Brompton owners

A potential new job has made me think about a Brompton, how is the single speed geared? I only have 1.5 / 2 relatively flat miles each end of the bus / train so a lighter singlespeed one could work.

You can select your gearing when you order. I forget what ratio the default SS option is but I managed years of 10mile commutes and the DD on it without any issues.

Tell her it's a religion and some of your mates work for the cult and you can't drop out any more.

this

all good here man. sorry to have missed you on your recent trip back up north. See you next time hoser xx

great work team. sold.

yeah!

Yeah, I saw that but still not grasping how installing the block incorrectly caused so much damage... What happens?

I tightened the allen bolts and screw up without any issues, no torque wrench but I didn't go mad... Should I get the bolts checked? I haven't got a bag yet anyway so does it matter right now?

I'm back in March, will probably buy one then so I'll get BC to check I've installed it correctly... Bought the block from them but didn't have time to wait and get it put on at the shop...

I'm around from March 13th-21st, I think... Be good to see you!

Someone could please remind me the preferred bomb proof tyre for Brompton?

Marathon (not the Plus).

Ta!

Sorry to be a pain but what's wrong with the marathon plus? Isn't it supposed to be more bomb proof?

Tyres rubbing due to it's being too wide (under flex), more likely to blow up on worn rims (rare but it happen), cause problem with the hinge when folding which is the main issues.

They don't even list it anymore on their website.

Thanks.

I wonder which marathon I currently have...

Probably the old Marathon Plus since bike shop usually offer an upgrade to a better tyres after you get a puncture, and the standard Marathon only been around recently.

Hey bromptoneers, recently got gifted a Brompton S2L, so far I think I'm a convert! Freaking great bikes and really enjoying the fact that I dont have to worry about locking it outside when im in the pub or going shopping!
Anyway, was thinking of changing the tyres to something else as the stock ones seem to not grip properly in the wet as I've felt this morning. I see that the schwalbe marathon's got mentioned, any thoughts on the kojaks? OR should we stick with the non-plus marathons? Just want something for winter months really as I'll be making the brompton as my daily bike from now on.

I'm not sure how grippy the kojak a are in their 16" but I'm running 26" ones on mtb wheels and find them really good, they wear pretty fast and aren't as puncture proof as the marathons, but much lighter with very little rolling resistance. I'm gunna give the a go when my marathons wear enough to warrant new tyres.

Brompton tyres tend to be pumped up quite highly, around 100psi, and because of the smaller sizes, there's risk of the tyres slipping.

My advice is to simply get used to it.

any thooughts on the kojaks?

I used to have them, while they're light and feel a little faster / "sportier" (whatever that means), I found them too fragile, not on the puncture resistance front (don't remember suffering from that so much) but side walls are like cigarette paper, I had few nasty cuts in them (potholes, etc, which small wheels are more vulnerable to) and had to change them before rolling surface was worn off.

i've being using budget kenda 16 x 1 3/8 tyres without a problem. @shroom , nice gift.

I find the Kojaks too fragile for the glass-paved streets of London's famous London, in winter at least. I use Marathon Plus on mine. Heavy as hell, and the ride quality wouldn't be worse if you filled them with concrete, but you can run over huge piles of broken glass and not worry about it. I know Ed claims they don't fit or something, but I've never had any issues with them. Never tried the non-plus Marathons but they may be a reasonable middle ground.

I've got the pluses on at the mo. No problem on the front but I did have to re dish the rear wheel a tad to stop it rubbing. (Only about 1.5mm)

I know Ed claims they don't fit or something, but I've never had any issues with them.

They do fit, but they're not idea and strongly advised against fitting them, the problem inherit from the newer Marathon Plus.

I'd agree though. After 2 weeks of running the +s' I noticed the paint from inside the chainstay on one side was worn through. I couldn't afford new tyres so go out the spoke key and moved the rim about 1.5mm which cured it.

You can always go back and get a refund, as all the Brompton dealership were advised not to fit the Marathon Plus.

I brought the bike 2nd hand. Too tight to buy a new bike. Fitted them myself cos I'm to tight to pay for a Brompton dealer to fit tyres. When they've worn out I'll re dish the wheel again and fit something more suitable.