Does Brompton Struggle with Innovation? | Let’s ask the Boss Will Butler Adams
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
- Do you feel Brompton struggle to innovate? Does Brompton believe they are consistently Innovating? I've watched over 10hours of interviews with the CEO Will Butler Adams and clip together points I feel are worth putting together to draw examples of where they do and don't struggle.
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:51 Brompton’s Mission for Urban freedom
4:58 Brompton’s Design and innovation
10:38 Brompton's Profits, Quality and Parts
15:30 Brompton’s Perspective On Trends and Bikes
19:53 Brompton's View on Change & Customers
#brompton #thebromptonguy - Розваги
I like Brompton for its slow and deliberate modifications. It has remained a British hand built bike. Brompton is not a mass produced vehicle made in an Asian factory. I willingly and gladly will pay more and support real wages for its employees.
Great input and don't think I covered it much in the video but the fact they still operate and build in the UK is something I fully endorse, yes it means I higher priced product but least it has some backing to support that. I do wonder if it was main in Asia what would the price be 🤔
@@TheBromptonGuy I guess if it were made in Asia the prices would most likely stay the same. Profits would be much higher.
With the release of 12 speed they answered that question with a loud and clear "Here is an overly complicated 4x3 gearing system we like to pretend is a 12 speed" Overly complicated gearing. What we (users) wanted was a hub gear with more gears not a 3 speed hub coupled with 4 derailleur gears
Couldn't have said it better myself 👏🏻
I liked it more than I expected when I tried it irl
tbf, I've used 3x chainring mtbs in the past so I adapted to it instantly
Would love to see maybe 2*6 instead
@@WisteriaBerlitz I would be very much in favour of a 2x6. would work really nice. However I don't want to see a 2x4. Only 2x6 with the IGH
The 6 spd Brompton is very capable. I just spent 2.5 weeks cycle touring, wild camping in the mountains of Andalucia in Southern Spain on my old L6. I don't need a Franken Brompton. I ride roads, tracks and off road trails as easily as my 700c touring bike. It can carry luggage with ease. It can fold up and go on a bus or train or aircraft where doing the same with a larger bike is more problematic. Some parts are unique to Brompton but many parts you can use are generic eg chains, brake blocks, inner cables, chain rings, most of the consumable parts. It's great little bike and I love it. It can do a lot more than most owners realise.
Very well said and written! Couldn’t agree more with the “it can do a lot more than most owners realise”. I’ve recently recorded taking my M line through the heart of a -5 winter and was very impressed.
Interesting to hear the T-Line being described as the consummate perfect urban bike. For one, very few people can afford it and for two, it only has 4 speeds (same with the P-Line). And for three, it's very attractive to bike thieves. Personally, I'd say the C-Line is the perfect urban bike - affordable, sturdy, several options available.
Personally, I find it slightly odd for Brompton to talk about innovation, when their current range has some very obvious niggles that could easily be fixed. Rubbing of cables on the paintwork (maybe sell a custom-made set of frame protectors as an option?), standard wheels on the rear rack are naff, clamp widgets turn like helicopter rotor blades, anyone taller than 5'10" has to buy a handlebar that looks like a retro Chopper bike handlebar (maybe make a longer stem, to enable taller riders to have a flat bar?), etc., etc.
Thank again for the input David.
I do still believe the T-line is the unrivalled urban bike on paper. If you were to place it against any other folding bike it would blow it away! (excluding electric) Even more so if part of that test was carrying it around for a while. Yes it's expensive but the best kit always is, 4 speeds on the weight of the bike is more than ample IMO but suppose that will always be a debate as that does come down to the rider. If anyone was to lock a T line up that would just be stupid!! in fact it's why I love Bromptons cause they just come with you and with the weight of the T line people have no excuses.
Overall I completely agree the C Line is the perfect Urban bike but the T Line will always come out in top from a time and practical element all day long.
That said the percentage of T Line owners must be below 5% purely cause of the cost. But rich Londoners must eat it up. (Business expense like 🤣)
I do however completely agree with all the other points below, very much the tall rider point. However don't see them changing it soon because I think the actual fix would involve a change of bike geometry.
Only problem with the T Line is it’s ugly! Good job we all like different things, but slender steel tubing in pretty colours will always make my heart jump for joy!
Wow! This could be a can of worms. To be clear up front I have a P-line and I love it. The USP to me was the fold. I take my bike on the bus (although I am increasingly riding instead of bus-ing as I get fitter) and in the car if I am touring on holiday. I also go bikepacking, the bike folds and is kept in the tent so this is good for security. It is also used as a shopping trolley, and I am happy to take it into shops/cafes rather than leave it outside. If anyone complains (and no one has so far) I would say "pretend it's a pram, is that a problem?" I don't think there is another bike that will do all of the above.
The Brompton does fill a niche market but I think that users will and do 'customise' them to suit their individual needs. And there are many videos to back this up. Does this mean that Brompton should be extending their design remit? Maybe, a bit. But not if it compromises their fundamental design package (the fold?) because then it stops being a Brompton. If it ain't broke...
There is a tendency nowadays to constantly tweak and change things just cos we can - short attention span, this year's latest colour - but this is what leads to the throwaway culture. As WBA implies, a Brompton is for life.
Disk brakes? Nice but my rim brakes work fine. The P-line has a 4 speed derailleur which I have tweaked to make hill climbing easier. 5 or 6 speed would be nice but if the hill is too steep I push. And finally - it's just a FUN bike to ride. That fits in my pocket, metaphorically.
Ooops, TL;DR
This comment is faultless and very well written, amazing input and don't disagree with any of it. (However I prefer disc's but that's ok). Hope you get many many many hours of fun out of the P Line and the bike packing adventures continue.
The brompton fills a niche market, because of the price; and because people don‘t realize that smaller wheels don‘t make you slower
Other then that, it should be _the_ bike everyone has for the reason you stated. And a roadbike being the odd one out :)
@@HolgerNestmann As a "bike", a Brompton is a horrible invention, rolling on the small - heavy rolling wheels. Its one reason to be made is of course the fold and easy transport as folded! Finn. Denmark
The T Line could definitely be enhanced for urban commuting/casual riding/errands. For one, it doesn't come in high handlebar, so people who like to have a more comfortable riding posture will be stuck with the P Line. And secondly, it doesn't come in a 6 gear version so it's really not a great option for anywhere with hills. I find this so weird about the P and T Lines. Like, I am a huge Brompton fan and use it all the time, and I am even willing to spend lots of money, maybe even on a T Line but at least a P Line. Yet, I am stuck with the best option being a C Line.
You know never thought of the t line like that! I think that's maybe because i'm still a fit(ish) 33 year old that can pretty much ride my C Line anywhere cause I still have the power in my legs. So they thought of a that weight reduction would mean I could take it anywhere and enjoy it. Also didn't know it didn't come with a H option! that is interesting to me
@@TheBromptonGuy As it now is a "Standard bike mount" for a handlebar, that Brompton now also uses, I can't imagine anything but that any handlebar may be used on the bike, with moderated and longer cables, if needed of course! And if Brompton won't supply those, any Ordinary Bike Shop may do it! Finn. Denmark 😃
And any Brompton Handlebar has the same diameter Center as many other brands. I doubt that a Factory deliver handlebars only of Brompton size, for one customer only? I must admit that I have several carbon Handlebars for a possible change, and I have never thought that they had a different diameter??? I may be wrong of course. You never know with an English made product?? My first and absolutely horrible produced BMC MINI had the "Battery Plus" to the frame!!!! Finn
Aftermarket handle bars. Aftermarket derailleur. 7 speed 11-32t I believe it already done. You can buy a 11-25t mono cog version. Maybe like 700 usd to upgrade. Forget. Lots of options out there.
But IMO the T line is only there as a halo project. As WBA said it’s very difficult to make and ridiculously expensive, with a small profit margin. It looks good in their line up that they have such a light weight ‘space age’ machine, and then people buy the latest colour of C or P, or maybe just an A - but they get the buzz from being associated with the T thing.
Interesting points. From the perspective of a consumer who is considering getting an ebike and has included Brompton on that list, there are several things...
...The compact fold, ability to roll when folded and build quality are all positives for Brompton, BUT...
...Having to decide on S vs M vs H before purchase necesitates finding a store which sells Bromptons to find which handlebar/stem fit me with my upright riding style. Though any bike should be fitted...but Brompton is more critical bcs you can't change it afterwards.
...eBike is needed for the hills all around us and changing assist level WHILE going up (and down) those hills is safe and practical using a button/lever by the thumb...removing one hand, while pedaling up a hill, to swipe a control on a bike mounted phone is dangerous...coming to a complete stop partway uphill to change assist levels is not practical. Not sure why Brompton refuses to add a usable control (they already have bluetooth, so why not do something like the ARCC bluetooth control).
...I like that they made an app, but no way will my good phone go on bike handlebars...so if forced to use a phone then have to buy a burner phone for just their app and bluetooth connection. Too bad they didn't make a simple BT LCD for info while cycling...or they could have built in ANT+, a biking standard, for bike computers to use for displaying remaing battery life, speed, distance, assist level, etc...ie look at what the Garmin Explorer 2 (partly aimed at ebike users) does with that ANT+ data...it will even help find a route to reach destination before the battery dies.
Point is...if you do an ebike, don't assume everyone lives in a flat city; don't cripple it's function in ways which makes it more dangerous and/or inconvenient to use.
well said 👏🏻.. also very much agree with the stem hight. Pretty sure mine is H but only cause I know the M is a little to low because I've been hiring one.
Don't be so lazy. Pedal for yourself.
@@alexmorgan3435 Ahhh, Grasshopper, you know not what you do not know.
The brompton is a art piece which looks great, and great to get from the station to the office a mile away. Steve Parry made a tri fold titanium frame 20yrs ago, brompton couldnt figure out to make the shifters work in all seasons. I sold my 3spd bromy and got a 6spd dahon, 10yrs on and my dahon has 16 workable ratio's , takes many tyre types and every height I want my bars at. Because I can fit regular bike parts, bromy scored on making the frame fold to cover the chain, and thats it.The asian tri folds are more innovative ..
You certainly bring up some solid points indeed. I think what stops them lets say innovation is being located in London because everything is just damn expenses to test, develop higher wages and materials just cost them so much. However I do love the fact even with all those cost they still choose to manufacture here in the UK. Thanks for supporting
I bought the brompton T-line 12 speed, absolutely love it
Not jealous at all 😒
😂 I ride my Brompton 6 speed small wheels all day long on and off road and on vacation no problem.
These limitations are a myth 😂
Still subscribed and liked the video non the less and love your 20 inch wheel modified bike.
Thanks for supporting channel, much appreciated my friend. Yeah while the Brompton can be modified to crazy levels the actual base product is beyond solid and brilliant. I maybe have also just got myself a P line 🫣
An interesting and thought-provoking vlog today ,
You really answered your own thoughts and questions by making the Brompton that would satisfy your wants and needs.
I'm sure that those design heads at Brompton would have seen most if not all the weird and wonderful self modded Bromptons, the Kinetics fat tyre variations , Steve Parry's tandem etc plus the all add-ons and speciality parts available.
My question is why would Brompton bother to make a completely new bike when they have a classic that can be modded. Something you (we) have had the pleasure in seeing built.
The Volkswagen Beetle comes to mind, a very standard, basic reliable machine that birthed a whole side industry of add-ons modifications from mild to wild.
Great input Zen! Yeah I suppose that is very valid indeed! Suppose my counter would be that if part of their mission is to get more people cycling then it's good to have options for everyone to choose an option that works for them. lol Great example with the beetle also my friend.
Maybe Brompton themselves should offer OEM fully compatible mod extras? @@TheBromptonGuy
But even though the VW Beetle looked the same, and, as a fact, still used the same handle on the front helmet during all the years! But Brompton often changes the size and shape of essential parts, as the crank and other parts? It looks a little like what is offered, is used as parts on the bike? Next time maybe another size? Finn. Denmark
Hej Finn, VW changed spec on the beetle over the years , the parts were not always interchangeable. I had several Beetles, from a 1962 to 74 edition . I think the ethos behind Brompton is similar VW . I'm sure they will keep remodelling and refining. @@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188
I actually am okay with them not introducing so many variants I buy into Will's philosophy on that. I would like to see some very basic pain points of the bike addressed though. For example, come up with a good omni wheel kind of solution. As well, the 3D printed orange clamp springs which a lot of people add. And also the frame guards on the rear triangle to stop the front hook from wearing out the frame. Also, a custom designed left mirror, and maybe a phone mount from Brompton that attaches to the front screw thingie which olds the handlebars in place.
Hard to disagree with anything above!! Only thing I personally wouldn't use is the left mirror
You are easily able to find, A. a similar Titanium bolt for less weight, B. a holder for different kinds of equipment of all kinds! Try A.E. in China - sadly! Finn. Denmark
Couldn’t agree more. The way it rolls and how clumsy the out of box clamps are, is really something you immediately notice in a shop and might be a hindrance. I fixed those things immediately, but why doesn‘t brompton?
But that’s the thing. Those aftermarket upgrades are widely available. So every consumer can adjust to their own needs. Just need to budget the add ons
@@SingaporeUntold But they are generally lower quality than you would expect from Brompton components. And it takes creative thinking, and weeks or months of riding the bike to think of all the things that are missing from the out of the box bike. It shouldn't be up to customers who as WBA says "just want a tool they don't have to think about" to go down such a journey of discovery to get a decent experience. At the ultra premium price point that Brompton sells at, these basic things should be taken care of.
Introducing an absurdly priced (You could buy a small, used car for that price!) Top and light Titanium bike, with 4 gears, isn't to my opinion the way to make more people use bikes in towns or around!
My present, and the former Top, 2019 "SuperlightM6LXBrompton", with some rather costly titanium and carbon additions, but not at all as costly as a 4 speed T-line, is presently weighing about the same as an original T-line, naturally also with mudguards, now below 9 kilo, just for the fun of it, as I like to see how far down I'm able to come, but based on my original 2019 bike (I still haven't finished "fine tuning" my bike, and expect to come even further down, but still with small changes (As I have suggested to Brompton to do - something about the "Heavy Metal" clamps and holders on the mudguards!! That alone would be a weight saving and an easy addition!)). Adding my bought Carbon and Aluminum set (China) on my mudguards, I expect will save around 200 to 250 gram?
Also doing something about "The Scratches", which ordinary handling may give the paint on a Brompton during folds. At least I like my bike still looking like new and fine, so I have added (bought from China) plates and protection on mine (The original, "Clear tape" on the frame isn't a lasting solution against this!). As a first I gave my new 2019 bike an Auto-Polish all over and found one tape nearly worn through to the Paint after two folds!!! Finn. Denmark
I think the T Line is very much aimed at rich London business folk that can almost just expensive the bike back to their company.
Brompton are also lucky cause they have lots of clients that are already rich London business folk. I know 2 T Line owners, both London based and both earn amazing money so buying one was the obvious option for them.
Seems to be one go the biggest points so far is the scratches and completely agree that should be address. I've currently got a brand new 2023 model and you can already see the wear coming from the cables and the front plastic frame latch.
@@TheBromptonGuy I looked at Chinese A. E. center shop and found the available - many offers for protection, bottom plate, below the changer Cable and the chain (Brazilian Photographer, from Rio: "Chrisbybike" had got one which was too thick for the system to function, but my plates functions fine!), a fork plate for the hook round the back frame, when folded! I also have "leather" sown round my frame and stem post, and a Hyper Expensive, Thai-made Pouch for my folding pedal, when folded! Also some German B&W, both soft and hard Boxes for transport! The last is very sturdy, with US control locks and a band around + wheels and a telescopic handle for transport in Airports. Finn. Denmark
Sadly the last Box need a standard length or a heavy telescope-post to function (remove the saddle), if not needing to take my "folding bike" apart, to be able to remove the seat post from the bottom! Finn
Good points but if you complain you need to offer an engineered plan. If the bike is altered and it is bigger and or heavier it becomes less useful. I'm 75 and don't need a motor mostly because it adds more weight. We biked across France this spring and distance is not a problem when busses and trains fix the nasty bits. For me biking is not a race. If you want a mountain bike get one. Being vertical integrated is a huge advantage. (ask Elon) Parts are perfect for the bike and available during disruptions like covid. Brompton makes improvements all the time but doesn't lose sight of their mission. I have only had one for seven years but haven't found fault yet. Love it.
Thank you for sharing your story and experience with your Brompton over the years. How many miles you clocked on the Brompton over its service?
@@TheBromptonGuy Hi Brompton guy. To your question, I usually ride between 1500 and 2500 km per year. We have three Bromptons. I keep the third (bought used years ago)for a spare but it is deep in dust, I must sell it. Another trip a few years ago was a cruise across Polynesia stopping at 21 islands. Biked at 16 of them not all had bikable roads. Few had a dock which meant carrying them , on the ship, down to a shuttle craft to get to shore. Often the crew would jump in to help, though not necessary.
Later did something similar cruising up the Norwegian coast to the Arctic circle biking in the cities along the way. We do love our Bromptons.
Cheers Tom - Canadian
I think Brompton remaining in private ownership is a major strength. They are not accountable to share holders or other investors ie banks. They can do what THEY want and produce the bike THEY want. They have concentrated on Brompton as an urban bike for the reasons they give but also because far more people live in a city or urban environment than outside so they have potentially far more sales in a city or urban environment. Get the business model right first, build a solid strong cash rich company and maintain your revenue stream.
It seems that much of what you are proposing would not actually be as lucrative for Brompton as you might think. They know their product, they know where it sells and who buys their bikes. Branching out into making gravel or fat bike versions are likely not going to make them as much money as selling the traditional bike to people who want a unique urban bike that improves people's lives.
I see where you are coming from but Brompton are understandably conservative in their innovation for good reason as they know what works and they don't wish to start a variant of the bike that loses them money.
I too would like more innovation but I can see why they are cautious or reluctant as they also wish to retain control over their product which is understandable as it is so unique and sought after. There are already numerous knock off bikes in Asia and China.
I don't want the Brompton brand to become diluted and I suspect neither do they. They have a very strong brand and valuable product and I can see they want to keep it that way.
The last thing they want is to load the company up with debt and risk a take over and it failing and the design being sold off to some venture capitalists who just asset strip the company. Brompton have got a lot of things right and I don't see why they should change just because you can't get the bike you want although you have built your 20" wheel fat Brompton that you love. Just be happy with that, that Brompton made the original bike on which you based your build.
You say you believe that Brompton have achieved so much in producing their bike for the urban and environment have even conquered it, but have they? Are you thinking of only cities in the UK London, Edinburgh, Birmingham or Manchester? There might be a higher density of Brompton owners and use in London or Edinburgh but this is just these two cities. How about other cities and large towns in the UK? How about other markets overseas? I don't think Brompton has even scratched the surface. They could probably continue their successful business model for another 100 years and still have lots more potential growth. They have not saturated their market. Let's face it, it is their market as the Brompton is so unique. Yes there are other folding bikes but they are hopeless in comparison. The only thing I see that will challenge the Brompton are those wretched eScooters. So many people ride them in Spanish cities. Why ride a bicycle let alone a Brompton when you can step on a scooter and zip along with no effort?
Great thoughts as always. What I was thinking about is wether brompton actually need to innovate? if their production capacity is used and they are able to sell the bikes, why not leave a few innovations in their backpocket for bad times? they have a quite unique offering. the only place they might feel a bit of competition is asia with knock off trifolds. lets see what dahon does
I'm pretty sure the RND folk have may get out of jail cards indeed. Suppose the problem is testing before comfortable for the company to bring it to the market 🤷🏻♂️
@@TheBromptonGuy yup, they also have a reputation to loose.
Once again tend to agree with your evaluation in regards to the Brompton of what it’s done in the past with trying to get more people on a bike , but always a but in life , 12 speed seems to me at least somewhat pointless, in an urban environment the six speed is good enough, but I can’t help thinking having an Alfine or Rohloff hub with internal gears with a belt drive system is there next move but they can’t see it , they don’t make the internal three speed hub , so there are a few things they actually don’t make themselves, grant you not a lot but a few , never been a fan of disc brakes but to each their own , but as far as having fatter wheels with a small tweak to the forks and triangle would not see an issue considering they made a complete new bike from scratch with the T- line , we all know they went from any bike shops selling the bikes too these Brompton junction shops selling them which are more focused on sales than repair, if that works good for them , to have a bike that doesn’t need maintenance is what they’re missing with not having a 11 speed internal hub with belt drive fatter tyres with one shifter , what’s more surprising I really don’t think they’re are looking at that area, it’s like nothing to see here move on , one Brompton = urban bike, mountain bike, gravel bike, touring bike, all in one bike that folds with no maintenance, obviously the name for the bike would have to be musketeer = one for all and all for one.
Agree 100% that the most obvious gear improvement would be an Alfine hub - simplicity, only one gear lever, etc. 8 speed or 11 speed should cover almost anybody's needs.
@@davidrowe8747 I wonder if they do an Alfine hub same dimensions as the stormed archer the use already on the Brompton that way just a swap over , I think many thousands would swap it tomorrow, rather than any changes to existing Bromptons with the triangle just replace the hub , would also be easy to get two cogs front and rear for belt drive , they have lots of cogs used already on many bike be they touring or mountain, pretty sure it would not be that difficult to swap over it all depends on the dimensions of the Alfine hub, sorry for thinking out loud but having a kit like that would sell like hot cakes , be very hard to keep up with demand.
Not a problem!! Think away my friend. Belt drive really does make sense but Gates recommend the belts don't get folded so I think that's what really puts a spanner in the works. Yes people have already done it but if Brompton produce it they need to warranty the product and since Gates say no folding it already means it may not prove a stable idea over time... However they should find a solution as a belt drive for a daily is a no brainer.
@@TheBromptonGuy Kinetics in Scotland already do a belt drive version on a Brompton , imagine for a moment a telephone call from Brompton to Gates belts = we are thinking of building a belt drive version on a bike but heard you advise not to bend , shame said Brompton because my first order was going to be for fifty thousand belts and then up the order , trust me with in the week Gates will come back any say that will be fine any belt we will guarantee for seven years ,
A strong point! Money always talks @@kavanobrien6547
I agree on all your points. I would love an off-road version with at least larger wheels and tires, and maybe a front suspension.
Disc brakes and electronic shifters won't get that many people on bikes. If you *really* want disc brakes on a folder, get a Birdy. And, the Brompton is already complicated enough. I would not want to also maintain disc brakes on it. Simple is better.
Try to look at American: Montegue! A folding MTB (Based on an US Army folder), many gears and large wheels!
Also a Dutch Firm, Bromptonian, is making a stronger Off-road version of a triple folder (And repair parts for broken frames on a Brompton). Finn. Denmark
Sounds like you need a birdy 😅
Before the Pline, there are alot of modification to 3-4 speeds. Brompton trying to sell to different world market have to think about different bike configurations for different city. Even small modification like water bottle change holes on the stem, external 5-7 speeds which many people have modify as well. 5-9 inner hub speed will be great too. What they need is to introduce new feature or changes and get feedback from client to improve the next version designs.
Very well put and said my friend. We think across the same line
They have no problem of outsourcing stuff. They are using Stormy Archer for many years. So, why do you think that they will want to make their own rear hub?
I appreciate they do outsource I was more aiming at other companies already make products like 12speed hubs that would work great for the Brompton and they could partner with these companies instead of having stormy archer make a new one from scratch. I’ll need to check but pretty sure stormy archer only survived cause Brompton bailed them out 🤷🏻♂️
@@TheBromptonGuy The new hub on the new 12 speed is again stormy archer. I guess that is not a surprise. The impression I get from people who actually works for Brompton is that they are quite happy with the reliability of Stormy Archer. Also lots of people says it is reliable. Mine is failed after couple of months and Brompton changed it under warranty. So, my point is Brompton is not that desperate to make stuff in house as you paint them to be. Also, I will not object Brompton asking the Stormy Archer to make them a 8/11 shimano equivalent hub of Brompton does prefer to work with Stormy Archer rather than Shimano. If as you suggested the larger part of Stormy Archer sales is to Brompton, they might be keen to develop a new 8/11 or whatever hub for Brompton. But one thing for sure is that internal hub plus external derailleur system needs to go. It comes with all the disadvantages of both systems with no benefits of any of the systems.
Why? Because they don't charge enough!!!
I also think that there could be a market for a slightly smaller bike. Maybe 14" or 15" wheels.
Maybe! Andrew certainly felt that there was a market for it
Have you seen the kwiggle bike? Not sure how good they sell, but at least someone else had the same thought about smaller wheels
@@HolgerNestmann I’ve seen it yes, looks interesting!
I just don't understand why they don't make a version for taller, heavier riders, it doesn't even need to be titanium ! just 20" wheel with a slightly more robust frame ! All I want is a simple trifold to take to into work, but 16" wheel makes me look like a circus gorilla and the frame wouldn't survive my 110kg weight (not even that fat lol) + London pot holes !... who can I shout at at that company to make it and take my money ! ...OK rant over, great video 👍
Rants are always welcome on this channel for sure. I would love to see a brompton for taller riders!! I think I've just grown use to looking like a circus gorilla 🤣
Dont agree with you about not wanting to buy third party manufacturers ,ie wheels brakes hubs tyers saddles .am i wrong .keep up your great content
Thanks for the input! Tyres is very true indeed suppose that is fully third party including the inner tubes. Saddles are normally always Brompton branded apart from during saddle shortages where they started to use fizik but now back to the brompton super light saddle on the p line. Suppose the better term would have been third party companies like Shimano, Sram, Bosch etc. Suppose my other point with it is that they make the third party vendors almost work around there needs and probably pay them well for that but they won't widen there frame to help accommodate stuff like standard size hubs.
@@TheBromptonGuy well the last point is very true ,but it is good for kinetics who make a living doing the upgrades ,per your brilliant m type
Brompton absolutely do buy in parts they don’t make everything in house.
Yeah I do actually agree reflecting on it! From tires, inner tubes, think t line comes with some FSA kit. I was mainly in my head referring to big big brands like Shimano, sram, Bosch. Thanks for the support
Also from your accent I am guessing you're in the UK so I think maybe your perception of how much Brompton has cornered the urban cycling market may be a bit skewed. Here in Canada, I think they've only JUST started to really enter the more mainstream consciousness and they still turn quite a few heads. And that's in one of the most cycling friendly cities of Vancouver. Go to Winnipeg or Regina or anywhere in Canada and you'll hardly ever see a Brompton, maybe once every 2 or 4 days of riding around I'll see one.
That is valid! I'm Scottish but live in Cardiff. I never see Bromptons in Cardiff and suppose most my points and feelings are based on Bromptons being design with London in mind
I saw great fleets of Bromptons pouring in and out of Paddington station. I saw one in Cambridge and two in Bath. In the 39 years since Brompton was introduced to the American market, I've seen five out on the road.
Yep similar in germany. I now notice them and you see them around trains occationally, but not so much on the road. And on trains, electric scooters are the more common multi-modal vehicle
I don't need carbon fiber, disc brakes, or Di2. I just want a few more gears and a lighter bike. I had an aluminum Specialized for years. Why is the Brompton steel? lol
I've often thought the same but did read and article somewhere that explained why the still make of steel and think its to do with the strain on the joints would see the bikes life span be massively reduced but can't say that for certain.
That's Brompton's official word. To buy some of Brompton's marketing mystique one has to also believe that EVERYBODY else in the cycling world is doing it wrong. Tens upon tens of millions of bicycles - including folders - have been fabricated with aluminum frames in the last 50 years. Where are all the broken ones? Aluminum is a fine cycle material - if only you have a competent engineer on your design staff. @@TheBromptonGuy
@@lilliansullivan5867 The dahon curl series is aluminium and there are chinese knock-offs. But these are quite new for the brompton-like folding. Let‘s see how they hold up. Bromptin seems a bit slow, but they partner with an alloy company, officially for wheels, but I am sure they experiment with aluminium. As I have written in another comment they do just fine with their ways, which make them slow in adoption of better things.
Steel bikes ride far better than aluminium bikes and are stronger.
I live in rural Lincolnshire so the only reason I want a folding bike is to put it in my car as there’s no trains or buses to use it on anyway but 16 inch wheels won’t work here as the roads are abysmal I’d buy an electric version but Bromptons are only suitable for an urban environment at the moment in my opinion.they need to have a 20 inch wheel option for us out of Towners.
I also live in rural Lincolnshire have 2 brommies they work here as well asanywhere
I think they would have a good market for an electric off road version indeed. My plan is to mod my M line to electric and attempt some proper monster challenges on it, one being can I cycle it to the top of Ben Nevis. I think we also same the same reason for owning a folding bike.
The 16inchers have a problem on very loose ground on cobblestones or the like, haven‘t notice any difference (i.e. I could cry on any bike when such a road begins). But I do have a car, which requires a lot of wrestling to get a normal bike in - the brompton is such a god send in that regard. And I could take a train on friday, where no normal sized bike would have gotten in, because it was so full
I can recommend it for rural and even hilly areas if one uses a small chainring.
If it ain't broke...
Fix it 🤣
Thanks for your replies. Happy Easter 🐣
Very flimsy rear fork. No proportions to main frame need redesign. A. S. A P
Flimsy? Not had any problems myself but I’ll have a look into it. Sound like you might want to have a look at the custom works by a company in Scotland called kinetics my friend
Brompton BoD should fire that CEO.
For what exactly in your opinion?
@@TheBromptonGuy CEO is there to maximize profit. To me he sounds like an excellent retirement fund manager.
Overpriced Garbage. Not. For. American. Market
I can’t say I know much about the American market but they appear to sell well in New York 🤷♂️ well according to Brompton I don’t have any facts to actually back that up.
When I listen to WB-A talk about urban living or city living I want him to answer why is he discontinuing the 3 speed hub. Nobody is answering this. A derailleur geared bike can never be the low maintenance perfect set up for town or city riding. One gear for setting off or for hills, a second gear for pottering along in traffic and a third gear for when you’ve got up to a good cruising speed. No constant cleaning and adjusting! It is the single one thing that makes me wonder whether WB-A really wants to make a bike “for the people” or a bike for cyclists who wear Lycra and talk endlessly about accessories and gear ratios 😖😒🥱
Perfectly said! Get that in a letter and post it off to the man 🤣