I agree about the handle grips. I was experiencing pain in my knuckles so I replaced them with the Ergon 3’s. They are a fantastic alternative and no more hand pain. 😕
I don't know why people complain about the underhung plastic gear shifters. Mine operate faultlessly, and have done for three years so far. I particularly like that they feel solid, and they also feel the SAME in operation, which is surprising, because the mechanisms on the other ends of their respective cables are so different mechanically.
I own 4 bromptons and on all of them I have replaced the front mudflap for a longer one ...I feel the shorter one let's too much crud hit the gear mechanism...the ones I fitted slightly scrape the road but my gearing keeps a lot cleaner
At 3:40 one can see the used bolt is too short for the nylon locking to be effective. Furthermore, I would mount the rack first and then the fender stays, and use Locktite for the Easy Wheels for example (these comments have been mentioned before to another video). The original Brompton rack has a dedicated fender, which will be connected better to the rear frame because it has no stays.
I enjoy your videos, wish I could fold as well as you.. one day. I would like to see more tyre clearance to open up more tyre choice. Some 2 inch tyres like schwalbe big apple might smooth out the ride a bit.
Great vid and love the camper. I also have a Brompton and a camper (T2) - they go well together. Maybe a video suggestion could be good ways to clean the Brompton, being that they are smaller and have different nooks and crannies than the average bike
The gap between the brake pads and rims is adjustable just like on every other rim brake system. Not a Brompton specific issue. I don't follow how wet weather can make gear slip more likely with the hub gear. I have never experienced gear slip with a correctly adjusted Sturmey Archer 3 speed. Grips? They are reasonable quality. Not a patch on Ergons though. However, if Ergons were fitted as standard what type should they be? I think that the stock item is a reasonable choice for the manufacturer. Reasonable quality and not so expensive that swapping them out for an alternative would be wasteful. What would I change? A progressive rear suspension that smoothed out the ride without pogoing. Some shock absorption/suspension for the front wheel. It would not need a lot of travel but I suspect that cost/weight/compromised folding would preclude such a thing. Otherwise someone would have done it already Disc brakes.
The Brompton has the suspension in the middle which functions for both the front and back, and you are able to see it being compressed constantly during rides. But if not being able to be this extremely folded, the hard rolling, small wheeled bike would be utterly useless!! I have two secured, ordinary leather grips, with a fine Brompton print on each (It is a Brompton!). It is an instrument for special uses and actually a horrible bike - but I like mine anyway! But it is much like the original Mini. The list of possible extras for it is actually immense. My now former Top 2019 Superlight, with mudguards is down to now 9 kilo with a lot of extra titanium and carbon parts.
I understand it is difficult/impossible to fit those nylon toe clip things to the pedals as it can't be folded with them on. I love toe clips, they keep your feet in just the right position on the pedals. This has actually put me off buying a Brompton.
Right. Let's add some spice to the discussion: there's a lot to improve upon! My wife asked me to service her Brompton and I'm in shock. SA gear hub? Plastic shifters and brake handles? Come on, the sixties are over! SRAM, Shimano and many other brands produce stuff that would belong on a bike in this price range. The folding mechanics is about the only thing noteworthy about this bike, the rest is just cheap stuff.
I have thought about changing my front brake and fork to an aftermarket disc brake. But going down a serpentine road with cattle prevention stops, my brakes functioned faultlessly, so why change?
Why in the world would you want disc brakes on a robust folding bike?!? It would be so easy to get the rotors out of true and so much work to fix. Even a monkey like me can fix rim brakes very quickly.
Can it be done with aftermarket parts or DIY? I’m still considering buying a Brompton but can’t really see why these nowdays ordinary features are just missing from the product line for this kind of money..
Belt drive not possible on a Brompton. The fold would bend the belt back on itself through a tight radius, which you absolutely MUST NOT DO... because the carbon fibres get cracked and the belt is effectively destroyed. In fact, just replacing belts on belt drive bicycles is something of a tricky job, because it is all too easy to twist, bend, or stretch it in the wrong way.. and so bugg*r it up completely.
I agree about the handle grips. I was experiencing pain in my knuckles so I replaced them with the Ergon 3’s. They are a fantastic alternative and no more hand pain. 😕
Thanks, may well go for these 😊
Thanks, may well go for these 😊
Thanks, may well go for these 😊
I don't know why people complain about the underhung plastic gear shifters. Mine operate faultlessly, and have done for three years so far. I particularly like that they feel solid, and they also feel the SAME in operation, which is surprising, because the mechanisms on the other ends of their respective cables are so different mechanically.
The Brompton is more reliable than a Vanagon that’s for sure 😊
Can't argue with that 😀
Great video mate. Me and the wife have one each and love them. Especially when away on holiday.
Thanks, most versatile and fun bike I've ever owned. Thanks for watching 🙂
Thanks
I own 4 bromptons and on all of them I have replaced the front mudflap for a longer one ...I feel the shorter one let's too much crud hit the gear mechanism...the ones I fitted slightly scrape the road but my gearing keeps a lot cleaner
I would love to see a photo of your advanced mudflap!
At 3:40 one can see the used bolt is too short for the nylon locking to be effective. Furthermore, I would mount the rack first and then the fender stays, and use Locktite for the Easy Wheels for example (these comments have been mentioned before to another video). The original Brompton rack has a dedicated fender, which will be connected better to the rear frame because it has no stays.
My change would be to make the handlebar-stock extendable to raise the handlebars a couple of inches.
I enjoy your videos, wish I could fold as well as you.. one day.
I would like to see more tyre clearance to open up more tyre choice. Some 2 inch tyres like schwalbe big apple might smooth out the ride a bit.
Great vid and love the camper. I also have a Brompton and a camper (T2) - they go well together.
Maybe a video suggestion could be good ways to clean the Brompton, being that they are smaller and have different nooks and crannies than the average bike
Thanks for the suggestions. Campervan and Bromptons, great combination 👍
The gap between the brake pads and rims is adjustable just like on every other rim brake system. Not a Brompton specific issue.
I don't follow how wet weather can make gear slip more likely with the hub gear. I have never experienced gear slip with a correctly adjusted Sturmey Archer 3 speed.
Grips? They are reasonable quality. Not a patch on Ergons though. However, if Ergons were fitted as standard what type should they be? I think that the stock item is a reasonable choice for the manufacturer. Reasonable quality and not so expensive that swapping them out for an alternative would be wasteful.
What would I change?
A progressive rear suspension that smoothed out the ride without pogoing.
Some shock absorption/suspension for the front wheel. It would not need a lot of travel but I suspect that cost/weight/compromised folding would preclude such a thing. Otherwise someone would have done it already
Disc brakes.
All good points, my only issue is with the adjusting/tensioning nut. May just be an issue with mine! 👍
The frame needs some braze ons for a bottle cage.
The Brompton has the suspension in the middle which functions for both the front and back, and you are able to see it being compressed constantly during rides. But if not being able to be this extremely folded, the hard rolling, small wheeled bike would be utterly useless!! I have two secured, ordinary leather grips, with a fine Brompton print on each (It is a Brompton!).
It is an instrument for special uses and actually a horrible bike - but I like mine anyway! But it is much like the original Mini. The list of possible extras for it is actually immense. My now former Top 2019 Superlight, with mudguards is down to now 9 kilo with a lot of extra titanium and carbon parts.
Changing on 44 tooth solved a lot of Problems with the gears.
I understand it is difficult/impossible to fit those nylon toe clip things to the pedals as it can't be folded with them on. I love toe clips, they keep your feet in just the right position on the pedals. This has actually put me off buying a Brompton.
Get quick release pedals 😉
Or the Bromfoot pedal extender (for the folding pedal only)
Do you get a free pump with your bike ,i remember getting one with my first brompton years ago .Thank you for your videos .i enjoy them .H
I've got a Brompton, I love it but I'd love a kick stand. Any recommendations would be great.
I have not seen this for a brompton, have you looked at their main website? would be useful
👍🍺
Like your channel by the way, great stuff 😊have subscribed.
Right. Let's add some spice to the discussion: there's a lot to improve upon! My wife asked me to service her Brompton and I'm in shock. SA gear hub? Plastic shifters and brake handles? Come on, the sixties are over! SRAM, Shimano and many other brands produce stuff that would belong on a bike in this price range. The folding mechanics is about the only thing noteworthy about this bike, the rest is just cheap stuff.
Could add disc brakes and 7 speed hub which my Raleigh folder has
I have thought about changing my front brake and fork to an aftermarket disc brake. But going down a serpentine road with cattle prevention stops, my brakes functioned faultlessly, so why change?
Why in the world would you want disc brakes on a robust folding bike?!? It would be so easy to get the rotors out of true and so much work to fix. Even a monkey like me can fix rim brakes very quickly.
Could add 7 speed hub ans disc brakes.
Both would be good options if possible
Can it be done with aftermarket parts or DIY? I’m still considering buying a Brompton but can’t really see why these nowdays ordinary features are just missing from the product line for this kind of money..
The 21 versus 6 gears comparison is invalid: you will use all six on the Brompton.
Definately use all 6 gears, I do find it easier to find the most efficient ratio with more gears but that's just what I find. 👍
Disc brakes and belt drive and 8 speed hub
They would all be great additions👍
Belt drive not possible on a Brompton. The fold would bend the belt back on itself through a tight radius, which you absolutely MUST NOT DO... because the carbon fibres get cracked and the belt is effectively destroyed.
In fact, just replacing belts on belt drive bicycles is something of a tricky job, because it is all too easy to twist, bend, or stretch it in the wrong way.. and so bugg*r it up completely.
If your looking for faults, you’ll find them……lol
Very true,, overall I love the bike