Brompton Electric 2 speed vs 6 speed hill climb comparison
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- We are often asked - should I get a 2 speed or a 6 speed Brompton Electric bike
We were also asked if a 2 speed would be suitable for hilly areas
So we got two bikes - and rode them up a relatively steep hill (for the South of England) 8 times - 4 times each with no power (to simulate a flat battery) and on levels 1, 2 and 3
The video has the following:
Intro
6-speed Brompton Electric
No Power / Power Level 0
Power Level 3
Power Level 1
Power Level 2
2-speed Brompton Electric
No Power / Power Level 0
Power Level 3
Power Level 1
We went home and came back on Christmas Day for ....
Power Level 2
Statistics Intro
Outtakes
And here are those vital statistics - if you want more detail - please ask
Moving time (min) Elevation gain (m) Ave speed (km/h) Max speed (km/h) Ave HR (BPM) Max HR (BPM) Ave power (Watts) Max (Watts) Ave cadence Max cadence
6-Speed power level 0 14.4 139 8.4 14.8 151 164 172 282 51 77
6-Speed power level 1 11.52 141 10.2 16.3 145 155 146 240 54 82
6-Speed power level 2 10.33 140 11.8 20.0 137 146 122 196 58 80
6-Speed power level 3 6.56 140 17.9 24.5 137 145 124 225 59 80
2-Speed power level 0 17.2 139 7.1 11.9 153 173 146 252 28 54
2-Speed power level 1 13.02 139 9.6 14.1 138 150 152 238 37 57
2-Speed power level 2 8.21 144 14.8 20.9 126 138 108 253 50 72
2-Speed power level 3 9.25 140 13.0 18.2 135 148 143 215 48 73 - Спорт
I think your personality, knowledge of the Brompton, and deliberate delivery of information, combined is just perfect. I often refer to previous videos to learn of information to educate myself. Thank you!👍👍👍
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We really do appreciate it! Thank you for watching!
Best bit of marketing and technical testing I have seen. Brompton should send you another Brompton as a reward. Electric or not, a very fit lady, without being obsessive. Such a realist.
Many thanks for the lovely comments. We really enjoyed the challenge!
Eight times? Wow! Thanks for another brilliant video. Barbara
With the battery it was easy (just the two unassisted were a bit more challenging)
We actually did 9 - as we filmed some side shots not during the actual test to capture the jam stall ;-)
Thanks for the kind comment once again
Thank you for the very valiant effort you put into making this video, Ms. Brilliant! I would choose the 6-speed variant anytime!
You're very welcome!
Thanks for the kind comment and for watching
Stay safe and Happy New Year
You are most welcome. Thank you for each and every video. Stay safe and enjoy a happy New Year.
Thanks for the video comparison. I’d been leaning toward a 6 because I do live in a hilly area. Love your vids. Informative, fun and the out takes are amusing. ❤️
Thanks for watching and the kind comment :-)
Stay safe and Happy New Year
what a test pilot !!! we only get some indication of the gradient you went up at about 8:40 when the brickwork in the background was slanted to keep level.. eek! well done to the cameraman too and all your number crunching displayed for us 🤗
Always the best brompton videos!
Glad you like them! Thank you so much for the kind comment
Stay safe and Happy New Year
Great video! I bought a 6 speed because it's hilly round here and you've confirmed I've done the right thing. Loving it even on the hills, so much easier to arrive in less than the usual mess I get into on either of my other bikes
Thank you, you really are pioneers for Brompton videos. I’m even more glad I got my 6 speed electric now. It was faster from your shop to Woking station than the 73 bus! I’m a lot heavier than you so climbing hills isn’t my forte, 6 speed is perfect for me.
This is same with what I think. I have 2, 3 and 6 speed Brompton and was wondering to put the 3-party Swytch in which one. I finally installed it in 6-speed one and it works well. Thank you for your video! It's a good buyer guide for electric Brompton.
Thank you for watching. Great it helped you decide :)
How are you liking the switch kit?
Bravo ! A genuine tour de force.
This one is extremly helpful when choosing between the two speed set-ups, thank you so much!
Really glad it has helped you, we found it really interesting! Thank you for watching and commenting.
@@brilliantbikes Reading the stats once again: 2-speed on level 3 assist max speed is 18.2 km/h?
Shouldn´t it reach 24.5 km/h? As does the 6-speed?
Excellent video! I love these real world tests! I have an electric folding bike, a Woosh Rambletta and it's fantastic! Good for around 30-40+miles on a charge. It's got me back into cycling again!
Many thanks for watching and for the comment, we really enjoy the Brompton electric
Very worthwhile video. Well done for the hard work and I am so pleased I bought a six speed.
We agree if you want to ride hills the 6 speed is a better choice.
Thank you fir taking the time to watch and comment
Fascinating statistics. For power levels 1 & 3, the 6 speed was significantly faster, despite a lower average power from the rider. I didn't expect that the gearing would have such an impact on efficiency.
We completely agree - it was a surprise to us that the gears helped so much too
Thanks for watching, and the comment
Stay safe and Happy New Year
Great video. For future side by side comparisons, it would be better to alternate between 2 and 6 speed though as the 2 speed had been used by your cameraman for multiple runs, so started with a lower battery charge. This explains why the 2 speed level 2 outperformed level 3: it was recharged and not going flat!
Great video, I opted for the 6 speed electric not testing the 2 speed so it seems like I made the right choice !
We just find it a bit more versatile if you want to ride any hills.
Thanks for watching!
I was anxiously waiting for this!
Thanks for your patience - we ran out of time on day 1, so had to continue on Christmas Day!
Then we had to decide what to include - we didn't want an hour long video
@@brilliantbikes I can only imagine the amount of work involved in recording and going through all the footage to edit the video. It was very informative, thank you! I didn't see the power meter data though, just the lap times. Did I miss it?
Thanks for the the comment
We put the power data in the comments section - we didn't want to bore people too much with all the numbers - for us it already became quite a long video
Hope we'll see more from you again soon
@@brilliantbikes Ohh it's actually in the video description! ahah just found it. Awesome!
Best Brompton channel ever !
Thank you so much for your very kind comment and support
I don't understand why there isn't a 3-speed. I don't think I ever use the derailleur on my 6-speed electric. I have wondered about having it taken off.
Thats a great question
The Brompton "3-speed" uses a narrow ratio 3 speed hub
The 6 speed - like yours - uses a wide ratio 3 speed hub in conjunction with a 2 speed derailleur - this fills in the big "jumps" between the hub gear ratios
The person behind the camera always ran his manual Brompton using a "6-speed" wheel but with the 3 speed setup
brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompton-rear-sprockets-and-spacers/425-brompton-bwr3-13-stack.html
Brompton actually make it ... but don't offer it as a standard option ... who knows why?
Well done. Very helpful. Hilly where we live in Devon.
Many thanks! It was really good fun and we learnt a lot! I’d choose a 6 speed if I had hills!
@@brilliantbikes great. I might even treat myself to a Brooks saddle.
Excellent comparison. I am trying to decide between 2 speed and 6 speed. Mostly where I cycle is quite flat, but not everywhere! I think the 6 speed might be a better option for me.
We would really recommend trying them, the 2 speed I found I ran out of gearing on the flat, although you could increase the front chain ring size, but it is lighter.
Thank you for watching and good luck with the decision
@@brilliantbikes Unfortunately I can’t try before I buy (Australia - the states selling them are still in lockdown, and I am not in lockdown, but have no desire to have to quarantine), I think I will go with the 6 speed. I am 5’0” tall, and reckon the M handlebar should suffice. Based on my inseam, that will give me 15cm of handlebar height above the seat. I believe that was about what my Gazelle Orange had (got stolen a few weeks ago). I am super keen to bring my bike inside or lock it in my van. I have had 3 ebikes stolen now……
I'd like to see a comparison of non-electric Bromptons up this hill, 2-speed vs 3 vs 6. Especially since the cheapest Brompton is a three speed.
Great suggestion! It’s been added to the list!
Thank you for watching!!
I am having a hard time choosing between standard and electric brompton, as cost more than twice of the standard one. great video
Many thank for watching and the comment. We’d really recommend a demo of both then choose once you have ridden them
@@brilliantbikes thank you
Looking forward to your comparison of a C Line Electric and the P Line Electric re: hills and gearing and etc!
So are my legs as I have a feeling it’s not going to be easy! Looking at the hills the camera man wants to choose……
@@brilliantbikes You are astounding on the hills! You even manage to be a tour guide along the way! (I look at your results and figure I would need to ratchet down expectations for myself. That's why I'm debating the six speeds of the C Line vs. the lighter weight of the P Line with only 4 speeds!)
We DID know you would make it! Another GREAT video! I’m getting pretty sold on the electric Brampton! Keep them coming!
Sweet! This makes me feel better about considering the 2-speed. I just may need to make sure to save enough battery for hill to get back home since I live on top of a hill.
Many thanks for watching and the comment- yes the two speed is fine with the battery power 😀
Loved your video and thanks so much for answering my biggest brompton electric question, although I think I could get by with the 2 speed I think for the minimal extra outlay and minimal extra weight for me it's got to be the 6 speed which I always kinda thought but it's great to have it confirmed. You don't want to get one and always be wondering if you'd got the other
Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. If you are going to ride hills then the 6 speed makes more sense
Thanks for the video. Can you post a spreadsheet with graphs for the various runs?
Brilliant! Thank you for very useful info!
Thank you for watching, and the very kind comment
Really informative video! 👍🏻😃
I ride a Brompton Sparticle and love it!
So glad you found it useful! Hope you enjoy your electric!
You should ask for a stunt double! Besides my Lightweight, I also own a Makita folding bike, heavy, one hinge in the middle and two 18 volt tool batteries as power. They have a tendency to run out of power (They are limited to 4 amp, so I must use the pedals as full power for going home, most times. My 6 speed Lightweight functions all the time. ;-)
Thanks for watching. I guess that’s the advantage of a manual Brompton, they don’t run out of power 😊
@@brilliantbikes During vacations I have found out that even my lowest gear, of 6, isn't enough riding up a steep hill, of which we have many on our primary target for a vacation, so I have to walk with my bike. And I don't consider buying a new Titanium bike, as it has only 4 gears, though the price may be about the same here in Denmark, as I paid for my Lightweight, now former topmodel? ;-)
Fantastic - that's the sort of information that really helps people make decisions. I admire your commitment - I make that three "sessions" invested, to date, in this one report - and you say there's more to come...
I'm one of the naughty brigade running a (legally compliant!) aftermarket kit on my M6R. I really appreciate the way in which my twistgrip allows me to fine tune the assistance I receive. Only just enough to alleviate my suffering, not so much that I don't have to work at it. As you say, when things are just right it all becomes fun again!
PS. Nasty squeak on the two speed unassisted run! Any idea why?
Actually - it was the 6 speed that squeaks ... the left hand crank
Why - not sure yet - we think we "trashed" it a bit too much last winter! It was our main demo until we ran it through lots of mud / water (like it shouldn't really be subject to)
We'll make an update on the fix
@@brilliantbikes It was the support crew? Oh Dear - I thought it was the result of your romping up the hill in an over high gear!
Useful comparisons! I think a 2 speed would be fine for me. I don’t have any hills as steep as you tested on. Plenty of longer inclines. Though the weight of a 6 speed is even more insignificant once you’ve got a battery and motor.
I have an electric 6. I’d still recommend the 6 over the 2, even on the flat, as I think I’d be constantly spinning out in top gear on the 2 speed. (The 6 speed extends the gear ranges in both directions compared to the 2 speed)
ua-cam.com/video/AzbGb-TUZA0/v-deo.html
Thanks for the kind comment
We're still discussing the pro's and con's of 2 vs 6!
The lack of low gearing on the steep hill with no battery was the deciding factor choosing 6 vs 2 - so if the battery never dies - 2 would be OK for the climb - but on the flats - the 2 speed spins out a bit quickly and can't keep up with the 6
Stay safe and Happy New Year
Thanks for watching - and the valuable comment (the extra gears can be handy both ends)
We want to try it as a 3 speed - using the BWR wheel with a single sprocket and losing the derailleur complexity
Stay safe and Happy New Year
@@brilliantbikes
I'd wondered about doing that, a spacer to replace one of the cogs to get the optimal chain line. Would say a 14 tooth single rear cog be optimal? Hmm lots of options to play around with!
5:35 is how I look on my B75 getting dropped by everyone on their 6 speed Bromptons and larger-wheeled bikes. I still adore my bike, though. 🎉
Thanks for watching Dawn
What's not to love - as they whizz past, looking too serious just shout (or think) .... 'small wheels, big smile!'
@@brilliantbikes small wheels adds to the fun!
@@brilliantbikes 😁
Thanks for this, an informative and well presented video. It would have been useful to know the gradient and length of the climb and perhaps a Ordnance Survey grid reference too so we could see the hill in detail.
This is a climb in Zwift if youʻre familiar with it.
Brilliant I didnt realise you could get the electric B in different gear options. Hmm shall I sell my S3L and get an S2L electric :-)
Thank you so much. Very helpful
Love your Brompton videos. At almost 95 kg I would like to know what kind of range I could get with a 6 speed Electric Brompton. I would probably be on power level 3 most of the time so even if I got 15 miles on a full charge I would be happy with that. I'm retired so a daily ride of 10-15 miles would be perfect.
You could just ride in power level 2 and use 3 when you really need extra assistance in places. Don't have to be using max assistance/max speed on them all the time. If you look at the quoted range from Brompton, I imagine it would be the lower figure realistically. The higher figure is more on minimal assistance and maximum input pedalling.
any chance of showing a video of step by step of putting on the rear rack on the electric brompton.
Thanks for watching - and the great suggestion
We actually have on our list .. "how to add a rack to your Brompton" - the list keeps getting longer instead of shorter
Although the rack isn't officially recommended by Brompton - for the electric - it's a great idea - and we will get around to it soon (especially after the request)
Would be interesting to see regular 6 speed normal chainring 50t and reduced chainring compared 44t to these times. And maybe the increased chainring 54t just to be cruel.
Thank you for watching. Great suggestion, I like a good hill! To be honest between the electric and an equivalent manual I can’t see there being much difference as the front wheel runs so well! But I guess there is the weight difference!
Very odd stats for 2 speed, power level 2. You were quicker than power level 3 and hardly pedalling (low watts). Looks like a warmer day, or fresh battery, helped.
Ah I think the strange stats were as a result of us redoing that level on a different day, actually Christmas Day! As it got dark the previous day so we had to fill in the gap! We had not recharged the battery to keep constancy but I was fresher!
Great content well presented, thank you 😊
Many thanks for the comment! So glad it was OK
I definitely felt the pain as you ascended the hill on the two speed with no electric power to assist. Well done for that effort👍
I think you have adequately answered my query from the last vid on the usability and versatility front😃 Go 6-speed!
The reality for me would be that I am most tired at the end of a ride, precisely when the battery could be most depleted too. I doubt I would have the will-power to not use the electric assistance except for on the hills. Easy speed is addictive after all, as indeed I found on your demo 6-speed in Jan 2020.
Sounds like an extra set of lights would be a good thing to have in the back-pack for a day out if cycling in the dark was a possible too. Oh dear, more weight...
Thanks for watching and the constructive comments
We're glad we answered the question (it answered it for us too!)
You may have noticed, when we went back the 2nd time - we had a spare light on the back
Stay safe and Happy New Year
@@brilliantbikes - As an aside, I am really pleased to see the number of folk getting out on electric-assist bikes these days. And by and large, these are people I judge would not be riding a bike without electric assistance. The nonchalance with which they pedal and maintain a comfortable and safe speed says it all really. I got a particular joy recently when I saw a couple in the Lake District (Cumbria, UK) with electric Bromptons 😃
For me, the standard Brompton has a unique appeal already, and without doubt has been my absolute favourite go-to bike in 2020, having covered over 5,000 trouble-free miles in the year.
Adding electric could elevate the appeal somewhat for where assistance is desirable, particularly on busy roads with any inclines. There are times when I would just like to get somewhere with minimal effort and without the usual bike drawbacks of slow speed on hilly terrain. Let’s face it, to be able to still pop the electric bike under the stairs or in the boot/trunk of a car takes the overall appeal of the Brompton to another level. And without the chunky volume and weight of the usual crop of electric bikes I see around which when not in use must just get in the way, not be out of the way...
Perhaps I am being picky, but wouldn’t it be nice if the electric Brompton could have the front carrier block bag range available to use. Now that would extend the appeal a few notches too for days out or shopping errands.
Fab review 👍..... I really need to get one...
Thanks very much, very useful stats but can you explain why both Ave & Max power increased on 6 speed Level 3, compared to Level 2 ? Its counter-intuitive. I can understand the differences on the 2 speed Level 2 & Level 3 its fresh legs but not on the results taken on the same day with the 6 speed
The heart rate counts also explains the difference that 'fresh legs' made on the following day. As an aside, allow me to suggest that you label No Power as '0' and add the units after each individual number, its tricky to count across columns (to compare the numbers) that don't line up vertically. But well done and thank you
Thanks for watching and the great question!
We "think" that the power put to the front wheel is based on torque AND cadence
It's a very small difference - and the cadence is slightly higher on the level 3 power
We're going to do more tests - and after updating the firmware, to try and make more sense
And maybe try a less extreme hill where we can keep more constants (e.g.speed, cadence ... anything to try and make it more scientific!)
Stay safe and Happy New Year
@@brilliantbikes I look forward to the next review. During the summer I tried both electric 2-Speed and 6-Speed Bromptons (albeit several weeks apart) on the hills near your shop (Staple Hill and Longcross Road) because they are more representative of the roads that I regularly use on the edge of the Peak District. My conclusion was that the 2-speed was a bit "under-powered' but the 6 speed 'over-powered'. During the summer I cycled the North Wales cycle path (Chester to Holyhead and return) on my 3-speed Brompton. There are plenty of places that electric boost would have been valuable. Its unfortunate that Brompton doesn't offer a 3-speed option, if they did I'd stop prevaricating and buy it immediately !
@@ianjenkinson3585 Thats an interesting point
We were discussing that while making the video
A 3 speed (using the BWR wheel - so late gaps between gears) - was the suggested option of the person carrying the camera!
You definitely deserve some Lemon Curd for this one!
Many thanks! I kept wanting to stop but it was the worst place!
Waited for this one and you did not let us down!!. A really good advert for any ebike. Happy New Year! and hope we get rid of the masks! Stay Safe xx
Phew!!!!!!
Thanks for the kind comment once again
Stay safe and a Happy New Year to you too!
Bravo!
Thank you for watching. It was good fun 🤩
Great videos, I’ve watched them all. Currently have an H6 and have seriously looked at the e version. How do you find it as I’ve come across quite a few issues that people have had with the Ebro mime? Motor replacements, battery malfunctions etc.
My any thanks for the question. We have found them great fun! I’d really recommend a demo.
Cheers for the video ,bought my first second hand m6l (I think lol)it’s over ten years old but still going strong I don’t understand how the gear ratios 132% and 330% for the six speed work out in real terms is it the six speed has lower gearing for hills cheers for any help Neil 🤪
I honestly think you deserve to keep both bikes with that effort. Was the black helmet worn because it was lighter?
Many thanks for the comment and for watching. I only changed helmet to try and differentiate the bikes more
Well done.
Many thanks for watching! It was a good fun challenge!
On behalf of my dad who really enjoys your video, I wanna ask how much is the price of the brompton over there? Thank you 🇮🇩
On behalf of smart thinking...use google
Great test and you seemed to have fun with it. I'm wondering if there is more data available on battery performance? A measure of % battery used or remaining after each climb would be helpful. Was wind speed/direction or which rides had lights on measured? Thanks for this detailed test. I haven't been able to get my BE out into the hills yet. My wife and I are sharing the bike and very happy with it.
Does the 6 speed give more maintenance issues than the 2 speed? Because of more components?
I have a 2 speed and barely change the speed for hilly road. I guess that's why there are many electric bike only have one speed.
I will second Nick Gilmore’s request. Interesting video. Please put your data in a more user friendly graph?
What front bag have you attached on the front battery ?
I also wondering the same thing. It seems to be attached outside on the small battery bag.
If I live in London and commute around Zone 1 mostly, should I get the 6 speed or 2 speed electric?
Thanks for watching and for the question. If you’re only commuting around London, I’d be inclined to say 2 speed. But I’d really recommend taking a demo bike out on your commute so you know what it’s like and if it’s right for you.
My ears and the subtitles reckoned you said 'I lost a dead cat on the way down' what did you actually say?
Many thanks for watching! That what I said, it’s the name for a microphone cover that helps improve the sound. It blew off.
@@brilliantbikes Oh right. Thanks for replying. I have never heard that term before. Thank you for your great videos.
I just ordered my 6 speed. I have a question, does one need to manually change speeds or just change the power selection mode on the battery?
Many thanks for the question and for watching. You have to change gear on the bike the same way you would on a manual Brompton. Then you also have the power levels to change
Can you still use the brompton e-bike when the battery is drained? Is it not hard to pedaling?
Many thanks for watching and for the question.
As the front wheel spins freely, when the power is not on it is no problem to ride with a flat battery, just a bit like a slightly heavier Brompton. We have made a video showing it being ridden with no power, link as follows:
ua-cam.com/video/IaZ4Guc7f9I/v-deo.html
You still had the Brompton wobble lol
I'm going for the 6 speed when they become available here in Sacramento, CA USA
Clever Cycles in Portland had them this year and do ship to Sacramento as I learned earlier.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Interesting! 🤔 😎 👍 💓
Thank you :-)
Stay safe and Happy New Year
Why'd you change helmet? Two different days?
Was that a folding helmet you were wearing at one point?
The conclusion made no sense. Of course the 6 speed is preferable when on power level 0, and going up hill, that's so obvious. The question is, would it much difference if they were electric 🤦♂
👍
😀🙏👍
Would be nice to see a video on the new birdy bikes
Thanks for watching - and the comment
Is there anything in particular you would like to see (we're trying to work out what to show)?
Stay safe and Happy New Year
@@brilliantbikes hi again all the reviews on the birdies are from the Far East I have just purchased an earlier birdy with a Roloff hub I am looking for the low rider carriers for the front wheel so one of your excellent reviews on the overall bike would be great and accessories I also have a Brompton kind regards Trevor I purchased MyRAC from my three speed Brompton from you last year and still haven’t got round to putting it on lol
Rack
Stats in csv format
drive.google.com/file/d/1-gRhxdCb7JAlVeP6J5BkeyeP7G0xZxuP/view?usp=sharing
Does going down hill recharge the battery?
No
Why didn't she do it in power level 1,2 then 3, this video is mixed up.
in fact she should have done it on 2 speed first then the 6 speed afterwards. On 1st power or 2nd and 3rd power level. I wouldn't have known which bike she was on if she didn't put the writing within the video, she need to present this video clearly and in a consistent manner.
I'm baffled why she thought she didn't need a 6 speed bike, why pay all that money for any bike and you cannot get up a hill or even one that has a slight incline with suitable gearing.
Nice outfit. Could you talk little about it please.
2:00 I'm sorry...dead cat?
Many thanks for watching! Dead cat is the cover for the microphone. No cats were harmed.
@@brilliantbikes lol, I know what a dead cat mic cover is but the profile photo of a dog (EX0stasis) asking about one cracked me up! 😂
いいじゃないか
Very strange way of breaking down sentences in to little groups of two or three words🤔
Sorry I was trying to be clear 😀
@@brilliantbikes nobody says sorry ! You are a lovely person ❤️❤️❤️