You video provides the most comprehensive information on helping the buyers to choose the right Brompton. I particularly like the graphical illustration on showing the rider's riding position using the rider's height vs the 3 choices of handlebars. Great video !
I really appreciate your through review with very easy to understand graphic. Even after 10 years on Brompton, I learn something new everytime I watch your video. Keep it up good work. Thank you!
Just discovered your channel and find it outstanding! Long-time Brompton rider. The design of the Brompton is a marvel. However, a persistent issue affecting every ride is how to find the correct seat height AND direction when unfolding the bike for a ride. There’s no good way to do this right. I put a distinct mark on the top front of my seat tube with a permanent marker. I then scratch (ouch) or scribe a mark around the seat post at the proper height and a vertical scratch mark to help me get the seat perfectly forward-aligned. Scribing the marks isn’t easy or convenient and there’s no way to use a marker since moving the seat up and down will obscure the mark. I always check for seat rotational alignment before I ride. It’s a tough problem but one the rider must confront on every ride. That’s my solution and it’s not as slick as I’d like but it works. 😊 [I have a S6L Black Edition in Lagoon Blue with all manner of mods and upgrades.]
S type bars could lead to wrist discomfort, but you don't counterbalance that with H type bars put more weight on the saddle leading to possible discomfort there. Leaning somewhat forward helps with weight distribution and better bike balance.
You are amazing! So informative and exactly the information I was searching for! You have such a clear voice and amazing diction. I really appreciate what you do.
Excellent vid with clear explanation. I can vouch for the standard M-bar, with top position of Pentaclip, being a perfect fit for my 33” inside leg and 5’11.5” height, with very good wrist and saddle comfort. There is a degree of handlebar “flex” with the M bar, but I have accommodated to this and if anything I find it adds to the shock-absorbing comfort for the wrist and arms. An aggressive rider may not like the M-bar flex, particularly if in high gear or on steep hills but I have found that for ordinary, all-round utility and leisure riding it is fine.
@@GlobalAdventurer - I have a Brooks B17 Standard on mine, always brilliantly comfortable, short or long rides, and these saddles have a character that fits well with the Brompton 🙂
I'm short and got the M handle bars on my brompton. I tried the H handlebar and it felt like I was raising my arms up and I thought it would make me tired riding like that for extended periods of time. So far the M handle bar is working fine.
Excellent, well-researched video, finally providing clarity about the rather cryptic fitting information provided by Brompton (to my knowledge). I have long admired Bromptons but alas may probably not take the plunge as a pensioner.
I just got my rental¹ Brompton with the telescopic seatpost and M-Type handlebar. My inseam is 85 cm, but I'm did the testride most comfortably with the telescopic post fully extended to it's maximum. The good thing is that this position also is most closely to the position I had on the Tern Joe C21 that needs replacing², which I rode somewhere between trekking and racing positions. ¹ Rental to try it a year before purchasing one, or not. ² The aluminium frame broke right at the seatpost insert above the top framebar.
Now if only Brompton would re-introduce the bike-builder so we could actually choose the seat-post that works best for us, rather than only providing models with the extended post!
Just bought a Brompton and had one ride but disappointed that the top of back end of shoe catches the baby wheels or something. Must be doing something wrong.
I really need help, I have a sever nick shoulder pain for many years but i am dreaming to have T linewith H 2 inches stem? I am in pain and M is not enough, Please advise.
thank you for the detailed video! i'm 5'3''. do you recommend the M or H for the upright position. i have a dutch style bike now and like sitting upright.
Using your existing dutch bike, measure the vertical distance between the top of the seat and the middle of the handlebar. Using this measurement and your inseam, use the graphic in the video to determine your recommended Brompton handlebar setup.
Can I ask. If the S and M stem height is the same? Seems to be conflicting views that the S has a longer stem and low handlebars and the M has a shorter stem and higher handlebars. Some say it’s the same. Can shed some light? Thanks
@@2Bikes4Adventure oh that’s thanks for the confirmation. Do you know what the height difference will be? I was going to put a flat bar on my m stem. Guess that will be way too low.
Hi Martin. The last Dahons we owned/rode were Dahon TR equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple tires. The pressure in those tires was less than half the pressure in our Bromptons’ Schwalbe Marathon tires. Coupled with larger diameter wheels (20” vs 16”), it made the TRs noticeably more comfortable than the Bromptons. Nonetheless, we eventually sold the TRs and kept the Bromptons as their small form factor and slightly lighter weight made them more appropriate for the type of light touring we had in mind (even if it meant a little less comfort).
The stem are not identical between S and M. In addition to the different handlebar shape, the S stem has a slightly more forward angle compared to the M-type.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Thanks! This is what i thought so too, I asked BJ London and they replied " the M stem is shorter than the S, but the angulation is pretty the same."
I’m 178 cm (5’10”). A few days ago, I tried different options of Brompton handlebar height on my local Brompton store. At first, I want a H-type handlebar because I want a very relaxed riding position, to contrast my road bike. But, the high handlebar position made my body more laidback and causing my arms too strech to reach the handlebar, nowhere near the dutch-style bicycle with its sweep back handlebar. So I finally prefer the M-type with mid-upright position because my arms can still be in relaxed position (slightly bend).
I ride an M, but wish it was an H. Why? My bike helmet has a sun visor (yay!). But on the M, that visor is angled just low enough to obstruct the horizon. I like to see where I'm ultimately headed for... and not just stare downward at the pavement right in front of me.
Excellent explanation and graphics in easy to understand format. Thank you. Should be an official video on the Brompton site as they have nothing close that compares!
I might buy a butterfly handlebar of even H-type for more comfortable riding, my arms are even getting sore from M-type because of lower handlebar height than the saddle.
Another *great* video! The praise you got from me for the video regarding tire options ua-cam.com/video/p1i1W6xy8hM/v-deo.html fits here again. And had I seen the video about the gearing option which is also great. Your channel is now the first and only I subscribed to in some 20 years of internet activity.
Very helpful.. I changed my 2 Bromptons to Joseph Kuosac bars, not for height but for width. I found the standard handlebars too narrow whereas the JK ones, even with 1 cm off, are in line with shoulders. Much more comfortable on longer journeys. Thanks for all your films.
2Bikes4Adventure yes. Needed an extra 2 cm or so. My bars are 158 cm across, normal are 152 cm. JK uncut are 160 but my memory is that they have 1cm cut gradations on them, so v easy with a hacksaw. I have put them on my S6R and my Alfine H11R. Thanks for your films - they are very good. Take care.
Great explanation of what flipping the pentaclip can do. I am 6-1 and I think close to the top of the extended seatpost. I might need to do the pentaclip switcheroo when my Brompton arrives in 2 weeks. Thanks much!
Hello!! I am having some issues with the slipping of the pole in my seat. Is there some tip that you recommend, i have cleaned it and tweak the nut. I read something about scratching a bit the pole? - I love your vids, they inspired me to buy my Brompton!! - greetings from Mexico.
Hi Enrique, We do suffer from this problem as well (as most do, we suspect!). We used disk brake cleaner on the post and inside the seat post sleeve. Kind of help, a little. Ultimately, the sleeve may need to be replace (unfortunately, this cannot be done easily as a DIY project). The sandpaper trick could work (and should not be visible if there is only one rider, as it will alway be inside the frame)). Could make the post more susceptible to corrosion however. Good Luck.
I second the many positive comments about bike fit and selecting the right handlebar. Note that in addition to your body size, the lower, more aggressive position will require a greater saddle setback. With the saddle further back, your upper body weight can be offset by the hips being further back. You should be able to ride with your hands just floating on the bars, which is the setup used on a road bike. So if you have too much pressure on your hands, consider raising the bar, or sliding the saddle back (or both). On a folding bike, you might be limited in saddle setback because the seatpost is straight.
Excellent point. Since there is no stem between the handlebars and the steerer tube, reach adjustment can only be done by "fine tuning" the saddle setback for any given handlebar configuration. Maybe something to cover in more details in a future video.
I'm a 5'5" female with average body proportions except that I'm quite thin. (105 lb.) I like a more upright position. Should I go for the M or the H? Will M be fine?
Scandinavian Bromptons are sold with the 600 mm saddle post as standard, so I have problems when using my B&W travelbox, as I have to remove the saddle and post. So I also have bought a telescope post!
@@2Bikes4Adventure awesome. I discovered it from one of your videos and I just bought mine. Will be trying it this coming weekend. Keep the great vids coming 😊
@@2Bikes4Adventure I just tried it tilted on max. And Im not sure if it's just the fabric of my leggings but I slightly slide forward that i think somehow adds pressure to my thighs. Though a really big relief on the butt and sensitive part.
I used the chart at 6:32 since I don't have access to a shop. I took it completely literally. I was right on the H-type line. I had never ridden an H before, but happy with it. Thanks!
This channel is an absolute gold mine! I wish the Brompton website was this informative.
You video provides the most comprehensive information on helping the buyers to choose the right Brompton. I particularly like the graphical illustration on showing the rider's riding position using the rider's height vs the 3 choices of handlebars. Great video !
I went full Brompton nerd on my first one. This vids info took me hours to compile on my own. Totally great presentation data and demonstration.
Very, very useful information and good graphics. No body had bothered to explain all this H/M/S types mumble jumble.
Thanks
I really appreciate your through review with very easy to understand graphic. Even after 10 years on Brompton, I learn something new everytime I watch your video. Keep it up good work. Thank you!
Just discovered your channel and find it outstanding! Long-time Brompton rider. The design of the Brompton is a marvel. However, a persistent issue affecting every ride is how to find the correct seat height AND direction when unfolding the bike for a ride. There’s no good way to do this right. I put a distinct mark on the top front of my seat tube with a permanent marker. I then scratch (ouch) or scribe a mark around the seat post at the proper height and a vertical scratch mark to help me get the seat perfectly forward-aligned. Scribing the marks isn’t easy or convenient and there’s no way to use a marker since moving the seat up and down will obscure the mark. I always check for seat rotational alignment before I ride. It’s a tough problem but one the rider must confront on every ride. That’s my solution and it’s not as slick as I’d like but it works. 😊 [I have a S6L Black Edition in Lagoon Blue with all manner of mods and upgrades.]
Why Brompton doesn’t have engraved marking on the seat post (as found on Birdy) remains a mystery.
S type bars could lead to wrist discomfort, but you don't counterbalance that with H type bars put more weight on the saddle leading to possible discomfort there. Leaning somewhat forward helps with weight distribution and better bike balance.
You are amazing! So informative and exactly the information I was searching for! You have such a clear voice and amazing diction. I really appreciate what you do.
Excellent vid with clear explanation.
I can vouch for the standard M-bar, with top position of Pentaclip, being a perfect fit for my 33” inside leg and 5’11.5” height, with very good wrist and saddle comfort.
There is a degree of handlebar “flex” with the M bar, but I have accommodated to this and if anything I find it adds to the shock-absorbing comfort for the wrist and arms. An aggressive rider may not like the M-bar flex, particularly if in high gear or on steep hills but I have found that for ordinary, all-round utility and leisure riding it is fine.
Thanks!
@Sacha Barbie The 33" are 83,8cm and the height of 5’11.5” is 181,6cm
I agree with you, except I had to change out the stock brompton seat for a brooks saddle. The stock version was causing TOO MUCH pain in my.....😁
@@GlobalAdventurer - I have a Brooks B17 Standard on mine, always brilliantly comfortable, short or long rides, and these saddles have a character that fits well with the Brompton 🙂
These are impressively well-thought-out graphics.
Absolutely excellent review covers all of the main points of ownership, Thanks
The best video I have found - great job. Thank you
I'm short and got the M handle bars on my brompton. I tried the H handlebar and it felt like I was raising my arms up and I thought it would make me tired riding like that for extended periods of time. So far the M handle bar is working fine.
How short? I’m 4’11 and figure the S bar is the only option for me.
Hi Pam
Love it!
Great editing, and very well explain.
Congrats!
Amazing! This is just what I needed to size my brompton
Best information I've every seen 👌
Helping my friend shop now. Thank you again
Excellent, well-researched video, finally providing clarity about the rather cryptic fitting information provided by Brompton (to my knowledge). I have long admired Bromptons but alas may probably not take the plunge as a pensioner.
As pensioners ourselves, we can confirm Brompton bikes are age agnostic.
I just got my rental¹ Brompton with the telescopic seatpost and M-Type handlebar. My inseam is 85 cm, but I'm did the testride most comfortably with the telescopic post fully extended to it's maximum.
The good thing is that this position also is most closely to the position I had on the Tern Joe C21 that needs replacing², which I rode somewhere between trekking and racing positions.
¹ Rental to try it a year before purchasing one, or not.
² The aluminium frame broke right at the seatpost insert above the top framebar.
WHAT A GREAT VIDEO!!!
this is incredibly informative and helpful. well done.
Absolutely fantastic video 👍
love the graph, it is very helpful. thanks
Great work you put in!
Thank you for this video, it was so informative!!!
Dang! That was well done. Thank you
Sad that they removed the P from the Brompton range. I find the multiposition offering very useful.
You are a credit to your parents. Wonderful!
So useful information👍🏻👍🏻
these videos are great
Awesome Vid!
Thanks for sharing info
I'm 5' 8" with an inside leg of a mere 29". I prefer a more upright position but I think that the 'M' type would be better for me rather than the 'H'.
M-Type and regular seat post should be fine.
great video, thank you
This is so useful! ❤
love your videos!
Now if only Brompton would re-introduce the bike-builder so we could actually choose the seat-post that works best for us, rather than only providing models with the extended post!
Just bought a Brompton and had one ride but disappointed that the top of back end of shoe catches the baby wheels or something. Must be doing something wrong.
I really need help, I have a sever nick shoulder pain for many years but i am dreaming to have T linewith H 2 inches stem? I am in pain and M is not enough, Please advise.
T-Line and H stem do no play along too well. Going for a P-Line would likely be an easier match.
I have both a carbon Sport and H handlebar for testing which will suit me the best, on my Lightweight.
Any problem with cable length?
Do you need to move the saddle offset as well when swapping handlebars?
Terima kasih
Kembali kasih!
thank you for the detailed video! i'm 5'3''. do you recommend the M or H for the upright position. i have a dutch style bike now and like sitting upright.
Using your existing dutch bike, measure the vertical distance between the top of the seat and the middle of the handlebar.
Using this measurement and your inseam, use the graphic in the video to determine your recommended Brompton handlebar setup.
@@2Bikes4Adventure thank you!
I’m 5’9 with an inseam of 31 inches. Would I be m or h handlebar. I prefer a medium to upright position. Thanks
Would go for M
Can I ask. If the S and M stem height is the same? Seems to be conflicting views that the S has a longer stem and low handlebars and the M has a shorter stem and higher handlebars. Some say it’s the same. Can shed some light? Thanks
They are not the same. The S stem (as counterintuitive as it may sound) is slightly longer than the M stem.
@@2Bikes4Adventure oh that’s thanks for the confirmation. Do you know what the height difference will be? I was going to put a flat bar on my m stem. Guess that will be way too low.
Brompton should pay you
For a 193cm rider why type of configuration is best?
Would depends how low you like your handlebar, but at first glance, a telescopic seat post and H Handlebar seem appropriate.
May I ask you why you changed from the Birdy, and how they compare for touring.
Hi Paul, you may find some of those answers in our video ua-cam.com/video/HmPxhbc5qek/v-deo.html
Hi. Greetings from Argentina. How do you compare in terms of confort an effort the Bromton witj a 20 inch foldable bike such as Tern or Dahon?
Hi Martin. The last Dahons we owned/rode were Dahon TR equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple tires. The pressure in those tires was less than half the pressure in our Bromptons’ Schwalbe Marathon tires. Coupled with larger diameter wheels (20” vs 16”), it made the TRs noticeably more comfortable than the Bromptons.
Nonetheless, we eventually sold the TRs and kept the Bromptons as their small form factor and slightly lighter weight made them more appropriate for the type of light touring we had in mind (even if it meant a little less comfort).
@@2Bikes4Adventure thank you!
is the stem angle the same for S & M type?
Trying to determine S or M bar for my family with riders' height ranging from 142 - 164cm.
The stem are not identical between S and M. In addition to the different handlebar shape, the S stem has a slightly more forward angle compared to the M-type.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Thanks! This is what i thought so too, I asked BJ London and they replied " the M stem is shorter than the S, but the angulation is pretty the same."
For measuring the inseam, do we do that with shoes or barefoot?
Use the shoes you will cycle with
@@2Bikes4Adventure Thank you.
You have forgot the two rubber rings, which will give a more soft landing when being folded.
Somehow, we lost them. Note that our seat post bong (the old model) touch the ground before the Pentaclip touch the frame.
I’m 178 cm (5’10”). A few days ago, I tried different options of Brompton handlebar height on my local Brompton store. At first, I want a H-type handlebar because I want a very relaxed riding position, to contrast my road bike. But, the high handlebar position made my body more laidback and causing my arms too strech to reach the handlebar, nowhere near the dutch-style bicycle with its sweep back handlebar. So I finally prefer the M-type with mid-upright position because my arms can still be in relaxed position (slightly bend).
great video, thank you
I ride an M, but wish it was an H. Why? My bike helmet has a sun visor (yay!). But on the M, that visor is angled just low enough to obstruct the horizon. I like to see where I'm ultimately headed for... and not just stare downward at the pavement right in front of me.
Excellent explanation and graphics in easy to understand format. Thank you. Should be an official video on the Brompton site as they have nothing close that compares!
Glad it was helpful!
This has been so so useful, particularly for figuring out which handlebars to get for an extended seat post. Appreciate this video! 🙏
Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. It helped me alot.
Very, very, extremely, wonderfully useful. Thank you!
Great video, incredible work !
wow. Very well done. Thumbs up. The first question of any new buyer answered in an expert way. Thanks.
I might buy a butterfly handlebar of even H-type for more comfortable riding, my arms are even getting sore from M-type because of lower handlebar height than the saddle.
These are pro grade videos 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I love my h-type. I'm 5'9" and it's as upright as I can get for comfort.
Another *great* video! The praise you got from me for the video regarding tire options ua-cam.com/video/p1i1W6xy8hM/v-deo.html fits here again. And had I seen the video about the gearing option which is also great. Your channel is now the first and only I subscribed to in some 20 years of internet activity.
We will aim to keep our standards high enough to maintain your good opinion.
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing! 👏👏👏👏
Very helpful.. I changed my 2 Bromptons to Joseph Kuosac bars, not for height but for width. I found the standard handlebars too narrow whereas the JK ones, even with 1 cm off, are in line with shoulders. Much more comfortable on longer journeys. Thanks for all your films.
So, I assume no need to change cabling and it doesn’t compromise the fold (ie., handlebar touching the ground when folded)?
2Bikes4Adventure yes. Needed an extra 2 cm or so. My bars are 158 cm across, normal are 152 cm. JK uncut are 160 but my memory is that they have 1cm cut gradations on them, so v easy with a hacksaw. I have put them on my S6R and my Alfine H11R. Thanks for your films - they are very good. Take care.
Forgot- both fold fine.
no drop bar , no buy (Moulton does have a drop bar !)
Great explanation of what flipping the pentaclip can do. I am 6-1 and I think close to the top of the extended seatpost. I might need to do the pentaclip switcheroo when my Brompton arrives in 2 weeks. Thanks much!
Sometimes, this added 2cm makes the difference
Hello!! I am having some issues with the slipping of the pole in my seat. Is there some tip that you recommend, i have cleaned it and tweak the nut. I read something about scratching a bit the pole? - I love your vids, they inspired me to buy my Brompton!! - greetings from Mexico.
Hi Enrique,
We do suffer from this problem as well (as most do, we suspect!).
We used disk brake cleaner on the post and inside the seat post sleeve. Kind of help, a little. Ultimately, the sleeve may need to be replace (unfortunately, this cannot be done easily as a DIY project).
The sandpaper trick could work (and should not be visible if there is only one rider, as it will alway be inside the frame)). Could make the post more susceptible to corrosion however. Good Luck.
Again very well explained, thank you
I second the many positive comments about bike fit and selecting the right handlebar. Note that in addition to your body size, the lower, more aggressive position will require a greater saddle setback. With the saddle further back, your upper body weight can be offset by the hips being further back. You should be able to ride with your hands just floating on the bars, which is the setup used on a road bike. So if you have too much pressure on your hands, consider raising the bar, or sliding the saddle back (or both). On a folding bike, you might be limited in saddle setback because the seatpost is straight.
Excellent point. Since there is no stem between the handlebars and the steerer tube, reach adjustment can only be done by "fine tuning" the saddle setback for any given handlebar configuration.
Maybe something to cover in more details in a future video.
I'm a 5'5" female with average body proportions except that I'm quite thin. (105 lb.) I like a more upright position. Should I go for the M or the H? Will M be fine?
We would suggest M handlebar
Great info thanks
Scandinavian Bromptons are sold with the 600 mm saddle post as standard, so I have problems when using my B&W travelbox, as I have to remove the saddle and post. So I also have bought a telescope post!
Great video. Would love to feature it on my magazine AndyThousand.com
Thank you so helpful!
Great video! Btw, are you still using spongywonder bike seat?
Yes, Pam is still using her SpongyWonder seat :-)
@@2Bikes4Adventure awesome. I discovered it from one of your videos and I just bought mine. Will be trying it this coming weekend. Keep the great vids coming 😊
Pam adjusts the tilt slightly (down) on longer trips.
@@2Bikes4Adventure I just tried it tilted on max. And Im not sure if it's just the fabric of my leggings but I slightly slide forward that i think somehow adds pressure to my thighs. Though a really big relief on the butt and sensitive part.
You may want to experiment to find the optimum angle.
I used the chart at 6:32 since I don't have access to a shop. I took it completely literally. I was right on the H-type line. I had never ridden an H before, but happy with it. Thanks!
Happy we could help and congratulations for your new bike.
Thank you
Good info. Thanks
hi, nice video! why you didn't spoke about the P bar?
Because it has been discontinued by Brompton
Some good graphics...but I think you guys are over-thinking things a little.🥺