-
It’s certainly different to a normal bike, and as with everything there are compromises (you’re unlikely going to be doing your Richmond or Regent’s Park group rides on a bromton) but I have happily spent 2 years in London with just a Brompton for all my riding, and it’s still my most used bike (apart from maybe the cargo bike) at the moment despite having other choices.
Only time I wouldn’t consider it is if I had to lock it up and leave it somewhere for a prolonged period of time but if that’s a rare occurrence then I think it can take the place of any hybrid/city/round town bike and all that they normally do.
Just make sure you also get a decent front bag for it, and it’s amazing how versatile it can be as a grocery getter or just to nip out and get something
-
It's definitely not a stupid question.
I think it depends very much on what type of cycling your wife does, but if it's main use will be for commuting, as a run around for errands, and for leisure rides, then it'll be fine. I wouldn't want to ride a long way on mine, i.e. more than an hour or so, but for the above it's been great.
-
Question is what do you mean when you say “only bike” Is your wife wanting to do distance? Go fast? Commute? Touring?
I denied brompton’s for a long time, then got one when my missus got pregnant and the thought of an hour long commute back from work wasn’t as appealing. Since then it’s been a game changer, probably my most used bike after dad bike. It’s so versatile. And if someone is getting a bike I usually recommend a Brompton over a full size thing. Just because being able to fold it and dump it in a taxi/bus/train, being able to not worry about locking it up as you just fold it and bring it inside with you, takes away a lot of the stress of bike ownership, especially in london.
You can do a bit of everything on it (though I wouldn’t advise gravel or off roading) and you just have to suck up the initial expense of it, and the cost of tweaking to make it lighter/more adapted to your needs, but when you get past that, if you click with it (ie it’s your decision no ones pressuring you into it, you get used to the weight of lifting it, the benefits of having it become clear) it’s the bike which will stay with you for a good long while.
And as @C4r1s says having a bag which is large enough to do impromptu shops is a blessing.. -
As mentioned above, no need to worry about locking the bike up outside. This is also, arguably, the biggest problem with a Brompton: if you take it out, you’re stuck with it. If your Brompton is dripping wet and you don’t have a bag for it, many places won’t let it in. If you lock it outside, high chances are that it won’t be there when you return.
Horses for courses.
-
If you want some inspiration and examples for versatility here we have my Brompton light touring, off-road gravel, round town commuting, and in the Lakes for a car free summer holiday
Yes I am aware it’s not fully standard and disk brakes help a bit but I’d also do most of this on a standard spec Brompton too (maybe less of the gravel though)
You are reading a single comment by @christianSpaceman and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
C4r1s
andyp
cornelius_blackfoot
Leshaches
@christianSpaceman
I imagine this is a really stupid question, but my wife's about to pull the trigger on a Brompton (for obvious commuting reasons), but wanted to know whether they'd be suitable as an only bike? I know nothing about them - I imagine the worst that'd get thrown at it would be the odd ride around Richmond - is the gearing on the six speed suitable for a comfortable ride around there?