10 Brompton "Problems" that are Actually Normal | Brompton FAQs
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10 Brompton "Problems" that are Actually Normal | Brompton FAQs
At this point we can all agree that the design of the Brompton is unlike anything else in the market. And because of that, even avid cyclists often wonder if certain aspects of the Brompton are normal, or something to be concerned about. Today, I’ll cover the 10 most asked questions by new Brompton owners, regardless of cycling experience. Let me know if any of these are concerns that YOU had, or if anyone ever asked YOU about any of these things. And we’ll start, with the most common. The play on the rear triangle latch.
Because the rear triangle of the Brompton swings underneath the bike when folding, it has two attachment points. One pivot point near the bottom bracket, and a latch close to the seat post clamp. If you raise the bike off the ground, you will see that there is a little bit of play here. That is not only normal, but exactly how it was supposed to be. When riding the bike, this portion of the bike is always under compression, and the only reason for this latching system to exist is so you can carry your Brompton, say… going upstairs, without the rear triangle swinging down. Some people even prefer to leave the latch disengaged at all times, to make folding faster. You can do that by releasing the rear triangle and gently rotating the suspension block. That way, it will no longer lock to the rear triangle. Bromptons worked exactly this way, without a latching system, until 2007. To go back to normal, just rotate the suspension block until you hear a click.
Next, one of the features of the Brompton is the so-called kickstand mode, where you swing the rear wheel under and you’re able to keep the bike standing up by itself. When in kickstand mode, you cannot align the handlebars straight, because the front wheel will hit the rear wheel. That is normal. In fact, be careful not to crush the fender when putting the bike in kickstand mode. Gently rotate the handlebars do the left.
When in kickstand mode, or even when folded, the rear wheel will press against the shell of the bottom bracket. That’s normal. In fact, some people like to protect that area with tape or other types of protectors.
Next, hinges are one of the most stressed components of any folding bike. When looking closely at the inside of a Brompton hinge, you may notice that the paint came off one or two of the contact points, and this is totally normal. Happens to every Brompton after the first few rides.
Next, stem is the component of the bike that holds the handlebar. While in regular bikes the stem is very short and stiff, the stem on the Brompton can be as long as 40 cm. That means you will notice the stem flexing when going uphill and pulling hard on the handlebars. That is totally normal, and it’s something that most people quickly get used to. Because the stem flexes, it also helps to absorb vibrations and make your ride smoother!
Next, internally geared hubs are unfamiliar to many cyclists, and to this day I still think of it as a complex system with weird behaviors. See this for example. Sometimes, when pushing the bike forward, it won’t make any noise at all. You may even be able to push the bike backwards without the crankset rotating. Depending on the gear you are at, pushing the bike backwards will cause the crankset to rotate in steps, it’s all normal, and it doesn’t even stop there.
On the third gear, you’ll hear a clicking noise coming from the hub even while pedaling. That is normal. You will also notice that the internal gears in the hub are hard to shift under pressure, like going up a hill, for example. That’s also a characteristic of internally geared hubs, and you just need to let go of the pedals while shifting.
You think we’re done talking about the hub? We’re not. Internally geared hubs have several components inside, and when riding over bumpy roads you may be able to hear a rattle coming from the rear wheel. This is a well-known downside of Sturmey-Archer hubs, kindly called the Sturmey-Archer rattle. It’s kind of annoying, but it’s normal, and it doesn’t mean that your rear hub is coming apart. You’ll notice that the rattle stops when you put pressure on the pedals, and that’s because you’re engaging the internal components of the hub.
The last funny aspect of the hub is that the noise that it makes when coasting on the third gear is different than when coasting on the other gears. See if you can hear it for yourself. That is also normal.
Finally, the seat post needs to be fully (or close to fully) extended before you swing the rear wheel back. If you only do it halfway, it will only unlock the bike halfway and that can be rather confusing.
Well guys, that was it for this video. - กีฬา
Unspoken Brompton ownership problems.
- You will turn into a total bore as you tell everyone who isn't interested just how great they are
- You will have to learn how to not be so self satisfied when friends and coworkers complain about their commute
- any money saved from other means of transport is instantly spent on bags, and other accessories you probably don't need.
Titanium bolts for my Lightweight!
@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 my lightweight is a 2020 Chpt3. So far I've managed to not think of things like that. Thanks man... I'm now about to lose a Sunday and probably many hundreds of pounds 🤣
Love it!
@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 I've only recently bought my Brompton...now it is my pet and I'm compelled to spoil it with gifts!!!
That is soooo me, on BOTH counts.
Problem #11: Brompton is damn expensive.
That’s normal.
HAHAH 😅😅😅
That was funny! True.
Is the same as why Ferrari is expensive 🤣🤣
I was thinking the same thing
Actally...
Bromptons are quite cheap. If you want expensive, look at the Birdy.
Another "thinking person's Brompton video." That sighing sound? I think it's the collective lowering of stress levels amongst Brompton riders. With a video like this, "it's normal." Thanks.
Haha you got it! The idea is to lower stress levels of new Brompton owners. We've all been there and wondered if something was wrong with the bike.
@@EverydayCyclingexactly, I’am a new owner and I can’t unfolding because seat post. I was so frustrated, but this video is perfect to me. Thanks a lot. 🙏🏽🫡
The seatpost locking confused me as well the first time I couldn't unfold the bike, but once you know that, it actually makes a lot of sense. It's designed so that you can carry the half-folded bike up stairs and the like by holding it at the seat, which would otherwise unfold it.
Go get a real bike dork.
When you put a new video out about a Brompton… it’s like opening a Xmas present on Xmas day! 🥳😎
AHaha I'm glad you think so. Thanks for being so active on the channel!
I'll add two more problems I've encountered.
1. Finding a bike mechanic that can work on the bike, especially when traveling and an issue comes up.
2. The 16" Wheel can be a bit dangerous on a lousy, pothole riddled street if you're not focused.
You don’t have clue, just jealous
@@ArTeCh777 That's funny. I owned two Bromptons over the last 8 years. So no reason for jealousy, and my two points are from personal experience. The video is titled "10 Brompton Problems". I'm just adding two that were common for me. Not bashing the brand. Nothing folds like a Brompton, and they're fun. So I do have more than a clue, I have at least two.
When you purchase a new you have 5 years warranty for frame and gears, after years I guess gears need to be replaced, if you smart you can do by yourself if not you have to find and pay.
@@ArTeCh777 yeah you sure told me. You smart, I could tell by your grammar.
1.Mechanics? There are Brompton mechanics?
2. Yep, smaller than 20"s are a bear
Everything's a compromise
I really appreciated this video. I've been riding a Brompton for 8 years and I was unaware of the nuances of the internally geared hub - I've certainly noticed the coasting sound but I had always thought something was wrong. Thanks for the reassurances!
I'm glad it was reassuring!
I’m an absolute Brompton “Newbie” and have been enjoying the work you have been putting out. I had to take a moment and thank you for this one in particular. I have noticed a couple of these idiosyncrasies, so it’s good to know there is nothing to be concerned about.
Thanks a again
I came back to this video after bought my Brompton and I noticed gear 3 making different ticking sound when pedalling! Your video reassured this is normal so I have nothing to worry now. Thank you!
I'm glad I saw this - I was worried when I was riding my girlfriend's Brompton that there was something not right on one of the hinges because I could feel the bike flex so much when I was braking hard. Turns out that's just the way they are!
How about the problem of forgetting to unfold the pedal and starts to push the bike? the pedal will hit the frame and get stuck!!
Bingo!
😂 yes
Coming from Dahon, I struggled with two issue with my Brompton B75. First the gear 3 noise (thought I received a faulty bike), second the seat pool issue, being short I had to replace it with the standard length instead of the extended one that comes with Brompton B75. Great video
If you had a seat pool issue,
you might check for leaks where it is poking , check for burrs,
and make sure you have a seat on the bike at all times.
Consider the Brooks saddle with a drain slot.
I decided to continue years of researching and considering buying a Brompton, and that's normal.
All this stuff you call `normal` has certainly put me off of ever wanting a Brompton!
That's good! Means it's informative 😌
Thank you! I thought somethings wrong with my gear hub.
Great bikes, but every single person riding them look like circus clowns, or angry Karen’s.
I would buy brompton bike but it is too expensive
One month with my brompton and I thought that the gear noise was a fault on my bike 🤣🤣🤣. Now I can be proud of that noise!
I agree with all that. I would love them to make a superlight version for travelling. 6mm flanges and bombproof design are great for commuting, but let's get exotic and have a 9kg model for taking on a plane. Even Ford has the Mustang, and the F150.
Look out for the T line Brompton in the near future
You can do it , but it gets pricey. It's all about compromises.
Good video, I noticed on my brompton that if I attempt to lower my seatpost last when folding, the seat won't lower all the way, for a second I was very confused as to why my seat wasn't lowering half the time I was folding the bike. I now know the order for folding/unfolding is not just suggested but mandatory
Good point! The seat post only goes down all the way if you fold the front wheel first. Will include this one on a part 2 of this video!
When was the last time you thought about that stop sign or stop light you stopped at. Find the best source for folding and unfolding on youtube and stick to it. Eventually you will notice you have folded and unfolded without thinking about it, like stopping at a light.
In my case the seat post doesn't go down all the way anyway as I have the Extended seatpost.
@@chrisamies2141 your *saddle* may not, but your seat post does (or should).
Very useful, especially how to turn rubber knob to lock the real wheel, which take a while for me without success until I watch your video.
I get the feeling that, I am the only one who likes the sound of the gears.
Ahaha love it!
NOPE! You are not the only one, I like to coast just to hear the buzz. I feel you.
This was very helpful. I was concerned about the gears. Makes sense now. I was used to riding bikes with a derailer where you have to shift while peddling.
Anybody had an experience with replacing the polymer suspension block with one of the aftermarket coil spring units?
You should always stop peddling slightly as you change gear and that will ensure you don’t strain the actual gear, but in particular the linkages and the cabling
Agreed, regardless of internal or external gears.
I'm a road biker, took the T-Line for a spin and found the overall flex disconcerting actually (I also have a Ti Road bike, it's comfortable and not flexy). This video explains a few things...
Hey, Thank you for the video!
On 3:14 you're mentionning a clicking sound on the 3rd gear. Is it normal that it happens as well when the wheel does not turn and I pedal backwards? It also happens on the 2nd gear on my bike...
Sell it and get yourself a proper bike.
I managed to crack my front mud guard by not turning the handle bars to the left before swinging the rear wheel under the frame. I bought a new mud guard and replaced it, but it was definitely a lesson learned. Seeing your mudguard bend like that somehow without snapping brought back bad memories.
Oh, thanks for sharing! I can easily see that fender breaking. If it was a little more dried out, like a few years old, it could totally have broken there.
I do front and rear unfold at the same time, creates this “pop” effect, way to impress your skeptic all colleagues. 😁
Hello Victor, two questions from my watching your videos this morning(25Aug2922. You were covering wheels for the rear rack. You showed red or orange and gray plastic bidirectional wheels. You said that you will cover the whole exchange process. I can’t find the whole process, also I have the electricBrompton and have the Brompton rack. Please send.
2nd Q: I noticed that you are using ear buds. What ear buds do you find allow you to hear traffic. Thanks. Jack
Overrated and overpriced IMO.
Still a good bike but the prices are pretty high.
Great video , thank you for clarifying what that rattle is , I've been looking for something loose .
यह ब्राम्पटन की बाइक इतनी महंगी कास्ट क्यों पड़ती है??किस पदार्थ से बनती है?? Qfrom India 💞
Using "normal" to describe some flaws does not really make them forgiveable for the pricetag. Such as hub rattle, and the rubbing of metal that wears off the paint and allows corrosion
Can you fit wider tyres than it comes with? Got some bumpy canal paths to go on. Cheers.
Price of that thing is beginning from 850gbp.
The HELL, no!!!
On my M6L, I traced an annoying rattle to be coming from the little wheel that is on the rear fender/mudguard. As I do not need to push the bike around in shopping-cart mode, I wedged a thin piece of plastic under that plastic wheel. I have enjoyed a rattle-free ride ever since😃
Hi. Nice video. How about creaking noises. When I pedal it cresks but the bike is new lol. 😮
Great video. But I would argue that the 'Sturmey Archer Rattle', especially if excessively loud, is not normal. It is usually caused by excess play between on the drive-side cone baring and the internal baring thus causing the gear cage that sits between being too loose . The problem can be cured by tightening the right hand cone so that gear cage is tighter, and slackening the left hand cone accordingly so the wheel still runs freely. Its a bit trial and error to get this right but once you do, in will all run better than it left the factory.
Brompton is a piece of overpriced garbage with so many bad points and un necessary noise ! 3 Sixty is much superior bike !
Utterly hideous piece of crap, but it’s fortunately normal, so nothing to worry about.
any play in components on a premium bike aint normal. U simply have low standards. At these prices, there is no excuse for sloppy engineering tolerences.
I have seen the leather wrapping with the strings on the horizontal, thickest part of frame several times on Bromptons. What is it about?
The rear hub is definitely "verbose" and it disturbed me until I asked... You did not talk about cables rubbing on the frame... very good video 👍
Will make sure to add that to a part 2 of this video! Thanks for pointing that out!
How about that 349 wheels are so twitchy that I can’t cycle standing up
11: The rear wheel ist non symmetrical fixed in its rear fork/frame. This ist normal.
Hello , how do you look for the leather protector you have in the main frame? Do you think i can find it in Amazon?
4:43 but thats only a T (and probably a P or P-Electric) issue... C (and thus also A) unlock already on a lower seatpost position!
Sounds like Gus from breaking bad.
Just sayin'
The Gear Hub sounds and feelings kinda grind my Gears :D
great list, very informative! thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I find it strange that when folded and I want to push it, the folded front wheel is touching the gear chain. Is that normal?! I can only roll it then if I tilt the bike a bit up so it only rolls on the rollers?
Well done… again :)
Very soothing. We’ve taken our Bromptons to Vancouver. Every day we get comments. Today, two :)
Best purchase in a long time. Life on two wheels is great.
Oh, it is great. Thanks, David!
I keep learning about Brompton with your amazing videos, Victor. Thanks once again. The strange noises from my dear Sturmey always bugged me. It is comforting to hear from someone more experienced that is everything OK.
Glad to hear that!
I own 4 bikes with Rohloff 14 gear hubs. I call nr. 6 and 7 gears: the cat is scratching its nails. So with hubs some gears makes noise. That is normal.
Another common "problem": Rust spots on the inside of the frame are also normal.
New user that wants to buy used bromie will tell that the price should be cheaper because there's rust inside the frame 😓
I'll have to make a part 2 of this video soon. Thanks for pointing that out!
Use gun and shotgun barrel brushes with a small amount of rust removal followed by isopropyl alcohol. Once dry spray the brushes with a simple Home Depot rust inhibitor and all will be better than when first purchased (because of the rust inhibitor)
Seatpost bung. Why does it ALWAYS fall out?
I never like Brompton it seems a big guy riding on a kid bike from far away 😒
I've never noticed any of these
I didn't enjoy it. You are too finicky.
I could use a deep dive on how the hubs and gears work. You tell me they are normal, which is great, but WHY?
Good topic for a separate video, probably from someone more knowledgeable on the inner workings of the hub. I'd be totally interested in that.
@@EverydayCycling check out the channel of that lively bike shop in London... I'm blank me other name so I'm going to go look them up
Found it. Told you I did my research Victor 😉
Brilliantbikes= th-cam.com/video/Wsovy4NPJLI/w-d-xo.html
La investigación y desarrollo quién la paga
I have alot of flex in the front on my p line like is this normal??
My Brompton is 2000-vintage - with a 5-speed Sturmey-Archer - so never had the rear triangle latch. Usual practice was to use a toestrap to hold the parts together!
Another characteristic is that the B. rides better with some weight over the front e.g. a bag of shopping. Depends on rider weight I suppose but even at my lightest I was 70 kg / 155 lbs.
Be careful you dont hit a pot hole. The front wheel can fold under and send you over the bars. The flexing of thd item bars can also fatigue and you may find fhe bars are not attached. Somd early bromptons had a strengther. Had z brompton for years. Never again, too dangerous
Thanks! I just got my first Brompton and this video is very useful!
These bikes are very well made, enjoy it!!
Sounds like the guy from polar Warriors
OMG this should be required viewing when you buy a Brompton. It answered several concerns I had (like the clicking sound continuing while pedalling), some things I never would have realized, and some stuff I had to figure out on my own (like the seatpost holds the rear wheel in folded mode, and the fact that you shouldn't pedal when shifting the hub).
It is perfectly OK to keep pedalling hub gears while changing, just don't put any driving pressure on them. This is the same technique as recommended for derailieur gears, meaning all Brompton gear changes can be done while *lightly* spinning the pedals.
you are a good salesman, all the problem is normal, hahaha...
Those brakes, really does that still exist ?
My bike fall apart but that's totally normal.
not a problem, it’s a feature!
So bad design is accepted as normal.
Nice video. My brompton is the best thing I own :)
me too!
Marketing is a hell of a thing
Has many many downsides and design flaws…….but don’t worry “this is normal” 😂
Well, yeah. I hope a company can come up with a folding bike that is as practical as the Brompton, but without some of Brompton's annoyances, like hub noise.
BRILLIANT film thank you!!!! It really helped me and the others I shared the link with, on the different hub clicking sounds!!!! ❤
Thank you for your informative videos!
Glad you like them!
There are so many better options out there! Better bikes and easier folds! Not even getting into price. Do your homework!
Do you have any options? Lol
It's not a bug, it's a feature
with 6speed, it's like 13kg heavy... annoying but it's normal... then u'd feel u need some tunning for that. that's normal..
Da** I need a Brompton.
Thank you for this video. As a new Brompton owner, I had wondered about these too. This has been very validating and comforting. Here are two others I can think of:
(1) Why doesn't the front wheel unfold? Because you must first slightly tilt the front end up to release the bracket?
(2) Is it normal that a Brompton without a bike rack won't roll on the 3 little roller wheels? Yes, the third wheel is mainly for fender protection and stabilization when folded. With the handlebar extended but everything else folded you tilt the bike slightly onto the other pair of rollers for movement.
I has been a long time since I rode my brompton.. But I will be needing it for a trip to Paris... So I was just checking video's for some general maintenance.. and this popped up. I will be adjusting my rear wheel immediately because it is something that has been bothering form the start. I bought for 15 years ago, no internet, so I never knew that how I could adjust it... The seat post was my first lesson, i almost missed a train because it is too heavy for me to carry..
FYI anyone affected by that clicking noise while pedalling.
I went to the Brompton store today to try out the C, P and T line.
The clicking noise is audible on the C line once you shift the right gear to gear 2 and above. There is no clicking noise on regardless of gear position on the left gear. You also have to stop pedalling if you want to shit the right gear.
This doesn’t exist on the P and T line. The fact that this clicking noise and right gear stop pedalling shifting is “normal” is puzzling to me because I find it annoying and it doesn’t exist in my cheap bicycle. Feels odd to me that this noise is accepted as “normal”. Best to try it for yourself!
All the points are a poor design and quite easily engineered out. Shame.
Brit quality engineering never goes out style. Remember their car industry..
gear adjustment on 3 speed internal hub....difficulty in engaging 1st gear~~~?
Hi. What's the purpose of the laced crossmember cover? I've just bought a 2012 M3R which doesn't have one and I'm wondering whether I should get one.
un PRIX ... une QUALITéE ! !!
How does the White suspension block on the B75 differ from the standard Black block besides color on the Standard model Brompton's? If you were a Clydesdale (over 242Lbs/ 15.2 Stone) would you switch to the Firm suspension block( what color is the Firm?) upon purchase? Thanks, be safe, Happy Trails, love your channel, phil
every problem is totally normal to brompton. that shows you the lack of quality of the product. never improve. with that price tag, i expect perfection.
My hub makes no ratcheting noise whatsoever when pedalling in any gear. However, I do get the normal ratchet sound when freewheeling along, or when back-pedalling stationary. My Brompton is a six-speed from 2019.
Sounds downsides to me.
…brompton is the brutally most uncomfortably bike ever made… those buttonsized crystal hard wheels combined with steep angles is an absolutely horror…
My goodness! I watched this video before getting a Brompton but recently had to revisit when my Brompton would lock when unfolding and not kick open! I didn't extend the seat post fully. Thank you so much!
Does anyone else experience the 'click' sound while pedalling? Sounds to be coming from the pedals und disappears wenn the bike is wet... really annoying but i guess 'its normal'
Had my first Sturmey Archer in 1969, nice system, a bit hard when riding in the Swiss Alps.
A problem i’ve encountered is when folded and you rotate the right pedal backwards so it’s snug up against the rear tyre, the chain loosens and dangles free, the pedal then rotates back into its not snug position and the chain the pulls taught again…it’s only just started doing it so a tad annoying. The bike is clean and the chain tensioner has been taken off and cleaned thoroughly as i thought that was the problem. I wonder if one or more chain links is stiff ? Thoughts ???
Question for you. I recently bought an electric c line. When I fold the bike in park mode, it is quite unstable and would fall over. Am I doing something wrong? Are you also experiencing this?
The unlatched mode actually makes it *easier* to carry with the nose of the saddle over your shoulder... it keeps the weight of the
rear end closer to your own center of gravity.
That's true. That's what I do 😉.
Its all totally normal
Thanks for great review! I would like to know as a possible first time buyer about the ply on the seat. As the seat is so highly placed, won’t the seat stem move back and forth as we cycle?
It's funny when you were talking about the Sturmey Archer gears, all the points you brought up i knew were normal because it brought back memories of using them back in the 1970s when i was a little kid and i haven't even used them since then. I guess you never forget some things.