Many brands actually use this aikema (AKM85SX(F1)) engine in electric kits used in Brombton. It is an engine that does a really good job according to its weight. KT supports serial controllers and lcd's. I collected it myself, I am quite satisfied.
Hey! Designer of the Bro Block from Swytch Bike here! Check out the Bro Block instructions for learning how to use the cable guide that comes with the bro block. It helps you hide all excess cabling - it looks really neat once installed correctly!
8:45 I am fairly sure that is an Orbea Katu. Looks like it is the non-assisted model and someone has added a motor kit to it later. Orbea killed the non-assisted Katu first and now they don't make the Katu-e either.
I have a Swytch Kit for my 20" folding bike. You can go into the settings and adjust the maximum speed (see manual). However, even at the highest setting (setting "high", which is 1 of the two choices), the bike won't achieve the maximum 20mph setting. I get around 17mph. Apparently you need to buy the OLED display which will let you unlock the 20mph setting. Also, the battery level on the display is probably the more accurate one, and you should ignore the one on the battery itself. The kit will stop working once the handlebar display goes to zero, but the battery will still show at least 2-3 dots. You should verify if it behaves the same on your kit. Personally, I feel that the Swytch kit really isn't completely well thought out. With the battery level inconsistency, the wiring problem you mentioned, and the maximum speed issue where you need the OLED display to get the max advertised speed are all things that should have been ironed out
I have it on the US setting that is suppose to get 20MPH but your right it seeems to top out at 17MPH. Shoko is testing the battery display accuracy and has the same situation she says. Thanks for sharing. I guess this is how it is designed currently.
Thanks for the review! I put a 1st version swytch kit on my Brommie years ago and it's still putting out decent power, caps at 15mph and wish it could do 20 but that would decrease range, I put it on my handlebars on the inside so I could still use the front block for my daily commute bike into SF. All in all a solid purchase but some things to note - sometimes the motor shakes where I just stop pedaling and it quickly goes away, a bit pricey, but I'd buy it again rather than replacing my current Brommie with a new electric Brommie which are pricey as we know...just saw the electric G model and it looks awesome...might splurge there
I have an older swytch kit die my folding bike. The battery is bigger and the battery indicator is in the battery box itself. I like that without the battery the bike operates just like a non ev. It’s fun to go faster and further with electric
I’ve seen the battery mount on the stem installed on the reverse side so you can fold it. Is that possible? I could have sworn I’ve seen it. That way you still have the utility of the front block. Can you test this on hills. I’m curious on how much assist. I’ve been looking at this before. Wasn’t sure to buy it but my wife is a real weak cyclist so I need something to boost for hills.
The motor definitely sounds better than the original Brompton Electrics. Great to see that there are idiots running around on bike lanes everywhere around the world.👍😜
Sorry if I missed on the video but I am wondering about using the Brompton if once that you install the swytch kit is it still possible to use your brompton as a regular bike (non-electric) do you think it feels considerably heavier than without it while pedaling? Great video! Thank you.
It is heavier but Shoko just finished the TD Bike Tour riding 40 miles without using the kit for most of the ride. I think it's doable and you just have to accept the additional weight. It probably feels the same way as a normal Brompton that has a heavy bag on it.
I ride my Brompton/Swytch conversion all the time with the power on zero, but I have the battery power there to help with hills, quick starts at lights, if needed and resting my legs by pedaling more slowly while not losing speed. I’m 62, female and find the bike heavy to carry, but I love having the possibility of pedal assistance when necessary. I find when I use the power I rarely go beyond level 1, have occasionally used level 2 briefly. I haven’t got in the habit of keeping it on level 1, because for basic riding I find it to be too much power. I haven’t delved into the menu to see if I can get it to deliver less power. I have gone up to level 5 once, when riding up to the Greenwich Observatory in London. I have yet to deplete the battery because I don’t need the power all the time. My last ride was 30 miles and I still had full bars on the display. I didn’t skimp on using the pedal assist, but as I said I often find it to be more power than I need. I use the slimmer ?air? battery. I don’t want my carrier block taken up by the battery, I want to be able to mount a bag, so mine is mounted backwards on the handlebar and does not hinder the fold at all. I have an M3L with 44T chain ring
I've not read all the comments here, but I understand that Brompton will not honor their standard 7 year frame guarantee on new Brommies if a Swytch unit is fitted. Is this correct?
I would imagine it depends on the part. The swytch kit definitely will have warranty problems on the fork. I can see this kit putting alot of stress on the fork over time as well as the headset.
The bike was 24lbs before the swytch kit? Did you actually weight that? My M6R weighs like 28lbs with both a rack and the Brooks saddle. Until its a P-line I would assume your's isn't that much less.
Hi Shu, thanks for the extensive review. I do have a question though. Many have reported there's a small or significant rolling resistance (it's subjective per person). Does it make it harder to pedal without power assist? That is my only and main concern. TIA.
@BromptonFamilyTime If at all possible, could you do a video on the resistance without power? Many people are wondering and are having concerns over that. Thanks for your insight alrrrright LOL.
Nice video review, lets hope they listen to you as lots of improvements can be made, not sure I want to give up my front block, can I not just put it in my bag?
🙋🏻♀️ Hi. We found out the new speed limit sign after we took the videos. It said 10mph. They repaved, and renewed many things in this park recently so they also changed the speed limit, too.
That is from the Gopro App. You need to download the footage into the gopro app and then you can add them to the video. It works with our Gopro 10 but not our Gopro 12 since the newer one does not have GPS anymore.
Hi Shu & Shoko, when the power is off, how much rolling resistance does the Swytch front wheel have? Does it rotate as freely as a normal Brompton front wheel? Thanks. Gareth
Shoko says she can feel some at the start off but it goes away once the bike gets going. I have only ridden it twice and didn't notice much. Shoko also just completed the TD Bike Tour 40 mile ride mostly with the Swytch kit off so I don't think there is much resistence to worry about.
@@BromptonFamilyTime A couple of more questions please...Do you recommend getting the thumb throttle? Did you manage to increase the max speed to 20mph? (apparently, the LED / OLED display allows you to do this).
We have ordered another kit so we can test out the thumb throttle and newer LED screen that should unlock the 20mph (I hope). I hope it comes this month! 20mph would be nice. 15mph is okay, but 20mph is definitely the way to go in NYC traffic.
Hi Shu, An idea for a future video - Can you take us fishing on your Brompton? You've often mentioned catching all sorts of fish at various stops in your videos. It would make great viewing!
Hi Shu, long time follower! I was thinking about fitting Tannus tires on my Brompton as I just purchased the switch kit - I know you have experience with both (Tannus and Switch) and that you have moved on from Tannus, but I have them on my Fixie and love them. I would like to fit them on my Bromptom and never have to worry about punctures on my way to work and other leisure rides and now with the switch I wouldn't worry much about the different feeling of the pedaling. What do you think? Love all your videos keep 'em coming! - Juan with a red black edition 2022 Bromptom in Santa Barbara, CA.
I have them on my Cinelli fixed currently too. The Brompton is really slow and I think it will eat too much of your battery life. Swytch has a long range battery up to 60 miles now so if you do add Tannus tires you can get the longer range battery to make up for the difference. That is what I would do.
Hi Shu, interesting stuff. Are you on Facebook and can I contact you there? I make Brompton leather accessories and can send you a B sew on leather patch or a B key fob for your lock. Not sure I want to publish my email address here, lol. Chris in Ottawa, Canada.😢
Hi Chris. I gave up using FB a long time ago and barely use IG. Technology is a struggle for me to keep up with lol. Our channel email can be found under our community tab. bromptonfamilytime@gmail.com
Thanks BFT for the additional review of Swytch on Brompton, as I have future thoughts of turning my (yet-to-purchase) first Brompton into an electric assisted one down the road, rather than buying the very expensive (and clunky aka ugly) Electric Brompton from the start. Very much look forward to hearing more hands-on reviews from you. BTW, I just saw TH-cam video with a Brompton bicycle fitted with an e-bike conversion kit from UK-based Boost. Wonder if you could test this one out as well and compare. th-cam.com/video/5oQSZM3jmVs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_HP8qG920llNzyW3
I bought a Swytch conversion kit for my wife's Brompton and in my opinion it was a complete waste of money. The battery quit charging after a few months and Swytch have ignored my request for help. I have a Cytronex system on my Brompton and by comparison for me it is far superior product.
The kid's smile is priceless.
Many thanks for an honest review. I have a switch kit on my Brompton and it really helps me to enjoy cycling.
So far Shoko loves it. I am jealous when I am in headwind or going uphill lol.
Incredible depth of detailed analysis.
No wonder product offerings are sent to Shu for his analysis!
Nice review. I got the original swytch kit for my Brommie, while it's not perfect, the boost is fun when going uphill and into the wind.
That is what I noticed too! It's definitely perfect for windy days.
Love your presentation style. Great job.
Please do a range test next.
Many brands actually use this aikema (AKM85SX(F1)) engine in electric kits used in Brombton. It is an engine that does a really good job according to its weight. KT supports serial controllers and lcd's. I collected it myself, I am quite satisfied.
Yes, the Aikema motor was also used on the Oyama E8 e-folking bike. Very good quality motor.
Hey! Designer of the Bro Block from Swytch Bike here! Check out the Bro Block instructions for learning how to use the cable guide that comes with the bro block. It helps you hide all excess cabling - it looks really neat once installed correctly!
Thanks I actually took the time to get the excess wires to fit. I love the Bro Block. It should be standard for Brompton Swytch kits.
That was ace mate.🚴
8:45 I am fairly sure that is an Orbea Katu. Looks like it is the non-assisted model and someone has added a motor kit to it later. Orbea killed the non-assisted Katu first and now they don't make the Katu-e either.
I have a Swytch Kit for my 20" folding bike. You can go into the settings and adjust the maximum speed (see manual). However, even at the highest setting (setting "high", which is 1 of the two choices), the bike won't achieve the maximum 20mph setting. I get around 17mph. Apparently you need to buy the OLED display which will let you unlock the 20mph setting. Also, the battery level on the display is probably the more accurate one, and you should ignore the one on the battery itself. The kit will stop working once the handlebar display goes to zero, but the battery will still show at least 2-3 dots. You should verify if it behaves the same on your kit.
Personally, I feel that the Swytch kit really isn't completely well thought out. With the battery level inconsistency, the wiring problem you mentioned, and the maximum speed issue where you need the OLED display to get the max advertised speed are all things that should have been ironed out
I have it on the US setting that is suppose to get 20MPH but your right it seeems to top out at 17MPH. Shoko is testing the battery display accuracy and has the same situation she says. Thanks for sharing. I guess this is how it is designed currently.
WHY DONT YOU SAY WHICH PARK IS IT ? How to get there by train?
It's a small local park. You can't get here by train. It's not worth coming here lol.
Thanks for the review! I put a 1st version swytch kit on my Brommie years ago and it's still putting out decent power, caps at 15mph and wish it could do 20 but that would decrease range, I put it on my handlebars on the inside so I could still use the front block for my daily commute bike into SF. All in all a solid purchase but some things to note - sometimes the motor shakes where I just stop pedaling and it quickly goes away, a bit pricey, but I'd buy it again rather than replacing my current Brommie with a new electric Brommie which are pricey as we know...just saw the electric G model and it looks awesome...might splurge there
I have an older swytch kit die my folding bike. The battery is bigger and the battery indicator is in the battery box itself. I like that without the battery the bike operates just like a non ev. It’s fun to go faster and further with electric
I’ve seen the battery mount on the stem installed on the reverse side so you can fold it. Is that possible? I could have sworn I’ve seen it.
That way you still have the utility of the front block.
Can you test this on hills. I’m curious on how much assist.
I’ve been looking at this before. Wasn’t sure to buy it but my wife is a real weak cyclist so I need something to boost for hills.
Yes that is an option that I have seen too. I prefer the weight lower and off the handlebar.
The motor definitely sounds better than the original Brompton Electrics. Great to see that there are idiots running around on bike lanes everywhere around the world.👍😜
This park is the worst for biking. We don't go often lol.
Sorry if I missed on the video but I am wondering about using the Brompton if once that you install the swytch kit is it still possible to use your brompton as a regular bike (non-electric) do you think it feels considerably heavier than without it while pedaling? Great video! Thank you.
It is heavier but Shoko just finished the TD Bike Tour riding 40 miles without using the kit for most of the ride. I think it's doable and you just have to accept the additional weight. It probably feels the same way as a normal Brompton that has a heavy bag on it.
I ride my Brompton/Swytch conversion all the time with the power on zero, but I have the battery power there to help with hills, quick starts at lights, if needed and resting my legs by pedaling more slowly while not losing speed. I’m 62, female and find the bike heavy to carry, but I love having the possibility of pedal assistance when necessary. I find when I use the power I rarely go beyond level 1, have occasionally used level 2 briefly. I haven’t got in the habit of keeping it on level 1, because for basic riding I find it to be too much power. I haven’t delved into the menu to see if I can get it to deliver less power. I have gone up to level 5 once, when riding up to the Greenwich Observatory in London. I have yet to deplete the battery because I don’t need the power all the time. My last ride was 30 miles and I still had full bars on the display. I didn’t skimp on using the pedal assist, but as I said I often find it to be more power than I need. I use the slimmer ?air? battery. I don’t want my carrier block taken up by the battery, I want to be able to mount a bag, so mine is mounted backwards on the handlebar and does not hinder the fold at all. I have an M3L with 44T chain ring
I've not read all the comments here, but I understand that Brompton will not honor their standard 7 year frame guarantee on new Brommies if a Swytch unit is fitted. Is this correct?
I would imagine it depends on the part. The swytch kit definitely will have warranty problems on the fork. I can see this kit putting alot of stress on the fork over time as well as the headset.
The bike was 24lbs before the swytch kit? Did you actually weight that? My M6R weighs like 28lbs with both a rack and the Brooks saddle. Until its a P-line I would assume your's isn't that much less.
Yes 24 lbs before the kit. We have a few aftermarket parts that make it lighter.
they dont sell the folding bike version on their website. where can I get it?
Hi Shu, thanks for the extensive review. I do have a question though. Many have reported there's a small or significant rolling resistance (it's subjective per person). Does it make it harder to pedal without power assist? That is my only and main concern. TIA.
Shoko says she can feel alittle resistence at the start but not once it gets going. I have not ridden it since the review lol.
@BromptonFamilyTime If at all possible, could you do a video on the resistance without power? Many people are wondering and are having concerns over that. Thanks for your insight alrrrright LOL.
Nice video review, lets hope they listen to you as lots of improvements can be made, not sure I want to give up my front block, can I not just put it in my bag?
We rarely used the front block but for many the front bag is important.
How do the brake sensors work?
The motor stops when you stop pedaling so the brakes are not changed by the kit. There is no brake sensor.
7lbs is sweet for battery and motor. BTW is there a speed limit on your bike path?
🙋🏻♀️ Hi. We found out the new speed limit sign after we took the videos. It said 10mph. They repaved, and renewed many things in this park recently so they also changed the speed limit, too.
Good effort, how much does it cost for the battery?
We paid about $750 after duty and shipping is added.
thanks. how do you record the infographics over the video? is this a Swytch kit app?
That is from the Gopro App. You need to download the footage into the gopro app and then you can add them to the video. It works with our Gopro 10 but not our Gopro 12 since the newer one does not have GPS anymore.
Hi Shu & Shoko, when the power is off, how much rolling resistance does the Swytch front wheel have? Does it rotate as freely as a normal Brompton front wheel? Thanks. Gareth
Shoko says she can feel some at the start off but it goes away once the bike gets going. I have only ridden it twice and didn't notice much. Shoko also just completed the TD Bike Tour 40 mile ride mostly with the Swytch kit off so I don't think there is much resistence to worry about.
@@BromptonFamilyTime A couple of more questions please...Do you recommend getting the thumb throttle? Did you manage to increase the max speed to 20mph? (apparently, the LED / OLED display allows you to do this).
We have ordered another kit so we can test out the thumb throttle and newer LED screen that should unlock the 20mph (I hope). I hope it comes this month! 20mph would be nice. 15mph is okay, but 20mph is definitely the way to go in NYC traffic.
@@BromptonFamilyTime I am in the process of ordering one 😀
Hi Shu, An idea for a future video - Can you take us fishing on your Brompton? You've often mentioned catching all sorts of fish at various stops in your videos. It would make great viewing!
Hi Shu, long time follower! I was thinking about fitting Tannus tires on my Brompton as I just purchased the switch kit - I know you have experience with both (Tannus and Switch) and that you have moved on from Tannus, but I have them on my Fixie and love them. I would like to fit them on my Bromptom and never have to worry about punctures on my way to work and other leisure rides and now with the switch I wouldn't worry much about the different feeling of the pedaling. What do you think? Love all your videos keep 'em coming! - Juan with a red black edition 2022 Bromptom in Santa Barbara, CA.
I have them on my Cinelli fixed currently too. The Brompton is really slow and I think it will eat too much of your battery life. Swytch has a long range battery up to 60 miles now so if you do add Tannus tires you can get the longer range battery to make up for the difference. That is what I would do.
how different turning is with the kit installed? I could not understand.
If you keep pedaling while turning the kit makes your turn wider since it's on. So you have to make sure no cars are coming.
@@BromptonFamilyTime thank you
Hi Shu, interesting stuff. Are you on Facebook and can I contact you there? I make Brompton leather accessories and can send you a B sew on leather patch or a B key fob for your lock. Not sure I want to publish my email address here, lol. Chris in Ottawa, Canada.😢
Hi Chris. I gave up using FB a long time ago and barely use IG. Technology is a struggle for me to keep up with lol. Our channel email can be found under our community tab. bromptonfamilytime@gmail.com
Why have you not changed the misspelling in the title?
👩🏻Sorry, that is me. English is my second language.
@@BromptonFamilyTime I just mean can you not change it? No criticism of your English.
OK just seen that you have now.
Did! 👍🏼
How the hell they sale it without tire .
Thanks BFT for the additional review of Swytch on Brompton, as I have future thoughts of turning my (yet-to-purchase) first Brompton into an electric assisted one down the road, rather than buying the very expensive (and clunky aka ugly) Electric Brompton from the start. Very much look forward to hearing more hands-on reviews from you. BTW, I just saw TH-cam video with a Brompton bicycle fitted with an e-bike conversion kit from UK-based Boost. Wonder if you could test this one out as well and compare. th-cam.com/video/5oQSZM3jmVs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_HP8qG920llNzyW3
It's not out yet, Brilliant bikes had a sample bike. th-cam.com/video/2ZXyN-pogKE/w-d-xo.html
Thanks. I will look into that other kit. It looks quite nice.
I bought a Swytch conversion kit for my wife's Brompton and in my opinion it was a complete waste of money. The battery quit charging after a few months and Swytch have ignored my request for help. I have a Cytronex system on my Brompton and by comparison for me it is far superior product.
7lbs is half a stone.