10-20 minutes around town. I have the RadMission 1, and even that is a struggle for me to get into my upstairs apartment. But at 1/4 the cost of this video's bike, I am very happy with it.
The bad news is, ceartain countries banned ebikes as not only they do not met safety requirements but also require riders to pass a theory thest, register their ebikes and in my country, plaster a liscence plate on the back.
I own a Brompton. It's was originally designed for multi-modal commutes, like those in places like London where someone is using the train or bus in conjunction with the bike. But there are people who have riddent them all over the world on bike tours. I personally used mine as a rental car replacement while traveling for work; mine has been on about 25 flights where it was my carry on.
The portability really is amazing! I just wish it was about half the price. Tough to justify $4,000 for something that can be replaced by a $500 scooter.
@@LoganMoyWith the exception that you will end breaking your arms or smashing face as soon as you hit a crack in road on escooter at 15mph. Non electric Bromptons are way cheaper than 4k.
For those who are complaining about it’s price, think of Brompton as the Rolls-Royce of folding bikes. They are hand-built in UK, and the electric versions are engineered by WAE and using Samsung batteries
I have the standard (non-electric) model. Used it for food delivery riding and I can tell it's a great bike for urban commuting and zipping through small city spaces.
I have had my standard 3 spd orange 2011 for 10 years now. I live in an apartment in Berlin. Bikes get stolen all the time here so being able to keep it in the apartment is a big bonus. People complain about the ride but I don’t think it is much worse than than its bigger rivals. Also, you will beat almost everyone from the lights as you can accelerate very fast. After 10 years i have had zero issues. Lubricated the chain twice and changed brake pads 3 times. I have the standard ‘M’ model and fitted Ergo grips which are a MUST have upgrade in my opinion.
It would be much better to do a Brompton e-bike review after getting to know the other folding e-bikes first. I know many people with Bromptons (I own several too) and have never heard of anyone getting their hand caught in the folding mechanism or even worry about this. A kickstand on a Brompton redundant because of how it stays upright when the back wheel is folded and if you want to make it steadier, just add Eazy wheels to it...or does the reviewer not know what Brompton Eazy wheels are? I've ridden the Brompton 100+ kilometres in a day and found it very comfortable. And the front bag design is ingenious, allowing the Brompton rider to carry more luggage than any other folding bike on the market (other than maybe a cargo folding bike). The lack of range and high price are however legitimate criticisms.
You need both hands free to release and fold that back wheel in. You need no hands to engage a kickstand. For how expensive the bike is, I think they could add one.
the price point of the electric Brompton is definitely on the high side but one of the beautiful features of the Brompton is how it stays upright with the partial fold. A kickstand would add weight, potentially get in the way when folding or packing and as I redundantly already said, a kickstand would be redundant :-)
It's a pedal ASSIST bike built to EU rules on max power/speed. (250 watts - 15.6 mph assisted.) If you want to go faster, you have to provide all the power by pedalling. On the other hand, if you want an electric motorbike complete with a throttle and higher speeds, in the EU you have to pass a test and get a driving licence, a helmet, and insurance... same as any other kind of motorbike.
Got to disagree with you on 2 things. I have the non-electric Brompton (I’m on my 3rd one) and it’s surprisingly comfortable for the wheel size. Only suitable for short journeys? Yes, the Brompton’s average journey will be under 10 miles, but that’s goes for ‘big’ bikes too. I’ve ridden my Brompton over 50 miles on charity rides, easy peasy. I could imagine having power on-board would make it even more enjoyable!
I enjoyed your review but as you said you didn't have the bike for long. I've had mine for over 1500 miles and regularly do 20 to 40 mile rides at lower settings and return with plenty of charge remaining. The solid build and ease of transport makes it a bike that goes where I want to be and allow me to ride much more. I agree it is a bumpy ride over rough roads. Most ebikes with similar quality and performance weigh much more in my experience and wouldn't work as well for my needs. There are plenty of modifications I'd like to see Brompton make on the bike but there are also many options available to customize your ride. This is my first Brompton but I've owned many other bikes and see now why many Brompton owners stay with the brand.
It seems like they could find a way to incorporate a mid drive on the bike. Most of the criticisms I’ve seen of the Brompton E bike are about the front hub motor.
I also own a standard, non-electric Brompton and to be clear, it is designed for commuting and obviously folding-any standard bicycle destroys it in terms of: speed, comfort, and performance. However, it is hand made and I can’t say I’ve ever owned a bicycle that has lasted me over 10-years like my Brompton-worth the money and like in the review, it’s made for a person with specific needs. Great content and stay safe everyone 😷
I find my Brompton much more comfortable than any road bike over owned and most hybrid bikes. Faster than many hybrids too. Faster than an MTB on the road, but not as comfortable. Mostly I ride my 20" wheeled recumbent, but the Brompton is probably my most loved.
Oh boy! Did you ever miss the point of the Brompton??? You can't blame your mechanical ineptitude on the Brompton. They take 15 seconds to fold and unfold....without any risk to your fingers. They are designed as the perfect multi-mode travel solution, as they fit on trains, planes, buses and automobiles. If the battery goes flat they are perfectly rideable (I personally know someone who rode a non-electric version 800 miles in 4 days!!!). Try that on the $500 dollar toy bike. Bromptons don't suffer from depreciation like all other bikes. You pay a lot but you sell for a lot .... if you ever sell. Also...never lean any bike frame against a light pole!!! Lean the saddle against it. Why would you willingly destroy your paint job? Folding the rear wheel is a Brompton kickstand. It takes 3 seconds for adults with an education. Just about the only valid point you made is that they are expensive. That much is true....until you get your regular commuter bikes stolen a few times. Then you'd wish you had a bike you could stash under your desk.
Quote: "On paper the bike has a range of 15 miles. The furthest I took it was 12 miles on full assist and I had three out of five bars of battery left. So Yea, I'd say 15 miles is about right" Your range extrapolation is flawed: If 2 out of 5 bars gave you 12 miles, the remaining three bars would give you an additional 18 miles to make a total of 30 miles. Actually, I doubt that you would get that but I would expect over 20 miles on full assist. On 2nd level assist, which I mostly use, I get 30 miles over very hilly terrain. 1st level assist should give up to 40 miles. And, if the battery runs flat, the bike is still very useable as the motor disengages when not providing assist. Top speed 15 mph? Actually, it's just the assist that cuts out then; but it is easy to exceed that by human power on the flat. Downhill I have reached 40 mph by gravity alone. The bike is very free running. Incidentally that hill may be steep enough to propell me to 40 mph but it is climbed quite easily on level 2 assist. I think that may be due to the torque sensor and the clever motor controls. Brompton do a telescopic seat post that would have suited your height. Reach can be extended by swivelling the handlebars forward a bit and/or fitting the excellent Ergon GP 2 (or 3) grips that have stubby bar ends that don't interfere with the folding process. I think that whoever supplied the bike did a disservice to both you and Brompton. They should have researched who was going to be riding it and supplied it suitably equipped. Were you a customer, you would not expect to leave a bike shop having laid out all of that money without having the sizing and fit sorted.
Didn’t really care for this guys review of the bike. You were sent a bike to properly review and you didn’t even do the research necessary to give it a proper review. Yes price is hefty but if you bothered to research the company, you’d see that these bikes made in London have over forty years experience making these commuter/leisure bikes. Some even use these bikes for touring! But you wouldn’t know since you didn’t do your part. Also since you’re tall and once again didn’t do your research, you would of found out that brompton has three types of seat heights and three types of handling bars for various users with different heights. But once again, you couldn’t be bothered to properly inform the people looking at this bike.
Good for you! I am 61 and look younger than you no offense! I ride a 2018 , 6-speed Black Edition version and live in a relatively flat location but sometimes arid conditions( which is a reason for having a battery pack to not sweat so much on warm days when cycling to work...) and I never saw the need for adding more weight to my Brommie. As for the 30 seconds unfolding. I am never in such a rush that I have a greedy need for speed when unfolding it. If one has to rush, leave earlier! Bromtons were designed and made to specifically be compact and fold as well as flow... “Marketing ploys” I ain’t buying. But a decent ride, my second btw, and I am still out running those Uber eats on their heavier than heavy souped up mtb bikes! I removed the mudguards, changed the seat and seat post to get the bike under 10k and it flows better than I do! One thingI would like complain about is the battery pack bag. It could have been done differently. They could and should address the aesthetics on their next project. Weight and size will reduce but costs will increase. That should not be passed on to the customer!
I do own a Brompton A line Folding bike but not a Brompton Ebike. I do own a similar Ebike to a Brompton Ebike and it is the Igogomi Alps Folding bike. I'm pretty much satisfied with it and the price point is with in my range. When folded the Igogomi has a tendency to tip over on the handle bar side but this can be eliminated by using two slight ly larger wheels on the left side of the bike. The Igogomi is also a front wheel driven bike just as the Brompton Ebike.
I own a Brompton. I took it on a 50-mile New York City 5 boroughs bike ride. My butt was numb and the bunching over the handlebars because the stem was shorter kills my back. It was not enjoyable after 20 miles in. The stem was a standard H handlebar but still short to be comfortable. I'm 5'10".
A good compelling review of the pros and cons....it has gone some way to putting me off! I need to evaluate my needs very carefully - I do not have a storage problem, I do not commute - thus an open road 'cruiser ' with the bigger wheels will probably be for me in terms of both performance and comfort.
Thank you for the in-depth review, CNET..!! I wish I had that bike 7 years ago. I tried to find something to ride downhill to work, ended up buying a 3 wheeled skateboard, and fell down hard on the concrete after losing balance due to my backpack weight.
Love the Bromptons, but the electric feature for the Bromptons are definitely at a high price point. My $2000 euc (electric unicycle) covers 40+ real-time miles with a top speed of 45mph, not to mention it's already ultra-portable formfactor to begin with.
I'd be interested to see if Brompton will make a 'US' version with a higher top speed, and more power. Right now, it's made to be available in all markets, hence lack of performance compared to Rad Power offerings. I wish the weight was brought up because it's a folding bike and meant to carried or at least lifted into a car/bus. As well as how difficult and fast it is to fold/unfold.
The bike I tested in the video is the US model that can be purchased at bike shops. It’s slower because of the smaller motor, and I mention both weight and how long it takes to fold/unfold in the video.
Kick stand, are you kidding? If you set the folding locking mechanism to unlocked all you have to do is lift the saddle to fold the rear wheel under. Quicker than lifting your foot to a quick stand. Pro level commuters in London can fully fold or unfold the bike in about 10 seconds. Good review.
It’s really not quicker and not that easy with a handful of stuff (like video gear). A slight imbalance of the ground causes the bike to tip over on those tiny wheels, so you can really only stand it up on flat ground. I can engage a kick stand in less than a second with one hand and a foot.
We own the RadMin4 folding ebike. They ride very comfortably and have a range over 80km. But they are heavy, around 27 kgs. When folded, they are still pretty bulky, unwieldy and difficult to fit into most car trunks. But we still like them and ride them quite often.
Uncomfortable? Brompton? Are you sure? Or maybe it just doen't fit you. I have tried one and I think it is comfortable. Especilly for the long steel seatpost. The steering is a bit quick though and you need to concentrate to remain upright. People even tour with these..
🤦♂️… typical RUclips Demo Bike Problems… There are 3 seat post length, 2 seat width and the handlebar come in 3 height level …. but the Bike don’t fit. Ok👍 🤔…. I bet u never told someone ur size so u could get a bike fitting to ur height and now complain about an uncomfortable ride, I would say - it’s ur own fault,not the Bike. Oh btw… Brompton Traveller - he traveled 2500km 1553,428 miles on a non Electric Brompton on 1 Trip, Or in the Afghan Mountains with it … He Travels the World with it. But u can’t get a Daytrip with the Electric Version. My own last Trip , last Week - a Weekend 2 Days 150km Trip. Non Electric 6 Speed
Enduro ebike slayer is my transmuter, almost half the price as your folding bike and it has 55km/h top speed with 120-250 miles range with 44.2 Ah battery. Downside with my bike is it is really heavy and it doesn't look legal at all.
Beautiful amazing piece of equipment. Unfortunately I highly believe there products are extremely overpriced. Completely disregarded the founder who wished everyone had one and anyone could afford one.
If you did your research you’d see why it’s priced the way it is. Yes it’s pricey but the history is there to back it up. And their standard non electric is around $1410 FYI.
No I get the point. Since I have a car, I don’t need a $4,000 Brompton. And if I took public transport, would $4,000 be worth traveling those last couple of miles? I could buy a car with that!
Perhaps again you miss the value of the product you are trying to review. The brompton provides a viable green alternative to owning a car. A review should be a critic of a product for the purpose of what its designed to do (ie; I wouldn't judge a spoon for its ability to slice a tomato).
I would like to get the bike to get to work everyday. It would be 10 km with constant slope, increase in altitude about 300 m. Can I make it with the assist? I guess motor and battery are not that durable?
They could make a different version for the US. But I think their battery and motor are more optimized for lightweight than performance, which makes sense for their target market.
I know dumb people exists but this shows a new side of it. Yup this a hate comment, thought this would be a review but it feels like a parody review. : )
AGREED, it is basically a folding bike with the brand power. There are plenty of similarly folding bikes that are only 40% of the Brompton price. You must really try it out to be convinced that say a $1,200 USD bike can be folded and ridden like the Brompton. Please take your time. There is enormous competition for the Brompton space. If you want an ebike that folds, they can be as expensive as the Brompton but the e in ebike will really make you want to ride even more. I think then, it is worth it to pay as much as a Brompton...Basically I think Brompton was a very great designed folding bike and at that price, it doesn't lack a lot of people who want to make seats, panniers, other accessories that go with the bike. MOBOT has a type of Brompton folding bike, a clone, that will fold exactly like the Brompton, use most of the accessories that was made for Brompton..because it is similarly sized. Brompton is a style leader for that size of wheels 20" bike.
Does brompton still make a 500 watt motor? I have a slightly older brompton with a 500 watt motor and a 52.6 volt battery. It goes 25 mph and has a range of 25 miles
The bike is targeted at people who mix it in with public transportation - and that's a huge demographic. The compactness of the fold means you can take it on a bus or train easily.
So very sad that such a biased, non appropriate reviewer chose to speak so negatively towards a product that is not made for him. And the world is not all about you. You speak of your non folding as taking a 'lot of space in your office', a 'hassel to lug up the stairs' but you don't seem to mind those real issues. You felt the need for a kickstand where a person who uses the Brompton for more than a few days will as quickly rotate the back wheel and have that same effect. For no increase in weight. You say 'Here's the battery' and then display the extra cost large bag that only a person who needs the bag would choose to purchase. The reality is the smaller standard bag. So why say 'Here's the bag' when it is non standard? So you could make fun of its larger size? Showing off your bias? Hunching over when you ride? How about getting the longer seat post for your non standard height? Everyone should ride with the proper seat height. Brompton does not restrict you from doing that. Uncomfortable seat? How about getting the seat that you like. You would do that with any other bike as you did as an aside mention that most stock seats are not your favorite. Then why mention that you don't like the seat? 'The Brompton won't replace your full size ebike? It is not supposed to. It is not designed for those long range rides. It is made for the run around, easy to transport, easily put in your car, fits in the leg space in front of the rear seats of many cars. Try that with your full size ebike. It is meant for those that do not want to lug their full size up stairs. Who desire to not take up a lot of space in their office. There are more riders than 'commuters' and 'weekend warriors'. There are bike riders that just want to tool around for 5-10 miles, want to take that route that has a hill that would otherwise prevent them from taking. The Brompton was not designed for you. Someone else who it might fit into their lifestyle might have been a better reviewer. I would have hated your full size ebike and I would not have needed its a extra capacity distance, awkward size, and inability to easily transport.
I'm fairly surprised that you talked about facing difficulty while pushing this bike around folded, we all know pulling is much easier than pushing, its simple physics, I don't see people push their luggage. I lost 69 of my braincells.
This guy should not review for the FOLDING Bike . He has zero bases concept of what the folding bike is for. except , distance range and price which anyone can easily pick up from the google. Don't understand why Brompton choose this guy for review at the first place.
Why don’t you review ebikes from the regular bike manufacturers? Even that green bike has tiny wheels. Sure they cost more, but as a bike, they are far superior.
500W motor is not legal in many other countries. Also, this bike requires pedalling, it electric assist only. And, if they did put one in for you, it would make the bike heavier.
@@bretwinters8505 no, it's completely different case. Cars & motorbikes regularly go above 40 mph therefore we use them for the speed's benefit, we can't even pedal up to that speed. Meanwhile the electric-assist bicycles are redundant because with the regular bicycle we can still go the same speed (with a bit more sweat if you push harder). Thus, I do think the electric-assist bicycles make us lazy to sweat a bit more.
@@umah. This is a niche market. Targeting those in the middle. A walk, cycle and/or public transport is too sweaty or long, so they take a car, but the distance isn't that much to really need a car. Plus rush hour in urban traffic can take longer than a bike. Or the last mile problem. Public transport doesn't quite take you to the office door, so people end up driving.
he obviously doesn't know much about the Brompton, it has at least 40 km to 60 km depending the terrain and level of assist. I ride mine for commutes and for leisure rides on the weekend...
Thanks for watching. What kind of rides do you like to take e-bikes on? Short commutes or long journeys?
Both
But for 4000 there is alot of options
Depending on terrain
10-20 minutes around town. I have the RadMission 1, and even that is a struggle for me to get into my upstairs apartment. But at 1/4 the cost of this video's bike, I am very happy with it.
@@myew Same! Every time I test a new ebike I’m always so happy to go back to my RadRunner. Not the most convenient bike, but all-around fun to ride!
The bad news is, ceartain countries banned ebikes as not only they do not met safety requirements but also require riders to pass a theory thest, register their ebikes and in my country, plaster a liscence plate on the back.
I own a Brompton. It's was originally designed for multi-modal commutes, like those in places like London where someone is using the train or bus in conjunction with the bike. But there are people who have riddent them all over the world on bike tours. I personally used mine as a rental car replacement while traveling for work; mine has been on about 25 flights where it was my carry on.
The portability really is amazing! I just wish it was about half the price. Tough to justify $4,000 for something that can be replaced by a $500 scooter.
@@LoganMoyWith the exception that you will end breaking your arms or smashing face as soon as you hit a crack in road on escooter at 15mph. Non electric Bromptons are way cheaper than 4k.
For those who are complaining about it’s price, think of Brompton as the Rolls-Royce of folding bikes. They are hand-built in UK, and the electric versions are engineered by WAE and using Samsung batteries
I have the standard (non-electric) model. Used it for food delivery riding and I can tell it's a great bike for urban commuting and zipping through small city spaces.
I have the same model and it makes a great 'out and about' in town bike. Very convenient and well built. Not cheap, but nothing folds as well.
I have had my standard 3 spd orange 2011 for 10 years now. I live in an apartment in Berlin. Bikes get stolen all the time here so being able to keep it in the apartment is a big bonus. People complain about the ride but I don’t think it is much worse than than its bigger rivals. Also, you will beat almost everyone from the lights as you can accelerate very fast. After 10 years i have had zero issues. Lubricated the chain twice and changed brake pads 3 times. I have the standard ‘M’ model and fitted Ergo grips which are a MUST have upgrade in my opinion.
It would be much better to do a Brompton e-bike review after getting to know the other folding e-bikes first. I know many people with Bromptons (I own several too) and have never heard of anyone getting their hand caught in the folding mechanism or even worry about this. A kickstand on a Brompton redundant because of how it stays upright when the back wheel is folded and if you want to make it steadier, just add Eazy wheels to it...or does the reviewer not know what Brompton Eazy wheels are? I've ridden the Brompton 100+ kilometres in a day and found it very comfortable. And the front bag design is ingenious, allowing the Brompton rider to carry more luggage than any other folding bike on the market (other than maybe a cargo folding bike). The lack of range and high price are however legitimate criticisms.
You need both hands free to release and fold that back wheel in. You need no hands to engage a kickstand. For how expensive the bike is, I think they could add one.
the price point of the electric Brompton is definitely on the high side but one of the beautiful features of the Brompton is how it stays upright with the partial fold. A kickstand would add weight, potentially get in the way when folding or packing and as I redundantly already said, a kickstand would be redundant :-)
مراجعة لطيفة للغاية لكنني أختبر نفسي بشكل أفضل كل يوم
@@TheRoyalRoads Logan gave a valid reason why a kickstand wouldn't be redundant. Your reply gave reasons why it would be difficult to put one in.
It's a pedal ASSIST bike built to EU rules on max power/speed.
(250 watts - 15.6 mph assisted.)
If you want to go faster, you have to provide all the power by pedalling.
On the other hand, if you want an electric motorbike complete with a throttle and higher speeds, in the EU you have to pass a test and get a driving licence, a helmet, and insurance... same as any other kind of motorbike.
Got to disagree with you on 2 things. I have the non-electric Brompton (I’m on my 3rd one) and it’s surprisingly comfortable for the wheel size. Only suitable for short journeys? Yes, the Brompton’s average journey will be under 10 miles, but that’s goes for ‘big’ bikes too. I’ve ridden my Brompton over 50 miles on charity rides, easy peasy. I could imagine having power on-board would make it even more enjoyable!
Brompton touring is also a big thing, and has been for probably decades. When touring I regularly ride 100 kilometres or more each day.
I enjoyed your review but as you said you didn't have the bike for long. I've had mine for over 1500 miles and regularly do 20 to 40 mile rides at lower settings and return with plenty of charge remaining. The solid build and ease of transport makes it a bike that goes where I want to be and allow me to ride much more. I agree it is a bumpy ride over rough roads. Most ebikes with similar quality and performance weigh much more in my experience and wouldn't work as well for my needs. There are plenty of modifications I'd like to see Brompton make on the bike but there are also many options available to customize your ride. This is my first Brompton but I've owned many other bikes and see now why many Brompton owners stay with the brand.
It seems like they could find a way to incorporate a mid drive on the bike. Most of the criticisms I’ve seen of the Brompton E bike are about the front hub motor.
@@craig8638 there are middrive and rear hub motor available for Brompton.
I also own a standard, non-electric Brompton and to be clear, it is designed for commuting and obviously folding-any standard bicycle destroys it in terms of: speed, comfort, and performance.
However, it is hand made and I can’t say I’ve ever owned a bicycle that has lasted me over 10-years like my Brompton-worth the money and like in the review, it’s made for a person with specific needs.
Great content and stay safe everyone 😷
I find my Brompton much more comfortable than any road bike over owned and most hybrid bikes. Faster than many hybrids too. Faster than an MTB on the road, but not as comfortable. Mostly I ride my 20" wheeled recumbent, but the Brompton is probably my most loved.
What's your Spec. Mine's a S6R black edition.
The one shown in this vid is a M6L
@@owenchuarbx mines an M6L but not electric.
@@owenchuarbx M6L
Oh boy! Did you ever miss the point of the Brompton???
You can't blame your mechanical ineptitude on the Brompton. They take 15 seconds to fold and unfold....without any risk to your fingers.
They are designed as the perfect multi-mode travel solution, as they fit on trains, planes, buses and automobiles.
If the battery goes flat they are perfectly rideable (I personally know someone who rode a non-electric version 800 miles in 4 days!!!).
Try that on the $500 dollar toy bike.
Bromptons don't suffer from depreciation like all other bikes. You pay a lot but you sell for a lot .... if you ever sell.
Also...never lean any bike frame against a light pole!!! Lean the saddle against it. Why would you willingly destroy your paint job?
Folding the rear wheel is a Brompton kickstand. It takes 3 seconds for adults with an education.
Just about the only valid point you made is that they are expensive. That much is true....until you get your regular commuter bikes stolen a few times. Then you'd wish you had a bike you could stash under your desk.
Quote: "On paper the bike has a range of 15 miles. The furthest I took it was 12 miles on full assist and I had three out of five bars of battery left. So Yea, I'd say 15 miles is about right"
Your range extrapolation is flawed: If 2 out of 5 bars gave you 12 miles, the remaining three bars would give you an additional 18 miles to make a total of 30 miles.
Actually, I doubt that you would get that but I would expect over 20 miles on full assist.
On 2nd level assist, which I mostly use, I get 30 miles over very hilly terrain. 1st level assist should give up to 40 miles. And, if the battery runs flat, the bike is still very useable as the motor disengages when not providing assist.
Top speed 15 mph? Actually, it's just the assist that cuts out then; but it is easy to exceed that by human power on the flat. Downhill I have reached 40 mph by gravity alone. The bike is very free running.
Incidentally that hill may be steep enough to propell me to 40 mph but it is climbed quite easily on level 2 assist. I think that may be due to the torque sensor and the clever motor controls.
Brompton do a telescopic seat post that would have suited your height. Reach can be extended by swivelling the handlebars forward a bit and/or fitting the excellent Ergon GP 2 (or 3) grips that have stubby bar ends that don't interfere with the folding process.
I think that whoever supplied the bike did a disservice to both you and Brompton. They should have researched who was going to be riding it and supplied it suitably equipped. Were you a customer, you would not expect to leave a bike shop having laid out all of that money without having the sizing and fit sorted.
Once you get used to using the back wheel is a kickstand it’s just as quick and easy. I love my Brompton
Didn’t really care for this guys review of the bike. You were sent a bike to properly review and you didn’t even do the research necessary to give it a proper review. Yes price is hefty but if you bothered to research the company, you’d see that these bikes made in London have over forty years experience making these commuter/leisure bikes. Some even use these bikes for touring! But you wouldn’t know since you didn’t do your part. Also since you’re tall and once again didn’t do your research, you would of found out that brompton has three types of seat heights and three types of handling bars for various users with different heights. But once again, you couldn’t be bothered to properly inform the people looking at this bike.
lmao, ur big salt
Meanwhile in school. "Great. I have no place to put my bicycle"
CNET: it's ok. Let me introduce you this folding bicycle in 30 seconds
Good for you!
I am 61 and look younger than you no offense!
I ride a 2018 , 6-speed Black Edition version and live in a relatively flat location but sometimes arid conditions( which is a reason for having a
battery pack to not sweat so much on warm days when cycling to work...) and I never saw the need for adding more weight to my Brommie.
As for the 30 seconds unfolding. I am never in such a rush that I have a greedy need for speed when unfolding it.
If one has to rush, leave earlier!
Bromtons were designed and made to specifically be compact and fold as well as flow...
“Marketing ploys” I ain’t buying.
But a decent ride, my second btw, and I am still out running those Uber eats on their heavier than heavy souped up mtb bikes!
I removed the mudguards, changed the seat and seat post to get the bike under 10k and it flows better than I do!
One thingI would like complain about is the battery pack bag. It could have been done differently. They could and should address the aesthetics on their next project. Weight and size will reduce but costs will increase. That should not be passed on to the customer!
I do own a Brompton A line Folding bike but not a Brompton Ebike. I do own a similar Ebike to a Brompton Ebike and it is the Igogomi Alps Folding bike. I'm pretty much satisfied with it and the price point is with in my range. When folded the Igogomi has a tendency to tip over on the handle bar side but this can be eliminated by using two slight ly larger wheels on the left side of the bike. The Igogomi is also a front wheel driven bike just as the Brompton Ebike.
I own a Brompton. I took it on a 50-mile New York City 5 boroughs bike ride. My butt was numb and the bunching over the handlebars because the stem was shorter kills my back. It was not enjoyable after 20 miles in. The stem was a standard H handlebar but still short to be comfortable. I'm 5'10".
First honest view when a company asks you to review. Well done. It actually wanted me to buy the bike.
A good compelling review of the pros and cons....it has gone some way to putting me off! I need to evaluate my needs very carefully - I do not have a storage problem, I do not commute - thus an open road 'cruiser ' with the bigger wheels will probably be for me in terms of both performance and comfort.
Thank you for the in-depth review, CNET..!! I wish I had that bike 7 years ago. I tried to find something to ride downhill to work, ended up buying a 3 wheeled skateboard, and fell down hard on the concrete after losing balance due to my backpack weight.
This wasn’t even a full proper review. Read the website for the brompton bikes.
Love the Bromptons, but the electric feature for the Bromptons are definitely at a high price point. My $2000 euc (electric unicycle) covers 40+ real-time miles with a top speed of 45mph, not to mention it's already ultra-portable formfactor to begin with.
You’re doing 45 on a unicycle?! Be careful! But also, cool! 😅
Nice review👍
I'd be interested to see if Brompton will make a 'US' version with a higher top speed, and more power. Right now, it's made to be available in all markets, hence lack of performance compared to Rad Power offerings.
I wish the weight was brought up because it's a folding bike and meant to carried or at least lifted into a car/bus. As well as how difficult and fast it is to fold/unfold.
The bike I tested in the video is the US model that can be purchased at bike shops. It’s slower because of the smaller motor, and I mention both weight and how long it takes to fold/unfold in the video.
Weight is about 16/17kg depending on the model.
I have a brompton with a 500 watt motor goes 25 mph without pedaling
Kick stand, are you kidding? If you set the folding locking mechanism to unlocked all you have to do is lift the saddle to fold the rear wheel under. Quicker than lifting your foot to a quick stand. Pro level commuters in London can fully fold or unfold the bike in about 10 seconds. Good review.
It’s really not quicker and not that easy with a handful of stuff (like video gear). A slight imbalance of the ground causes the bike to tip over on those tiny wheels, so you can really only stand it up on flat ground. I can engage a kick stand in less than a second with one hand and a foot.
Thanks for watching though!
Enjoyable video from the first mate of podcasting great, Logan Moy
We own the RadMin4 folding ebike. They ride very comfortably and have a range over 80km. But they are heavy, around 27 kgs. When folded, they are still pretty bulky, unwieldy and difficult to fit into most car trunks. But we still like them and ride them quite often.
I love my Brompton. ❤❤
Nice video.I do not have the Brompton ebike. but I have taken it on 15 mile plus bike rides.yes get the 6 speed. If you can.
I use a fiido l2 ebike and it does not fold like that, you could try to compare it to fiido d1
Uncomfortable? Brompton? Are you sure? Or maybe it just doen't fit you. I have tried one and I think it is comfortable. Especilly for the long steel seatpost. The steering is a bit quick though and you need to concentrate to remain upright. People even tour with these..
Put an apple sticker on there with a Steve Jobs signature then do the review
🤦♂️… typical RUclips Demo Bike Problems…
There are 3 seat post length, 2 seat width and the handlebar come in 3 height level …. but the Bike don’t fit. Ok👍
🤔…. I bet u never told someone ur size so u could get a bike fitting to ur height and now complain about an uncomfortable ride, I would say - it’s ur own fault,not the Bike.
Oh btw…
Brompton Traveller - he traveled 2500km 1553,428 miles on a non Electric Brompton on 1 Trip, Or in the Afghan Mountains with it … He Travels the World with it.
But u can’t get a Daytrip with the Electric Version.
My own last Trip , last Week - a Weekend 2 Days 150km Trip. Non Electric 6 Speed
Tqs for that review I been thinking of buying ebike too
Great video 👍
Enduro ebike slayer is my transmuter, almost half the price as your folding bike and it has 55km/h top speed with 120-250 miles range with 44.2 Ah battery. Downside with my bike is it is really heavy and it doesn't look legal at all.
Nice 👍
Beautiful amazing piece of equipment. Unfortunately I highly believe there products are extremely overpriced. Completely disregarded the founder who wished everyone had one and anyone could afford one.
Right? The sticker shock is real. The extras are crazy over priced as well. 😒
If you did your research you’d see why it’s priced the way it is. Yes it’s pricey but the history is there to back it up. And their standard non electric is around $1410 FYI.
thanks
Can I have the bike after you done with it?
This guy complete misses the point of the purpose of Brompton. Good luck taking any other bike in a car or public transport.
No I get the point. Since I have a car, I don’t need a $4,000 Brompton. And if I took public transport, would $4,000 be worth traveling those last couple of miles? I could buy a car with that!
Perhaps again you miss the value of the product you are trying to review. The brompton provides a viable green alternative to owning a car.
A review should be a critic of a product for the purpose of what its designed to do (ie; I wouldn't judge a spoon for its ability to slice a tomato).
I would like to get the bike to get to work everyday. It would be 10 km with constant slope, increase in altitude about 300 m. Can I make it with the assist? I guess motor and battery are not that durable?
Made in Britain so follows British laws of 15mph max speed and no throttles
If I had limited space I would probably buy a Brompton
They could make a different version for the US. But I think their battery and motor are more optimized for lightweight than performance, which makes sense for their target market.
Folding E-bike great
I want to start riding to feel free and embrace life a bit more. Only worrying about my skill and control... and not dying to crazy drivers.
I know dumb people exists but this shows a new side of it. Yup this a hate comment, thought this would be a review but it feels like a parody review. : )
AGREED, it is basically a folding bike with the brand power. There are plenty of similarly folding bikes that are only 40% of the Brompton price. You must really try it out to be convinced that say a $1,200 USD bike can be folded and ridden like the Brompton. Please take your time. There is enormous competition for the Brompton space. If you want an ebike that folds, they can be as expensive as the Brompton but the e in ebike will really make you want to ride even more. I think then, it is worth it to pay as much as a Brompton...Basically I think Brompton was a very great designed folding bike and at that price, it doesn't lack a lot of people who want to make seats, panniers, other accessories that go with the bike. MOBOT has a type of Brompton folding bike, a clone, that will fold exactly like the Brompton, use most of the accessories that was made for Brompton..because it is similarly sized. Brompton is a style leader for that size of wheels 20" bike.
Does brompton still make a 500 watt motor? I have a slightly older brompton with a 500 watt motor and a 52.6 volt battery. It goes 25 mph and has a range of 25 miles
They never did.
that bike weighs more than 2x my regular size road bike
Can you have a look at a cargo e-bike, or a folding e-bike with a cargo attachment?
This bike can do that had the reviewer done his job properly to inform us of this type of bike from brompton.
Way too pricey for 250W. ...not a fan with small wheel...And with 250w does not help much with a throttle.
The bike is targeted at people who mix it in with public transportation - and that's a huge demographic. The compactness of the fold means you can take it on a bus or train easily.
At that price either I can choose between this and couple other brands like super73 Ariel and other good city bikes ...just saying
If I was rich I’d get this product
I use my bikes alot
But i won't pay that price for bike like that
I rather get e_scooter and full size e_bike for less than what they asking
Mine comes pre unfolded.
I want an E bike
3:31 invisible magical selfie stick?
.
.
or editing skills? 😅
Yep. Insta360 One R camera.
😃
Not very bright..no kickstand needed. 15 minutes figuring out fold first time? Its actually remarkably confortable
This is supposed to be 30 second video
Would pay 40$ take it or leave it
wow
I don't know how to do that
So very sad that such a biased, non appropriate reviewer chose to speak so negatively towards a product that is not made for him. And the world is not all about you.
You speak of your non folding as taking a 'lot of space in your office', a 'hassel to lug up the stairs' but you don't seem to mind those real issues.
You felt the need for a kickstand where a person who uses the Brompton for more than a few days will as quickly rotate the back wheel and have that same effect. For no increase in weight.
You say 'Here's the battery' and then display the extra cost large bag that only a person who needs the bag would choose to purchase. The reality is the smaller standard bag. So why say 'Here's the bag' when it is non standard? So you could make fun of its larger size? Showing off your bias?
Hunching over when you ride? How about getting the longer seat post for your non standard height? Everyone should ride with the proper seat height. Brompton does not restrict you from doing that.
Uncomfortable seat? How about getting the seat that you like. You would do that with any other bike as you did as an aside mention that most stock seats are not your favorite. Then why mention that you don't like the seat?
'The Brompton won't replace your full size ebike? It is not supposed to. It is not designed for those long range rides. It is made for the run around, easy to transport, easily put in your car, fits in the leg space in front of the rear seats of many cars. Try that with your full size ebike. It is meant for those that do not want to lug their full size up stairs. Who desire to not take up a lot of space in their office. There are more riders than 'commuters' and 'weekend warriors'. There are bike riders that just want to tool around for 5-10 miles, want to take that route that has a hill that would otherwise prevent them from taking. The Brompton was not designed for you. Someone else who it might fit into their lifestyle might have been a better reviewer. I would have hated your full size ebike and I would not have needed its a extra capacity distance, awkward size, and inability to easily transport.
love the honest review 👍
I'm fairly surprised that you talked about facing difficulty while pushing this bike around folded, we all know pulling is much easier than pushing, its simple physics, I don't see people push their luggage. I lost 69 of my braincells.
Thanks for this helpful & easy to watch review. Good job!
$4k , bruh
This guy should not review for the FOLDING Bike . He has zero bases concept of what the folding bike is for. except , distance range and price which anyone can easily pick up from the google. Don't understand why Brompton choose this guy for review at the first place.
Agree on that.
I need a long commuter bike because its better
Title: weird flex but ok😂
💪
Wow! All bad marks 😂
Wayyy overpriced. For that quote you should get a much better battery and overall bike. Try Amego. Their bikes are built better and are less expensive
Hard pass. For that money I'd rather get the radmini step through
20 miles battery life Lol
Why don’t you review ebikes from the regular bike manufacturers? Even that green bike has tiny wheels. Sure they cost more, but as a bike, they are far superior.
I don't think so...
The same price of a used good car. Geez
250 watts will not climb steep hills
500W motor is not legal in many other countries. Also, this bike requires pedalling, it electric assist only. And, if they did put one in for you, it would make the bike heavier.
Congrats it's too small!
Like the thumbnail. I have Bubbles on my hoodie.
Too small? With the telescopic seat post it would fit him fine.
Just get a urbe
You actually just reminded me that I’ve tried one. More of a scooter than an ebike though, and even worse for tall people than this Brompton.
Human's muscles will keep getting weaker with this kind of innovation. 🦵
Or stronger?
@@bretwinters8505 the electric motor helps boost the speed a bit, so if we get used to it, then our muscles will get weaker or lazier.
@@umah. and the same can be said for the internal combustion engine.
Usually the target market for these are those who would otherwise commute by car.
@@bretwinters8505 no, it's completely different case. Cars & motorbikes regularly go above 40 mph therefore we use them for the speed's benefit, we can't even pedal up to that speed. Meanwhile the electric-assist bicycles are redundant because with the regular bicycle we can still go the same speed (with a bit more sweat if you push harder). Thus, I do think the electric-assist bicycles make us lazy to sweat a bit more.
@@umah. This is a niche market. Targeting those in the middle. A walk, cycle and/or public transport is too sweaty or long, so they take a car, but the distance isn't that much to really need a car. Plus rush hour in urban traffic can take longer than a bike.
Or the last mile problem. Public transport doesn't quite take you to the office door, so people end up driving.
Battery makes this a no go.
he obviously doesn't know much about the Brompton, it has at least 40 km to 60 km depending the terrain and level of assist. I ride mine for commutes and for leisure rides on the weekend...
Cute joke. Too bad it’s not a great bike.
It’s actually a great bike. Hand-made and great performance. Just really expensive for its limited use.