Brompton owners

That is my opinion as well. I needed new tyres so I just got a new set of Pluses. Will last be 18months+ so I am happy for now.

I'm not looking for super high performance in the tyres, I've got other bikes for that! One of the things that draws me to them is not having to pump up the tyres, I know very lazy

Marathons aren't a super high performance tyre, don't worry.

How often do you currently have to pump up the tyres? Once a month? Every Fortnight? How long does it take? 2 minutes.

Solid tyres will almost certainly be overly heavy and feel like riding around on partially inflated pneumatic tyres. You'd lose that 2 minutes per fortnight from drag of riding around on expensive, heavy, solid tyres I reckon.

Also it doesn't last as long either, they wear out a little quicker than usual meaning it'll have a flat surface.

The instructions with the Pluses say to pump them every 30 days. I think its more of a usage thing, I reckon I do mine every 3 weeks or so, and then the rear most often than the front - which is expected.

New topic - as much as I cry foul of the Brompton specific carrier system. I think I am going to have to buy into it. I need to carry my laptop and accessories, and a change of clothes easily. Looking at the C-bag. How is handling effected with such weight on the front, it is quite still nimble? The other bag I quite like the look of is the Carridice City Folder - any users/owners with opinions to share?

I used to haul around 20k of tools around on my bike with it spread between a tour bag and a rack. The t bag was brilliant although it did affect handling downhill. Uphill was a breeze.

How is handling effected with such weight on the front, it is quite still nimble?

I never notice the difference with mine. Still in and around cars and kerbs.

My C bag is great. Loads of space and I don't notice any difference in handling unless there is a massive headwind.

The extra weight can actually make it handle a little better I've found, a little less twitchy.

I looked at the City Folder about 4 years ago when I got my Brompton and it wasn't the same quality as other Carradice stuff. Went for the C bag which is good (overpriced I think but there aren't any better, cheaper options). Not sure if it's changed since then but I'd find a shop stocking it and have a look before committing.

as much as I cry foul of the Brompton specific carrier system

Surely one of the best things about the Brompton is the luggage?

What are the thoughts on the carrying handle http://www.offyerbike.com/apps/webstore/products/show/4102631
Any good? I do find them a bit awkward to carry when folded.

It is if your Brompton is your only bike! If you want to move your luggage around different bikes then you are a little stuffed.

I want to get one of those as well. There are a few people on here that have them.
Maybe @clefty can give them her thumbs up to sway you.

I guess you're always going to need different luggage for a folding bike given that it can't take a saddle bag or normal pannier.

I really like mine - its much nicer than carrying by the saddle. I did think they were a bit overpriced - but I still bought one, and it's lived on my Brommie ever since.
If you do a lot of mixed train/bike commuting and are regularly lugging it around tube stations then its a godsend.

Not with that attitude they can't. Saddle bags work alright. Just need the confidence to take more space in the luggage area of a train carriage

Would anyone be interested in a free regular seat post?

I put a telescopic in mine and the regular has sat unused in the cupboard for years.

Collection from Landor Road - SW9.

Where in South Laandan can I get my 2-speed SL serviced?
Brixton Cycles? Or London Bike Workshop in Clapham?

Also, I lost my plastic chainguard that fits on the spider ages ago. I get dropped chains every now and again which is annoying.

Has anyone tried a metal chainguard like the ones sold here?

Don't forget CyclePS either for the servicing.

I got one of those. They work well.

I've always had good service from Apex Cycles on Clapham High Street.

I took my Brompton to Brixton Cycles a couple of years ago and had to wait over a week after the tires they had reserved for me were used on another bike and had to return twice as the gears stopped working properly, in the end I went to Apex and they fixed everything. YMMV but I didn't have a great experience with the Brompton at BC, whilst they had always been great with my other bike.

Brompton are quite easy to service, so a quite a fair number of LBS tend to stock Brompton parts.

IMHO, it shouldn't take as long as they would service a regular bike, unless they need to order a very specific part.

The only major diffcuiltiy is replacing the pivot axles and washer;

I don't understand all the dramas about rear hinge... When my main frame broke a few years back and I bought a new frame, I looked at instructions online and swapped it very easily... Original frame was from 1992... Maybe I was just lucky? What can actually go wrong?

anybody know where I can buy a stem wedge/bolt for my recently completed Brompton? Brilliantbikes say Bromton don't supply them!
I don't even know what one looks like?