They're great bikes and I love mine. And they're so much fun to ride! While Brompton aren't very helpful in giving access to spares for workshops unless they also sell the bikes, once you understand their proprietary take on everything they're reasonably straight forward to service. Top upgrades for me: - 44t chainring on the 6-spd/'Explore' spec gives a far more usable range of ratios for most riders. The stock 50t is simply too tall for most use-cases - Ergon 'GS1 Evo' grips are a huge comfort gain, though any ergo grip will be an improvement - Brompton's own 'See Me' lights are really very good (if you have a stock saddle) and integrate beautifully with the overall package - Brompton's own Eazy Wheels nail weight/performance/durability; buy the 5mm version and swap the bearings to 626-2RS = current 6mm standard for half the price - The cheap £25 alloy micro racks are perfect for better folded rollabiillity - Restrap's luggage block release toggle is a great quality of life upgrade if you use a bag (also much slicker and less prone to snapping than zipties) - Frame protection tape for protecting high-wear areas on the frame, both from cable and tyre-rub and general bashing around while carried - Frame protection plate for underside of chainstay protects against damage from fork-hook when folding/unfolding - Fidlock bottles with the Unibase work brilliantly on the stem - Continental 'Contact Urban' tyres offer a nicer ride (and improved rolling resistance) over the Marathon Racer
I've had my 3-speed Brompton for 24 years. I only use it when I need a folding bike, so it doesn't get a great deal of use, I guess it's done about 10,000 miles. The folding pedal has broken once, and the rear hinge bearing has worn out twice. Wear in the hinge bearing is something to look out for on a secondhand bike. It's not a particularly straightforward repair, as the new bearings have to be reamed out to the correct size. The best thing about the bike is that it fits in the back of my Smart Car!
Excellent explanation- i own 3 and love each. The S bar allows you to be a bit aggressive on rides. The H bar is like for slow grocery rides but my favourite is the p-line for its weight loss. Love the engineering marvel
I own a Dahon Speed Uno (single speed), Brompton C series (6 speed) and a Tern Verge P10 (recently purchased). The Tern P10 is the best of the three. I wouldn’t buy the Brompton again, due to 16” wheels provide uncomfortable ride on non smooth surfaces. 20” wheels or bigger is what I recommend. And the Tern Verge P10 provides a smoother ride and faster speed.
That brown leather of the saddle fits very well to the dark blue frame, looks beautiful, I would add add leather handles (and maybe tanwall tires) to round it up.
That's a good review and largely mirrors my experience, but I am still figuring out the gears, which are not , I feel, sequential as such, with quite sizeable spacing. I find myself largely using gear 2 just switching between high and low.
I've owned a Brompton, bike friday and dahon speed pro. I thought about upgrading to a titanium Brompton. I bought a helix bike instead. Helix a bit bigger and ride more like regular bike and much cheaper than the titanium Brompton.
Thank you so much for this excellent review. I am thinking to buy one brompton. I am impress of the bike. I am look forward for the next video. Keep going.
I've had two Brompton's. One with 12% lowered gearing 3 speed, and the other normal 3 gears with Dynamo lighting system. Best one was the standard with 12% lowered gearing. Remember, standard Bromptons are very heavy to begin with. But if you get the one with the back rack, it adds additional weight. You will get tired quickly if you have to carry it around as you move about in mass transit. Three main pet peeve with Brompton. Unique tire size makes it slightly more difficult to source than a standard 18" tires. Second, the internal hub gearing system, the Sturmey Archer needs periodic maintenance. Otherwise, they will eventually not shift properly. Third, when you shift gears, you have to stop pedaling. This can be a bummer when you're in a middle of a climb and have to shift, which means you have to stop pedaling. Would I get another Brompton though? Yes, if I live in an apartment in a city somewhere. No if I live in a house.
My Bromptons are now 21 and 13 year old. Bought new for £550 new and other circa £600 as ex demo bike. Both 6 speed with older converted to Electric (nano). Plenty of upgrades and replacement parts so plenty spent on since. Similar age bikes sell for more than bought for so hold value well.
Other observation is bike can be used by more than one of family as loads of height adjustment, my mother 4ft 6 and myself just over 6ft can ride same bike. I agree the bike is twitchy at first but can be advantage when used to it, infact I struggle with my 26inch wheeled tourer as steering seems to wallow compared to it. I don't think ride is that harsh, maybe 100 to 110 psi is too high, I tend to stick at 80 to 90. Type of tyres make a big difference for ride. Continental Urban or slicker tyres such as Kojaks seem faster
I have three bikes : Brompton, MTB and old racer, so B gets used as intended - intercity train travel. I wouldn't have bought a Brompton til I got a battered 2nd hand which needs lots of maintenance as it's old and well worn. Thanks for the video.
An excellent review, as good as it gets, no rush, articulate, informative, comprehensive; educational.. I've always been surprised how zippy these bikes can be, on one of the Ride London events I watched, some guys were really steaming along. When I've come across the odd one on the road, I've had to push on to pull one in. As you say, a super versatile bike, I think I'll put one on my shopping list.
i have had my 6 speed brompton for over 5 years. i've added an electric motor i love it ps this makes it two wheel drive . so glad i bought it. fits in my car and camper. the best of the folding bikes in my opinion. they are so much more capable that they look. regularly i do off road tracks with mine. i agree with the Bags very good my Pug likes a ride in the front bag.
Fellow tempest blue Brompton owner! I swapped my grips for Ergon GP1, those have been very comfortable over the stock grips. For the roller wheels, I’ve heard that Decathlon’s 63mm 82a skate wheels are good, though you might experience more heel strike. Haven’t tried the wheels myself as I have a rear rack that helps roll the bike around.
Good review. I got one 6 months ago so I could travel by train (No car). My Dahon was awkward and I much prefer the Brompton. I can take the train and go camping easily.
I live in a car free city with plenty of bike infra structure. BUT, center town has a medieval nature and quite a bit of streets are still cobblestone. A Brompton, unless you have suicidal tendencies, is a total nono. For less money you can get a R&M Birdy which is a far better option ( suspension, bigger wheels). For even less you can get an electric ADO Air S with 20 inch wheels and front suspension. It's a no brainer for me, a Brompton is totally out of the question.
Tyre pressure: I personally pump my Schwalbe tyres to 65 psi, which is the recommended minimum. Comfort is important to me, which is fine at this minimum pressure. Try it out.
I really like bromptons but I would imagine the steering is a bit twichy ( my folder has 20 inch wheels ) and I would have to change the front chainwheel for something a lot smaller ( where i live its really hilly. So much , my folder is electric, i suupose i could get a kit for one if i could afford it tho.). I'm surprised you didnt go for a brookes sprung saddle if the ride is a bit harsh. Cheers.
I have a Brompton 6 speed flat bar model. It can handle very steep hills because of the wide gear ratio range, although obviously not being electric, you have got to put the effort in, not the motor. The wife has an ADO air 20 folding 250 watt CE electric bike. In hybrid mode it can do 22 mph with the extra accessory throttle fitted and the speed limit raised ( where permitted ). It is very good value for money, robust, well made and stable and can be returned to 'legal mode' without the throttle operational and 15.5 mph max pedal assist, at the touch of a button in the menu.
They're great bikes and I love mine. And they're so much fun to ride! While Brompton aren't very helpful in giving access to spares for workshops unless they also sell the bikes, once you understand their proprietary take on everything they're reasonably straight forward to service. Top upgrades for me:
- 44t chainring on the 6-spd/'Explore' spec gives a far more usable range of ratios for most riders. The stock 50t is simply too tall for most use-cases
- Ergon 'GS1 Evo' grips are a huge comfort gain, though any ergo grip will be an improvement
- Brompton's own 'See Me' lights are really very good (if you have a stock saddle) and integrate beautifully with the overall package
- Brompton's own Eazy Wheels nail weight/performance/durability; buy the 5mm version and swap the bearings to 626-2RS = current 6mm standard for half the price
- The cheap £25 alloy micro racks are perfect for better folded rollabiillity
- Restrap's luggage block release toggle is a great quality of life upgrade if you use a bag (also much slicker and less prone to snapping than zipties)
- Frame protection tape for protecting high-wear areas on the frame, both from cable and tyre-rub and general bashing around while carried
- Frame protection plate for underside of chainstay protects against damage from fork-hook when folding/unfolding
- Fidlock bottles with the Unibase work brilliantly on the stem
- Continental 'Contact Urban' tyres offer a nicer ride (and improved rolling resistance) over the Marathon Racer
It’s by no means my only do-it-all bike, but I ride mine every chance I get, and it’s my one bike that I can’t imagine ever selling.
I sadly sold my 2018 C Line in Lagoon Blue just two days ago but am looking at the P line in Metallic Black as a lighter replacement.
I've had my 3-speed Brompton for 24 years. I only use it when I need a folding bike, so it doesn't get a great deal of use, I guess it's done about 10,000 miles. The folding pedal has broken once, and the rear hinge bearing has worn out twice. Wear in the hinge bearing is something to look out for on a secondhand bike. It's not a particularly straightforward repair, as the new bearings have to be reamed out to the correct size.
The best thing about the bike is that it fits in the back of my Smart Car!
Excellent explanation- i own 3 and love each. The S bar allows you to be a bit aggressive on rides. The H bar is like for slow grocery rides but my favourite is the p-line for its weight loss. Love the engineering marvel
I own a Dahon Speed Uno (single speed), Brompton C series (6 speed) and a Tern Verge P10 (recently purchased). The Tern P10 is the best of the three. I wouldn’t buy the Brompton again, due to 16” wheels provide uncomfortable ride on non smooth surfaces. 20” wheels or bigger is what I recommend. And the Tern Verge P10 provides a smoother ride and faster speed.
My main reason for adding a brompton to my collection is the clever and unique engineering.
That brown leather of the saddle fits very well to the dark blue frame, looks beautiful, I would add add leather handles (and maybe tanwall tires) to round it up.
This is a great candid review! Thank you!
That's a good review and largely mirrors my experience, but I am still figuring out the gears, which are not , I feel, sequential as such, with quite sizeable spacing. I find myself largely using gear 2 just switching between high and low.
I've owned a Brompton, bike friday and dahon speed pro. I thought about upgrading to a titanium Brompton. I bought a helix bike instead. Helix a bit bigger and ride more like regular bike and much cheaper than the titanium Brompton.
Nice, honest review. You have a good, casual approach on camera.
Thank you so much for this excellent review. I am thinking to buy one brompton. I am impress of the bike. I am look forward for the next video. Keep going.
I've had two Brompton's. One with 12% lowered gearing 3 speed, and the other normal 3 gears with Dynamo lighting system. Best one was the standard with 12% lowered gearing. Remember, standard Bromptons are very heavy to begin with. But if you get the one with the back rack, it adds additional weight. You will get tired quickly if you have to carry it around as you move about in mass transit.
Three main pet peeve with Brompton. Unique tire size makes it slightly more difficult to source than a standard 18" tires. Second, the internal hub gearing system, the Sturmey Archer needs periodic maintenance. Otherwise, they will eventually not shift properly. Third, when you shift gears, you have to stop pedaling. This can be a bummer when you're in a middle of a climb and have to shift, which means you have to stop pedaling.
Would I get another Brompton though? Yes, if I live in an apartment in a city somewhere. No if I live in a house.
My Bromptons are now 21 and 13 year old. Bought new for £550 new and other circa £600 as ex demo bike. Both 6 speed with older converted to Electric (nano). Plenty of upgrades and replacement parts so plenty spent on since. Similar age bikes sell for more than bought for so hold value well.
Other observation is bike can be used by more than one of family as loads of height adjustment, my mother 4ft 6 and myself just over 6ft can ride same bike. I agree the bike is twitchy at first but can be advantage when used to it, infact I struggle with my 26inch wheeled tourer as steering seems to wallow compared to it. I don't think ride is that harsh, maybe 100 to 110 psi is too high, I tend to stick at 80 to 90. Type of tyres make a big difference for ride. Continental Urban or slicker tyres such as Kojaks seem faster
I have three bikes : Brompton, MTB and old racer, so B gets used as intended - intercity train travel. I wouldn't have bought a Brompton til I got a battered 2nd hand which needs lots of maintenance as it's old and well worn. Thanks for the video.
I love this bike, flexible in mobility
An excellent review, as good as it gets, no rush, articulate, informative, comprehensive; educational.. I've always been surprised how zippy these bikes can be, on one of the Ride London events I watched, some guys were really steaming along. When I've come across the odd one on the road, I've had to push on to pull one in. As you say, a super versatile bike, I think I'll put one on my shopping list.
I just did. There are some terrific bargains to be had on ebay. Second hand bromptons have never been cheaper and most have hardly been used.
@@peterwillson1355 Thanks Peter ...
i have had my 6 speed brompton for over 5 years. i've added an electric motor i love it ps this makes it two wheel drive . so glad i bought it. fits in my car and camper. the best of the folding bikes in my opinion. they are so much more capable that they look. regularly i do off road tracks with mine. i agree with the Bags very good my Pug likes a ride in the front bag.
Fellow tempest blue Brompton owner!
I swapped my grips for Ergon GP1, those have been very comfortable over the stock grips. For the roller wheels, I’ve heard that Decathlon’s 63mm 82a skate wheels are good, though you might experience more heel strike. Haven’t tried the wheels myself as I have a rear rack that helps roll the bike around.
Good review. I got one 6 months ago so I could travel by train (No car). My Dahon was awkward and I much prefer the Brompton. I can take the train and go camping easily.
I'd love to buy a Brompton but I need one with a higher load capacity. I'm heavy, so I need one that can carry 150kg.
It's just an expensive toy .The expiration of the patent is the best news
Yes! You should get a Brompton, buy mine.
Why do you want to sell it?
@kayasper6081 I want to sell MY Brompton because it is an H and I am an S. It was wrongly sold to me as an M.
@@peterwillson1355 I see. Sorry to hear you end up with the wrong one. I would certainly need an H.
I live in a car free city with plenty of bike infra structure. BUT, center town has a medieval nature and quite a bit of streets are still cobblestone. A Brompton, unless you have suicidal tendencies, is a total nono. For less money you can get a R&M Birdy which is a far better option ( suspension, bigger wheels). For even less you can get an electric ADO Air S with 20 inch wheels and front suspension. It's a no brainer for me, a Brompton is totally out of the question.
Tyre pressure: I personally pump my Schwalbe tyres to 65 psi, which is the recommended minimum. Comfort is important to me, which is fine at this minimum pressure. Try it out.
What about flats? Higher pressure will produce less punctures! I ride around 95 PSI.
@@Air-ic279 Last flat I had is probably 10 years ago, due to broken glass. So yes, 65 psi is fine with me.
What is the total weight you carry (you + cargo ) … concerned ny 220# + 20# cargo too heavy for that
@@GGg-ic9ku Agreed. My systemweight is 68 kg + 13 kg + 10 kg = 91 kg max (me, Brompton, cargo), which equals 200 lbs.
I really like bromptons but I would imagine the steering is a bit twichy ( my folder has 20 inch wheels ) and I would have to change the front chainwheel for something a lot smaller ( where i live its really hilly. So much , my folder is electric, i suupose i could get a kit for one if i could afford it tho.). I'm surprised you didnt go for a brookes sprung saddle if the ride is a bit harsh. Cheers.
I have a Brompton 6 speed flat bar model. It can handle very steep hills because of the wide gear ratio range, although obviously not being electric, you have got to put the effort in, not the motor. The wife has an ADO air 20 folding 250 watt CE electric bike. In hybrid mode it can do 22 mph with the extra accessory throttle fitted and the speed limit raised ( where permitted ). It is very good value for money, robust, well made and stable and can be returned to 'legal mode' without the throttle operational and 15.5 mph max pedal assist, at the touch of a button in the menu.