Brompton owners

About to buy his 'n' hers Bromptons...
#pipe&slippers

@fasih - I get the impression quite a few 2spders end up switching to SS or 3/6spd, depending on riding style/terrain. I don't miss the lower gear for a second, and always found the differential too much, which was why I was experimenting with stock 12t plus non-stock 15t, or non-stock 13t with stock 16t.

The only time I ran the 15t in the last few months was when climbing up Exedown Hill on a TNRC, and even then, I probably could've gurned up the 15% incline in the 12t (73.8" with Kojaks).

From late autumn till early spring, I intend refitting my Marathons, and the 13t sprocket, which will give me 69". In my opinion, aside from being an imperfect mechanism, the plastic 2spd derailleur cheapened the feel of the drivetrain, an opinion consolidated by recent experience with the more traditional jockey wheels of the SS tensioner.

@GGB_Andrew - it depends, but not as much as most other bikes.

@TS - be warned: it can feel a bit squirrely if you only have one hand on the bars whilst walking it along the pavement.

Never regretted getting mine SS either. Although, I do occasionally feel like I'm about to snap the handlebar when grinding up Muswell hill. Also, it can be a bit embarrassing when you are forced to overtake a proper bike on a steep incline and they assume you are deliberately taking the piss!

Anyone got an idea on how much a Brompton drops in value if sold from new to second hand?

not a great deal...check ebay

@TS - be warned: it can feel a bit squirrely if you only have one hand on the bars whilst walking it along the pavement.

Can only guess what witty visual you've hotlinked.

There was truth in jest. I often wheel it along in parked mode, with the seatpost dropped, but the handlebars still locked out - as I've only got 2 eazy wheels (not the 4 I'd have if there were a rack fitted), it can get wobbly.

This person's using all 4 eazy wheels and a bag for a makeshift shopping trolley:

The only time I ran the 15t in the last few months was when climbing up Exedown Hill on a TNRC, and even then, I probably could've gurned up the 15% incline in the 12t (73.8" with Kojaks).

What? My one and only TNRC uniqueism has been matched :0(

I thought you heard about that? I rode out too. It was fucking pissing down. I gifted the climb to claus and benjam on their cheater racing bikes.

^^^ replace the eazy wheels with skateboard / blade wheels for better dragaboutability...

I've got till tomorrow to decide if I want to change the drive train from the 2-speed to the SS. Whilst I have seen some comments about the 2-speed drive trains. The remedy just seems to be to keep the drive train clean. Which knowing me should translate to get the SS.

Also I decided against mudguards, but now I'm re-considering mainly because there aren't any alternatives and factory fitting them just makes things easier. Does anyone have anything to say good or bad about the mudguards?

Can only guess what witty visual you've hotlinked.

There was truth in jest. I often wheel it along in parked mode, with the seatpost dropped, but the handlebars still locked out - as I've only got 2 eazy wheels (not the 4 I'd have if there were a rack fitted), it can get wobbly.

This person's using all 4 eazy wheels and a bag for a makeshift shopping trolley:

Supermarket butter?
Not a good look.

Also I decided against mudguards, but now I'm re-considering mainly because there aren't any alternatives and factory fitting them just makes things easier. Does anyone have anything to say good or bad about the mudguards?

they keep your arse dry and they've very small. I've got them on mine as I'll ride in civvies a fair bit for the pub etc.

I've got till tomorrow to decide if I want to change the drive train from the 2-speed to the SS... Does anyone have anything to say good or bad about the mudguards?

I have a 2-speed with mudguards. Both of those things work fine and don't add much weight.

The only downer with the mudguards is that sometimes the front one gets knocked out-of-whack when folded up and stuffed into an aeroplane. Then you have to bend the little strut back into place.

I'd keep them, on the basis that having a wet arse is unpleasant and you're not going to be going so fast on a Brompton that they'll be a noticable hindrance.

^^^ replace the eazy wheels with skateboard / blade wheels for better dragaboutability...

The heel clearance is very good with the Brompton eazy wheels. That's more important to me than slightly fatter skate wheeled dragability.

+1 to mudguards. Regarding the 2spd, I don't believe the 'clean drivetrain' diagnosis for a second, BTW.

As it's September tomorrow, I've just gone 13t and Marathons. Therefore expect exceptionally good weather for the next 4 weeks :/

The heel clearance is very good with the Brompton eazy wheels. That's more important to me than slightly fatter skate wheeled dragability.

I very rarely catch my size 9.5 feet heels on the bigger ones, and have weak arms so drag is preference over carry sometimes. Bigger feet could make it a problem tho.

[insertcomedyclownpicture]

Fat wheels are bad. I have the standard ones and have turned them the other way round so the sloped edge is on the outside. This stops my heels catching them.

I vote yes to mudguards and yes to SS.

I hate mudguards generally, and was sure I'd just end up removing them, but ordered them anyway as, like you say, it just seemed easier to try them that way. I am now secretly in love with them*.

*heads to confession thread...

I think I only have one month until I can get another £1000 C2W voucher now and the brompton is top of my n+1 list I think.

going over the b-spoke spec sheet I'm thinking...

1. M-Type - £650
   
2. 1 speed - £0
   
3. Version L (mudguards) - £50
   
4. Raw Laquer finish (all steel) - £100
   
5. Extended Seat Pillar (I'm 5'10") - £0
   
6. Brompton Unisex Saddle - £0
   
7. Schwalbe Marathons - £20
   
8. Firm Suspension - £0
   
9. Reflectors Only - £0
   10a. n/a
   10b. n/a
   11(i). Easy Wheels - £20
   11(ii). Cover & Saddle Bag - 25
   
   

total: £865
which means I have £135 for random bits for my other bikes should I desire.

any missteps in this configuration that anyone can see?

SON dynamo lighting, and you're sorted.

get a bag for the front.
Not sure about the dynamo lighting. It only adds to the weight when you have to carry the bike.
I'd consider the 2 speed. It weighs barely anything and it's nice to have another gear.

I think I only have one month until I can get another £1000 C2W voucher now and the brompton is top of my n+1 list I think.

going over the b-spoke spec sheet I'm thinking...

1. M-Type - £650
   
2. 1 speed - £0
   
3. Version L (mudguards) - £50
   
4. Raw Laquer finish (all steel) - £100
   
5. Extended Seat Pillar (I'm 5'10") - £0
   
6. Brompton Unisex Saddle - £0
   
7. Schwalbe Marathons - £20
   
8. Firm Suspension - £0
   
9. Reflectors Only - £0
   10a. n/a
   10b. n/a
   11(i). Easy Wheels - £20
   11(ii). Cover & Saddle Bag - 25
   
   

total: £865
which means I have £135 for random bits for my other bikes should I desire.

any missteps in this configuration that anyone can see?

That is pretty much what I have on order now - except I went for Cobalt Blue, and got the lights and minus the cover & saddle.

get a bag for the front.
Not sure about the dynamo lighting. It only adds to the weight when you have to carry the bike.
I'd consider the 2 speed. It weighs barely anything and it's nice to have another gear.

I'd sack the dynamo lighting off, only works with certain tyres as well. Get normal lights.

2 or 3 gears are a good idea imo

do they still have the ti options?

Firm sus is a good call it's helped me significantly

ti is £420 more. :(

ooof yeah I guess that makes sense...

maybe some mitts or nice shades?

Actually the default pedals are a bit shite imo, I upgraded to these after the plastic one on mine disintigrated
http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4829
Solid and very good