than a C. Get the T if you want to carry stuff on
> a rack and need dynamo lighting. Alternative get an L and fit a front
> luggage holder and then upgrade the front wheel to the new SON hub
> dynamo. You then have the option of 3 gears or 6 and of standard or
> lower gearing. I've not cycled in London though so I'll defer advice to
> someone else.

I agree with Colin that the C is a false economy, with generally lower
spec bits and no mudguards. Spending the extra will mean longer until
you replace bits and you get substantially better tyres to start with.

IMHO the front pannier system is well worth considering for any model of
Brom: it really does work well. The rear rack is too low for panniers,
and since I tend to take luggage in panniers I didn't really see the
point. I have a SON dynohub on mine for the front lamp. The new SON in
narrow width that will fit a Brom as-is is only in the prototype stage
at present, AIUI.

Mine is a 3 speed with the -18% gearing. Recommended if you have big
hills. I'd have the -12% in any case as the default is a bit overgeared
to my taste, but tastes vary. The 6 speed works well and makes the bike
a better "do everything", but it isn't necessary and is another thing to
go wrong and need maintaining. Since mine is primarily a hack bike I
didn't bother.

>> alternatives?
> A lot these days but nothing to match the foldability.

VeloVision #10 has a buyers' guide for folders. But if you want a quick
and compact fold first and foremost the Brom still leads the pack. The
Birdy is a better ride and has options with all sorts of gearing for
multiple uses, but costs more and the fold isn't so good. If you want
something cheaper the Dahons are very good value for money but are
generally just fold in two jobs.

> There are always half a dozen on ebay these days. There are often bikes
> listed on the free ads at Velo Vision and some bike shops

But they do hold their value well, so expect to pay a fair bit in any
case. Most I see for sale have the standard gearing, so by the time I'd
have faffed about getting something lower I'd probably be just as well
getting a new one. Note that Mk 2 Broms have inferior brakes and are
missing various other minor tweaks, but that doesn't seem to be
accounted for in 2nd hand pricing.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Peter Clinch]

davek wrote:

> Prices are on www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk - and those are the prices you
> can expect to pay for a new bike because they don't allow dealers to
> sell them for less (according to my local Brompton dealer).

Also the case that since they could probably beat customers off with a
****ty stick and /still/ sell the production, there just isn't any real
sense in people discounting them.

> I love them. Unfortunately, I don't *need* one enough at the moment to
> be able to justify the expense.

I never needed one until I had one. Now it's practically indispensable.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Colin Blackburn]

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:34:52 +0100, Peter Clinch >
wrote:

> Colin Blackburn wrote:
>> Responsive or twitchy depending on whether you like them or not. Small
>> wheels take a little while to get used to if you are used to 700 and
>> 26" wheels. I find the ride very smooth, there is a little built-in
>> suspension, and with the right tyres fairly fast.
>
> I don't find it twitchy at all, maybe I've just got used to it.

That's my point. I think a 5 minute ride may put some people off, once you
get a feel for it it is responsive!

> I have a SON dynohub on mine for the front lamp. The new SON in narrow
> width that will fit a Brom as-is is only in the prototype stage at
> present, AIUI.

The latest issue of Velo Vision seemed to suggest a finished product, my
copy is at home so I can't check.

Colin

[Peter Clinch]

Will H wrote:
> very practical for the last few miles of a commute and you won't ruin your
> clothes, but I'd have a full sized any day. Can't do the small wheels.

The small wheels do make it an object of ridicule to the local yoof, but
I still ride it faster than they can manage because I have 100 psi tyres
and they probably don't even realise they can pump theirs up...

Unless you're going over major bumpage on a routine basis the small
wheels aren't really much of an issue IME. And for occasional bumpage
the rear suspension works pretty well and the upright position takes the
sting out of the wrists.

> Beware the thieves though. Congestion charging has made them hot property.

Though on the plus side, being able to fold them up and take them in
places (quicker than locking a bike outside) gives you more security
options.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[davek]

Peter Clinch:
>Mine is a 3 speed with the -18% gearing. Recommended if you have big
>hills. I'd have the -12% in any case as the default is a bit overgeared
>to my taste, but tastes vary.

When I looked into this, I found that the standard 6-speed gearing gives
very close to the same range as my road bike, albeit with larger gaps
between gears, of course.

d.



--

[Peter Clinch]

Colin Blackburn wrote:

> The latest issue of Velo Vision seemed to suggest a finished product,
> my copy is at home so I can't check.

My inference was that it's at least not yet in the shops. Whether it
will be in time for Christmas is another matter.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[David Hansen]

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 14:54:27 +0100 someone who may be Bob Downie
> wrote this:-

>Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?

Google will bring up many opinions on these bikes.

http://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers'_Guide.html


--
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.

[JohnB]

Peter Clinch wrote:
>
> Will H wrote:
> > very practical for the last few miles of a commute and you won't ruin your
> > clothes, but I'd have a full sized any day. Can't do the small wheels.
>
> The small wheels do make it an object of ridicule to the local yoof

I get a lot of that here, but if you get the chance to stop and fold it
in front of them, the yobbery can turn to admiration.
Suddenly they are cool.

John B

[Helen Deborah Vecht]

"Colin Blackburn" >typed


> > foldability?

> Excellent. Fast and small.
Very quick.

> > will they fit on an aeroplane?
Saw someone at BikeFest who told me someone on his plane had taken
Brompton as hand luggage and rode off from the plane.
I think that might be stretching some airlines' tolerance.
I think they'd be fine as checked baggage. I've not tried this though.

> Depends on the size of the aeroplane. Boom boom!


> > alternatives?

> A lot these days but nothing to match the foldability.

Birdy are good, pricy, rigid and slower to fold than the Brompton.

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

[Bob Downie]

Thanks for the help folks.

Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
you still buy a T6 Brompton?
--
Bob Downie

Remove #n0spam# to reply directly

[Roos Eisma]

Bob Downie > writes:

>Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
>you still buy a T6 Brompton?

Yes, a Brompton would be very suitable for shoe shopping ;-)

Roos

[Colin Blackburn]

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 16:55:12 +0100, Bob Downie
> wrote:

> Thanks for the help folks.
>
> Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
> you still buy a T6 Brompton?

Yes. Though as I have no kids so it's academic. Hell, if I had 'em I'd
send 'em up chimneys for a Brompton.

Colin

[Tony Raven]

Bob Downie wrote:
> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles? I am shortly to find
> myself spending most of my summer in London (commuting home at weekends)
> and am distraught at the thought of not having my cycle to hand.
>
> I have been told that Bromptons are good folding machines (i.e. they
> really fold) and are reasonable to ride. Anyone have any thoughts e.g.
>
> ride quality?
> foldability?
> will they fit on an aeroplane?
> which model?
> prices?
> alternatives?
>
> Anyone know of a second-hand one for sale?
>
> Thanks

Bromptons are ideal for London and you will find lots of people riding them.
I have never yet come across a place in London that has objected to my taking
in a folded B which, given the risks of leaving a bike locked up outside, is
another strong point. You can take them on the train, plane, underground and
taxis. No need for a toolkit - if it breaks/gets a puncture fold it hail a
cab and fix it at home. The Birdy is a better ride but a worse fold and much
rarer in London but worth considering. The other is to get a Steve Parry
Brompton if you want something better. He does all sorts of mods to them from
disc brakes to more gears at a price.

To go by plane, get a Airnimal Turtle suitcase which fits the B inside nicely
with the saddle removed.

For London the L3 plus front basket is fine unless you want a rack for luggage
and dynamo lights in which case get the T3. The six gears are not really
needed in London and you can always to a deal to retrofit them for the price
difference if you change your mind when you buy the bike.

You can find them second hand in Loot but they hold their value and are not a
whole lot cheaper second hand than new. Another reason for new is they have
recently changed the main hinge which gives a slightly longer wheelbase which
rides better. Check though that it is new hinge stock and not old hinge stock
you are buying

Tony

[Tony Raven]

Peter Clinch wrote:
>
> I never needed one until I had one. Now it's practically indispensable.
>

Ditto here.

Tony

[Ben]

"Bob Downie" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the help folks.
>
> Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
> you still buy a T6 Brompton?
> --
> Bob Downie
>
> Remove #n0spam# to reply directly

Using a Brompton in London compares very well cost-wise to using public
transport, even after investing in a front carrier. Do the math for your
fares - maybe with the assumption that after a really tiring day or
after-work drinks you'll take the Brompton on public transport.

[Peter Clinch]

Ben wrote:
> "Bob Downie" > wrote in message
> ...

>>Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
>>you still buy a T6 Brompton?

Since I bought an L3 by choice and chose not to fit the retrofit 6
(despite having the money in my pocket) then, no, I wouldn't. But they
could get their feet squeezed for a while and I'd let them play on the L3...

> Using a Brompton in London compares very well cost-wise to using public
> transport, even after investing in a front carrier. Do the math for your
> fares - maybe with the assumption that after a really tiring day or
> after-work drinks you'll take the Brompton on public transport.

My next door neighbour was quite impressed with mine, and bought one
(L3) himself. They run a single car for the family so it wasn't
replacing a second car or anything like that, and Brian's commute is
only a couple of miles, but he reckons it paid for itself outright
within a year. So since this is well past the year, their 3 girls have
more shoe possibilities opening up now!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Tim Downie]

Bob Downie wrote:
> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?

<snip>

Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)

Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
which is height (or rather, leg length).

As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at its
absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go for the
extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too low. The
downside to the extended seat-post is the the whole package isn't going to
stow away quite so neatly although looking at the website, I see that they
do a telescopic extention for the seat-post as well now.

Have a go on mine next time you down and see what you think.

Cheers.

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email.

[Colin Blackburn]

On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:10:27 +0100, Tim Downie
> wrote:

> Bob Downie wrote:
>> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?
>
> <snip>
>
> Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)
>
> Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
> which is height (or rather, leg length).
>
> As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at its
> absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go for the
> extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too low.

If we knew Bob how you know Bob!

> The
> downside to the extended seat-post is the the whole package isn't going
> to
> stow away quite so neatly although looking at the website, I see that
> they
> do a telescopic extention for the seat-post as well now.

Mine came with a telescopic seatpost and it is certainly useful if you
have long legs. You can either set the internal part of the telescope
permanently, sacrificing folded package size for speed of fold, or do both
quick releases each time, faffy but the fold is a bit smaller.

I now use a longer replacement seatpost so if anyone wants a telescopic
post for a knockdown price then let me know.

Colin

[Helen Deborah Vecht]

"Colin Blackburn" >typed


> On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 16:55:12 +0100, Bob Downie
> > wrote:

> > Thanks for the help folks.
> >
> > Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
> > you still buy a T6 Brompton?

> Yes. Though as I have no kids so it's academic. Hell, if I had 'em I'd
> send 'em up chimneys for a Brompton.

I offered my 12-year-old nephew one of my bicycles when I could no
longer ride. I had two audax-type tourers, a Brompton & a Pedersen (I'm
not sure if I'd already sold my trusty old Kuwahara Pacer hybrid)

He chose the Brompton.

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

[Tim Downie]

Colin Blackburn wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:10:27 +0100, Tim Downie
> > wrote:
>
>> Bob Downie wrote:
>>> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)
>>
>> Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has
>> raised which is height (or rather, leg length).
>>
>> As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at
>> its absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go
>> for the extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too
>> low.
>
> If we knew Bob how you know Bob!

You might notice a certain similarity in our surnames. It's not a
coincidence. ;-)

Tim
--
Remove the obvious to reply by email.

[Colin Blackburn]

On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:31:34 +0100, Tim Downie
> wrote:

> Colin Blackburn wrote:
>> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:10:27 +0100, Tim Downie
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Bob Downie wrote:
>>>> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?
>>>
>>> <snip>
>>>
>>> Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)
....
>> If we knew Bob how you know Bob!
>
> You might notice a certain similarity in our surnames. It's not a
> coincidence. ;-)

Is he junior?

Colin

[Tim Downie]

Colin Blackburn wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:31:34 +0100, Tim Downie
> > wrote:
>
>> Colin Blackburn wrote:
>>> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:10:27 +0100, Tim Downie
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Bob Downie wrote:
>>>>> Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?
>>>>
>>>> <snip>
>>>>
>>>> Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)
> ...
>>> If we knew Bob how you know Bob!
>>
>> You might notice a certain similarity in our surnames. It's not a
>> coincidence. ;-)
>
> Is he junior?

He's *ancient* (http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/images/Bob.jpg.) I'm
merely middle aged. (http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/images/PS04.jpg)

;-)

Tim

--
Remove the obvious to reply by email.

[Bob Downie]

>> Is he junior?
>
>He's *ancient* (http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/images/Bob.jpg.) I'm
>merely middle aged. (http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/images/PS04.jpg)
>
>;-)
>
>Tim
>
If you are trying to goad me into a reply it won't work. I'm saying
nothing.
--
Bob Downie

Remove #n0spam# to reply directly

[Ben]

"Tim Downie" > wrote in message
...
> Bob Downie wrote:
> > Anyone here have any opinions on Brompton cycles?
>
> <snip>
>
> Hi Bob, fancy meeting you here. ;-)
>
> Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
> which is height (or rather, leg length).
>
> As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at its
> absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go for the
> extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too low. The
> downside to the extended seat-post is the the whole package isn't going to
> stow away quite so neatly although looking at the website, I see that they
> do a telescopic extention for the seat-post as well now.

You'll gain a couple of inches just by changing saddles using the Brompton
seat post adapter. I was using an extended post with the original saddle,
since with the original post the saddle height was marginally indequate, but
I disliked the effect on the folded size, and missed the convenience of
simply raising the post to full height. That saddle eventually came apart
and rather than get another rather naff Brompton one I got a cheap but
comfortable rail-mounted one + adapter and mounted it low on the standard
post. The height's now correct, the folded size is virtually the same and on
unfolding I'm back to raising the post up to the stop. Result!

Ben

[Tony Raven]

Tim Downie wrote:
>
> Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
> which is height (or rather, leg length).
>
> As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at its
> absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go for the
> extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too low. The
> downside to the extended seat-post is the the whole package isn't going to
> stow away quite so neatly although looking at the website, I see that they
> do a telescopic extention for the seat-post as well now.
>

I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second post
is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
standard post would be fine for most people.

Tony

[Tony Raven]

Bob Downie wrote:
>
> Here's the killer question. If your kids were needing new shoes would
> you still buy a T6 Brompton?

Kids? Shoes? I keep them barefoot. If you buy them shoes they'll only grow
out of them so better to not set their expectations and keep the money for
bikes ;-)

Tony

[Peter Clinch]

Tony Raven wrote:

> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second post
> is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
> standard post would be fine for most people.

Depends on one's style and preferences, I think. I'm 5'8" and
relatively short legs (inside 31" IIRC), and I have the standard post
right up at the top and the saddle set as high up as the mount will
allow (about an extra inch). My slightly taller and lankier friend with
a Brom has his a couple of inches lower.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Tony Raven]

Peter Clinch wrote:
> Tony Raven wrote:
>
>> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second
>> post is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought
>> the standard post would be fine for most people.
>
> Depends on one's style and preferences, I think. I'm 5'8" and
> relatively short legs (inside 31" IIRC), and I have the standard post
> right up at the top and the saddle set as high up as the mount will
> allow (about an extra inch). My slightly taller and lankier friend with
> a Brom has his a couple of inches lower.
>

As I say, I'm surprised with an inside leg 6" longer than yours IIRC, and my
saddle set as on all my other bikes so that my leg is straight with my heel on
the pedal (you can't put the saddle much higher than that and still pedal) its
only a few inches extension.

Tony

[Andy Leighton]

On Fri, 18 Jun 2004 10:07:34 +0100,
Peter Clinch > wrote:
> Tony Raven wrote:
>
>> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second post
>> is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
>> standard post would be fine for most people.
>
> Depends on one's style and preferences, I think. I'm 5'8" and
> relatively short legs (inside 31" IIRC),

I would say that you have quite ordinary sized legs. I'm 5'7" and
have an inside leg of 28". But your point about style and preferences
are well made.

--
Andy Leighton =>
"The Lord is my shepherd, but we still lost the sheep dog trials"
- Robert Rankin, _They Came And Ate Us_

[Helen Deborah Vecht]

"Tony Raven" >typed


> Tim Downie wrote:
> >
> > Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
> > which is height (or rather, leg length).
> >
> > As you know I'm a short arse and I find the saddle height, even at its
> > absolute maximum (and then some), just adequate. Unless you go for the
> > extended seat post, I thing you'd find the saddle height too low. The
> > downside to the extended seat-post is the the whole package isn't going to
> > stow away quite so neatly although looking at the website, I see that they
> > do a telescopic extention for the seat-post as well now.
> >

> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the
> second post
> is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
> standard post would be fine for most people.

> Tony


The standard seat post was out fully for me (5'6" at a stretch)

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

[Helen Deborah Vecht]

Andy Leighton >typed


> On Fri, 18 Jun 2004 10:07:34 +0100,
> Peter Clinch > wrote:
> > Tony Raven wrote:
> >
> >> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the
> >> second post
> >> is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
> >> standard post would be fine for most people.
> >
> > Depends on one's style and preferences, I think. I'm 5'8" and
> > relatively short legs (inside 31" IIRC),

> I would say that you have quite ordinary sized legs. I'm 5'7" and
> have an inside leg of 28". But your point about style and preferences
> are well made.

My legs are 31"...

--
Helen D. Vecht:
Edgware.

[JohnB]

Tony Raven wrote:
>
> Tim Downie wrote:
> >
> > Just thought I'd butt in with one observation that no-one else has raised
> > which is height (or rather, leg length).

> I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second post
> is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
> standard post would be fine for most people.

I'm 5'7" and find that the standard post has to be at its limit.
If its not pulled up as far as it will go, I find it like riding a BMX [1]

[1] Not that I'm admitting to riding a BMX, no, never never.

John B

[Philip Armstrong]

In article >,
davek > wrote:
>Bob Downie:
>>ride quality? foldability? will they fit on an aeroplane? which model?
>>prices? alternatives?
>
>Prices are on www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk - and those are the prices you
>can expect to pay for a new bike because they don't allow dealers to
>sell them for less (according to my local Brompton dealer).

This is illegal. As I understand it no supplier of goods is permitted
to dictate to the reseller what price they must charge. If Brompton
Bicycle Ltd. are actually doing this then they're exposing themselves
to some interesting legal problems in the future.

Of course, it's more likely that the dealer was bull****ting you. It's
much easier for him to blame the supplier than to say "No, I'm not
giving you a discount".

Phil
--
http://www.kantaka.co.uk/ .oOo. public key: http://www.kantaka.co.uk/gpg.txt

[Alan Braggins]

In article >, Tony Raven wrote:
>
>I'm surprised. I'm 6'6" and use the telescopic seat post but the second post
>is only used to extend the height by about 3" so I would have thought the
>standard post would be fine for most people.

I'm 6'3" and on a quick test ride found a Brompton almost unrideable
with a standard post. (LBS didn't have a longer or telescopic post
in stock to try.)