Brompton owners

Not exactly what you are looking for Loic - but it looks an interesting read...

http://www.bromptonforum.net/t4606-le-pedalier-et-son-boitier-ameliorer-la-transmission-en-mono-plateau

Thanks! I need to read that forum... one guy there I know of, from a French hifi forum... small world!

Any preferences for brake pad replacements?

I think this one went unanswered.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I've seen SwissStop mentioned above but nothing else.

My pads are almost at the metal!

I've been burning through my back break pads in 3 months so will watch with interest for recommendations!

Too many sweet skids?

Obvs.

Swisstop ftw. They're on every bike I have, excepting the polobike as it's running discs.

Which colour SwissStop for Brommy use?

I think the "rim friendly braking" characteristics of the black pads sound preferable given the size, and therefore shorter lifespan, of the rims on a Brompton…

I just use GHP2 (dark green) on everything. The RimFriendly options were for super-high-end rims back in the day IIRC

i.e. ceramic

I shifted from GHP2 to BXP the difference is positively noticeable and the cost is the same

good to know next time I need a set will give them a go.

I probably won't need a set for ages though as they tend to last ages :)

Cheers for the info guys.

I'm guessing most here would go for S over M-type bars? They just look too 'micro-scooter' to me, plus I'm drawn to the original shape because it's the original, if you know what I mean.

I think the s type is more about a better riding position, but if you want more baggage options and are less fussed about the sportier position then the m-type is the way to go as the s-type is limited in options

More opinions please:

1. I need to choose between the 2 and 3-speed. I fancy the gear hub but it's heavier. Thoughts?

2. I want to be able to take it safely on a plane. This means a hard case. I know CTC recommend using cardboard boxes, but I can't be fucked to source them every time I go away. Is there a definitive best hard case? B&W? Polaris?

Cheers!

I went for 2-speed due the weight-saving, though it's not a major difference.
I wouldn't go for 3-speed normal gearing as its too high for stuff a brompton needs to do.

3-speed -12% looks the best to me
https://brompton.zendesk.com/entries/22354981-What-are-the-Brompton-gear-ranges-and-ratios-

when is the weight really going to make a difference? if you carry it for any length of time you just unfold

I went for 2-speed due the weight-saving, though it's not a major difference.
I wouldn't go for 3-speed normal gearing as its too high for stuff a brompton needs to do.

3-speed -12% looks the best to me
https://brompton.zendesk.com/entries/22354981-What-are-the-Brompton-gear-ranges-and-ratios-

+1 for 2 speed.

As i wanted a brompton for the transportability, the lower weight was a + point. I don't really care about riding fast on one - they're essentially pootling bikes, so 2 speeds is fine.

when is the weight really going to make a difference? if you carry it for any length of time you just unfold

up and down stairs.

On the other hand, I make full use of the 3 speed on my 12 mile round commute between Highgate-Moorgate; I wouldn't want to switch to the 2 speed.

There are various pros and cons to each set up but IMO the weight is negligible as the bikes are heavy as fuck anyway.

I'd recommend going to a shop, trying both and buying whatever you prefer.

It's also easier to fix a rear pucture on a 2 speed

I have a space for the brompton WC at Goodwood if anyone is interested.

up and down stairs.

Never bothered me... but I'm not your typical cyclist

also if it's unfolded rest the seat on your shoulder and run up

I went for 2-speed due the weight-saving, though it's not a major difference.
I wouldn't go for 3-speed normal gearing as its too high for stuff a brompton needs to do.

3-speed -12% looks the best to me
https://brompton.zendesk.com/entries/22354981-What-are-the-Brompton-gear-ranges-and-ratios-

Interesting, thanks.

when is the weight really going to make a difference? if you carry it for any length of time you just unfold

Yeah, I'm more interesting in having the right gears and something low maintenance. What's the Brompton derailleur like? Is the hub gear more reliable in itself?

+1 for 2 speed.

As i wanted a brompton for the transportability, the lower weight was a + point. I don't really care about riding fast on one - they're essentially pootling bikes, so 2 speeds is fine.

I'm not but I think I'd find the 2-speed limiting. I think I'd like a pootling gear, as well as an easy and a fast gear.