Thanks for this review, really interesting. I hadn't considered the different derailleur design and dirt. I was all ready to get the 2 speed but now I am thinking of going with the 3.
Hi Fraser. Yeah the derailleur was one of those shocks compared to my 3 speed. Especially on the roads in the UK. Recently used a 6-speed which has the same derailleur and noticed a huge build up on that too. 👍
I've gone back in forth of getting the 3 speed or the 6 speed, and I think I'll get a 3 speed. I'll just riding on regular city streets, but I don't want an accumulation of unnecessary dirt build up.
You’ve highlighted the one reason why I’ve never liked derailleur geared bikes - having to constantly clean them! You say you clean the derailleur nearly every day, never going more than two days before cleaning. My 3 speed Brompton gets cleaned twice a year - once at the start of winter and once at the end of winter. It’s a working bike, not a lap dog. I will sometimes do an interim clean if I’m bored and have nothing else to do, but it isn’t a necessity. Interesting that you refer to the “simple derailleur gear system as being the norm; for all of us who grew up before the 80s, SA hub geared bikes were the norm, derailleur geared bikes were almost exclusively for racing bikes and kids who cycled for sport, unlike the rest of us kids who used bikes to get from A to B to visit our mates, to go fishing, shopping, school, etc. Not many of us ever cleaned those bikes 😂
The difference in chain wear is interesting. I could see 4 potential causes: 1- Some older 3 speed Brompton were using 1/8” chain instead of the newer (and now standard) 3/32”. Maybe the wider chain last longer? 2- The 2 sprockets configuration means 1 of them (most likely the 16T) has an offset to the chainring, causing more friction when used. 3- The smaller sprocket on the 2-speed (12T) causes more chain friction due to higher chain articulation angle (360/12) than the unique 14T found on the 3-speed Brompton (then again, the 16T would have less friction, so it may balance out) 4- Chain speed will be faster (thus more friction) when going at high speed compared to an internal hub 3rd speed. Any other ideas?
Some interesting points. My 3-Speed Brompton is using the newer chain size so no difference there. I think there is a good point you raised on points 3 and 4 which probably impact it. Also, the more enclosed jockey set up collects a huge amount of dirt and small stones on my commute, which doesn’t happen on my 3-speed as it is not as enclosed. Think the jockey wheels have had quite a bit of impact on it too. On point 4, don’t think that’s a contributing factor, as I spend most of my time along the canal in second gear on the 3-speed, and second gear on the two speed, so ironically the 3-speed would revolve more times along the same route and you would expect it based on that to wear out faster? All of the gearing and sprockets are factory spec so it was quite a surprise on the chain aspect. I know that one comment mentions that it is the route along the canal, but both Brompton’s used on the exact same route, and I have looked back over last year at around the same time and conditions, and still got 3,400km out of the chain on the 3-speed compared to 1750km on the 2-speed. 👍
Hi lovely informative vid. I am from India and I ride a Fuji Touring and ride mainly ON FLAT ROAD. I am looking to buy a Brompton for my wife and I have been checking the 3 n 2 speed. My challenge is - in this part of the world we really don’t have the know how of a Brompton locally. Just a few scattered across the country. Spares being expensive and largely unavailable except through the LONE retailer in South India. While external Shimano and SRAMs are plenty to the count and readily available, my fear is a Brompton is an expensive challenge to have. Hence I am looking for utmost reliability and long term usage. My Fuji gets serviced at the local bike shops and it’s cheap to maintain. In this regard do u suggest 1. Get a Brompton nonetheless, and therefore which speed. 2. Avoid the Brompton totally.
VERY useful video. Very. Thank you. I have not ordered my Brompton yet, am looking at A or C line fir context. If you could have only one, would you go internal 3spd or the two. And the problems you mention with the 2-spd, do you think they must exist on the 6-spd as well, no? It is a combo of both units afteral.
That’s interesting. Never had a problem with the hub shifter in my 3-Speed, but had the issue with the jamming on the two speed a few times over a few weeks. Maybe it just needs a little tweaking?
I too have gear sticking problems due to muck/sand/grit on my 2018 M2L (which I can sort out by stripping and cleaning). Much as I'm liking the look of the new 'P' four speed, I'm guessing it's going to suffer the same. Love mine when it's on song.
Ah I really need help. I'm about to buy my first Brompton, I can still choose 2022 model 6 gears with silver accessories 150€ cheaper than new model 6 gears, or 2023 new model 2 gears all black which looks cleaner/minimal to the eyes and it's slightly lighter and 150€ cheaper than older model 6 gears. I mainly ride in Berlin which is pretty flat town and only occasionally go on touring. I'm 45 petite woman on a budget and weight of the bike was my first priority as I had for the past 10 years a very heavy no gear dutch Gazelle from the 70s. Which Brompton should I buy? Cheers
Hi Laura, Based on what you have said, with the flat roads I think the two speed would be best. I use my two speed quite a lot and is great on the flat, and like you said you do notice the difference in weight compared to the six and three speed. Will save you a bit of money as well. Only really need a six speed if you have hills to climb and going further afield. Hope that helps? 👍
@@CycleEveryday It helps immensely, thank you very much! I really appreciate your advice because you do have experience with the 2 speed. I was already quite sure buying the 2 speed, but the sales person made me insecure. Thanks for clearing up my mind :) I'm digging your videos and loving your channel! Cheers
I don't tend to ride on waterlogged canal pathways. More helpful if you just rode on normal roads. Is the two speed quicker than the 6? Are there big diff's with the two sproket's? Can you both climb moderate hills and not over spin on the flat? These are ze questions Inspector.
The two speed is quicker on the flat than the 6 speed, but you do spin out sooner downhill on the 2-speed. Plus for steeper hills the 2-speed is not as easy to ride up. 👍 So if your journey is mainly flat with some small hills a 2-speed might be a good option
@@CycleEveryday Thanks CE. I'm recovering from an RTA at the mo, but when I'm back and pushing 600... sorry, 60 watts again I'll be off to the Alps with the two speed. The hill climb national champion found Cheader gorge no issue.
I'm looking to buy a brompton and not sure which speed should i get, 2,3 or 6. I stayed at Singapore and is humid and hot most of the time. I'm just a casual cyclist that only cycle on the cyclist path. So which speed would you recommend?
If the routes you normally take are flat then a two speed will be fine. 3 speeds are good for slightly hillier areas and 6 speed for bigger hills. It would be worth trying them out though if you have a Brompton shop with test bikes 👍
Cool review Chris! The audio sounds so much better on this video. Just a question. Have you ever had an issue with your derailleur as mine seems to skip the +2 gear.
Thanks and Yes. I had an few issues on this and found it was mainly down to dirt and debris in the chain pusher. I also had a squeaky noise on my 3-Speed derailleur and replaced it. Turns out it was quite worn out when I compared it to the new one! Solved the squeaking though on my 3-speed 👍
@@CycleEveryday thanks. I've tried cleaning but no change noted. Will keep looking for another thing to try and solve it since that gear is usually what I ride on most often.
@@CycleEveryday I think it might be the derailleur shifter as the internal hub gear shifter seems to be working. I don't know I might just take it to the bike shop so they can figure it out 😄
@@acey850 not sure if you have tried this yet? th-cam.com/video/-mGfuqxilO4/w-d-xo.html I had some trouble with mine when I took my back wheel off and just had to adjust it until all of the gears worked properly. Didn’t take long and just a couple of turns sorts it out. 👍 Or like you said, just take it to the bike shop 😀
Hi from brum I’m thinking about getting Brompton 3 or 6 speed, I would prefer the 3 because of ease of use, but how does it handle hills? (The hill in question is digbeth deritend going up to the blues round about) would love your input
Think that will be fine on a three speed. It is about 23metres elevation. I would normally do around 105meters elevation total on my three speed on my commute and even do it on my two speed Brompton as well. If you cycle already shouldn’t be an issue. If not won’t take long to used to it though. 👍
@@CycleEveryday cheers much appreciated, haven’t cycled in years. I’m really looking forward to commuting to work with out being packed like a sardine on a bus.
@@CycleEveryday cheers mate, I decided to rent one from the hubs in the city centre…. I rode to my work and back in about 2 hours…. Picked my route completely wrong also I had the seat quite low which made the hills quite a challenge…. I’m going to take it out again on the weekend to try it out again with the seat in a proper position lol… I’m just trying to see if I should get the electric because the hills would be a breeze
Yeah the electric does make the hills so much easier. I think if you are using it everyday then it’s worth getting and will pay for itself very quickly when you take into account petrol etc 👍
Thanks for this review, really interesting. I hadn't considered the different derailleur design and dirt. I was all ready to get the 2 speed but now I am thinking of going with the 3.
Hi Fraser. Yeah the derailleur was one of those shocks compared to my 3 speed. Especially on the roads in the UK. Recently used a 6-speed which has the same derailleur and noticed a huge build up on that too. 👍
I've gone back in forth of getting the 3 speed or the 6 speed, and I think I'll get a 3 speed. I'll just riding on regular city streets, but I don't want an accumulation of unnecessary dirt build up.
You’ve highlighted the one reason why I’ve never liked derailleur geared bikes - having to constantly clean them! You say you clean the derailleur nearly every day, never going more than two days before cleaning. My 3 speed Brompton gets cleaned twice a year - once at the start of winter and once at the end of winter. It’s a working bike, not a lap dog. I will sometimes do an interim clean if I’m bored and have nothing else to do, but it isn’t a necessity.
Interesting that you refer to the “simple derailleur gear system as being the norm; for all of us who grew up before the 80s, SA hub geared bikes were the norm, derailleur geared bikes were almost exclusively for racing bikes and kids who cycled for sport, unlike the rest of us kids who used bikes to get from A to B to visit our mates, to go fishing, shopping, school, etc. Not many of us ever cleaned those bikes 😂
Most bikes in the Netherlands have hub gears for the same reason - low maintenance.
The difference in chain wear is interesting. I could see 4 potential causes:
1- Some older 3 speed Brompton were using 1/8” chain instead of the newer (and now standard) 3/32”. Maybe the wider chain last longer?
2- The 2 sprockets configuration means 1 of them (most likely the 16T) has an offset to the chainring, causing more friction when used.
3- The smaller sprocket on the 2-speed (12T) causes more chain friction due to higher chain articulation angle (360/12) than the unique 14T found on the 3-speed Brompton (then again, the 16T would have less friction, so it may balance out)
4- Chain speed will be faster (thus more friction) when going at high speed compared to an internal hub 3rd speed.
Any other ideas?
Some interesting points. My 3-Speed Brompton is using the newer chain size so no difference there. I think there is a good point you raised on points 3 and 4 which probably impact it. Also, the more enclosed jockey set up collects a huge amount of dirt and small stones on my commute, which doesn’t happen on my 3-speed as it is not as enclosed. Think the jockey wheels have had quite a bit of impact on it too.
On point 4, don’t think that’s a contributing factor, as I spend most of my time along the canal in second gear on the 3-speed, and second gear on the two speed, so ironically the 3-speed would revolve more times along the same route and you would expect it based on that to wear out faster?
All of the gearing and sprockets are factory spec so it was quite a surprise on the chain aspect.
I know that one comment mentions that it is the route along the canal, but both Brompton’s used on the exact same route, and I have looked back over last year at around the same time and conditions, and still got 3,400km out of the chain on the 3-speed compared to 1750km on the 2-speed. 👍
I personally hate the internal 3 speed hub. I can’t wait to get the new “P” line so I can have more external gears. Nice video😀👍
Thanks Brian. Hope your well! That’s the only thing that I am not liking about the P-line is the change on the gears. Nice bike though. 😀👍
Why do you prefer the 2 speed?
The two speed is simple and a bit lighter than the three speed. Although I do like the fact you can change gear in the three speed without moving. 👍
Brompton won't be making anymore 3 speeds, effective in 2023. I love my 3 speed.
Hi lovely informative vid. I am from India and I ride a Fuji Touring and ride mainly ON FLAT ROAD. I am looking to buy a Brompton for my wife and I have been checking the 3 n 2 speed. My challenge is - in this part of the world we really don’t have the know how of a Brompton locally. Just a few scattered across the country. Spares being expensive and largely unavailable except through the LONE retailer in South India. While external Shimano and SRAMs are plenty to the count and readily available, my fear is a Brompton is an expensive challenge to have. Hence I am looking for utmost reliability and long term usage. My Fuji gets serviced at the local bike shops and it’s cheap to maintain. In this regard do u suggest
1. Get a Brompton nonetheless, and therefore which speed.
2. Avoid the Brompton totally.
extremely helpful, thank you!
Glad it was useful! 👍
VERY useful video. Very. Thank you. I have not ordered my Brompton yet, am looking at A or C line fir context. If you could have only one, would you go internal 3spd or the two. And the problems you mention with the 2-spd, do you think they must exist on the 6-spd as well, no? It is a combo of both units afteral.
1:43 I would 100% fall into that canal.
I have a 6 Speed brompton. It's not bad but the hub shifter is pretty unreliable as I have to often make repairs to it after it get stuck
That’s interesting. Never had a problem with the hub shifter in my 3-Speed, but had the issue with the jamming on the two speed a few times over a few weeks. Maybe it just needs a little tweaking?
I too have gear sticking problems due to muck/sand/grit on my 2018 M2L (which I can sort out by stripping and cleaning). Much as I'm liking the look of the new 'P' four speed, I'm guessing it's going to suffer the same. Love mine when it's on song.
That’s what I thought when I saw the gear set up on it so will be interested to see how they hold up after they have been used for a while 👍
Ah I really need help. I'm about to buy my first Brompton, I can still choose 2022 model 6 gears with silver accessories 150€ cheaper than new model 6 gears, or 2023 new model 2 gears all black which looks cleaner/minimal to the eyes and it's slightly lighter and 150€ cheaper than older model 6 gears. I mainly ride in Berlin which is pretty flat town and only occasionally go on touring. I'm 45 petite woman on a budget and weight of the bike was my first priority as I had for the past 10 years a very heavy no gear dutch Gazelle from the 70s. Which Brompton should I buy? Cheers
Hi Laura, Based on what you have said, with the flat roads I think the two speed would be best. I use my two speed quite a lot and is great on the flat, and like you said you do notice the difference in weight compared to the six and three speed. Will save you a bit of money as well. Only really need a six speed if you have hills to climb and going further afield. Hope that helps? 👍
@@CycleEveryday It helps immensely, thank you very much! I really appreciate your advice because you do have experience with the 2 speed. I was already quite sure buying the 2 speed, but the sales person made me insecure. Thanks for clearing up my mind :) I'm digging your videos and loving your channel! Cheers
I don't tend to ride on waterlogged canal pathways. More helpful if you just rode on normal roads. Is the two speed quicker than the 6? Are there big diff's with the two sproket's? Can you both climb moderate hills and not over spin on the flat? These are ze questions Inspector.
The two speed is quicker on the flat than the 6 speed, but you do spin out sooner downhill on the 2-speed. Plus for steeper hills the 2-speed is not as easy to ride up. 👍
So if your journey is mainly flat with some small hills a 2-speed might be a good option
@@CycleEveryday Thanks CE. I'm recovering from an RTA at the mo, but when I'm back and pushing 600... sorry, 60 watts again I'll be off to the Alps with the two speed. The hill climb national champion found Cheader gorge no issue.
Brilliant. Looking forward to seeing how you get one 😂👍
Thanks for the great video! Do you know your average and top speed on this bike, on a smooth and flat road surface?
Such timing, just placed an order for a 2 Speed yesterday.
Brilliant! Hope you enjoy it and I am sure you will 👍
I'm looking to buy a brompton and not sure which speed should i get, 2,3 or 6. I stayed at Singapore and is humid and hot most of the time. I'm just a casual cyclist that only cycle on the cyclist path. So which speed would you recommend?
If the routes you normally take are flat then a two speed will be fine. 3 speeds are good for slightly hillier areas and 6 speed for bigger hills. It would be worth trying them out though if you have a Brompton shop with test bikes 👍
Cool review Chris! The audio sounds so much better on this video.
Just a question. Have you ever had an issue with your derailleur as mine seems to skip the +2 gear.
Thanks and Yes. I had an few issues on this and found it was mainly down to dirt and debris in the chain pusher. I also had a squeaky noise on my 3-Speed derailleur and replaced it. Turns out it was quite worn out when I compared it to the new one! Solved the squeaking though on my 3-speed 👍
@@CycleEveryday thanks. I've tried cleaning but no change noted. Will keep looking for another thing to try and solve it since that gear is usually what I ride on most often.
Is it the internal hub gear?
@@CycleEveryday I think it might be the derailleur shifter as the internal hub gear shifter seems to be working. I don't know I might just take it to the bike shop so they can figure it out 😄
@@acey850 not sure if you have tried this yet? th-cam.com/video/-mGfuqxilO4/w-d-xo.html
I had some trouble with mine when I took my back wheel off and just had to adjust it until all of the gears worked properly. Didn’t take long and just a couple of turns sorts it out. 👍
Or like you said, just take it to the bike shop 😀
Chris, is your commute 24 mile each way or as a round trip?
That’s the round trip. It’s 12 miles each way into Birmingham. 👍
@@CycleEveryday That' still a decent commute and on a brompton as well. Fair play!
Honest question what's the advantage of using a brompton over a normal (road) bike? Are you using the train on part of the journey?
Yes but what is it like to ride?
Hi from brum
I’m thinking about getting Brompton 3 or 6 speed, I would prefer the 3 because of ease of use, but how does it handle hills? (The hill in question is digbeth deritend going up to the blues round about) would love your input
Think that will be fine on a three speed. It is about 23metres elevation. I would normally do around 105meters elevation total on my three speed on my commute and even do it on my two speed Brompton as well. If you cycle already shouldn’t be an issue. If not won’t take long to used to it though. 👍
@@CycleEveryday cheers much appreciated, haven’t cycled in years. I’m really looking forward to commuting to work with out being packed like a sardine on a bus.
Hope it works well for you. Definitely the best thing I did was to stop driving into work and ride the bike.
@@CycleEveryday cheers mate, I decided to rent one from the hubs in the city centre…. I rode to my work and back in about 2 hours….
Picked my route completely wrong also I had the seat quite low which made the hills quite a challenge…. I’m going to take it out again on the weekend to try it out again with the seat in a proper position lol… I’m just trying to see if I should get the electric because the hills would be a breeze
Yeah the electric does make the hills so much easier. I think if you are using it everyday then it’s worth getting and will pay for itself very quickly when you take into account petrol etc 👍
Great review thank you, I’m wondering is the new T model will have regular 6 speed or something special.
New T-Model? The only one I know if is the recent P-Line with the 4 gears, so is this something else they are launching?
@@CycleEveryday Yes on the 22nd of this month a new titanium bike is coming out. Supposedly to be super light and a reinvention of the brompton bikes.
@@tito2928 That will be interesting. Not heard much about that one. Will be interesting to see what is new about it! 😀
Do you notice a significant difference between the 2 and 3 speed on inclines?
Hi Simon. The two is fine on hills I found. Obviously the three is a bit easier on steeper uphill and also a bit faster on downhills too. 👍