Ti Brompton clone

Mrs Hobs has been considering a Brompton for a while, but the combination of strong used prices, no C2W option and concerns about lugging the relatively high build weights (as a portion of body mass) have stopped N+1.

That was until this, inspiring us to build a clone with Chinese parts.

Aiming for a sub 8kg build with guards, Mrs Hobs is particularly keen on disc brakes and ridiculously unnecessary carbon wheels.

I'm aware of @HoKe's build, has anyone here attempted similar and has any words of warning?

Weird. I've been planning the same thing

The seatpost is going to weigh a lot, and if you go the carbon route you won't be able to fold it which takes away the entire point of the brompton.

I would say get a normal brompton and then get some nice aftermarket eazy wheels (or whatever they are called) that make it lovely to drag around. They are also cheap and replaceable. Get a few other swish accessories as she'd would like and save your self the money, time and faff for nearly no gain. She'll end up falling in love with it regardless because they are so insanely fucking practical that she'll forget about the weight after a week (max). Also only get three speed as 1 speed is too hardcore and 6 speed is heavier and uneccessary.

save yourself the money, time and faff for nearly no gain

Agree, but where is the fun in that ;)

After a bit more reading I found this post interesting, particularly frame tolerances/compatibility and weight savings.

Makes me think a used bike (if I can find one) and replacing parts over time may be a more sensible approach. Will likely prevent a realistic 8kg build

if you go the carbon route you won't be able to fold it

Why can't you fold a Brompton with a carbon seatpost? Agree with most of the other points though, but I guess it's the carrying weight on/off trains and up stairs which is the concern.

@pjhobs have you posted in the Brompton thread for tips or maybe @R.hobbs has a view? My 2p would be looking at the 2 speed to 3 speed hack and using a ti seatpost. The one I bought my dad has been fine and saved a noticeable amount of weight.

Another tip from someone on the Brompton is when using lightweight tyres was to buy inner tubes with removable valves, then put sealant inside the tubes.

Ti frames aren’t great;

Poor ride feel because clone not redesign, you cannot change the material and expect the same ride quality; think soggy noodle.

Hinge pins are trash, I wouldn’t ride it.

Finishing is not amazing.

Carbon post;
Just going to wear going up and down, not light.
Jtek ti is the lightest option that’s functional.

Chinese cheap light parts look good, but brands like Ace are cheap crap. The easy wheels for example, they are just low cost knock offs and a waste of cash.

If the bike is not functional, what’s the point?

I can build you a 4kg bike, but it will ride like crap and probably not last a few months... I can build you an 8/9kg bike and it will
Be light enough and ride well, last and be suitable as a commuter.

I can build you an 8/9kg bike and it will be light enough and ride well, last and be suitable as a commuter.

I have this (ish, about 9.5kg) built by Ryan and its ace and still fully functional as any brompton.

Jtek ti is the lightest option that’s functional.

Also have this, its excellent, china ti posts dont have the lip at the bottom and the ones that need pentaclip can >>>>

If the bike is not functional, what’s the point?

looks nice in @HoKe 's pics