In Tokyo, folding is a MUST feature because we don't have good parking lots for bikes. I always fold it into shops, cafes, supermarkets, my office, and my home. Moreover, the railroad system in Tokyo is so convenient that you can bring your bike anywhere if you can fold it. And, the compactness and easy folding are the best characteristics of Brompton. Eventually, it's a matter of matching between your lifestyle and bikes.
It folds - so what? So what it means for me is that I take mine on trains that have a booking limit of 2 full sized bikes. I do this at least 5 times a week. Can't do this every day with my Bianchi. If the train is cancelled I can put it on the bus. If it's great weather and I'm feeling fit I've got the choice of cycling home after my shift to unwind after the day at work, or when my shift finishes at 3am there are no buses or trains and the taxis want mortgage sized money at that time of night. I've been on cruise ships and taken mine with me, normal sized bikes are prohibited. The Brompton is allowed because it fits in the wardrobe and doesn't hamper the fire escape routes. I've cycled in the most stunning locations on my holidays because I've taken it with me. And not shelled out £100 a time for a bus tour. Your MacBook / coffee shop / Brompton observation is about people, not the bike. It costs a lot? It costs less than my road bike - full Campagnolo Record which I agree with you about, superb components. It's less than a travel season ticket and a gym membership. Mine's paid for itself many times over. I don't renew it every year. No disc brakes? How bloody fast are you going?! I'm not much younger than you but I certainly don't need disc brakes. The bell - use your voice if they don't hear the bell. They've got right of way on the shared paths anyway. Perhaps some of them are hearing impaired so use your brakes. Should you buy a Brompton? If it fits your life they're worth it. Mine saves me time and money. It's a utility device. But don't try and make your life fit a Brompton because you won't get the benefits.
Good old Julian is using an alternative way to make us re-think do we really want to buy a bloody Brompton, if anyone who goes through all the questions and still go and get one, that one has a strong will for sure.
I've done a lot of traveling with my Brompton. Yes, it's heavy. Getting it on and off the train is no big deal. Hauling it down the stairs inches Tube, say Tower Station, is a pain. Riding it a mile from my hotel in Cambridge to the train station, then riding it from another station a few miles down for a half mile to the office is quite pleasant. Rolling it through LAX and carrying it on the plane and storing it in the overhead and then riding it from the hotel in Sydney to the train station out to the suburbs and then to the client... and having it to ride around Sydney harbor on the weekends is great. In short, I've traveled with it extensively, and it is fantastic. This is just ranting. Oh, I'm in my 60s and I canget it around. B3cause while it's not the best or most expensive bike I have, nothing else can do what a Brompton can do.
You’re a bloke. I think women appreciate the safety aspects of the Brompton, the ability to use all modes of transport. My wife loves hers. I think they are a fantastic way of making public transport accessible.
As a multi Brompton owner for more than 25 years, i cannot be more agree with you. Especially on the price we have to pay for those tiny improvements here and there is far too high and unjustifiable. That's why i have been doing research on Brompton clones. There are 3X3, 9 speed derailer, carbon fibre frame, 18” wheels and some with disc brakes, all equipped with better easy wheels, etc. There are at least 8 brands available in the market and mostly cost only half the price of what a real Brompton asking for. Do we deserve better ? For the monies we are paying?
@@tomvanderham1416 litepro, aceroffix, Cranston, pikes, royale, forever...etc royale is designed in Singapore but probably assembled in PRC. I can add a dozen more easily. Price range from £300 to 800 USD
A Brompton is NOT expensive - sorry to totally disagree. How many bikes have you owned in your lifetime? What age do you reasonably expect to be riding a bike until? Start doing the maths - if you buy a Brompton, you are buying a bike that will, with a little care and regular attention - last you a lifetime. Not only that, you will be using a bike that is the most practical and usable on the planet. The cost is peanuts. Go ahead, buy a cheaper clone - then drop me a line when that clone starts to fail, costing you time and money. Buy once, buy the best. It's a no-brainer.
I never thought of comparing a Brompton bike to a seal. Now I can't get the image out of my mind. A Brompton, a seal and a Macbook Air in a coffee shop...
This was the most engaging, original and endearing review I’ve ever watched. Lost it completely at the medium size seal weight. Thank you and keep up the great content.
In 1981 Brompton did not mount dual pivot brakes, like they do now. The current brakes work perfectly fine and are easy to adjust (because of the two pivots). One might be worried about wearing the rim down, but start by keeping it all clean and it wil last longer.
There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. You want a brompton so you can bring it in the grocery store with you and use it as a cart. It won't disappear, however somebody can still knock you off of it and steal it. There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. They wanted me to take it to an authorized dealer to replace the broken rollers. That would mean a lot of trips to get rollers that just about anybody can install. Fortunately, we have right to repair here in the US so they sent me some. So, there's other flimsy parts issues I won't discuss here, including the plastic fenders and the known problems with the plastic shifters. It's not that heavy and they could beef up some of the flimsy parts. Still beats coming out to a bike rack and the only thing left of your bike is pieces of a cut lock. BTW, cameras mean nothing, especially in this age of face masks. Dutch bikes are the best!
I take mine on the train and I need to fold it up cos I live in a flat and I can't store a full bike away. Mine is great it's for commuting. Its really compact.
You have an amazing gift for stand-up critique, applicable to any product. I hope you will evaluate more. As a first time viewer, I'm off to see if you have already, starting with your complementary video. If so, I'll subscribe. Thanks, Julian.
Well I was on the train today coming back from London Bridge at peak time with my big badly-folding Dahon that was too big, even folded, to keep out of the way, and it gets all caught up in itself and falls over, and bangs into your shins when you're trying to carry it upstairs. It was then I wished I'd got a Brompton. That's why people buy Bromptons.
The cycle paths around here are also bridle paths so its horses too . LOTS of them. And the dogs are never ever on leads so they either run up to say hello , or more likely , want to chase the wheels cos they really don't like them. Then there's the kamikazi squirrels who are always on the wrong side of the path and only realise that JUST as I'm cycling past and then I have to jam on the brakes. The best was a young badger who appeared from nowhere nearly colliding with me then veered off somewhere. This is on the edge of a North Yorkshire town not open countryside
There are none!!!! I love my Brommie.. it makes me so so happy whenever I ride it. I also have two fast roadbikes that I ride more than the Brompton.. totally different feel and enjoyment I must say.
This type of video is needed to help folks be honest with themselves about buying a folding bike regardless of the brand. I won't get one right now simply because I don't need it. I'm not a bike commuter and do just fine with my fitness bike (hybrid bike) around town--in parks, medium distance rides, here and there, and you name it. It's got a ton of gears, panniers, bike computer, and four different warning devices (bells and horns), front and tail lights), and I never need to or want to go faster that 15 mph (did hit over 20 mph going down hill a few times-fun but a little scary too!). If I want speed, I'll get a motorcycle. I enjoy just taking my time (cruising between 11 and 15 mph) running errands, talking to people, and enjoying nature. I'm glad folding bikes exist, though. Variety is the spice of life, don't you think?
The newest titanium Brompton weighs over 7 Kg but costs £4500!! I agree the folding and unfolding is more tiring than popping every 10 minutes while wearing overalls and gloves!!
Nice video and thanks for your humanitarian work for Ukraine. Superb! For me, there's only one rule in buying anything specialised: buy once, buy the best. And Brompton is the best - the most practical bike on the planet. A Brompton is cheap when taking into account the design practicality, the build quality and the resale value spread across the 25 year lifespan of the bike. I'm thrilled with mine - wish I'd bought one decades ago!
I think you are being a bit harsh on the wonderful Brommie! The big attraction for me is being able to take it on the bus (free for me, as I'm so ancient) or on the train (without having to book in advance, as I have to with my road bike) and going to a town, canal path or cycle route some distance away and having a thoroughly great day out somewhere that I do not have to ride to get to. The roads here in Devon are extremely hilly, pot-holed, clogged with traffic and very dangerous. The Brommie has freed me from all that. Moreover, Brompton have made constant tweaks to the design and spec since it's inception and current models are a big improvement on the early ones. Suggest you try the 6 speed S ( straight handlebar) model with a nice Brookes saddle. Comfortable enough to ride all day long! I'm with you on the bell, however--- It's completely crap and I have emailed Brompton to register my outrage. P.S. Your videos are always good, and I will not be buying an Apple Macbook to accompany me on my ride any time soon.
Got a Brompton and a Apple Watch 🤗 Which tells me when I’m riding it I’m not going very fast….Perfect for the truck though, sits neatly in passenger footwell and means gyms, supermarkets and boozers are all within easy reach 😎👍
The next Bomptom must have hidden cables / internal routing cables to keep it clean and more beautiful bike. Yes, disc brakes should be standard already.
Congrats my good sir, you just convinced me to buy my first Brompton after watching this video ! I always wanted to have a chopper like a Harley Davidson and a Brompton was all I could afford ! 😅
Well mine is an extremely, yes extremely expensive Lightweight, with a too long seat post for an effective fold, which I may try change into a shorter version, to see if it works for me? And I have exchanged a lot of parts into even lighter but much more expensive titanium parts! But going down a very steep hill on my Brompton, the brakes did function very well, having to make a full stop at intervalls to walk over the cattle prevention grids!
This is brilliant.....had me chuckling the entire way through. I've been pondering a folder and been reading/watching everything i can in an attempt to come to a decision about which one. One thing that bothered me was the amount of second hand Bromptons for sale. That is - if they are so good, why is everyone (it appears) selling theirs.....and now i see. Another thing that bothers me (thought it worth including) is the welds on Bromptons - they are the ugliest welds i've ever seen. I've been tempted to contact Brompton and recommending they instruct the welders to open their eyes - at least whilst welding bicycle frames.....Thanks for the video - entertaining and informative.
Mint/Sunrimoon has welded their trifold(/Brompton clone) to have external gears and disc brakes. Costs about 420 GBP where I'm from, weigh around 13KG stock I've seen someone upgraded it with Shimano Ultegra 11-34
Had a second hand brompton sold it after 6 rides and even make $ from selling... MINT(ext gears/ disc brakes) is as good and much cheaper with better parts. Just get them and upgrade and lighter parts if desire. Brompton parts are shitty.
@@batucave Not so much shitty as durable '80's . 135mm rear would be more fragile and wider so it was just a decision on priorities Rim brakes work just fine on them. On racing bikes in the rain not so much and discs are fragile. IGH other than Rollie are hard to keep adjusted heavy fragile again. this is a rugged bike overall
… buy a chinese bike and be happy … I ride my brompton for 10 years now and still love it. more weight than others - I‘m sitting on that bike and don‘t run stairs up and down. But the most important for me is: its made in england and it makes me smile whenever I see it. like old british cars, fishing stuff and so on. that is design for me and many other enjoying pretty things … leo from austria
😂 Oh my goodness, I haven’t thought about my ADell laptop would be a mismatch, oh no, I am not sure whether I should buy a Brompton and another laptop. ❤
Hi everyone, I just got a brand new C-Line Explore for free. 6 speed. Zero mileage so far. I want a lighter version to bring the bike onboard with me and fulfil my bike tour plan. Should I modify the current C-Line to make it lighter? Or should I sell it to fund the P-Line instead? What do you think?
My Rohloff shifts just fine, and I have to stop pedaling, or have my pedals in the vertical position to shift it... is the Brompton that much worse? You can get to where you shift just right as you hit that vertical point, so you don't really have to stop pedaling. Do all the Bromptons use Sturmey Archers now? Are they still Chinese made? Do they last like a Rohloff? Is the handling twitchy?
Yup, the Brompton rear wheel, gear and brake systems do need to be updated. Sturmey Archer hub/gears make the bike heavier. The Sturmey Archer hub/gear makes for a more cluttered look in the rear end, difficult to remove the rear wheel when fixing a flat tire. The hinge point for the rear triangle and the seat post clamp both require specialized tools to replace bushings. The rear wheel and gearing really needs to be designed without the thought of using a Sturmey Archer hub. A design using more readily available parts from Shimano, SRAM, etc. makes for better maintenance and parts replacement in the long run.I own a Brompton CHPT3 with titanium rear triangle and fork, and Sturmey Archer rear hub. The bike is still heavy when compared to a regular bike with 20+ gears.
Yep, that every 10,000 mile bushing change is a bear. Shimano IGH's are a PITA. worse than the Macarena shifting of the Brommie All foldies are relatively heavy
Gonna sell my Brompton, is expensive to repair, and the ride gets very uncomfortable after 3 miles, for the same money (even selling my 10 year old brommy) can buy other a nice folding bike with 20 inches wheels and 8 gears, which is cheaper to maintain. Most Brompton owners I know use them as multi-modal commuters and do short trips between their station and their office desk, I use mine on longer rides so I guess Brompton is not for me.
the more you discourage me not buy this bike, the more i want it now , you made my day, by the way your so funny hahahaha, new subscriber here, enjoy your brompton have a great day always...
Thanks for this video. It justifies that I don't want a Brompton. There's another saying here in the Philippines about Brompton bikes: It is a snob rich kid's bike who is just trying to cycle a bit but more of a show off than actually biking.
What?? It doesn't fold that small ?? What you expect. It's small enough to bring as a carry on on a flight. Its anti theft too, you can bring it with you in doors anywhere
"you go to Greenland, and you club a seal..." Omg lol, never thought I'd hear that in a Brompton clip. Great to see a negative list to go along with all the positives, no matter how funny
Lmao!!! They are heavy. I don’t care what any one says. I have two and I do everything I can to never lift it off the ground. Facts about the comfort. You missed your calling… you are the funniest person I’ve come across in weeks.
Hilarious video Julian. I will now proceed to buy my 3rd Brompton. I actually wake up at 03:45, with the Brompton never far from my mind. I have never been to Greenland, nor have I ever clubbed a seal. I also have no practical perspective on the weight of 'shit'. Seriously? I think I'm going to ask James May's opinion just to be sure.
That’s sounds just what I’m looking for - a challenge. Life has never been easy so its just up my street, it will keep me young at 74. I still chop up wood to keep me warm lol. Thanks for the laugh, but you have definitely persuaded me I’ve done the right thing…it will be here tomorrow.
I've been riding this bike for about a month ruclips.net/user/postUgkxwC0IIeIomGQVeBWg-kKJaToZkLEFIA2W and a half now and I think it's fantastic. It helps me get to work on time every day since I'm able to fit it inside of public transportation rush hour. The price is great too, people are always shocked when they ask me how much I paid for the fold up and I tell them "200". It's easy to fold and installation when it ships is insanely easy. All you have to install when the bike arrives is one foot pedal, everything else is done for you. I do recommend you carry some sort of wrench to tighten any loose screws on the handle bar and seat whenever they get a little bit loose. Other than that I think it's a fantastic bike. Easily fits in the home, can fit inside a car trunk and can even fit in subway rush hour.
I've got two more reasons. It's too bloody heavy and you can't descent long hills or 'tains without burning up the rims to a fiery friction collapse. I still love it though. But it's too heavy all the same. Did I hint that it was too heavy? 4th floor flat makes me pray the lift still works.
I'm 81. I've owned Bromptons for the last 30+ years. I now have a Brompton e-bike which eats gradients alive. I've 'engineered' a front basket for our terrible terrier called PIp. The Brompton is the Rolls Royce of the folder niche market. Very pleasing are the number of excellent RUclips videos on changing wheels, fitting tyres, and other maintenance hacks. I enjoyed Julian's GOM denunciation of so popular an object of desire - he's spot on in every respect!
Hey , I have like 98kg so my two concerns are that maybe I’m to heavy for a Brompton and the second is with the folding mechanism, how long it will last ? Please answer and amazing video I really enjoyed it :)
Hi, I don’t know if there is a maximum weight - might be worth checking on their website. I don’t think you need worry about the folding mechanism - it’s a tried and tested system and should be robust.
Even a Brompton clone can promise a maximum load of 100kg these days. 12 seconds is what you need to fold and unfold a Brompton frame. Don't get me wrong, i still have two real Bromptons with me. The other issue with me is the caliber brake cost me two split reat wheels over the years. Unfortunately, the last one was unreplaceable as Brompton changed the dimensions and spec of their design....
It doesn't sound that bad. It probably fills the roll intended for it. Unfortunately the price is much too high but may employ a few British workers. It's silly slow but better than a unicycle.
People buy into BRANDS. Everyone wants to slate people who shell out 2 or 3 grand for a bicycle. For me I have a problem with people shelling out even more than that for a ROLEX. At least with a Brompton you get some form of exercise. And can save the bikes cost in travel expenses over a few years. This is how you have to look at it. I dont have a Brompton. But I have another high end folder. A Tern Verge X11. I spent £2,400 on it 7 years ago. In the last 7 years its saved me over £20,000 in travel expenses. When I first told a work colleague how much it cost me. He said you must be MAD to spend that much on a bicycle. Only 7 months earlier he had spent 6 grand on a Rolex. Which to me is mad..
I've got an Apple laptop but they won't let me in cafes without a Brompton. I was going to give my old bike to charity but maybe you would like it and give me your Brompton?
Also, rim brakes aren't that bad, and they cool better than disc brakes on long descents. Use kool stop salmon or maybe the new kool stop gray pads, and see how they work. make sure to clean your rims first. I test rode a disc brake bike once and wasn't impressed. And I have seen similar impressions from others. But a good disc brake with the right pads may stop better on a flat in the rain, I would think.
In Tokyo, folding is a MUST feature because we don't have good parking lots for bikes. I always fold it into shops, cafes, supermarkets, my office, and my home. Moreover, the railroad system in Tokyo is so convenient that you can bring your bike anywhere if you can fold it. And, the compactness and easy folding are the best characteristics of Brompton. Eventually, it's a matter of matching between your lifestyle and bikes.
It folds - so what?
So what it means for me is that I take mine on trains that have a booking limit of 2 full sized bikes. I do this at least 5 times a week. Can't do this every day with my Bianchi.
If the train is cancelled I can put it on the bus.
If it's great weather and I'm feeling fit I've got the choice of cycling home after my shift to unwind after the day at work, or when my shift finishes at 3am there are no buses or trains and the taxis want mortgage sized money at that time of night.
I've been on cruise ships and taken mine with me, normal sized bikes are prohibited. The Brompton is allowed because it fits in the wardrobe and doesn't hamper the fire escape routes. I've cycled in the most stunning locations on my holidays because I've taken it with me. And not shelled out £100 a time for a bus tour.
Your MacBook / coffee shop / Brompton observation is about people, not the bike.
It costs a lot? It costs less than my road bike - full Campagnolo Record which I agree with you about, superb components. It's less than a travel season ticket and a gym membership.
Mine's paid for itself many times over. I don't renew it every year.
No disc brakes? How bloody fast are you going?! I'm not much younger than you but I certainly don't need disc brakes.
The bell - use your voice if they don't hear the bell. They've got right of way on the shared paths anyway. Perhaps some of them are hearing impaired so use your brakes.
Should you buy a Brompton?
If it fits your life they're worth it. Mine saves me time and money. It's a utility device. But don't try and make your life fit a Brompton because you won't get the benefits.
Thank You for your time you put into your command
Julian I loved your video ! You should make a video why you bought a folding ladder and not a regular stander LADDER :) take care brother.
😂😂😂
Good old Julian is using an alternative way to make us re-think do we really want to buy a bloody Brompton, if anyone who goes through all the questions and still go and get one, that one has a strong will for sure.
I've done a lot of traveling with my Brompton. Yes, it's heavy. Getting it on and off the train is no big deal. Hauling it down the stairs inches Tube, say Tower Station, is a pain. Riding it a mile from my hotel in Cambridge to the train station, then riding it from another station a few miles down for a half mile to the office is quite pleasant. Rolling it through LAX and carrying it on the plane and storing it in the overhead and then riding it from the hotel in Sydney to the train station out to the suburbs and then to the client... and having it to ride around Sydney harbor on the weekends is great.
In short, I've traveled with it extensively, and it is fantastic. This is just ranting. Oh, I'm in my 60s and I canget it around. B3cause while it's not the best or most expensive bike I have, nothing else can do what a Brompton can do.
Brompton in the overhead baggage of a plane?
@solb101 a few videos and pics out there. Check em out.
Classic British Wit. ♥
I loved this review
I am only two years younger , have seven other bikes, and agree with all his grumbles
AND love my Brompton - get one
You’re a bloke. I think women appreciate the safety aspects of the Brompton, the ability to use all modes of transport. My wife loves hers. I think they are a fantastic way of making public transport accessible.
This is the definition of gaslighting lol
As a multi Brompton owner for more than 25 years, i cannot be more agree with you. Especially on the price we have to pay for those tiny improvements here and there is far too high and unjustifiable. That's why i have been doing research on Brompton clones. There are 3X3, 9 speed derailer, carbon fibre frame, 18” wheels and some with disc brakes, all equipped with better easy wheels, etc. There are at least 8 brands available in the market and mostly cost only half the price of what a real Brompton asking for. Do we deserve better ? For the monies we are paying?
Please name the Brompton clones you’re speaking about. I’d like to take a look at them before I buy.
Thank you very much!
Tell us which is clone of Brompton? From China? But are they top quality?
@@tomvanderham1416 litepro, aceroffix, Cranston, pikes, royale, forever...etc royale is designed in Singapore but probably assembled in PRC. I can add a dozen more easily. Price range from £300 to 800 USD
You deserve what you select.
Don't want what they offer? Buy something else.
It's called product integrity.
A Brompton is NOT expensive - sorry to totally disagree. How many bikes have you owned in your lifetime? What age do you reasonably expect to be riding a bike until? Start doing the maths - if you buy a Brompton, you are buying a bike that will, with a little care and regular attention - last you a lifetime. Not only that, you will be using a bike that is the most practical and usable on the planet. The cost is peanuts. Go ahead, buy a cheaper clone - then drop me a line when that clone starts to fail, costing you time and money. Buy once, buy the best. It's a no-brainer.
I never thought of comparing a Brompton bike to a seal. Now I can't get the image out of my mind. A Brompton, a seal and a Macbook Air in a coffee shop...
This was the most engaging, original and endearing review I’ve ever watched. Lost it completely at the medium size seal weight. Thank you and keep up the great content.
Thanks Bosk
In 1981 Brompton did not mount dual pivot brakes, like they do now. The current brakes work perfectly fine and are easy to adjust (because of the two pivots). One might be worried about wearing the rim down, but start by keeping it all clean and it wil last longer.
You are the legend! Truely I must say, that was a great stand up!
This is hilarious but the brakes are superb, best stopping power ever! Ok not quite disc but still very impressive.
There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. You want a brompton so you can bring it in the grocery store with you and use it as a cart. It won't disappear, however somebody can still knock you off of it and steal it. There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. They wanted me to take it to an authorized dealer to replace the broken rollers. That would mean a lot of trips to get rollers that just about anybody can install. Fortunately, we have right to repair here in the US so they sent me some.
So, there's other flimsy parts issues I won't discuss here, including the plastic fenders and the known problems with the plastic shifters. It's not that heavy and they could beef up some of the flimsy parts.
Still beats coming out to a bike rack and the only thing left of your bike is pieces of a cut lock. BTW, cameras mean nothing, especially in this age of face masks.
Dutch bikes are the best!
I ride my brompton allreddy for 17 years and he is still in good shape 👍😀
You are hilarious!!and I love my Brompton even more and I know deep down you do lie in bed thinking of your Brompton ☕️ 🦭
❤😂
I take mine on the train and I need to fold it up cos I live in a flat and I can't store a full bike away. Mine is great it's for commuting. Its really compact.
Thanks for your honesty and experience. There are now Brompton-likes which cover the deficiencies you mentioned: cost, weight, even disk brakes
Where are these improved likes?
You have an amazing gift for stand-up critique, applicable to any product. I hope you will evaluate more.
As a first time viewer, I'm off to see if you have already, starting with your complementary video. If so, I'll subscribe.
Thanks, Julian.
Well I was on the train today coming back from London Bridge at peak time with my big badly-folding Dahon that was too big, even folded, to keep out of the way, and it gets all caught up in itself and falls over, and bangs into your shins when you're trying to carry it upstairs. It was then I wished I'd got a Brompton. That's why people buy Bromptons.
spot on mate! by the way, in china ,a copy cost 200 quid, 1/10 the price . it rides just fine and if it breaks it's cheap enough to get a new one .
Didn't expect a standup show but I'm definitely here for it. Great video, now I don't want a Brompton anymore!
The story about the bell is hilarious!!
Love this video. Still thinking of buying Brompton, may be used one.
Thanks for supporting Ukraine! 🇺🇦🤝🇬🇧
The cycle paths around here are also bridle paths so its horses too . LOTS of them. And the dogs are never ever on leads so they either run up to say hello , or more likely , want to chase the wheels cos they really don't like them.
Then there's the kamikazi squirrels who are always on the wrong side of the path and only realise that JUST as I'm cycling past and then I have to jam on the brakes.
The best was a young badger who appeared from nowhere nearly colliding with me then veered off somewhere. This is on the edge of a North Yorkshire town not open countryside
There are none!!!! I love my Brommie.. it makes me so so happy whenever I ride it. I also have two fast roadbikes that I ride more than the Brompton.. totally different feel and enjoyment I must say.
Watch and learn.
Couldn't agree more, I'm a new Brommie owner and I have no regrets.
breaks are from the 80ies. that's a no go.
@@andreasgfghfgdfgh9864 In the '80's I managed to stop pretty well.
That's why I'm here, livin' the '80's dream
Andreas ….. did they have longer breaks in the 80s ?
This type of video is needed to help folks be honest with themselves about buying a folding bike regardless of the brand. I won't get one right now simply because I don't need it. I'm not a bike commuter and do just fine with my fitness bike (hybrid bike) around town--in parks, medium distance rides, here and there, and you name it. It's got a ton of gears, panniers, bike computer, and four different warning devices (bells and horns), front and tail lights), and I never need to or want to go faster that 15 mph (did hit over 20 mph going down hill a few times-fun but a little scary too!). If I want speed, I'll get a motorcycle. I enjoy just taking my time (cruising between 11 and 15 mph) running errands, talking to people, and enjoying nature. I'm glad folding bikes exist, though. Variety is the spice of life, don't you think?
The newest titanium Brompton weighs over 7 Kg but costs £4500!!
I agree the folding and unfolding is more tiring than popping every 10 minutes while wearing overalls and gloves!!
Nice video and thanks for your humanitarian work for Ukraine. Superb!
For me, there's only one rule in buying anything specialised: buy once, buy the best. And Brompton is the best - the most practical bike on the planet. A Brompton is cheap when taking into account the design practicality, the build quality and the resale value spread across the 25 year lifespan of the bike. I'm thrilled with mine - wish I'd bought one decades ago!
Very good! Just working on my poxy Brompton now. It's freezing in the garden, too.
Bought a Brompton B75 last year during the lock down and this video makes a lot of sense 🙂⚡👍
I apologize. I just got it. This is completely sarcastic. You're doing this as a comedic schtick. Love it!
You should watch my video about why you need a Brompton
😆 I am so enjoying these. I have never wanted a Brompton myself, I might not have known what that is. I won't buy one for sure. Thanks Julian
I think you are being a bit harsh on the wonderful Brommie! The big attraction for me is being able to take it on the bus (free for me, as I'm so ancient) or on the train (without having to book in advance, as I have to with my road bike) and going to a town, canal path or cycle route some distance away and having a thoroughly great day out somewhere that I do not have to ride to get to. The roads here in Devon are extremely hilly, pot-holed, clogged with traffic and very dangerous. The Brommie has freed me from all that. Moreover, Brompton have made constant tweaks to the design and spec since it's inception and current models are a big improvement on the early ones. Suggest you try the 6 speed S ( straight handlebar) model with a nice Brookes saddle. Comfortable enough to ride all day long! I'm with you on the bell, however--- It's completely crap and I have emailed Brompton to register my outrage.
P.S. Your videos are always good, and I will not be buying an Apple Macbook to accompany me on my ride any time soon.
I replaced the bell immediately on mine. The stock one is as you correctly stated 'crap'.
Got a Brompton and a Apple Watch 🤗 Which tells me when I’m riding it I’m not going very fast….Perfect for the truck though, sits neatly in passenger footwell and means gyms, supermarkets and boozers are all within easy reach 😎👍
He is absolutely one hundred percent correct, brompton is pricy the same is not reasonable for a unit
Haha this guy is pretty funny. Good video! I need to watch ur pros video now.
This made my morning mate!
You are fantastic!
The cheque is in the post.
Hilarious! Great stand up comedy.
Thanks for that funny video and FYI on may be some better upgrades on the bike!😊
The next Bomptom must have hidden cables / internal routing cables to keep it clean and more beautiful bike. Yes, disc brakes should be standard already.
Congrats my good sir, you just convinced me to buy my first Brompton after watching this video ! I always wanted to have a chopper like a Harley Davidson and a Brompton was all I could afford ! 😅
Well mine is an extremely, yes extremely expensive Lightweight, with a too long seat post for an effective fold, which I may try change into a shorter version, to see if it works for me? And I have exchanged a lot of parts into even lighter but much more expensive titanium parts! But going down a very steep hill on my Brompton, the brakes did function very well, having to make a full stop at intervalls to walk over the cattle prevention grids!
❤😂
This is brilliant.....had me chuckling the entire way through. I've been pondering a folder and been reading/watching everything i can in an attempt to come to a decision about which one. One thing that bothered me was the amount of second hand Bromptons for sale. That is - if they are so good, why is everyone (it appears) selling theirs.....and now i see. Another thing that bothers me (thought it worth including) is the welds on Bromptons - they are the ugliest welds i've ever seen. I've been tempted to contact Brompton and recommending they instruct the welders to open their eyes - at least whilst welding bicycle frames.....Thanks for the video - entertaining and informative.
Maybe watch 10 reasons to buy a Brompton?
Mint/Sunrimoon has welded their trifold(/Brompton clone) to have external gears and disc brakes.
Costs about 420 GBP where I'm from, weigh around 13KG stock
I've seen someone upgraded it with Shimano Ultegra 11-34
Had a second hand brompton sold it after 6 rides and even make $ from selling... MINT(ext gears/ disc brakes) is as good and much cheaper with better parts. Just get them and upgrade and lighter parts if desire. Brompton parts are shitty.
@@batucave Not so much shitty as durable '80's .
135mm rear would be more fragile and wider so it was just a decision on priorities
Rim brakes work just fine on them. On racing bikes in the rain not so much and discs are fragile.
IGH other than Rollie are hard to keep adjusted heavy fragile again. this is a rugged bike overall
… buy a chinese bike and be happy … I ride my brompton for 10 years now and still love it. more weight than others - I‘m sitting on that bike and don‘t run stairs up and down. But the most important for me is: its made in england and it makes me smile whenever I see it. like old british cars, fishing stuff and so on. that is design for me and many other enjoying pretty things … leo from austria
What about the cost of growing and maintaining the necessary hipster facial hair? Plus the cost of a flat in Shoreditch? Great video, thanks!
‘Heavy as shit’. I can think of one shit it’s lighter than 😂
This is the funniest thing ive seen all week !! Heavy as a seal lol
😂 Oh my goodness, I haven’t thought about my ADell laptop would be a mismatch, oh no, I am not sure whether I should buy a Brompton and another laptop. ❤
Hi everyone, I just got a brand new C-Line Explore for free. 6 speed. Zero mileage so far. I want a lighter version to bring the bike onboard with me and fulfil my bike tour plan. Should I modify the current C-Line to make it lighter? Or should I sell it to fund the P-Line instead? What do you think?
Funny - I was actually lying awake at 3am the other night thinking i want a set of Brompton rim brakes!
Great video, thank you so much!
My Rohloff shifts just fine, and I have to stop pedaling, or have my pedals in the vertical position to shift it... is the Brompton that much worse? You can get to where you shift just right as you hit that vertical point, so you don't really have to stop pedaling. Do all the Bromptons use Sturmey Archers now? Are they still Chinese made? Do they last like a Rohloff? Is the handling twitchy?
This is a work of art.
It's better than carrying a seal, because seals always complain about being carried.
Yup, the Brompton rear wheel, gear and brake systems do need to be updated. Sturmey Archer hub/gears make the bike heavier. The Sturmey Archer hub/gear makes for a more cluttered look in the rear end, difficult to remove the rear wheel when fixing a flat tire. The hinge point for the rear triangle and the seat post clamp both require specialized tools to replace bushings. The rear wheel and gearing really needs to be designed without the thought of using a Sturmey Archer hub. A design using more readily available parts from Shimano, SRAM, etc. makes for better maintenance and parts replacement in the long run.I own a Brompton CHPT3 with titanium rear triangle and fork, and Sturmey Archer rear hub. The bike is still heavy when compared to a regular bike with 20+ gears.
What do you think about the P-Line (new system) ? I am not an expert and I would like to know your opinion. Thank you.
Yep, that every 10,000 mile bushing change is a bear.
Shimano IGH's are a PITA. worse than the Macarena shifting of the Brommie
All foldies are relatively heavy
Of all the clips I watched on Bromton bikes this was tje best
what kind of safety is in place to make sure it doesnt fold up while your traveling at speed?
As long as you’ve done up the clamps it won’t unfold while you’re riding
Gonna sell my Brompton, is expensive to repair, and the ride gets very uncomfortable after 3 miles, for the same money (even selling my 10 year old brommy) can buy other a nice folding bike with 20 inches wheels and 8 gears, which is cheaper to maintain. Most Brompton owners I know use them as multi-modal commuters and do short trips between their station and their office desk, I use mine on longer rides so I guess Brompton is not for me.
Thanks you’ve cheered up my morning 😂😂
the more you discourage me not buy this bike, the more i want it now , you made my day, by the way your so funny hahahaha, new subscriber here, enjoy your brompton have a great day always...
Thanks for this video. It justifies that I don't want a Brompton. There's another saying here in the Philippines about Brompton bikes: It is a snob rich kid's bike who is just trying to cycle a bit but more of a show off than actually biking.
Well Sir you had me in stitches!!
They listen to him in 2024... All the things he said Brompton did it.. But only the price it's rediculously expensive.
The first reason not to buy a Brompton, is coincidentally the first reason to buy one ! I can't stop watching this video, it's so addictive 😂 !!!
Cracking sense of humour. Brilliant!
What?? It doesn't fold that small ??
What you expect.
It's small enough to bring as a carry on on a flight. Its anti theft too, you can bring it with you in doors anywhere
"you go to Greenland, and you club a seal..." Omg lol, never thought I'd hear that in a Brompton clip. Great to see a negative list to go along with all the positives, no matter how funny
Mister Julian, you are undoubtedly a very amusing individual.
Disc brakes, extra gears, ergonomic grips...it looks like you're dreaming of a Dahon Curl D9 😄
OMG, Best Product review i haved watched in my entire life, love this, thank you so much for making me laugh so hard.
Lmao!!! They are heavy. I don’t care what any one says. I have two and I do everything I can to never lift it off the ground. Facts about the comfort. You missed your calling… you are the funniest person I’ve come across in weeks.
Hilarious video Julian. I will now proceed to buy my 3rd Brompton. I actually wake up at 03:45, with the Brompton never far from my mind. I have never been to Greenland, nor have I ever clubbed a seal. I also have no practical perspective on the weight of 'shit'. Seriously? I think I'm going to ask James May's opinion just to be sure.
He just copies me
That’s sounds just what I’m looking for - a challenge. Life has never been easy so its just up my street, it will keep me young at 74. I still chop up wood to keep me warm lol. Thanks for the laugh, but you have definitely persuaded me I’ve done the right thing…it will be here tomorrow.
Glad to be of service.
One soppy girl thought I was disabled because I was sitting next to my bike
I keep on laughing... Seriously your so funny. I subscribe.
Please Julian, look at the Tern D9, and tell me what you think. I have it and it’s miles ahead, bigger wheels 9 gears.
And my truck can carry a piano. So?
Glad to see you come around and denounce the wannabe two wheeler. Give you ten cents on the dollar for yours Sir Jules!
For 2 dollars on the dollar I’ll sign it!
Love my Brompton ❤️🇺🇸. It’s great for bad back pain
I've been riding this bike for about a month ruclips.net/user/postUgkxwC0IIeIomGQVeBWg-kKJaToZkLEFIA2W and a half now and I think it's fantastic. It helps me get to work on time every day since I'm able to fit it inside of public transportation rush hour. The price is great too, people are always shocked when they ask me how much I paid for the fold up and I tell them "200". It's easy to fold and installation when it ships is insanely easy. All you have to install when the bike arrives is one foot pedal, everything else is done for you. I do recommend you carry some sort of wrench to tighten any loose screws on the handle bar and seat whenever they get a little bit loose. Other than that I think it's a fantastic bike. Easily fits in the home, can fit inside a car trunk and can even fit in subway rush hour.
I've got two more reasons. It's too bloody heavy and you can't descent long hills or 'tains without burning up the rims to a fiery friction collapse. I still love it though. But it's too heavy all the same. Did I hint that it was too heavy? 4th floor flat makes me pray the lift still works.
Brompton should design a new földing blke: 20 inch wheels, steel frame, no electric motor, felt drive, pinion gearbox, all for less than 2500 euro.
I'm 81. I've owned Bromptons for the last 30+ years. I now have a Brompton e-bike which eats gradients alive. I've 'engineered' a front basket for our terrible terrier called PIp. The Brompton is the Rolls Royce of the folder niche market. Very pleasing are the number of excellent RUclips videos on changing wheels, fitting tyres, and other maintenance hacks. I enjoyed Julian's GOM denunciation of so popular an object of desire - he's spot on in every respect!
Well done my friend, we'll done.😊
I like the part "not the singer Adele, it's a dell"
This is Gold
Thank god i own a Brompnot
I love it. Well done, it started weirdly and ended up a perfect rant of perfection.
Thank you.
Hey , I have like 98kg so my two concerns are that maybe I’m to heavy for a Brompton and the second is with the folding mechanism, how long it will last ? Please answer and amazing video I really enjoyed it :)
Hi, I don’t know if there is a maximum weight - might be worth checking on their website. I don’t think you need worry about the folding mechanism - it’s a tried and tested system and should be robust.
Even a Brompton clone can promise a maximum load of 100kg these days. 12 seconds is what you need to fold and unfold a Brompton frame. Don't get me wrong, i still have two real Bromptons with me. The other issue with me is the caliber brake cost me two split reat wheels over the years. Unfortunately, the last one was unreplaceable as Brompton changed the dimensions and spec of their design....
@@tigerlittleblacknose so in your oppinion an original brompton can handle the 100kg no problems no?
At 98Kg, it will last longer than you will
@@whazzat8015 just reached 80kg 😁 thanks for the answer 😊
LMAO I can't help loving this man. He's hilarious!
Thank you
i have too much money. Should i get a Brompton
Get 2
You can indeed get a Brompton titanium seat post
It doesn't sound that bad. It probably fills the roll intended for it. Unfortunately the price is much too high but may employ a few British workers. It's silly slow but better than a unicycle.
Race bike? No.
Adequate for most tasks ? Yes
Cheap? I would rather call it affordable.
Get the tool you need.
People buy into BRANDS. Everyone wants to slate people who shell out 2 or 3 grand for a bicycle. For me I have a problem with people shelling out even more than that for a ROLEX.
At least with a Brompton you get some form of exercise. And can save the bikes cost in travel expenses over a few years. This is how you have to look at it.
I dont have a Brompton. But I have another high end folder. A Tern Verge X11. I spent £2,400 on it 7 years ago. In the last 7 years its saved me over £20,000 in travel expenses. When I first told a work colleague how much it cost me. He said you must be MAD to spend that much on a bicycle. Only 7 months earlier he had spent 6 grand on a Rolex. Which to me is mad..
this is hilarious, loving this ;-)
The brakes look like Tektros to me. V-brakes would be a welcome addition. SA gears never had the low range I needed.
Makes me want a Brompton even more.
Good choice
I've got an Apple laptop but they won't let me in cafes without a Brompton. I was going to give my old bike to charity but maybe you would like it and give me your Brompton?
Also, rim brakes aren't that bad, and they cool better than disc brakes on long descents. Use kool stop salmon or maybe the new kool stop gray pads, and see how they work. make sure to clean your rims first. I test rode a disc brake bike once and wasn't impressed. And I have seen similar impressions from others. But a good disc brake with the right pads may stop better on a flat in the rain, I would think.