Is A Brompton Worth It? Owner Shares 5 Reasons To Buy/Pass
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- The Brompton design is iconic. And if you're looking for a folding bike, it needs no introduction.
But is a Brompton actually worth it?
After hundreds of miles of daily use, there are a few things I think you need to know. This video covers my top 5 reasons to buy and not to buy a Brompton.
View the blog post here: twowheelsbetter.net/brompton-...
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💯 Awesome bike stuff I like & you might, too:
🚲 BROMPTON (reigning champ of folding bikes): twowheelsbetter.net/go/brompton
🚲 PRIORITY BICYCLES (full-size belt-drive bikes with hub gears): twowheelsbetter.net/go/priority
✅ BROOKS B67 (favorite saddle for upright riding): amzn.to/44JFQ2A
✅ BROOKS B17 (favorite saddle for hybrid & touring posture): amzn.to/3DE2nSc
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0:00 Intro
0:40 Cons: high price
1:33 Cons: some proprietary parts
1:59 Cons: 16" wheels aren't the smoothest
2:37 Cons: twitchy without a front load
3:26 Cons: flimsy shifters until 2017
4:23 Pros: top-notch construction quality
5:08 Pros: clever and compact fold
5:44 Pros: long chainstays help ride quality
7:13 Pros: terrific luggage system
8:12 Pros: reasonable weight for so much utility
9:20 Wrap-up
(Music: Bensound.com)
You can’t beat a Brompton.
It’s very comfortable and I just did 40 miles on mine today and it was a breeze.
Wait until you have cycled on the folding trike Gekko 20 or 26FX, made by HP Velotechnik.
No saddle pain, because you are in a deckchair on 3 wheels.
Same comfort for you wrists, knees and neck.
Stability is great. I once braked on a frozen puddle of 17 feet long. I skidded, but I did not fall.
Less air resistance.
More suspension comfort with 2 inch or 2.25 inch tires.
Shorter brake distance, thanks to powerful front disk brakes.
Mirrors can be added to the handle bars. And thanks to the stable track, I can see as well as it were car mirrors.
You can carry more luggage.
The Cons of the Gekko compared to Brompton:
More expensive, prices start at 3,800 Bucks.
I pilot a HP Scorpion trike, I agree they are so comfortable and stable, but are less suited for international travel. In steps the Brompton. A perfect solution.
Never had a folding bike but ordered a Brompton 3 speed today. I contemplated getting a cheaper bike but too many times in my life ive compromised and regretted making a poor decision and end up buying what i should have just got to begin with and actually end up paying more ultimately. So im not going to regret this! Im a truck driver and during the week im in my truck and away from my bike which has sadly been demoted to a weekend bike. I used to commute to my various works sense back in the late 1990s until about 3 years ago and i miss being able to ride during the week, so this will be with me so i can get a few rides in during the week
Thank you for explaining how the front loading luggage actually improves handling. Carrying weight up front was a definite concern for me.
If you do go with a cheaper folding bike, please PLEASE do make sure it's a 16" folding bike that folds similarly to the Brompton, like the Dahon curl i4. You just cannot compare 20" with 16".
I started with a (very) cheap foldie. It was heavy, large and rusted really quickly. But it was handy to learn the ins & out of foldie bikes, so I bought a Brompton just before I retired. Still happy with it & its not at risk of being pinched or rusty as it can live indoors.
Very helpful, thoughtfully reasoned review📽👍
Glad to hear, and thanks for watching!
Great review. Thanks. I’ll be looking for a chat about the “luggage”. Safe travels.
Thanks for leading with the cost. Decisions begin and end right there: cost vs benefit.
Premium , but not overpriced. No other bike I know holds its value as well.
Good review
Good vid👍
I look “globally” upon the price of the Brompton. And I think it is reasonable. My logic and experience is that the bike is fun, has excellent convenience and utility, and because it gets used a lot it represents good value.
My own experience of twelve months of Brompton M6L ownership has been great. It is my favourite bike and it has covered over 5,000 miles in 2020. I swapped out the standard 50T chainring for a 44T (and 98-link chain) and do find that for me this makes the gearing perfect for my local roads/inclines. I also have a Brook’s B17 Standard saddle which suits me and the bike very well, I never even have to think about saddle comfort as it is spot on, even on rides of many hours duration.
If you shop them hard, there are bargains to be found Took a few weeks but I found my S2L for $900, added a 3 speed for $125.
How can it be over $1000 second hand?? It’s a bike after all!
@@hobocyclist - supply and demand🙂 It’s tough, but it’s reality. Buy second-hand wisely though to avoid poorly maintained or stolen goods.
I have been using folding bikes for more than 15 years. About 1 year I had enough with 20' folders, so I brought a S6L then 4 months ago I brought a B75 for my daughter. I love both bikes. I would say I love the B75 more as it is cheaper. And I have extra money to upgrade.
Besides, although B75 gearing is reduced by 12%, it is good for city ride.
I agree everything this video says good about Brompton.
If possible, get a second hand B75.
B75 has all the gears i need 44t, love it.
20's are smoother, More flexible gear choices, heavier, don't fold as well.
I recently purchased a Brompton A Line bike. I really enjoy it but I also enjoy my Solorock Dash 8 bike as well. My Brompton came with a rough spot on the frame and a small scratch. I was able to correct this problem myself. I'm assuming that it came from the manufacturer that way because the area where the rough spot and small scratch was, was well wrapped up in shipping protective material. It was probably an oversight by Brompton's Quality Control department. All in all my Brompton A Line folding bike is one of my favorite bikes considering that I have a collection of folding bikes.
great ! thanks for this video
Thanks for watching, hope it helped!
Good video, well said.
The only reason to have a Brompton js the FOLD. It remains the most compact folder ever. If you want speed easy hill climbing and looks. You get a TERN VERGE X11. it rules for speed climbing and visual aesthetics.
Different strokes for different folks. I looked at the Tern and the colors are not appealing at all to me.
Everyone is different. I tried out a brompton, a tern (I think it might even have been the x11) and a vello, and ended up buying the brompton.
The tern and the vello did feel different to ride compared with the brompton, in the sense that they did feel a bit more like a conventional bike.
To me, the difference was noticable but not that much of a deal, as the brompton is super comfortable to ride and it does get up to speed to and you can climb up hills with it too.
On the other hand, the brompton folded size is just small enough to fit in everywhere: I can put it under my table at a restaurant or cafe (but just a few centimeters higher and that wouldn't work anymore), I can put it between my legs in a fully cramped train or bus (not possible if it would be just slightly bigger).
I find it beautiful and the fact that I can take it virtually anywhere is what makes it so useful to me.
I think if you fool around with other folders, you may be put-off, entirely. If you're a regular rider, and want to have the option of putting the bike in the car, or taking it on the luggage car on the train... don't hesitate. They're *totally* worth it. For around town, the 3-speed is fine, and the 6-speed has a good range for hills.
B
A brommie in the trunk means you always have a bike. Has almost paid for itself in parking.
Many thanks for the explanation about a Brompton being designed for a front load. Also, those looking for parts will find quite a few choices at eBay. Here's a question. Can the old-style three-speed shifters be replaced with the new ones?
Good question! It's possible...but potentially complicated.
Apparently the new integrated brake/shifter fits the old S and P bars but requires the *new* M or H bars (which in turn require a new stem). It has to do with where/how the bars curve.
Then there's the general nuisance of replacing cables, but at least they aren't so expensive.
Not hard , but may not be worth the expense. I would double check the bar issue, I had not heard of conflict, but tolerances are tight on the fold.
Not many things you can buy are so much worth their money than Brompton bikes. They are eytremely reliable, the construction is very well proven and ingenious, and the build quality is as high as it can possibly get. Riding a Brompton is so surprisingly comfortable and I can even ascend alpine passes on it. The possibility to take our Bromptons with my plane to explore cities and landscapes at my destinations adds an entire new degree of freedom to my life.
Well said. Totally agree.
Nice video. I have two folding bikes nowadays, one is a Tern Link P9 (in Brazil) and the other is a Brompton S6R that I ride here in Italy. Which I like the most? Hard to say, the P9 run smoother, it's faster, lighter and it's easier to find the best gear for any situation. On the other hand my Brompton folds smaller, it's more confortable and you find a lot more options to customise your bike. Both were used bikes that I found for decent prices (Brompton was still expensive) and I can ride 50-80km with any of them without any worries. Still, I think I will stay with my Brompton only, since I love to do my own upgrades and I could even put titanium parts and 20 inch wheels on it.
Thanks for sharing; always interested to hear from people who have spent lots of time on Bromptons _and_ alternatives. Glad to hear it's serving you well!
A very similar experience here.
After having 2 parked bikes stolen, I became interested in a folding alternative. I found the Bromptons very nice but somewhat small for my height (1.85 meters), somewhat unstable and very out of my budget.
I started with a Tern Link D8. Excellent experience and to this day I use it as a backup bike.
I was able to get my hands on a second hand Brompton (which cost me more than a new Tern) and today it is my everyday bike and I will be buying a new one shortly. Both fulfill the function, but the Brompton has the advantage of folding better and effectively accompanies me everywhere, even to see movies at the cinema. I've never had any difficulties, which happened to me a couple of times with the Tern, which is more "clunky" in comparison.
Thinking, the Tern hasn't been used for a couple of months. That's the thing with Bromptons.
Greetings!
👏 Thank you for that helpful info. I look forward to more Brompton content.
Good video - strangely enough, I prefer the old shifters. I can shift faster, including with my knuckles. Cheers !
I definitely hadn't thought about using one's knuckles, but now that you point it out...makes sense! Thanks for watching.
Great video
What about the hummingbird bike? Have you even taken that for a test ride? Could you make a video about that one? Thanks!
Good review, especially in estimating the true cost of the bike. Question: Can you get a shorter handlebar stem for shorter riders. Otherwise I envision a shorter person with the seat way down and the bars way up like on a chopper.
Thanks! Re: a shorter stem, I'm not aware of any. If the S bars are still too high, there might be a shorter aftermarket stem, but I don't believe Brompton themselves sell one.
I'd say the advice to go with cheaper folder first is not the best. I had a standard 20" folder in the past and I didn't like it. It was still large after folding, it was heavy and difficult to carry. Brompton is much easier to live with. Two other folders I'd like to try are Tern BYB and Birdy.
Great point. Agreed, it's much easier to live with than...well...any others I've had the chance to try!
Very fair and considered revue... Thanks.
But I can't understand why all the good stuff was listed as "Cons" instead of "Pros."
(Listed onscreen in magenta, top right-hand side. Am I the only one that noticed this?)
Ha, that's a great catch--definitely a mistake!
Two speed or three speed internal. I can just about afford the base version. Which one should I go for? Urban use only. Thanks
My short answer is 2-speed if it's fairly flat and you don't mind working a bit harder on occasion. Otherwise 3-speed.
But it's expensive to get that wrong, so I highly recommend comparing the gear-inches of both options to what you normally ride:
brompton.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/4405571377565/mceclip0.png
It's not welded 😭 they use highly skilled people trained in brazing. This is integral to the engineering of the bike as it allows them to use thinner walled steel tubing (reducing weight) in the main construction without too much metal fatigue that would happen right next to a weld, which would lead to breakage and weld failure. Brazing is using a dissimilar metal to join two other types of metal and is very different from welding where you're melting together three similar types of metal. Welding takes a much higher temperature and causes a lot more damage to the parent material, which in this case is the tubing. This is a really well-done video though, thank you
Thanks, @NoZenith. I didn't realize brazing made such a huge difference in construction, so that's fascinating. Glad you pointed that out!
@@twowheelsbetter_yt as I understand it it's literally the only way to make a bike like this. I've been digging trying to find any issues with the Brompton that would convince me not to spend well over $1,000 and I'm finding nothing but tried and true engineering that's convincing me it's worth the investment since I don't need an ultra-light.
Thanks again :-)
Re cost - yes it may appear to be high it would be difficult to argue it isn’t value for money. I have met many people with 20+ year old Bromptons. Impressive considering how much a folding bike gets knocked about. Also if you decide to sell you should get most of your money back as depreciation is so low.
Agree they need to be treated with respect because of the handling but once you’re used to it, they’re a real hoot. Very fast off the mark because of those small wheels and very nippy too. Ideal for city commutes.
If you don’t live in a hilly area the 2 gear is probably the pick of the bunch. Quite a weight saving over the hub gears and the 2 ratios are well thought out.
@@Funinhounslow I really appreciate that take. Not many people discuss the gears other than most people either want to avoid the derailleur and go sturmey Archer 3-speed or they want the broad functionality of the 6-speed. I honestly think I'm in the latter camp as it's not exactly Steep Hill here but there are some long drawn-out Hills since I live in a city bisected by a river. I'm less than two blocks away from the river itself but I'm at one of the highest points in my area. I'm also not an Enthusiast or a genuine cyclist so I'm going to have trouble like having a big chainring fixie LOL I tried that around here and it was a no-go. The 3 speed Huffy I bought off a neighbor is a bit of a struggle for me. From my research on Brompton I understand it's probably not a wide ratio 3-speed internal hub. I'm going to go test ride some demo bikes in Chicago next weekend. I have an appointment set up with someone to go over the bikes and see what fits me the best in seat post height and whether I want M or H... I don't know if I'm going to buy something on the spot or put an order in for whenever it gets here next spring but I'm definitely going to try the 2-speed now and I hadn't even considered that before. It's a lot cheaper cuz I understand then getting the six speed as well so repairing it would probably be a lot cheaper and I plan, as you said, to keep this as a long-term investment
@@NoZenith Yeah there's no substitute for trying them out - I went in fully expecting to buy an M3 and ended up with an S2! I was swung by the weight saving over the hub gears - almost a kilo.
The big surprise for me is how widely accepted they are when folded - I've never had a issue taking it in cafes, pubs or on public transport.
Good luck with the test rides - and if you haven't already seen it, this is worth a watch - there is an interesting segment about the braziers...
ua-cam.com/video/max3bL3bTbg/v-deo.html
Is it worth it, is the Stupidest Question of YT.
It’s rather - what do you want it for? ( and ) Will you use it enough so the High Price will pay off in a long term Perspective?
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Easy Solution for the missing suspension - Brooks B67 🤫
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Nice Honest Video/ Bike Review
Where can one test ride a Brompton in US now? Can one order through REI and not buy it if Brompton didn’t work out for you? I’m interested in knowing how to get one.
Good question and I wish I knew! Not sure about REI specifically, but in general I'd start calling the dealers list from top to bottom. Might have to check quite a few. Likely to be out of state (if any remain), so testing may be out of the question right now...
Great review. I gambled and bought one because nothing available to test ride. Generally it’s regarded as a bike you don’t buy without a test ride. I read and spoke to as many owners as possible before buying my S3L and I love the damn thing. I hope I am not being disrespectful but take a look at my videos for additional info.
@@macpdm
You can rent one at Brompton Junction. Located downtown in Manhattan. Though, because of this pandemic, they may longer have rentals. Thought it's still worth checking out.
@@LifeofPrime0014 good idea they can be rented in London city also 👍
Factory stores and a few dealers eg Seattle. REI seldom has Brommie stock in the stores
My take of the advice to try out a cheaper folding bike is that it might not really sell you on the merits of a folding bike.
I have a Lectric XP and I bought it with the intention of folding it to take on occasional busses. I also live in a very hilly area with no bus stops near where I live. The thing is, it's not only heavy (of course allo ebikes are probably heavy) but also still very large and awkward to pick up when folded, so much so that I'd only recommend my Lectric XP for someone camping in a trailer or motor home or someone with an SUV or hatchback car who wants to ride for leisure, not replacing car trips.
From what I've heard and seen about the Brompton and Brompton Electric is that it folds so small it's like a briefcase that you can lift with one hand just dangling from a limp arm. That puts it in a different use case from other folding bikes entirely.
That's a terrific point and I think you're spot on. I should have mentioned in the video (don't think I did) that a Brompton was the first folding bike I rode that actually sold me on the concept. Cheaper ones were more like, "Well, if it's the only option..."
And that's correct: it does fold up to roughly briefcase size, albeit not quite the same shape. I even used to carry it into the grocery store sometimes.
How does it compare good/bad to a 20" bike like the Tern Link?
I only rode a Link briefly, but my general impression was the Brompton folded *much* more nicely, handled better with luggage, and felt equally smooth (smaller wheels, but suspension block). The Link was certainly good, just not my preference.
@@twowheelsbetter_yt Thanks
I have 3 all bought secondhand. I know a number of cyclists that have bought other folders and all regret not buying what they really wanted - buy nice not twice. Btw Brommies are brazed not welded and the braze areas have the initials of the brazer in case of any failures.....
Well said. I get that the price is out of the question for a lot of folks, but I think it's money well spent for those who can! (Plus their resale value is strong, and was even before all the shortages.)
Thanks for the correction re: brazing. Didn't know about the initials; that's cool!
I have owned folding bikes before and generally had good luck with them. I would like to try a Brompton because of the super compact fold. It is possible to get a new A-Line which replaces the B-75 for $1,250 US brand new with a carry block and medium size bag. The 3-speed Sturmey Archer should be adequate for the terrain I would be riding on. As a bonus, it already is configured with a 12% gear reduction compared to standard gearing right from the box. For a Brompton, it's a pretty good deal, I think.
Agreed, sounds like a solid deal. You'll love the bag!
I'm not particularly fussy, which is why I bought a clone for less than half the price of an original. The Brompton is the best folding bicycle in the world, which gives it the smallest folded size and decent bicycle weight. The 16-inch wheels is the largest drawback which affects riding comfort, followed by the almost ridiculous price. The clones are almost like the real thing, and the one I own has gone on airplanes with me for bike camping trips. The proprietary parts and upgrades all mostly work on the clones, and they are just as expensive.
Most clones are made of alloy, not steel. The Brompton is hand made in London from good quality steel.
Does it come with a front light?
Not normally. A dynamo system is a common upgrade for a few hundred bucks (and generally worth it in my opinion) but you and/or your dealer will need to do it.
There's also a neat battery light attachment option that mimics the position of a dynamo headlight. Either way, I'd put a secondary clip-on light on the bars just to flash for extra visibility.
The "mickey mouse" shifters are actually nicer to shift even though there's no indicators compared to post 2017 shifters from my point of view
If you don't know by feel what gear you are in , you are not riding enough
My seat keeps on moving... is that normal?
Meaning it turns slightly no matter now tight I make it.
Probably not. To clarify, you mean the whole seatpost turns when the clamp is tight, or the saddle rotates on top of the seatpost?
A decent one is well over $2K now.
👌👍
These are heavy cons for price point, bikes are everywhere and not expensive,. Barriers to entry massive. I would ride one but never had the chance. it folds but why is it so good? It’s the mini cooper of bikes??
It is indeed the Mini Cooper of bicycles. The pros in the this good video outweigh quite a bit the negatives.
I have one since 2012, without anything serious breaking. I commute sometimes 9 miles one way, then subway on the way back (or not). It can be taken inside a bus as well. When folded, it stays shut, unlike others (I had a Dahon before the Brompton). I rode it on 45-mile day trips without even a puncture, once it pouring rain. It becomes like a seond skin - best money spent. In my case, I live in New York, so its value is higher (it stays folded in the apartment). Finally, I like quirky designs...
@@oe59 yes true of course NYC perfect transport is folding bike. In my country I also have a car, which cost less than a brompton!! 😂😂😂
Guess tires wear quick coz of wheel size.
Yeah it's true. Changing the rear is a pain on the internally-geared hub models, but otherwise at least it's only a minor headache and expense in the big picture.
$1600 for a bike to travel from home to train station and then from another train station to work OR two serarate non folding $100 bikes for those two journeys
Sometimes it's the right tool, though. All situational.
The b75 is a three speed and $1000. However no racks or fenders.
Yes, true! Good option for some climates at least. (And some folks may dislike their old-style shifters, which I'm not fond of, but not the end of the world.)
@@twowheelsbetter_yt i just added racks and fenders myself which cost $100 or so. Eventually I will also switch out the three speed for something with more speeds. I think this is the best option for anyone planning to do such things because why pussy for something you're getting rid of anyway.
what about the clone, cheaper, 3sixty bikes ?
Hey @enn 1922 I just noticed your question. Not familiar with them, but I assume you mean these guys? 3sixty.kr/
I suspect they work well and are a good deal, but we probably don't know much about their longevity and manufacturer support yet.
As a matter of principle, I'd rather buy form the creator than the copycat. But if 3sixty is *far* cheaper (and if the unproven brand isn't a concern) then I can see why one would buy it.
@@twowheelsbetter_yt I spoke with a man travelling in the subway with a small bike he ordered on amazon for 230 euros. he had the bike for 2 years. he told me it was working well. 2000 euros is a no-no...
Cool, sounds like he found a fantastic deal!
@@bstr-ey6wl taboos are a no-no.
Not a real bargain , when you look at quality. Some clones use a wider rear, which gives flexible choices in gearing.
Seems like you are reading word for word from your article. Since it is a video, maybe showing various videos of Bromptons in motion, showing how you fold and unfold it etc will make the video more interesting. Good content but not an interesting video
This actually worked fine for me since I am reading the comments while listening to him talk. But generally, yes, showing off the item visually is more engaging.
Show the fricken bike!
Don't let anybody be in doubt! The small wheels are - heavy rolling and gives much more resistance than larger wheels!! So as a bike it is "lousy"! Originally it also gave us a lot of small wheeled, useless "monsters"!
The Brompton is an instrument for fun and special circumstances and its prime advantage of course is its ability to fold into nearly nothing! Finn. Denmark
I have seen bike travel videos with Bromptons, carrying camping equipment. Its small seize makes it handy and cheap to fly to other countries. On the other hand, a standard holiday touring bike is much better then a Brompton. And you can also take it disasambled on a plane, in an old TV box.
why the hell in my country a brompton bike is worh 6000 usd and its second hand.. only steal.. i thought this bikes are made from titanium..
That is brutal! Not sure what normal retail prices are where you live, but these shortages and supply chain problems have been unreal.
Got $$ buy Brompton!
Less $$ buy MOBOT!
brompton is like Rolls Royce there is no standard price.
I find very little to justify the cost of this bike. Very little. You could buy a RadRunner and have an eBike for less. The folding is of little value unless you drive a Mini-Cooper.
Bromptons are mainly bought by commuters, who take the train or subway each day. That is where the small seize of the folded Brompton comes in.
Or it is bought by people who live in a small appartement and carry the Brompton upstairs.
And by people who need transport for use with a camper / motorhome / RV🚐
It''s great for hopping on the subway or a train, hanging out in a coffee shop or grocery store and not worrying about leaving your bike outside, or if you get a flat and need to jump in an Uber. All of these scenarios are real examples from my experience with my Brompton. Plus, there are those who travel with theirs on planes.
Just see your big face more than the bike