People, remember that ebikes are not cheating! If you have a pedal assist bike you still have to pedal for the motor to kick in so you are still getting exercise. For people like me with knee issues and others with mobility issues ebikes are a saviour and should be embraced. I would rather see more ebikes on the roads than cars. I would be lost without my ebike
+1 really don't get the hate. And hear in Europe its just as bad. They are not for the lazy and the old. They are everyone from the guy who wants to get to the office without being a hot mess or the person with knee problems to everyone inbetween
Just catching up with your channel. Have had Bromptons for many years but have cycled less and less due to ill health. Finally changed to an electric at Christmas and am back to cycling to work everyday. If an electric bike has to have a positive (and I've always been anti electric), then this is it. Absolutely loving cycling again, going home is mainly downhill so have taken to switching off the pedal assist. Love the channel, keep them coming Brian, even if they are just a recording of your commute as it's great to see a part of the US. I'm in the UK
E-bikes have brought the joy of cycling back to so many who previously could not cycle due to age, illness and injury. They have allowed people to take up cycling with a much fitter spouse or friend, and given freedom to those confined to their house due to Covid and not being able to use public transport. For those who think it's cheating, just turn the motor off for a hard workout with the extra weight of an e-bike. No one says you have to have the assist on at all times...just cycle, even if you can only do it with an e-bike, you are still out there, still enjoying the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, still getting the blood pumping and the circulation going...beats sitting on the couch...happy travels!
What I like about this bike is that it feels like an extension of you. You’re still getting exercise and putting in effort but the electric motor is simply giving you a nice boost. Great for hilly commutes and showing up to places without being really sweaty. Just wish they had more bag options for this thing.
What I like about my normal ebike in the windy flatlands of the Netherlands is the ability to choose exercise levels. I've noticed on my heartmonitor watch heartrate often equal to non-electric bike. I almost never ride full blast unless I don't wanna arrive sweaty.
The Brompton Electric, two speed, got this 64 yr old lady out riding again. The assist really helps me feel safer and gives me a more enjoyable ride. Perhaps after I become a stronger rider I will try a manual geared one.
It's a great bike, but very sensitive. The BE doesn't like wet conditions, the bearings are not particularly durable. Had my first broken motor at 900, was replaced under warranty. It wants to be driven very carefully, better no pot holes, rough roads, cobbles … but … it makes fun also :-)
Hey Brian I hope all is well. Just wanted to let you know this channel is the sole reason I got a Zizzo Via. I grew up in Mississippi used to ride bikes all the time when I was younger. I moved to Chicago last year, and I hated the rush hour traffic otw to and from work. So I started taking the train but I hated walking to the train station so I started using the Divvy bikes. It was nice but I got tired of paying $3.60 every time I wanted to ride a bike. So I was googling bikes for adults, came across folders(which I never knew existed lol) and then I discovered this channel. Watch a few of your vids and was sold a folding bike would be perfect for me. Now I'm no expert cyclist or anything but man it's just something about being on the road on a bike, I felt like a big kid again and you can really appreciate the scenery when cycling. It's just a different vibe! But anyways just wanted to say thanks, stay safe, and keep making great content man.
Nice and honest review. I have a 10 mile hilly commute (700 ft gain) and have 1700 miles on my BE. It's just perfect for my situation. On days I want to burn more calories I just try to stay above the 16 mph cutoff. I have a non electric S6L and road bikes for days I want to go faster or work harder.
A cracking review and a definite 💯 truth that you need to get the bike that works for you. You're a hard core rider so you don't get much benefit from the electric boost, and it's not worth the extra weight 👍🏻. On the other hand, I'm a bloke in his late fifties who hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. I've had my electric Brompton because for 4 months now and I ❤️ it. It's meant I've been able to usefully ride it to places and local markets that are 5 miles away immediately without killing myself or arriving needing oxygen 😂. I now just ride it for the shear pleasure of riding 😀, it puts a smile on my face. So thanks for all your reviews and videos about folding bikes in general and the Bromptons in particular that helped me decide to buy one, you've put a smile on my face 😁
I had been considering an ebike. I may be the perfect candidate for one. 67 year old cancer survivor with a bad knee. But, the more I thought about it, the more I think I'll stick with regular bikes. My ride is a cheapo single speed flat bar rode bike. I ride it every day over a 2.5 mile course and I time every ride. Trying to see if riding might help my knee, and maybe give me back some of the strength and stamina the two years of cancer treatments took from me. Also, my daily ride us helping me lose weight. I look forward to my daily ride, and I push myself. The last half mile is a series hills, which are tough for me. This morning, I set a new record of 10:23. When I started this, three months ago, my times were over 12 minutes. I do the morning ride, an afternoon walk followed by some barbell work. This regimine, and my intermittent "fasting" (no eating before noon and after 8:00 pm) is getting some weight off me with still having plenty to eat. An ebike that I like, is the Ride one up V2, which is a single speed flat bar roax bike with belt drive. Pedal assist only. But, I have decided to go for a regular bike with some gears, as I am wanting to be able to extend my range to szy, up to 30-35 miles, and doing that with my single speed might be asking a bit much of my old body. I want to be able to again ride to Hilo Hawaii from my house and run errands without always having to take a car. The while I mentioned above Is very light for an ebike, and not too much harder to pedal with the electrics shut off. That's why I like it. After watching the videos from our host here on this channel I think I have decided to buy a new Zizzo. Moneys tight for me, but I'd be able to afford one of Zizzos.
I use mine only for commuting and when I don't want to arrive sweaty AF (like a trip to the dentists or similar). It is immensely capable, but pretty dull to ride. Chpt3 for everything else, which is a pure delight to ride.
As a purist I have never considered an Electric Brompton (I own a Makita folding bike with extra power from 2 - 18 volt tool batteries, which is heavy and only folds once. And they, the batteries, does not last that long before being worn down!). I like my 6 speed which aren't enough for a local serpentine road (I have to walk some of the way up). But as a heavy man of 100 kiloes I need some exercise, so I manage very well.
I rode the same trails in Boulder and probably the used same Brompton Electric from Freedom Folding bikes about a month ago. I own both a Brompton Electric and a Brompton Superlight (to fly with). I LOVE the Brompton Electric for distance, hills and biking against the wind b/c I struggle with arthritis in the knees. So it’s really nice to have the electric assist. I’m trying to build up to using the superlight for long distances. The Brompton Electric has been made even better with their app they have because you can change the electric assist. Like you said, it’s super heavy compared to the superlight. You get use to the sound and I actually like hearing the motor b/c when I don’t hear it, I know I’m going faster than 15.9 MPH. Occasionally I ride the Superlight and can definitely tell when I’m trying to ride against the wind, 8 mph wind is fairly common and without the electric, I am usually hating the ride and completely winded if I’m going up hill against the wind. 9 times out of 10 the Brompton Electric wins for me except that I can’t travel with it.
You probably did use the same bike👍😃. I like my super light brompton(chapter 3). It’s light and accelerates fast. My S6r is my workhorse. I can’t live without that one😃. It’s nice up in Boulder and the bike paths are first rate. It too bad it’s so expensive to live there😳
Love the ebike. I’m in nyc I avoid cabs and public transport and I still get a workout but can go further and still get home. Keep riding! Take it easy man, enjoy the journey. 💃🙏🏻
Whoa that bike friday bike has two mounting points for water bottle cages and other stuff. That's nice for a folder, they usually come with one bottle mounting point. I guess you keep your water bottle in your backpack.
I test rode an e-Brommie and found it to be significantly different than a peddle-only Brommie. You start off with considerable drag until the motor kicks in and then you get a considerable jerk when the motor starts which pushes you along without any attempt to modulate to your peddling cadence, it just takes off like a motorcycle. God forbid you should suddenly have to stop (in New York this is a major danger)! The motor then rapidly accelerates you to 10mph with no input on your part and then konks out and leaves you to start peddling your way to the absolute peak speed of 15mph no matter how hard you peddle. The whole 10-15mph window feels like there is nearly no assist. You then simply cannot peddle above 15mph no matter how hard you try. In short I would describe it as a motorcycle which you control the motor with the peddles almost like a throttle, not as a motorized assist to peddling like you might be led to believe. You jerk your way along with the motor, peddling has very little to do with how you move forward. Very strange and unnatural experience. Would not ride again.
I've had mine for about two months now and agree with you about the 16mph not being enough. Twenty two would be acceptable to me as the top speed. That said, for my use I still love it and can still pick up speed going down hill. I ride a lot in the Highlands here in Scotland and will take it up 35mph on the steepest downhills. I don't use it for work or need it for anything other than fun so the limited speed issue is something I can live with.
Nice video Brian, thanks for all the great content. You are spot on about the top speed limit; needs to be 20 mph at least. I have a B75 Brompton with a Swytch kit conversion and it’s a real hoot about Town (London) and in Brighton. The B75/Swytch kit is half the price of the factory version guys; if you can bear the wait for the kit. It’s a similar 250w motor but here in the UK limited to 15.5 mph (I think). It’s the only (albeit slight for me) disappointment as you say, although it has my legs twirling in the B75s 3 speed top gear most of the time (apart from some of the steeper hills in Brighton!!). The Regs for pedal assist bicycles here are I believe derived from the 25kph EU limit. I understand Swytch export the kit to the US set at a higher 20mph limit and I am surprised Brompton don’t seem to do the same; maybe the limit varies from state to state(?). The top speed on the kit can be upped but Swytch want you to swear on a stack of bibles that you are taking your kit out of the UK before they’ll reset it (mind you they sold me a thumb throttle!) and I haven’t yet found an aftermarket hack. Thanks again and keep safe on all those bikes....
Another awesome video from Brian. Check out the great off bike camera angles @11:10. I really like how the camera support is not visible so that it looks like another rider is filming the video. The zoom in and out is really interesting. How did someone paint graffiti on the bottom of the bridge support @3:15?
I just ordered my second ebike the fiido L3 it has a crazy big battery. Citizen cycle got 75 miles out of it on throttle with out peddling its a small folder. I already have the fiido m1 which is a 20 in fat bike .and a road bike I made up myself it doesn't get much use lol.
I can understand why an e-bike doesn't interest you. But Denver looks pretty flat. Where I live in Brussels, Belgium, I have two hills to go over to get downtown. I was sceptical of e-bkies before I tried one. But I now have an e-Brompton and love it. I can cycle downtown for a business meeting without getting hot and sweaty. That for me is the main advantage.
I ended up throwing in the towel and getting an electric kit for my hybrid bike as it's the one I ride up and down hill to work all the time and I got so sick of all the hills. I think I'll keep my Brompton as a non-electric for now though. Maybe when I'm much older I'll get an electric kit for it.
Thinking a Brompton might be my next bike. It wont be the electic But the reason i might go Dahon is the proprietary parts and availability, but then again the Brompton doesnt expose the derailleur when folded.
I love my Brompton electric but completely agree, it would be much better if the limit was 20mph as most city/town roads are now 20mph limits for cars. 15mph is generally faster than casual commuters but certainly slower than a fast cruising speed.
Brian, alway a pleasure to help you with your bike needs. Glad the Bike Friday is holding up. That headset was seriously loose when you came in. Let me know how the Brommie wheel sounds when you get out riding it. It will make some nose in 3rd of the IGH because there is a bit of wear to the planet gears. But all the bearing are new now. Cheers
@@ibikeunfolded Yeah, the Vektron is a great bike, but too heavy for me to carry up the stairs. I did consider getting one. All in all, the B.E. fits me better. Thanks for the video 😀
Thanks for all your great videos! In particular your Tern P10/X11 vid prompted me to look for an X11 ( which have been sold out for months) and actually found one from Bike Attack in California. It’s a great bike and faster than the Brompton ( with 56 t chainring ) but still love the Brommie !
I want an electric Brompton sooo bad!!!! I have a Pedego City Commuter now and I just love it. So the E-Brompton will be my folding e-bike. Just gotta save up the $$ for it. With the eBrompton I will be able to take it with me when I have to go inside places. I don’t take my Pedego inside places, it’s too big and too expensive to leave it out of my sight, even locked up. 15mph is just fine with me, so that’s not a prob for me with the eBrompton. Thanks for this review of the eBrompton👍
To follow up on my comment below: We see Denver just from the perspective of your cycle routes - lots of concreate and bridges and distant views of skyscrapers and occaissional green spaces. To be honest, it doesn't look that wonderful - but that is from a perspective of knowing many European cities. It would be great if you could do a cyle tour of Denver showing us its best bits. Does if have an interesting city centre? Some historic buildings? Some cool places? Of US cities, I best know New York, Atlanta and Detroit.
Brian, I’ve noticed that in 4:21 u rode at the side of the freeway, so the lane that u used is practically a bike lane? I wish that we have this in my country
The electric Brompton is perhaps better suited to those who have short commutes of maybe 5-10 miles per day and are not as physically fit as you appear to be. Older riders will get a boost from using it. In other videos I've seen that it's a little complicated to mend a rear puncture. Victor in Atlanta, weighing 103 kg, managed to get 22 miles out of it on full power doing daily chores about the city. Not for riding to Boulder and back.
Brian (Bryan?) I Hope you are OK now after your accident. About the speed issue - does the Brompton use a GPS or ground reckoning speedo? If not, then couldn't you change the main chain sprocket as you've done with other bikes? I'd imagine too that when increasing the gearing, the motor would make that change less intrusive. I presume Brompton have not done that, in order to comply with legal standards? I am in Australia ... here there are a multitude of choices. There is even a Brompton clone (made in China), although the handlebars fold (looking down) anti-clockwise, which is the opposite to the Brompton. It's alloy, and the batteries are inside the curved main bar that links front to back. It is made by a major maker, and its also go a Shimano 7 speed gear hub, plus a cable disc brake for the front, which is also where its motor is located. I think it has a slightly bigger gap between the forks too, so it must be a bit fatter width wise when folded. And it costs a bit over one quarter the Brompton C-line 6 speed's electric bike's cost. And then here, there is the bulkier when folded, Dahon electric, which costs after discount (Bromptons here only ever chuck in free bags etc rather than give a discount) under one third the price of the Brompton electric. I think the issue for Brompton has been that they don't want to drop the price of the electric when they should have due to lower costs of motors and batteries. I do realise the Brompton is better made, will not fatique, can be serviced by nice people, parts will be there, and that the electric does have extra strength to make up for its extra weight. The irony is that for old people, they might not get the value out of a Brompton electric ... but a 30 year old would use the bike for a long time, and get the value ... but such a person could lift a bulkier package too, and maybe, put up with its greater bulk when folded.
Your Brompton is good as new, how long did it take to get use to riding a Brompton?, I took a test ride it felt like learning how to ride a bike again , keep up the good work 👍👍
Is the limit on top speed due to the British EU laws and do they allow after market upgrades when sold in other markets to get up to 20mph or is there a limitation in the hardware somewhere?
Hi Brian, been flowing your conten since beginning. I've got a new brompton, and it look a bit rusty, both the frame and handlebar. It's brand new, without even use. Is this something to be worry about? I've read in brompton page and it's says it's because the treatment they did to the bike. But idk
Basic Brompton ~ £1000 Ebrompton ~ £3000 Pure air 2 escooter (for example) ~ £600 How does it cost 2k to add what is essentially the same tech as on an escooter to an existing bike?
What is the problem with your Bike Friday? I rode 3 different Bike Fridays at Portapedal in Tempe Arizona and was not impressed. I still prefer the Brompton to Bike Friday but they do have a loyal following. The frame of the Bike Friday just never felt as solid as the Brompton. Can you please elaborate what are the problems with the Bike Friday frame. Also FreedomFolding sells Moulton bikes from time to time. I'd like to see a review if you can get your hands on one. I know they don't fold but they are close to the folding bike category. Al from Portapedal thinks they are the best bicycle ever made. I've rode 2 Moulton Tsr bikes and didn't like how they felt when you stand on the pedals. It feels like a cheap mountain bike out of the saddle and not a $3000 bike. I ride a lot out of the saddle on the Brompton and it feels great to stand on the pedals. Next time Chuck gets a Moulton in see if you can make a video on it.
Give yourself another 10 or 15 years and you might like ebikes a lot better. My choice was between an ebike or a car. A regular bike wasn't an option for my knees (I'm old!)
@@ibikeunfolded I am probably going to buy a brand new 'A line', which is the cheapest Bromi you can buy, formely known as the B75, that has the M bar, like the one on the Electric you rode. Am 5'11, 84 kgs (185 lbs) at the moment, am about 30 lbs ( 12-13 Kgs.) overweight. Wanna get into shape for my own self-respect for a getting really fit. Sometimes I drive 35 miles and feel tired 😑
What i did was a simple first test ride not a test. The Brompton electric is for people who want the “extra assist”. I however do not…..I like propelling my bike myself.
It certainly is for me. Why? 1. I live in a very hilly area (Devon England) and at the top of a very steep hill 2. I'm a little bit older than you. I'm 70 next January 3. I can incorporate public transport into my rides. In the UK, busses are free for Pensioners. 4. I can run my tyres a tad softer for a more comfortable ride. The electric assist cancels out the extra rolling resistance. This is quite an important consideration. 5. I can now afford one. At my age, I don't have so many options to squander my money on.... Alas!🙁
I must've missed something. You said you'd been testing an e bike all week and you were going to collect your Brompton wheel, then you tested a Brommy electric. What e bike have you been riding all week? What was wrong with your Brompton wheel? Those Bromptons sure need a lot of maintenance.
I got sent an E-bike to test. It’s a surprise. It is a budget ebike. I am still making the video. As for my wheel…..well I am too hard on it I’m afraid.
when i was in great shape i could not keep a average speed of 15mph according to my bike computer and you sound like you can average 20mph i don't believe you can stay with me 3 laps around the park at 15mph on a electric Brompton
At First - I buy 1 Brompton and no more. Way to expensive and with a H6R i can do everything. Me now - 🤔 Well actually 😏 S6L looking more and more fine to me as a Fun Bike. I mean, 1 Work Bike for Carrying Stuff and 1 to have Fun …. Right ? My Wallet - no, No, NO !
Your logic is flawed. E-Bromptons are not speed limited, it is simply that the motor cuts out at 25kph, you can still (if you wish) pedal to go faster as you can with an ordinary machine. The ebike does weigh more of course. Do you really pedal everywhere at 20mph on your Brompton? Your average Tour de France professional averages 20mph, and he is super fit and riding a bike weighing much less than a Brompton.
People, remember that ebikes are not cheating! If you have a pedal assist bike you still have to pedal for the motor to kick in so you are still getting exercise. For people like me with knee issues and others with mobility issues ebikes are a saviour and should be embraced. I would rather see more ebikes on the roads than cars. I would be lost without my ebike
I am the same I used my ebikr to replace my car. these 'cyclist' that are against ebikes are tunnel visioned. more ebikes equal less cars.
Agreed! 100%!👍
+1 really don't get the hate. And hear in Europe its just as bad. They are not for the lazy and the old. They are everyone from the guy who wants to get to the office without being a hot mess or the person with knee problems to everyone inbetween
Even if it is cheating, who fucking cares. I shouldn’t have to get a crazy exercise just to do basic commutes
Just catching up with your channel. Have had Bromptons for many years but have cycled less and less due to ill health. Finally changed to an electric at Christmas and am back to cycling to work everyday. If an electric bike has to have a positive (and I've always been anti electric), then this is it. Absolutely loving cycling again, going home is mainly downhill so have taken to switching off the pedal assist. Love the channel, keep them coming Brian, even if they are just a recording of your commute as it's great to see a part of the US. I'm in the UK
E-bikes have brought the joy of cycling back to so many who previously could not cycle due to age, illness and injury. They have allowed people to take up cycling with a much fitter spouse or friend, and given freedom to those confined to their house due to Covid and not being able to use public transport. For those who think it's cheating, just turn the motor off for a hard workout with the extra weight of an e-bike. No one says you have to have the assist on at all times...just cycle, even if you can only do it with an e-bike, you are still out there, still enjoying the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, still getting the blood pumping and the circulation going...beats sitting on the couch...happy travels!
Thank you for great content. My wife and I have just ordered one Brompton each. You have been an inspiration during the process.
Thank you for that comment😀👍. I appreciate it.
What I like about this bike is that it feels like an extension of you. You’re still getting exercise and putting in effort but the electric motor is simply giving you a nice boost. Great for hilly commutes and showing up to places without being really sweaty. Just wish they had more bag options for this thing.
It’s definitely nice on the hills😀👍
Check out the ebikes.ca brompton kit with LIGO batteries.
What I like about my normal ebike in the windy flatlands of the Netherlands is the ability to choose exercise levels. I've noticed on my heartmonitor watch heartrate often equal to non-electric bike. I almost never ride full blast unless I don't wanna arrive sweaty.
The Brompton Electric, two speed, got this 64 yr old lady out riding again. The assist really helps me feel safer and gives me a more enjoyable ride. Perhaps after I become a stronger rider I will try a manual geared one.
It's a great bike, but very sensitive. The BE doesn't like wet conditions, the bearings are not particularly durable. Had my first broken motor at 900, was replaced under warranty. It wants to be driven very carefully, better no pot holes, rough roads, cobbles … but … it makes fun also :-)
Hey Brian I hope all is well. Just wanted to let you know this channel is the sole reason I got a Zizzo Via. I grew up in Mississippi used to ride bikes all the time when I was younger. I moved to Chicago last year, and I hated the rush hour traffic otw to and from work. So I started taking the train but I hated walking to the train station so I started using the Divvy bikes. It was nice but I got tired of paying $3.60 every time I wanted to ride a bike. So I was googling bikes for adults, came across folders(which I never knew existed lol) and then I discovered this channel. Watch a few of your vids and was sold a folding bike would be perfect for me. Now I'm no expert cyclist or anything but man it's just something about being on the road on a bike, I felt like a big kid again and you can really appreciate the scenery when cycling. It's just a different vibe! But anyways just wanted to say thanks, stay safe, and keep making great content man.
Glad you got 'er rollin' again.
Ebikes are brill especially bromptons , converted mine myself ( not a kit ) it does about 20mph on fairly full charge , approx 30 miles range love it
Nice and honest review. I have a 10 mile hilly commute (700 ft gain) and have 1700 miles on my BE. It's just perfect for my situation. On days I want to burn more calories I just try to stay above the 16 mph cutoff. I have a non electric S6L and road bikes for days I want to go faster or work harder.
A cracking review and a definite 💯 truth that you need to get the bike that works for you. You're a hard core rider so you don't get much benefit from the electric boost, and it's not worth the extra weight 👍🏻. On the other hand, I'm a bloke in his late fifties who hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. I've had my electric Brompton because for 4 months now and I ❤️ it. It's meant I've been able to usefully ride it to places and local markets that are 5 miles away immediately without killing myself or arriving needing oxygen 😂. I now just ride it for the shear pleasure of riding 😀, it puts a smile on my face. So thanks for all your reviews and videos about folding bikes in general and the Bromptons in particular that helped me decide to buy one, you've put a smile on my face 😁
V interesting film. Thanks
I had been considering an ebike. I may be the perfect candidate for one. 67 year old cancer survivor with a bad knee. But, the more I thought about it, the more I think I'll stick with regular bikes. My ride is a cheapo single speed flat bar rode bike. I ride it every day over a 2.5 mile course and I time every ride. Trying to see if riding might help my knee, and maybe give me back some of the strength and stamina the two years of cancer treatments took from me. Also, my daily ride us helping me lose weight. I look forward to my daily ride, and I push myself. The last half mile is a series hills, which are tough for me. This morning, I set a new record of 10:23. When I started this, three months ago, my times were over 12 minutes. I do the morning ride, an afternoon walk followed by some barbell work. This regimine, and my intermittent "fasting" (no eating before noon and after 8:00 pm) is getting some weight off me with still having plenty to eat. An ebike that I like, is the Ride one up V2, which is a single speed flat bar roax bike with belt drive. Pedal assist only. But, I have decided to go for a regular bike with some gears, as I am wanting to be able to extend my range to szy, up to 30-35 miles, and doing that with my single speed might be asking a bit much of my old body. I want to be able to again ride to Hilo Hawaii from my house and run errands without always having to take a car. The while I mentioned above Is very light for an ebike, and not too much harder to pedal with the electrics shut off. That's why I like it. After watching the videos from our host here on this channel I think I have decided to buy a new Zizzo. Moneys tight for me, but I'd be able to afford one of Zizzos.
I use mine only for commuting and when I don't want to arrive sweaty AF (like a trip to the dentists or similar). It is immensely capable, but pretty dull to ride. Chpt3 for everything else, which is a pure delight to ride.
As a purist I have never considered an Electric Brompton (I own a Makita folding bike with extra power from 2 - 18 volt tool batteries, which is heavy and only folds once. And they, the batteries, does not last that long before being worn down!). I like my 6 speed which aren't enough for a local serpentine road (I have to walk some of the way up). But as a heavy man of 100 kiloes I need some exercise, so I manage very well.
I rode the same trails in Boulder and probably the used same Brompton Electric from Freedom Folding bikes about a month ago.
I own both a Brompton Electric and a Brompton Superlight (to fly with). I LOVE the Brompton Electric for distance, hills and biking against the wind b/c I struggle with arthritis in the knees. So it’s really nice to have the electric assist. I’m trying to build up to using the superlight for long distances.
The Brompton Electric has been made even better with their app they have because you can change the electric assist. Like you said, it’s super heavy compared to the superlight. You get use to the sound and I actually like hearing the motor b/c when I don’t hear it, I know I’m going faster than 15.9 MPH.
Occasionally I ride the Superlight and can definitely tell when I’m trying to ride against the wind, 8 mph wind is fairly common and without the electric, I am usually hating the ride and completely winded if I’m going up hill against the wind. 9 times out of 10 the Brompton Electric wins for me except that I can’t travel with it.
You probably did use the same bike👍😃. I like my super light brompton(chapter 3). It’s light and accelerates fast. My S6r is my workhorse. I can’t live without that one😃. It’s nice up in Boulder and the bike paths are first rate. It too bad it’s so expensive to live there😳
Thank you
Love the ebike. I’m in nyc I avoid cabs and public transport and I still get a workout but can go further and still get home. Keep riding! Take it easy man, enjoy the journey. 💃🙏🏻
Whoa that bike friday bike has two mounting points for water bottle cages and other stuff. That's nice for a folder, they usually come with one bottle mounting point. I guess you keep your water bottle in your backpack.
wow man that's a great continent thanks from Cairo Egypt
I test rode an e-Brommie and found it to be significantly different than a peddle-only Brommie. You start off with considerable drag until the motor kicks in and then you get a considerable jerk when the motor starts which pushes you along without any attempt to modulate to your peddling cadence, it just takes off like a motorcycle. God forbid you should suddenly have to stop (in New York this is a major danger)! The motor then rapidly accelerates you to 10mph with no input on your part and then konks out and leaves you to start peddling your way to the absolute peak speed of 15mph no matter how hard you peddle. The whole 10-15mph window feels like there is nearly no assist. You then simply cannot peddle above 15mph no matter how hard you try. In short I would describe it as a motorcycle which you control the motor with the peddles almost like a throttle, not as a motorized assist to peddling like you might be led to believe. You jerk your way along with the motor, peddling has very little to do with how you move forward. Very strange and unnatural experience. Would not ride again.
You've got quite a collection of folders now Brian. I'd be interested to see a Tern update video. All the best. 👍🏻
There will be more tern stuff soon. I will be going on a high mountain ride with the verge and i should have a BYB soon.
@@ibikeunfolded look forward to it Brian. Have a good ride.
I've had mine for about two months now and agree with you about the 16mph not being enough. Twenty two would be acceptable to me as the top speed. That said, for my use I still love it and can still pick up speed going down hill. I ride a lot in the Highlands here in Scotland and will take it up 35mph on the steepest downhills. I don't use it for work or need it for anything other than fun so the limited speed issue is something I can live with.
Nice video Brian, thanks for all the great content. You are spot on about the top speed limit; needs to be 20 mph at least. I have a B75 Brompton with a Swytch kit conversion and it’s a real hoot about Town (London) and in Brighton. The B75/Swytch kit is half the price of the factory version guys; if you can bear the wait for the kit. It’s a similar 250w motor but here in the UK limited to 15.5 mph (I think). It’s the only (albeit slight for me) disappointment as you say, although it has my legs twirling in the B75s 3 speed top gear most of the time (apart from some of the steeper hills in Brighton!!). The Regs for pedal assist bicycles here are I believe derived from the 25kph EU limit. I understand Swytch export the kit to the US set at a higher 20mph limit and I am surprised Brompton don’t seem to do the same; maybe the limit varies from state to state(?). The top speed on the kit can be upped but Swytch want you to swear on a stack of bibles that you are taking your kit out of the UK before they’ll reset it (mind you they sold me a thumb throttle!) and I haven’t yet found an aftermarket hack. Thanks again and keep safe on all those bikes....
Another awesome video from Brian.
Check out the great off bike camera angles @11:10. I really like how the camera support is not visible so that it looks like another rider is filming the video. The zoom in and out is really interesting.
How did someone paint graffiti on the bottom of the bridge support @3:15?
I just ordered my second ebike the fiido L3 it has a crazy big battery. Citizen cycle got 75 miles out of it on throttle with out peddling its a small folder. I already have the fiido m1 which is a 20 in fat bike .and a road bike I made up myself it doesn't get much use lol.
I can understand why an e-bike doesn't interest you. But Denver looks pretty flat. Where I live in Brussels, Belgium, I have two hills to go over to get downtown. I was sceptical of e-bkies before I tried one. But I now have an e-Brompton and love it. I can cycle downtown for a business meeting without getting hot and sweaty. That for me is the main advantage.
I ended up throwing in the towel and getting an electric kit for my hybrid bike as it's the one I ride up and down hill to work all the time and I got so sick of all the hills. I think I'll keep my Brompton as a non-electric for now though. Maybe when I'm much older I'll get an electric kit for it.
Thinking a Brompton might be my next bike. It wont be the electic But the reason i might go Dahon is the proprietary parts and availability, but then again the Brompton doesnt expose the derailleur when folded.
Vraiment très bien fait tes vidéos ✌️😃,tu as toujours de bon conseil.A bientôt et bonjour de la Belgique 👍🇧🇪😃
Tern GSD at the entrance of the bike shop?? interesting to have your view on the Brompton Electric 👍
I love my Brompton electric but completely agree, it would be much better if the limit was 20mph as most city/town roads are now 20mph limits for cars. 15mph is generally faster than casual commuters but certainly slower than a fast cruising speed.
Brian, alway a pleasure to help you with your bike needs. Glad the Bike Friday is holding up. That headset was seriously loose when you came in. Let me know how the Brommie wheel sounds when you get out riding it. It will make some nose in 3rd of the IGH because there is a bit of wear to the planet gears. But all the bearing are new now. Cheers
"It's cool, but it's not for me..." Haha - you WILL buy one!
Hahaha maybe if I had piles of disposable income. If I am going to spend 3800 then I think I will get the Tern Vektron
@@ibikeunfolded Yeah, the Vektron is a great bike, but too heavy for me to carry up the stairs. I did consider getting one. All in all, the B.E. fits me better. Thanks for the video 😀
me if i had a brompton and lived in denver with bike shop in boulder..
Ride folding bike to Flatiron Flyer. and back.
Great editing.
Thank you. I appreciate that😀👍
Thanks for all your great videos! In particular your Tern P10/X11 vid prompted me to look for an X11 ( which have been sold out for months) and actually found one from Bike Attack in California. It’s a great bike and faster than the Brompton ( with 56 t chainring ) but still love the Brommie !
Great bike for a hilly area. San Francisco perhaps?
I want an electric Brompton sooo bad!!!! I have a Pedego City Commuter now and I just love it. So the E-Brompton will be my folding e-bike. Just gotta save up the $$ for it. With the eBrompton I will be able to take it with me when I have to go inside places. I don’t take my Pedego inside places, it’s too big and too expensive to leave it out of my sight, even locked up. 15mph is just fine with me, so that’s not a prob for me with the eBrompton. Thanks for this review of the eBrompton👍
"Don't have to bring a 50 pound e-bike up stairs" 😂 The c-line electric is almost 50 pounds with the battery.
My first Brampton is electric. And tomorrow I will be getting my B75 :)
B75 is a great bike for a great value👍. Nothing wrong with the electric. It’s a great bike also😃
@@ibikeunfolded By the way following your video I have ordered fenders from freedomfoldingbike for B75 and I have it before B75 arrives tomorrow.
@@vmadugolkar awesome😃👍
really nice video!😊
Thank you, I appreciate that😃
Great video, glad to see you are a purist....
I'd like to hear more about that Bike Friday actually. Certainly it's as special as a Brompton?
To follow up on my comment below: We see Denver just from the perspective of your cycle routes - lots of concreate and bridges and distant views of skyscrapers and occaissional green spaces. To be honest, it doesn't look that wonderful - but that is from a perspective of knowing many European cities. It would be great if you could do a cyle tour of Denver showing us its best bits. Does if have an interesting city centre? Some historic buildings? Some cool places? Of US cities, I best know New York, Atlanta and Detroit.
with so many folders why don't you use RTD with your longer rides like this?
Why haven’t you gone clipless mks on your bikes?
Brian, I’ve noticed that in 4:21 u rode at the side of the freeway, so the lane that u used is practically a bike lane? I wish that we have this in my country
Nice bike. What do you think of the Dahon K3 Plus?
The electric Brompton is perhaps better suited to those who have short commutes of maybe 5-10 miles per day and are not as physically fit as you appear to be. Older riders will get a boost from using it. In other videos I've seen that it's a little complicated to mend a rear puncture. Victor in Atlanta, weighing 103 kg, managed to get 22 miles out of it on full power doing daily chores about the city. Not for riding to Boulder and back.
Brian (Bryan?) I Hope you are OK now after your accident. About the speed issue - does the Brompton use a GPS or ground reckoning speedo? If not, then couldn't you change the main chain sprocket as you've done with other bikes? I'd imagine too that when increasing the gearing, the motor would make that change less intrusive. I presume Brompton have not done that, in order to comply with legal standards?
I am in Australia ... here there are a multitude of choices. There is even a Brompton clone (made in China), although the handlebars fold (looking down) anti-clockwise, which is the opposite to the Brompton. It's alloy, and the batteries are inside the curved main bar that links front to back. It is made by a major maker, and its also go a Shimano 7 speed gear hub, plus a cable disc brake for the front, which is also where its motor is located. I think it has a slightly bigger gap between the forks too, so it must be a bit fatter width wise when folded. And it costs a bit over one quarter the Brompton C-line 6 speed's electric bike's cost.
And then here, there is the bulkier when folded, Dahon electric, which costs after discount (Bromptons here only ever chuck in free bags etc rather than give a discount) under one third the price of the Brompton electric.
I think the issue for Brompton has been that they don't want to drop the price of the electric when they should have due to lower costs of motors and batteries.
I do realise the Brompton is better made, will not fatique, can be serviced by nice people, parts will be there, and that the electric does have extra strength to make up for its extra weight.
The irony is that for old people, they might not get the value out of a Brompton electric ... but a 30 year old would use the bike for a long time, and get the value ... but such a person could lift a bulkier package too, and maybe, put up with its greater bulk when folded.
Take a look at the polygon urbano 5 on bicycles online.
When are you going to show you on your CHPT3 ?
I must have picked it up wrong i thought the USA spec was 20 mph and the uk /Eu one was limited to 15.6 or something .
Your Brompton is good as new, how long did it take to get use to riding a Brompton?, I took a test ride it felt like learning how to ride a bike again , keep up the good work 👍👍
Is the limit on top speed due to the British EU laws and do they allow after market upgrades when sold in other markets to get up to 20mph or is there a limitation in the hardware somewhere?
Hi Brian, been flowing your conten since beginning. I've got a new brompton, and it look a bit rusty, both the frame and handlebar. It's brand new, without even use. Is this something to be worry about? I've read in brompton page and it's says it's because the treatment they did to the bike. But idk
Check out the electric Terns, they go 20 mph.
If you turn off the battery, does it just become a regular Brompton at that point? Or is it deficient in some way?
It’s a regular Brompton, just heavier.😀
Can you ride the brompton electric without the battery attached? If incase i want the exercise/non-electric mode?
Can I ask which tire size is more universal and common is it 20" or 16" ?
20 is more common. Lots of tire choices as well.
Which kind of handle is comfortable? Curved or straight?thanks
How much is brompton electric from Freedom folding bike shop? Brommy seemed to be on supply shortage globally.
this is so nice!! ❤❤ new friend here!
Basic Brompton ~ £1000
Ebrompton ~ £3000
Pure air 2 escooter (for example) ~ £600
How does it cost 2k to add what is essentially the same tech as on an escooter to an existing bike?
It’s not essentially the same - that’s why. It’s very different.
Do you strava or similar the routes?
What is the problem with your Bike Friday? I rode 3 different Bike Fridays at Portapedal in Tempe Arizona and was not impressed. I still prefer the Brompton to Bike Friday but they do have a loyal following. The frame of the Bike Friday just never felt as solid as the Brompton. Can you please elaborate what are the problems with the Bike Friday frame. Also FreedomFolding sells Moulton bikes from time to time. I'd like to see a review if you can get your hands on one. I know they don't fold but they are close to the folding bike category. Al from Portapedal thinks they are the best bicycle ever made. I've rode 2 Moulton Tsr bikes and didn't like how they felt when you stand on the pedals. It feels like a cheap mountain bike out of the saddle and not a $3000 bike. I ride a lot out of the saddle on the Brompton and it feels great to stand on the pedals. Next time Chuck gets a Moulton in see if you can make a video on it.
Brompton electric up hills and mountains - you haven't done that yet !
Give yourself another 10 or 15 years and you might like ebikes a lot better. My choice was between an ebike or a car. A regular bike wasn't an option for my knees (I'm old!)
You might be right… I’m not there yet😀
Brian how long was your trip from your home to FFB one way?
About 35 miles😀
@@ibikeunfolded WOW about 57 Kms. that's a lot especially since you had a lot of inclines 👏👏👏
@@ibikeunfolded I am probably going to buy a brand new 'A line', which is the cheapest Bromi you can buy, formely known as the B75, that has the M bar, like the one on the Electric you rode.
Am 5'11, 84 kgs (185 lbs) at the moment, am about 30 lbs ( 12-13 Kgs.) overweight.
Wanna get into shape for my own self-respect for a getting really fit. Sometimes I drive 35 miles and feel tired 😑
@@ibikeunfolded Was hoping to get a reply 😒 My profile picture is from my fitter days...
@@Ivandrago89 sorry sir, works been really busy and keeping me from replying as fast as I would like.
Its not for you, but based on your test, who is the Brompton electric for?
What i did was a simple first test ride not a test. The Brompton electric is for people who want the “extra assist”. I however do not…..I like propelling my bike myself.
It certainly is for me. Why?
1. I live in a very hilly area (Devon England) and at the top of a very steep hill
2. I'm a little bit older than you. I'm 70 next January
3. I can incorporate public transport into my rides. In the UK, busses are free for Pensioners.
4. I can run my tyres a tad softer for a more comfortable ride. The electric assist cancels out the extra rolling resistance. This is quite an important consideration.
5. I can now afford one. At my age, I don't have so many options to squander my money on.... Alas!🙁
I must've missed something. You said you'd been testing an e bike all week and you were going to collect your Brompton wheel, then you tested a Brommy electric. What e bike have you been riding all week? What was wrong with your Brompton wheel? Those Bromptons sure need a lot of maintenance.
I got sent an E-bike to test. It’s a surprise. It is a budget ebike. I am still making the video. As for my wheel…..well I am too hard on it I’m afraid.
@@ibikeunfolded Can't Brompton make a tougher edition just for you? They could call it the Brian proof, lol.
Amazing!
Am Indian I know Boulder from South Park
For WEALTHY ritch jet set 7
Hey Brian - I too have an objective of maintaining a modest fitness benefit so I’ve been staying away from electric..
you get the same workout as a regular bike but not the duration.
i like that bike, but it´s very expensive...
when i was in great shape i could not keep a average speed of 15mph according to my bike computer and you sound like you can average 20mph i don't believe you can stay with me 3 laps around the park at 15mph on a electric Brompton
At First - I buy 1 Brompton and no more. Way to expensive and with a H6R i can do everything.
Me now - 🤔 Well actually 😏 S6L looking more and more fine to me as a Fun Bike. I mean, 1 Work Bike for Carrying Stuff and 1 to have Fun …. Right ?
My Wallet - no, No, NO !
Your logic is flawed. E-Bromptons are not speed limited, it is simply that the motor cuts out at 25kph, you can still (if you wish) pedal to go faster as you can with an ordinary machine. The ebike does weigh more of course. Do you really pedal everywhere at 20mph on your Brompton? Your average Tour de France professional averages 20mph, and he is super fit and riding a bike weighing much less than a Brompton.