-
The weight of a brompton is kinda irrelevant IMO. It only matters when you fully fold it and pick it up, you need to ask yourself how many times you'd have to do that? Its very rare. I went from 2 speed Ti weight weenie bromopton to a disc brake, dynamo 'porker', makes no diff.
If you want reliability nothing beats the 3 speed internal hub gear. Once you get a hang of it taking 3 speed wheel out is no more effort than anything else. Upgrade to swissstop pads as soon as you get it.
C line is absolutely fine, mudguards are essential, rack maybe too if you plan to carry pizza.
amey-
I want something really reliable because I will ride 200kms per week, take the train and everything.
As the legend that is AMEY says, C line is fine. If reliability is your thing, then upgrade the tyres too - either continental or marathon plus. The rear puncture repair is a faff, but there is no reason why you don't get used to it.
If you are doing that sort of travelling, I can't believe you won't be using the luggage block & a bag so there is always a little compromise if you opt for the pricier P line range, as the weight will be at the front of the bike
If your journey requires you to do lots of folding and carrying, then the Cline will annoy you. If you just need a bike you need to fold when you get home/infrequently and more of a work-horse, get the C. and spend the money you save on paraphenilia you don't need, like a ti-seat post.
Separately, your choice of bars, may determine what you are doing. If you prefer flat and low (my preference) then you will have fun with both. The Brompton site only has mid-riser bars at the moment for the Cline. I'm not sure if you can get it as a flat bar option. I had to convert mine and am so glad that I did, thanks @cake
Would I still be able to upgrade the C line if I choose it ?
As above, but not to the new 4 speed derailleurs.
-
I'd argue the opposite when it comes to lightweightedness.
Of all the motivations for weight weenie-ism, I think a bike designed to be folded for storage and transport is the most suitable candidate for actual savings. I don't care what my road, track, gravel, touring bikes weigh... I roll them out of the shed and I'm on my way. And I don't have a climbing bike, I'm too out-of-shape for that!
With my Brompton however, I have to fold it, and lift it, and carry it around stations, take it into buildings, up the stairs in my house etc... if it can be lighter and still functional, I say make it lighter!
I might even go as far as to say that if you aren't folding the Brompton up in order to carry it into and around places where full-sized bikes aren't appropriate, then perhaps you might not be taking full advantage of one of the key selling points of the bike.
If you need it only for a commute from your house to a train and then to work at the other end and all you have to do is lift it for a couple of minutes or so, 12-14kg isn't such a hardship but if you've got to cary it for any longer than that, you'll likely appreciate the weight savings.
Internally geared hubs aren't so tricky, so I wouldn't let that put you off.
If you don't invest in the lightest version you can afford from the off, or even if you do... there are plenty of ways to buy weight savings the future from third-party providers.
Arvy.
general_greyharbour
Hi everyone. I'm considering buying a Brompton.
Yesterday I went to my Brompton Junction shop and tried 3 of their offer:
I'm currently trying to choose between the P and C (because of the P non integrated hub and lighter weight), but the minus 3kg is adding 1000 euros. I want something really reliable because I will ride 200kms per week, take the train and everything. Does the sturmey archey hub work better than the Brompton-potentially-fiddly-proprietary rear derailleurs ? A good thing is that in case of rear flat, it would be easier to road-side repair. Does it justify to pay almost twice the price ? Would I still be able to upgrade the C line if I choose it ?
Thank you very much.