Your two criticisms of the Vello seem strange. The seat pillar is the same as the Brompton, the Birdy and almost all 20” bikes. So what are you talking about when you say the seat post slides down? It does not - 1000s of kilometres of cycling on the Alfine model can confirm that - and why should it be otherwise? As for the stem, why is it less safe than a clamp and swinging arm? The clamp on the Brompton is always an accident waiting to happen - wear and tear is far greater than on something that simply slides up and down (in a grooved slot). The Vello stem is extremely stable. It seems you don’t really know what you are talking about - have you even ridden one? As for the design, that is, of course, a matter of taste, but to many peoples’ eyes, it looks great; again, better than the rather children’s-toy-look of the Brompton, or the awkward-looking Birdy. The Vello shares some of its style with the Bike Friday and indeed rides like a Bike Friday too - solid, reliable, and fast - just a little stiffer - as there is only rear suspension - the same as the Brompton. Read the specifications properly or try one before misinforming your audience. Only the Moultons look and ride better, but unfortunately, they do not fold. I have owned and extensively used a Brompton, a Bike Friday, several Moultons as well as the Vello. I know from experience what I am talking about.
I also have a Vello Alfine - perfect for my daily use on hilly terrain (see my comment to the main thread) and I do not have any problem with slippage. In fact, my daily work commute includes a segment by Tram and I don't drop the bars or seat post (fits OK in the hangers) so I can god weeks without adjustment. Anyway, is someone had a problem with that (maybe big heavy person?) what is the problem of adjusting once a day? If you drop the seat when folding you do that anyway.
Tough choice. I've a few bikes, an old Moulton Stowaway, which is a simple and heavy two-speed bike that comes apart into two pieces, a Moulton APB, with a Shimano Dura Ace Di2 2x11 driveline, a Birdy with a Di2 XTR drive line, and a Japanese 5 speed Brompton clone. I put a lot of miles on the APB because it is supremely comfortable, and it comes apart and can be put in the back of the car. The Birdy I don't really ride anymore. I really like the Brompton clone because it's the fastest and easiest to fold and unfold, it weighs only 10kg, and accessories are easy to find. I can carry my dog in a basket on the Brompton. I think adding 20" wheels kind of defeats the purpose of the Brompton, which is to be a compact bike which can be folded into a very small size.
If I wanted to buy a foldable bike Brompton G-line would be my choice for my needs. Fastest and easiest to fold and most compact size. Competitors look very cumbersome to fold and transport, Riese Muller Birdy maybe the second best *after* Brompton.
Just for your information, since you don’t seem to read well. The mudguard that comes with it is only a part of the folding mudguard that you need to pay extra for, or for the mudguard that comes with the rear rack. Get your information right.
A Bromptons prime purpose is transport as folded and the 20" bike violates this. A slightly folder isn't in any way competing with a Brompton! Finn. Denmark
A Brompton's prime purpose broadened. As an aside, have you ridden on British urban roads? My suggestion is that the "outside town" put forward in reviews is off-focus - the G-line balloon tyres make a big difference in town.
Love these videos. The number one bike that bike that blows the wheels off the new Brompton G-line is the Brompton C-line. Cheers
That Birdy is really beautiful both in design and in technical content.
Your two criticisms of the Vello seem strange. The seat pillar is the same as the Brompton, the Birdy and almost all 20” bikes. So what are you talking about when you say the seat post slides down? It does not - 1000s of kilometres of cycling on the Alfine model can confirm that - and why should it be otherwise? As for the stem, why is it less safe than a clamp and swinging arm? The clamp on the Brompton is always an accident waiting to happen - wear and tear is far greater than on something that simply slides up and down (in a grooved slot). The Vello stem is extremely stable. It seems you don’t really know what you are talking about - have you even ridden one? As for the design, that is, of course, a matter of taste, but to many peoples’ eyes, it looks great; again, better than the rather children’s-toy-look of the Brompton, or the awkward-looking Birdy. The Vello shares some of its style with the Bike Friday and indeed rides like a Bike Friday too - solid, reliable, and fast - just a little stiffer - as there is only rear suspension - the same as the Brompton. Read the specifications properly or try one before misinforming your audience. Only the Moultons look and ride better, but unfortunately, they do not fold. I have owned and extensively used a Brompton, a Bike Friday, several Moultons as well as the Vello. I know from experience what I am talking about.
I also have a Vello Alfine - perfect for my daily use on hilly terrain (see my comment to the main thread) and I do not have any problem with slippage. In fact, my daily work commute includes a segment by Tram and I don't drop the bars or seat post (fits OK in the hangers) so I can god weeks without adjustment. Anyway, is someone had a problem with that (maybe big heavy person?) what is the problem of adjusting once a day? If you drop the seat when folding you do that anyway.
Tough choice. I've a few bikes, an old Moulton Stowaway, which is a simple and heavy two-speed bike that comes apart into two pieces, a Moulton APB, with a Shimano Dura Ace Di2 2x11 driveline, a Birdy with a Di2 XTR drive line, and a Japanese 5 speed Brompton clone. I put a lot of miles on the APB because it is supremely comfortable, and it comes apart and can be put in the back of the car. The Birdy I don't really ride anymore. I really like the Brompton clone because it's the fastest and easiest to fold and unfold, it weighs only 10kg, and accessories are easy to find. I can carry my dog in a basket on the Brompton. I think adding 20" wheels kind of defeats the purpose of the Brompton, which is to be a compact bike which can be folded into a very small size.
Well said.
I have the Vello gravel and the issue you've mentioned with the steering column is a non-issue. But agreed, suspension would be nice
If I wanted to buy a foldable bike Brompton G-line would be my choice for my needs. Fastest and easiest to fold and most compact size. Competitors look very cumbersome to fold and transport, Riese Muller Birdy maybe the second best *after* Brompton.
The Birdy folds smaller and weighs a lot less than the G line.
If you haven’t tested the brompton G line for any length of time how could you make these comparisons?
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to estimate the ballpark, nor to argue your statement.
Just for your information, since you don’t seem to read well. The mudguard that comes with it is only a part of the folding mudguard that you need to pay extra for, or for the mudguard that comes with the rear rack. Get your information right.
Some of those just look like soon-to-be-recalled frame designs. Another Babboe waiting to happen...
A Bromptons prime purpose is transport as folded and the 20" bike violates this. A slightly folder isn't in any way competing with a Brompton! Finn. Denmark
The G line is definitely trying to compete with them.
A Brompton's prime purpose broadened.
As an aside, have you ridden on British urban roads? My suggestion is that the "outside town" put forward in reviews is off-focus - the G-line balloon tyres make a big difference in town.