Brompton owners

Insufficient data. I think I have a rear Q type rack from them, which seems to be made well enough for a low-mid market price. I had been considering their carbon rims, which look all right online, but I prefer TPU tubes so will stick with alloy (a lesson learned vicariously on here).

Checking weights online, the carbon triangle is about 20g lighter than a Ti triangle.

Is there a big difference with the Kinetic steel vs Aliexpress ti?

My two pence when I went through a similar process a few years ago; I liked the fact that Ben was based in the UK, could contact him directly and seemed a decent chap doing what he loved up in Glasgow. Nothing against AliX, I just liked the fact that if something went wrong I could jump on a train and go and see Ben if needed given it (was) a bit of a niche mod.

I did consider a ti fork and triangle from a builder in Russia (before they were public energy no.1) but went with stainless as I’d heard (at the time) some unhelpful comments around the longevity of ti and how difficult it was to work vs steel.

Always wanted a disc conversion from Ben but have no need for it, same goes for the Pinion Brompton!

Lovely stuff!

Is there a rear hub conversion for disc brakes that keeps the 2 speed external or will it need to be internal gears? (would like to reduce the weight somehow).

lemme check

Eerder Metaal from the Netherlands has some examples for mods he’s done to add in a 7 speed cassette and normal derailleur. Maybe some inspo over on Instagram, but presume you’re keen to keep the bromton shifting bits?

hahaha, you should take a leaf out of Grant's book - singlespeed hub, two chainrings & a front derailleur...

I had no idea Paul made brakes for the Brompton. I’d never splash out that much on rim brakes for mine, but I happen have a set of Racer Ms, never used - in black - that I had plans for once.

I wonder if it is possible to get the bits required to convert them to side pull?

Do people really find the OEM brakes that lacking?

With the tiny wheels even in the wet I never really found it a problem. Admittedly it was commuting rather than mountain decents.

I do. Some heavier folks than I with whom I’ve discussed the issue think the brakes are more than adequate. IME Commuting in the winter with 80 kg or so total weight onboard, the wet weather brakes would take several meters to stop the alloy wheels on a short downhill. Salmon pads and better housing already accounted for.

I would have already installed at least a a disc fork if it weren’t for the steep cost (incl new wheels etc) and increased weight/volume/etc.

Re the Paul Brompton brakes, I asked them about converting normal Racer M to sidepull. No, there is no set of parts available that will allow a conversion. Also, the next batch of Brompton brakes will have longer arms than the first batch - I did think they looked a bit tight over the mudguards on the pics I have seen.

I don't like the standard brakes much, but they are OK. The shite quality fittings that rust immediately are annoying though - stainless would cost pennies to upgrade from factory :/
Paul brakes have just cleared parcelforce customs tho ;)

Paul brakes have just cleared parcelforce customs tho ;)

keen for this update

Also, the next batch of Brompton brakes will have longer arms than the first batch

will see if the 1st batch is useable or not soon, will be very unhappy if they don't fit properly - I asked them to confirm if they had been tested with mudguards before ordering :/

Do people really find the OEM brakes that lacking?

yes rim brakes suck

Oi.

Even the old single brakes are good with new metal levers over the old plastic. Decent pads that don't create a grinding paste

Speak to Ben at kinetics. Really nice guy to talk to and very helpful.

Is there a hub that can do brake disc and two gear?

Absolutely. I'm using the older calipers with swisstop pads.

Granted it's probably, partially my fault, but I've had a few 'situations' that could've been avoided with decent brakes.

I now feel like this will be my next upgrade too! Hoke let us know how it goes :)

I think they are fine. I've never had issues that would lead me to consider a disc brake upgrade. Would quite like the newer all metal levers, but mainly as I think they look better.

I may be selling a set of OEM metal levers soon, not the latest model with the bell and light fitting. Unless i can figure a way to drill those levers to work the bell and lights.

SJS also have a bunch of the older metal brake levers on sale at 17 / 19

Are the post 2017 levers any better than the previous gen full-metal ones?

Does anyone want a telescopic seatpost for £30?

One of the ones you stick you're own seatpost in like this