For oil I use a soy sauce container from a supermarket Sushi kit. It is taped with electrical tape on my frame. There's enough oil to oil the chain a couple of times
Thank you for your interesting, informative and entertaining video which has been helpful for me by introducing me to tools and repair items that I didn't know existed. Your presentation, narration, videography and audio were excellent and I am happy to have found your channel and subscribed.
The Brompton toolkit is neat but expensive. The best alternative is a dumbell wrench and a folding allen key multitool, both can be picked up at a cycle shop for less than $10
For my LightweightH6LXBrompton the Factory has decided to save the small piece of wire, officially to save weight!!! Yes I'm sure that is the reason and not some boring economic or production reasons! But they now have introduced a new Chinese, Lezyne Pump, with a tube to the walves, and now also named "Brompton", to be mounted on the back-triangle with two brackets. I have bought the expensive Brompton toolkit also, as it is to be brought internally in the frame, and not somewhere else. You may bring an extra tube packet inside the other framepart for security, but untill now I haven't had a flat. Finn. Denmark
I'm curious why you don't use locknuts to retain the frame clamps. While it's probably worthwhile to carry a spare in case one gets damaged, It seems like a popular modification to prevent them being lost in transit.
That’s an interesting suggestion. Removing (/re-installing) both clamps when packing for air travel would be a little bit more work if locknuts were used however the peace of mind could be worth the extra effort. Nylon locknut reusability could eventually become an issue (could always carry a few spares). During our last month-long touring trip, we replaced one clamp as part of our investigation to isolate a creaking frame issue. We were happy to have a spare.
Since this video, the new Brompton Lezyne pump is vastly superior to the oringinal Zefal pump. But for touring, I still recommend a portable floor pump. I use the Topeak MiniMorph
I would not want to begin a touring vacation pumping 4 tires at the arrival airport with a Lezyne hand-pump. Indeed, a portable floor pump (with integrated pressure gauge) is the way to go.
Again, thanks for the video. H&H design a multi-tool for Brompton. That's the one I really like to use now and carry with me wherever I ride my Brompton to. Lately I bought a air pump that I keep it inside the seatpost. For spare tires, I start to use Schwalbe One folding tyre so I can keep them in the bag. I know they are not ideal for touring and kind of expensive but so far so good.
Great list, I'm experimenting with Knipex Cobra 87 01 125 Lightweight Slip Jaw Pliers instead of a multitool, 'cos they can double as an emergency spanner. Got the idea from Andy Blance.
Hey 2Bikes4Adventure! Thanks for all these fantastic videos, you're saving my Brompton 😁! Do you have any recommendations for a good, lightweight pump with PSI measurement that's portable and actually inflates the tires well?
Our main travel pump is similar to this Topeak Mini Morph [ amzn.to/49SHzES ]. It has a gauge and a foot pad. We also bough this pump from Pro Bike pump like this one [ amzn.to/3Vb223x ]. Less practical than the Topeak, but can be stored in the seat tube.
We like your videos. They are very instructive. My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe hopefully next spring/summer if the virus thing clears up. We are planning to stay in B&Bs and motels most of the time. My question is would you recommend taking a tent and sleeping supplies in case we do not find a place to spend the night? We have Bromptons and will use them for this 4 to 6 months trip. We plan to stay out of major tourist areas and travel mostly along the water camals. Thanks.
We don’t like to recommend carrying the extra weight of camping equipment. In the situation of wanting a flexible itinerary on a long trip, we would plan our route a week or so in advance and ensure that reasonable lodging is available along the route. If there are limited options, we would book at least for the most important destinations. If we weren’t able to find anything suitable in some spots, our backup plan might involve a bus to close the gap between far-apart points- after all, Bromptons were designed for such multi-modal travels. Sounds like an exciting trip - best of luck!
These are (old) Brompton own-brand 16 x 1 3/8 inch tire. Initially designed by Andrew Ritchie, they were the standard tires fitted at the factory until 2017. By the way, this bike is a 2001 Mark 3 T3 model.
2Bikes4Adventure thank you for the reply....I see that you’ve now found the Schwalbe Marathons....thats what I’ve been running but the extra “meat” on those old ones you mention is appealing. Thanks again and travel safely
I enjoy watching your videos. How often do you change your chainring, a chain and ear sprocket, assuming you replace them all at the same time? Is it done periodically, mileage based or through wear and tear visibility?
I do use a chain wear gauge (not part of the minimalist tool kit) to decide if it needs to be replaced. It’s an easy DIY job. As for the chainring/rear sproket(s), I leave the final decision to my local bike shop. PS Quite a username you have, maybe you have shorter password?
When packaged and shipped, chains are sometimes covered with "anti rust" oil. You may want to remove any excess with a rag as it may attract dirt. Otherwise, it's ready to use.
But do you ever need to remove pedals when cycling around? I mean, this "advantage" of the Tern multitool kit doesn't seem like a real advantage. Also, do the metal tire levers on the Brompton multitool scratch the rim? Also, regarding the chain-breaker, wouldn't a master link solve the issue? I can't imagine a situation where one would need to add/remove chain links from their chain. But with a master link, you can use shoelaces to open/close the master link. Lastly, why does one need a spoke tool? I would hardly try trueing a wheel in the middle of the road! Again it seems like a job for when you get home to your toolset. Ps: I'm new to cycling on the street/long distances so I understand that I might lack information that would answer my questions. Thank you for this video! (I'm duplicating this comment on the other video you made about Brompton compatible multitools)
- We need to remove the Brompton right pedal when using the Samsonite Epsilon for air travel (won’t fit in otherwise). - Indeed, plastic tire levers are safer (but also more fragile), as Brompton quickly found out with their initial design. We often have both types with us (the multitool acting as backup if the plastic one breaks). - We had to buy a new chain while in Thailand once. We didn’t have a chain tool with us, so had to rely on a local bike shop to shorten to the right length and install it. Not critical, but nice to have on remote trips. - On more than one occasion, a weird “ping” sound while cycling was traced back to a loose spoke. A quick tightening solved the problem. - We released a follow-up video concerning an issue with our Tern tool: ruclips.net/video/kRypxSUiqnU/видео.html
The Brompton Tool tire levers are visible/mentioned at 01:24. They double as 8mm and 10mm wrenches. Similarly, the 2 wrenches on the Tern Tool (01:40) double as tire levers (and a bottle opener).
It's amazing how some of your videos serve as references I keep going back to. Great job!
i'd never thought of touring with a foldable bike... but seems completely logical
Another excellent video. Practical, useful and concise.
Very helpful! It's great to know beyond the Brompton Toolkit on items to bring on trips for basic maintenance.
Your video is very interesting and informative, I like your choices of tools,thank you 🙏, keep up the good work 👍👍
For oil I use a soy sauce container from a supermarket Sushi kit. It is taped with electrical tape on my frame. There's enough oil to oil the chain a couple of times
You, dear, are a treasure!
Thanks for all your precious help
Thank you for your interesting, informative and entertaining video which has been helpful for me by introducing me to tools and repair items that I didn't know existed.
Your presentation, narration, videography and audio were excellent and I am happy to have found your channel and subscribed.
The quest for the ultimate tool kit will likely never end :-)
I love your channel!!thank you for this vidéo and for the alternative with tern tool. Very helpful.
Thank you so much for the toolkit information. Placed my Amazon order via your links today.
Hopefully, you won’t have to use any of those items in an emergency.
Wishing you continuous tail wind.
Extremely helpful! I'm definitely adding a few of these items to my kit starting with the FiberFix.
Love that you've shown the evolution of your kit.
The Brompton toolkit is neat but expensive. The best alternative is a dumbell wrench and a folding allen key multitool, both can be picked up at a cycle shop for less than $10
Epic soundtrack 🙂
Audiomachine is indeed Epic
For my LightweightH6LXBrompton the Factory has decided to save the small piece of wire, officially to save weight!!! Yes I'm sure that is the reason and not some boring economic or production reasons! But they now have introduced a new Chinese, Lezyne Pump, with a tube to the walves, and now also named "Brompton", to be mounted on the back-triangle with two brackets. I have bought the expensive Brompton toolkit also, as it is to be brought internally in the frame, and not somewhere else. You may bring an extra tube packet inside the other framepart for security, but untill now I haven't had a flat. Finn. Denmark
I'm curious why you don't use locknuts to retain the frame clamps. While it's probably worthwhile to carry a spare in case one gets damaged, It seems like a popular modification to prevent them being lost in transit.
That’s an interesting suggestion. Removing (/re-installing) both clamps when packing for air travel would be a little bit more work if locknuts were used however the peace of mind could be worth the extra effort. Nylon locknut reusability could eventually become an issue (could always carry a few spares).
During our last month-long touring trip, we replaced one clamp as part of our investigation to isolate a creaking frame issue. We were happy to have a spare.
Since this video, the new Brompton Lezyne pump is vastly superior to the oringinal Zefal pump. But for touring, I still recommend a portable floor pump. I use the Topeak MiniMorph
I would not want to begin a touring vacation pumping 4 tires at the arrival airport with a Lezyne hand-pump. Indeed, a portable floor pump (with integrated pressure gauge) is the way to go.
wow, I have just bought my first Brompton, I must admit I know nothing apart riding the bike, need to learn I guess. thanks a lot
Again, thanks for the video. H&H design a multi-tool for Brompton. That's the one I really like to use now and carry with me wherever I ride my Brompton to. Lately I bought a air pump that I keep it inside the seatpost. For spare tires, I start to use Schwalbe One folding tyre so I can keep them in the bag. I know they are not ideal for touring and kind of expensive but so far so good.
Thanks for raising the point about the H&H Brompton tool. We will try to get one as well.
Excellent instructional, with a superbly constructed script delivered with great professionalism. Oh, and thanks for the info, too. ;-).
Thank you! We do our best to distill our knowledge gained through years of experience into concise audio and video.
Brilliant Tips!
Thank you SOOOOOOOOO much!
Great list, I'm experimenting with Knipex Cobra 87 01 125 Lightweight Slip Jaw Pliers instead of a multitool, 'cos they can double as an emergency spanner. Got the idea from Andy Blance.
Hey 2Bikes4Adventure! Thanks for all these fantastic videos, you're saving my Brompton 😁! Do you have any recommendations for a good, lightweight pump with PSI measurement that's portable and actually inflates the tires well?
Our main travel pump is similar to this Topeak Mini Morph [ amzn.to/49SHzES ]. It has a gauge and a foot pad.
We also bough this pump from Pro Bike pump like this one [ amzn.to/3Vb223x ]. Less practical than the Topeak, but can be stored in the seat tube.
Thank you so much!! @@2Bikes4Adventure
So helpful! Thank you!
Great, thank you for sharing, thumb up and subscription (also sorry for bad English), greetings from Germany...
We like your videos. They are very instructive. My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe hopefully next spring/summer if the virus thing clears up. We are planning to stay in B&Bs and motels most of the time. My question is would you recommend taking a tent and sleeping supplies in case we do not find a place to spend the night?
We have Bromptons and will use them for this 4 to 6 months trip. We plan to stay out of major tourist areas and travel mostly along the water camals.
Thanks.
We don’t like to recommend carrying the extra weight of camping equipment. In the situation of wanting a flexible itinerary on a long trip, we would plan our route a week or so in advance and ensure that reasonable lodging is available along the route. If there are limited options, we would book at least for the most important destinations. If we weren’t able to find anything suitable in some spots, our backup plan might involve a bus to close the gap between far-apart points- after all, Bromptons were designed for such multi-modal travels.
Sounds like an exciting trip - best of luck!
Do you mind providing info (brand and size) on the tire at :48 in this video? Thank You....glad I found your channel.
These are (old) Brompton own-brand 16 x 1 3/8 inch tire. Initially designed by Andrew Ritchie, they were the standard tires fitted at the factory until 2017. By the way, this bike is a 2001 Mark 3 T3 model.
2Bikes4Adventure thank you for the reply....I see that you’ve now found the Schwalbe Marathons....thats what I’ve been running but the extra “meat” on those old ones you mention is appealing. Thanks again and travel safely
I enjoy watching your videos. How often do you change your chainring, a chain and ear sprocket, assuming you replace them all at the same time? Is it done periodically, mileage based or through wear and tear visibility?
I do use a chain wear gauge (not part of the minimalist tool kit) to decide if it needs to be replaced. It’s an easy DIY job. As for the chainring/rear sproket(s), I leave the final decision to my local bike shop.
PS Quite a username you have, maybe you have shorter password?
2Bikes4Adventure Thanks for help.
Does the new chain come lubricated already or do you have to lub and wipe the excess before riding? Thanks.
When packaged and shipped, chains are sometimes covered with "anti rust" oil. You may want to remove any excess with a rag as it may attract dirt. Otherwise, it's ready to use.
2Bikes4Adventure Thank you so much and for your speedy reply. Stay safe.
But do you ever need to remove pedals when cycling around? I mean, this "advantage" of the Tern multitool kit doesn't seem like a real advantage. Also, do the metal tire levers on the Brompton multitool scratch the rim?
Also, regarding the chain-breaker, wouldn't a master link solve the issue? I can't imagine a situation where one would need to add/remove chain links from their chain. But with a master link, you can use shoelaces to open/close the master link.
Lastly, why does one need a spoke tool? I would hardly try trueing a wheel in the middle of the road! Again it seems like a job for when you get home to your toolset.
Ps: I'm new to cycling on the street/long distances so I understand that I might lack information that would answer my questions.
Thank you for this video!
(I'm duplicating this comment on the other video you made about Brompton compatible multitools)
- We need to remove the Brompton right pedal when using the Samsonite Epsilon for air travel (won’t fit in otherwise).
- Indeed, plastic tire levers are safer (but also more fragile), as Brompton quickly found out with their initial design. We often have both types with us (the multitool acting as backup if the plastic one breaks).
- We had to buy a new chain while in Thailand once. We didn’t have a chain tool with us, so had to rely on a local bike shop to shorten to the right length and install it. Not critical, but nice to have on remote trips.
- On more than one occasion, a weird “ping” sound while cycling was traced back to a loose spoke. A quick tightening solved the problem.
- We released a follow-up video concerning an issue with our Tern tool: ruclips.net/video/kRypxSUiqnU/видео.html
Where are your tire levers?
The Brompton Tool tire levers are visible/mentioned at 01:24. They double as 8mm and 10mm wrenches. Similarly, the 2 wrenches on the Tern Tool (01:40) double as tire levers (and a bottle opener).