Brompton owners

Could I get some advice on front loading bags? They seem so expensive, and some have pretty poor reviews?

On the proper bike I have a nice wide porteur rack, so can just chuck whatever bag on there for beers/ whatever, so I guess I’m after something that is big enough for 4 tinnies, and not too ‘cyclist’ when I’m off the bike - no high viz and no leather recommendations please!

If you can find one of the waxed canvas roll top bags anywhere, I really rate it: https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/accessories/packs-luggage/brompton-roll-top-bag-with-frame-in-khaki-waxed-canvas__6000. Used it pretty exclusively whilst commuting with laptop, lunch and spare shirt for office life for 3-4 years, and still use it now and it still looks great.

Might have leather buckles though, but you might be hard to find a non-cycling looking one (by which I’m assuming minimal technical fabrics) without leather.

Carradice do a front frame bag for a Brompton, and you can request these with firehouse rather than leather straps (I’m not a massive fan of the looks tbh, despite having many a Carradice rear bag!) or possibly UPSO (Carradice affiliate, using recycled lorry tarpaulin as fabric) may have something to your taste?

Most Brompton riders have to choose between waterproof vs non-waterproof because of their commuting needs.

Most of the non-waterproof bags have some sort of hi-viz cover and most also have the Brompton tryptich. From the tone of your question that probably rules out most these bags. And note the ratings probably relate to the commuting needs of the riders (laptop/waterproof etc.)

Something for 4 tinnies, then something like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166590634734? (Liberty print and close to a normal looking Tote)

or something that looks more like a normal backpack?

https://www.condorcycles.com/products/brompton-borough-wp-backpack-m?

However if you just like whatever bag you like, then perhaps having a small front rack thus giving you more bag choice might be more your thing.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226015057156?

on the rack front, I've always thought the fahrer basket looked cool - although I've not seen one in the flesh

I have a Chrome Vega bag converted for Brompton use with a smaller front carrier frame. It's a low-key, robust bag even if it does have c.2007, Dell laptop bag vibes. 15L is a good day bag size for me.

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Me too. I almost bought it but the price put me off. I created this for less than half the cost and weight using a Ti rack, zip ties and Sistema basket.

I've had 10Kg in it and it's holding up well.

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This actually looks pretty sick. Now I need to justify a new Brompton so I can do a 20" disc conversion on my current one.

That aside, My Cannondale One Si crankset arrived. I've already removed the inner ring and plan to run it on my Brompton. It's a 30mm spindle and so would work with the 'new' Brompton BB30 (just an FSA Megaevo) that comes with the carbon crankset.

I picked the Cannondale due to compatibility with Megaevo/BB30, and since they have swapable spindle lengths, which should help me get the spacing and chainline right. And of course price (and yes weight too).

Anyone looking to shift a Brompton soon?

UTFS, looks like a couple on this very forum:

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/394715/ (£690)
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/391744 (£880)
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/394765/ (£900)

There was also a Pline, but the seller may have gone elsewhere

All too small for him.

Any preference?

I don't really want a 6 speed.

@HoKe cheap and lightweight. More or less pan flat commute. Flat bar

..telescopic seat post chat incoming; you have the only one I had!

Lots of people running telescopics... At 5'10 and not a daddy long legs, I run my seat post slammed to the top. Thinking the default seatpost should be a tad longer.

EDIT: Also, got a Brompton parts for sale thread incoming. Have black edition stuff:

pedals
crank arms (left and right)
chainrings
saddle
wheels/3-speed hub (silver not black)
stock tyres (old Brompton branded ones)
shifters (2016)

If anyone wants something feel free to reach out beforehand

Potentially interested in the wheels - PMing you now

Just been looking at YouTube videos to take off the rear wheel.
I've got new tires but it looks quite technical any advice would appreciated.
please and tanks

Budget?

No fixed budget but I'm not looking at too fancy. Preferably under like 700 or so.

https://youtu.be/3sxevhLFDvE?si=SM8WUPzPfhx6UGac

Best one I've found, used it myself

had a couple of instances of my seatpost slipping ands or twisting when the QR is locked closed.
I haven't tried tightening the seatpost bolt as I don't want to crimp that with my heavy handed spannering.
Wondering if I need a new seatpost sleeve, had the brompton since 2018 and haven't touched that, or should i just grow a pair and tighten the seat post bolt a couple of turns.

tighten the seat post bolt a couple of turns.

If it was properly adjusted previously, don’t do this. I’ve done a full turn and a bit while getting the sleeve in the mail to replace, but the number of cracked Brompton frames I see is disheartening.

Wondering if I need a new seatpost sleeve

you do

yeah the stories of brompton frames cracking there is what had me worried.

@amey thanks.
So seatpost sleeve, easy for me to fit, or is it a LBS job?

It has to be reamed once it's glued into the frame.

I had @sbbohr do mine but was sending the frame to him for hinge pins anyway.

yeah just seem a brompton academy replacement video, and that's well above my paygrade spannering wise..