Many thanks for both this excellent video and your insights. My LBS told me to forget the hub maintenance on my Brompton: "too much labor input; when it breaks just replace the wheel". Well, I don't agree. I have maintained my 1965 Sturmey Archer hub on my Sunbeam rigorously and it still works superbly. I bought the OO grease and am about to overhaul the hubs on our two Bromptons. Nuts to the LBS.
I love everything about Brian's informative yet down to earth videos, but now he's taken it to a whole new level. Did anyone else dig how he synced up the drums to Chuck's hammer at 11:21. I mean, c'mon! 🤘🏼
As usual, great video Brian. While at school I had a Saturday job in a local bike shop (in the workshop). When I first stripped a Sturmey-Archer 3 speed at home it took me a day. Once I was trained it took a half hour. I have seen much worse than yours in the bike shop (and still working). They seem to get noisy a long long time before they fail. I love these things, I have 4 bikes and 3 of them have S-A hub gears. Significantly, the 27 speed Shimano set-up on my road bike is much higher maintenance than any of the other 3. Incidentally, your middle speed is direct drive and consequently the quietest in a noisy hub. I like your top tube protector but I use helicopter tape which was designed to protect the leading edge of helicopter blades. It is a millimetre or so thick, transparent, self adhesive and available in a variety of widths. Apply to a super-clean surface and warm with a hairdryer for maximum adhesion. Just my preference. Cheers from the UK (a mile from where Sturmey-Archer used to make their gears before it all went to Taiwan...).
Encouraging words, considering 69 year old me just got my first Brompton 2010 M6R a couple of days ago with the CW suitcase for 1250 Cdn and extended post. I downgeared it to 44T chainring today which was easy, new grips and saddle and I am in business. Sweet ride - I am more impressed than I thought I would be although I've been wanting one for too long..also got the Borough large front bag, and the Brompton rear rack bag. Off we go yay! Comfortable too with my sprung saddle and it came with a suspension spring at the rear fold rather than the synthetic one. Steel is real baby! Off to Japan as soon as I can...
Great to see you on the road with the brommie, fantastic footage of your ride to Boulder and very interesting to see the inside of the hub gear. Always impressive to see a pro at work. As to durability you are perfectly right, you ride them a lot and ride them hard, don’t see any out of the ordinary maintenance. I have mine looked after approx every 6 months, taking care of the routine stuff myself. For tyres I am using the continentals since about three months and very impressed with their durability and rolling qualities (approx 1500 km in London). Looking forward to your next one - keep well!
Brigham City has mountains. We're right next to them. If you hate your job, check out our little town. Lots of jobs, milder weather, 2 bike shops, 3, 7-11's, McDonalds, and many types of industry. // I bought an '86 Miyata 610 in '86. I used it to commute to work 24.6 miles one way. I rode that for miles after work and on the weekends putting in 400 miles+ per week. Toured the western states exclusively and never, true, broke down except for two broken spokes. I wobbled home. To date, over 250,000 miles. I stopped keeping track. I did my own maintenance. Helped a lot.
Great video and loving your channel Brian. I’m looking to get a Brompton and came across you a few weeks back. I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on my purchase and you’ve convinced me to go for it. Thank you!
Excellent video! Very informative and clearly shot and framed. I really appreciate how the commentary is concise and to the point. And the ride footage puts everything in context. I really like this channel and look forward to updates. Thanks, from the UK.
Mulling over getting a brompton, primarily for when I travel. I moved from Aurora CO after 23 yrs there, 3 yrs ago. Does my heart good seeing bike trails I took down to rei on weekends,,,,and my god you did some miles to Boulder on the E 470 stretch. Wow. I have an old bike Friday pocket llama,,,but it is not,,,a quick fold,,,,mite try to unload it,,,pick up a brompton. Thank you for your videos.
Aargh Brian! It’s been a while, but everyone needs a Chuck from time to time with that level of expertise (Yaaaaay Chuck and Freedom Folding Bikes!). Glad to see you getting sorted and I hope your hub is smooth as silk now... and going forward 👍🤩🤩 Glad you’re safe and okay and still love your films - stay safe 🙌🌟🌟
Yes😀👍. I just wish he was closer to Denver. I will try to stay safe, but I can't make any promises😬 thank you for the well wishes, I really appreciate it.
Interesting video. I got the sense that Chuck and his Brompton dealership are really expert and reliable. You deservedly can place a lot of confidence and trust in him. Not so everywhere else.
Have seen the Brompton Traveller on YT. He does a visit to the Brompton factory and his latest outing was round north of Scotland. Your channel is excellent and the reason i got a folding bike. Thanks for Bonnie Scotland
I’ve had virtually the same problem. After several years of regular use , I got the hub serviced like you. The oil was gone and water had got in. I’m relaxed about it as mechanical things wear out and it’s just part of regular maintenance to resolve. I regularly change the chain and rear sprockets and this is fine. My S6R Brompton is my main bike and as above is used regularly. It’s brilliant for what I want.
I am just glad I did not continue to ride the bike for months and damage the internal hub. I think I am going to get a 6 month check up on the hub from now on.
The advice I was given is get the hub serviced with new lubricant every couple of years. As you have found, you need a specialist mechanic to do it. Most will just try and sell you a new wheel. Thanks
The old sturmey archer hubs with the oil port were far better....I have one from the 70s that is still working like new. I generally spray degreaser in it and ride it round for a day....drain it and oil it again.
the old innertube wrap is normal thing to see on mtb chainstays in the uk and also people do it for uplift services at trails/bike parks to avoid damage to forks and frame.
You're right about the usage of using a bicycles or cars etc. I had my road bicycle for 11 years and never had maintenance on my wheels or chains as I usually use it every now and again. Only just had one maintenance before this pandemic! But I'm looking into buying my first brompton soon!! Well done on keeping your brompton whatever is throw at you!!👍
Great video man! Thanks for sharing your experience in all instances. I am a couple of days away from getting my first Brompton and your channel has for sure helped during the decision making process. It is definitively good to hear from someone who puts the Brompton to its real paces. Again, thanks a lot!
Hi Brian. Thanks for the long awaited new video. I like the fact that the Brompton gear hub actually can get maintained instead of having to replace it directly. I really hope, you’ve planned some longer tour this summer? Would be awesome. All the best.
Brian, A tip for the next time: That screech doesn't come from the hub, it comes from the elastomer that acts as a suspension block. Just by taking it out, cleaning it, lubricating it and reinstalling it, it is solved :)
Like you said if you use a Brompton, or any other bike,daily and do significant mileage parts wear out so need replacing.Ive spent a fortune on my bikes in the last 4 yrs ,since I retired, as my mileage has shot through the roof but I've enjoyed wearing the parts out. Keep up the with the vids as I always look forward to the next one.
Hello Brian, they did a great job at Freedom, So fantastic to have somewhere to take the Brompton. This was a very informative video and looking at how to do the protective thing of the tires. Have a wonderful week see you soon ,
hi Brian,I'm sorry, I' m Italian and my english is not so fluent, but I would like to tell you something wich might interest you, concerning the hub gear. After 20.000 km with my Brmpton 6 speed,driving in the melting snow with much splashing water, a couple of days after the hub was very noisy and not working properly.The local assistance could not do the maintenance like in your video, but they gave me a new wheel free.After that I read in a U S web site that a good idea was to remove the small rod with the chain from the hub and pour in a few ml, let'say 30-50, of oil. I asked Brompton in England what they thought about it and their reply was''it's a good idea, do it often''. ( I can adjoin their reply if you are interested) So I did,and after that I have done 80.000 km (50.000 statute miles)with my Brompton, and it rides perfectly smooth and silent.The only problem you can see is that the oil slowly seeps outside the hub in the coming days,but I personally don't care, I just wipe it off, and I can tell you that a part from my Brommie owning friends who now do the same, there is no Brompton as smooth as mine. By the way,I enjoy very much your video,thank you.
Another great video, Brian. I simply have to ride that Denver-Boulder bikeway. It looks fun. No doubt you took your Brompton to the right person/business. I to can attest that Chuck definitely knows his stuff as he has worked on both of my Bromptons and made things right. Chuck and Freedom Folding Bikes are definitely my Brompton go to. An interesting part of this video is the innertube/toptube wrap. Perhaps in a future video you and/or Chuck can demonstrate how that's done. Brian, have fun. Stay safe.
Great commonsense video,I'm retired have a Gazelle ultimate t10 e bike,I probably use it more than my Brompton ,but like you said the more miles you bike things will start to wear out.My Brompton sits pride of place in my living room,(unfolded)British Engineering at it's best.Keep safe,and keep the videos coming Steve from UK.
Totally agree with you, more use more maintenance and in the UK some of us like myself has rapped the inner tube around the frame. I like to recycle. Love your channel all the best .
I have brompton and regular road bike, for my commutes to work I use both bikes (on weekly rotation). But I use brompton mainly when I go to the supermarket so that I don’t need to leave it outside.
When I got my new bike I gave it an auto polish all over. And found out that the ridiculous pieces of clear tape, from the factory, had nearly been worn through after only one or two folds, so I ordered all the protective plates for the frames parts I could find. I also ordered a piece of leather to be sown on the frame, and later also on the stem post. So now at least my bike is as protected from use and scratches it may be.
Watching Chuck working on your bike was like witnessing a confident pro at his best. Such a nice guy to even allow you to partake in part of the repairs. So it was like deja vu when Chuck mentioned about water rusting the internal hub. I thought right away about your past video showing you washing the bike at a car wash. My question is, have you learnt your lesson?
I think you got youre case over very well some people just haven't got a clue. i use carbon wrap around my folding bike top frame it comes in a variety of colours peels off without damaging paintwork and it's cheap really like youre vids. greetings from UK...👍
Ironic how i watch this after just last week having my Brompton M6L serviced! They 'trued' my wheels, cleaned everything, put a new chain and brakepads on, tightened the breaks and best of all sorted the gearing out as it wouldn't go into the higher gear and shifting between 2 and 3 was weird. Brompton really need to urgently upgrade their shifters! Had mine 18 months but its like new now and I love it. Racing Green with a Brooks B17. Thomas, Liverpool, UK
All things being equal, how much more expensive is it to repair a Brompton vs. Zizzo/Dahon? You know, a Honda vs a Jaguar comparison - same rider over time for both, and time down when ordering specialized parts? How easy is it to find a qualified Brompton tech vs a Specialized or Montague mtb?
Well, I don’t think of it as a matter of the expense. Brompton is a serviceable bike whereas the Zizzo is more of a disposable bike. For instance, if the main hinge wore out on the Zizzo, then you would have to throw away the bike. Not so on the Brompton. So it’s a matter of fixing rather than replacing.
Interesting to see the internal hub clean up. Did also some maintenance. It was good weather here in Holland and I had a week free so thought to change all the worn out parts to have a good bike again for summer (the winter has left its marks, when you ride through the winter things wear out faster per km). Its always a good feeling when your Brompton is provided with fresh new parts :)
The oldSturumey Archer hubs could be cleaned by spraying a lot of wd40 oil in oil hole then riding and shifting the inverting with oiler cap of to drain out contamination then put back hub oil
Brian, have you tried the Continental Contact Urban? These things are like putting on Schwalbe Ones but with much better puncture resistance. These might be a good alternative if you need the reduced rolling resistance. Else, I find the Marathon Plus to be too beefy heavy for my needs. They also feel quite sluggish on asphalt. I've not had a puncture on my Contact Urbans yet, but never say never.
Great channel mate thank god for common sense, you tell ‘em. I’m thinking of getting a Brompton (S6 with Ti forks and rear rack) the reason it folds away to nothing and you can fit it in your back pocket. But, the ride is is ok, as the wheels are on !6”? From the UK.
Was your shifter problem the same as this one? ruclips.net/video/EwYEYO3h2Po/видео.html I've seen a few videos of people that have mentioned shifting problems. This guy really explains the problem well and how to he fixed it. Btw, Thanks for all your videos! I enjoy the views, and all your comments and musing about whatever topic may be. You are inspiring to those who are like myself, trying to get out and bike more instead of just sitting around hiding from covid. One of these days I'll get my own Brompton, but in the meantime I ride capital bike share bikes (in DC) Give Beans some pets on my behalf!
Yes I still got it. I am working on a comparison video between the s6r and the chapter 3. It's just taking forever to get the footage I need. I hope to have a video about the chapter 3 done soon.
@@ibikeunfolded thanks for the update. I’m training to use my CHPT3 for a metric century and also a 175 mile bike ride from Liberty Park to the Liberty Bell on the bike highway
What tyre pressure do you ride your front & rear M-plus now Brian? I've never seen the innertube/crossbar wrap in London, UK - had my H6R since 2014 and it's rock solid.
Your logic around maintenance is sound, totally agree. But rather comparing two Bromptons, It would be interesting to know what bikes you've used a compatible amount in the past, and the amount of servicing and maintenance they required vs the Brompton. Any drastic differences? Or more or less similar?
I will do some comparisons...i have 8 folding bikes of all different major brands. That would be a good video Idea I think. The short of it is that the Brompton does require more maintenance then some of my other bikes due to it being more complex. The simpler the design the less prone to breakdowns and the easier it would be to maintain.
Great video chuck! Can u provide a link on the Chinese shifter? Interested to have a look what is the make and what looks like integrated brake/shifter levers?
Thanks Brian for your very informative video. Ive riden my brompton 3000km for a year and it's time for a maintenance :) p/s: i replaced my grips to ergon gs1.
As I (like youtself) delivered Uber Eats and Deliveroo on my Brompton the nipple/handblebar catch /braising died on me and I had to move over to Marathon Plus tyres. Liverpool has loads of potholes and glass everywhere.
My Brompton reliability: 2014 S2L - 3k miles, replaced headset (rust) and 3 x right pedals. 2017 S6L - 5k miles, frame hinge, rear hub due to bearing failure, folding pedal. 2020 S6E-X Chpt 3 - nothing yet. 2021 M6L-Electric - Motor failure after 50 miles. Bromptons do far more miles, under far more demanding and unusual conditions, than pretty much any bike this side of courier whips (and there's a reason those guys prefer fixies with literally nothing breakable/serviceable on them)
I agree. I used to ride a brakeless fixed gear surly and I fixed nothing besides the tires occasionally. Brompton on the other hand.....well that's a different story.
@@ibikeunfolded overall, I'm happy with the reliability on my non electric Bromptons. Nothing has broken that hasn't had a root cause in me. The electric, on the other hand, hasn't impressed me...
I used a fixed wheel bike while at school for delivering newspapers. I lived in Boston (UK) which is dead flat. There are plenty of hills where I live now so I won't consider less than 3 speeds but I remember my fixie with fondness.
Brian nice video, cool to see the work being done. Hey, next time you are heading to freedom bikes. Could you take a moment and take a bit of a walk around the bike carousel (5:55). Never seen one like it and would like some closer shots if you don't mind. BTW, have I missed you doing the bike friday yet?
20:15 … People in Europe do that… Me from Germany👍 I can confirm… I did it until I got my Leather Protector. 🤔 Now I’m like …Leather looks Deluxe … Innertube is functional and affordable … what is the best for Travel? Maybe something else … ( Because: Durability, Weight, attracting Thief’s etc..)
Nice cycleway network you have there Brian. With the weather change hopefully we’ll get to see that camping tour this year. How’s that top tube protector secured to the tube? Your video highlights the quality of those hub gears. If I wanted a softly softly video to watch, I look for a fluffy kitten video. 👍
Hey Brian, Watched all your videos just now :) I’m waiting on my brommy to arrive right now and your videos are helpful. Quick question, what happened to your Orange commuter? Are you still commuting with the black edition? Keep it up 👍
I know I’m more or less saying the same as other comments but it’s really nice to see a skilled mechanic repairing the hub gears. Probably a fairly hefty bill all in one go but looks like you are set for quite a long period of smooth cycling again. Great video. Do you keep track of your yearly mileage on the bike?
Probably pulling out the the stops to catch you up! I have Terns s11 and x22 which like all folders appear to be challenges for racers to catch me up; comfortable in my own saddles 😃.
Never pressure wash bike hubs as you force water in under pressure into locations that don’t like water ingress (hopefully your wallet has taught you that lesson). Brompton recommend you put 3-5 drops of oil (eg: 3-in-1 oil) into the IGH by removing the wheel and the indicator chain, lay the wheel flat (drive side up), puts the drops in and leave the wheel for 30mins or so, then reassemble. Personally I don’t find circular grips comfy anymore and have for the past 9yrs been using Ergon GP-1L grips on my Brompton, much more comfortable for my ulnar nerves and wrists, you could ty them. I replaced my brake pads with Swissstop Flash Pro BXP Blue cartridge pads, they have greater stopping power and a longer life (they’re also fitted to the electric Brompton as standard). I’d also suggest you get yourself a chain checker tool Lifeline make an affordable one. If you’re doing a lot of miles consider changing your chain and rear sprockets every 6 months, both items are really simple to do yourself.
I heard you said you hate your job. But you like bike riding…why don’t you do ubereat, door dash, grub hub full time with food delivery on your Brompton?
It really has nothing to do with Brompton quality, and everything to do with children raised in a disposable society. Use it, break it, throw it away, but a new model! Repairs and maintenance, good care of a fine object built with quality and pride, don’t fit in that paradigm, sorry to say. Don’t change a thing, not you needing a lesson and some can’t be taught.
Many thanks for both this excellent video and your insights. My LBS told me to forget the hub maintenance on my Brompton: "too much labor input; when it breaks just replace the wheel". Well, I don't agree. I have maintained my 1965 Sturmey Archer hub on my Sunbeam rigorously and it still works superbly. I bought the OO grease and am about to overhaul the hubs on our two Bromptons. Nuts to the LBS.
I love everything about Brian's informative yet down to earth videos, but now he's taken it to a whole new level. Did anyone else dig how he synced up the drums to Chuck's hammer at 11:21. I mean, c'mon! 🤘🏼
What a fantastic video Brian - I have two Bromptons and I live 5 mins from the factory which I have been in - they are just incredible
As usual, great video Brian.
While at school I had a Saturday job in a local bike shop (in the workshop). When I first stripped a Sturmey-Archer 3 speed at home it took me a day. Once I was trained it took a half hour. I have seen much worse than yours in the bike shop (and still working). They seem to get noisy a long long time before they fail. I love these things, I have 4 bikes and 3 of them have S-A hub gears. Significantly, the 27 speed Shimano set-up on my road bike is much higher maintenance than any of the other 3. Incidentally, your middle speed is direct drive and consequently the quietest in a noisy hub.
I like your top tube protector but I use helicopter tape which was designed to protect the leading edge of helicopter blades. It is a millimetre or so thick, transparent, self adhesive and available in a variety of widths. Apply to a super-clean surface and warm with a hairdryer for maximum adhesion. Just my preference.
Cheers from the UK (a mile from where Sturmey-Archer used to make their gears before it all went to Taiwan...).
Encouraging words, considering 69 year old me just got my first Brompton 2010 M6R a couple of days ago with the CW suitcase for 1250 Cdn and extended post. I downgeared it to 44T chainring today which was easy, new grips and saddle and I am in business. Sweet ride - I am more impressed than I thought I would be although I've been wanting one for too long..also got the Borough large front bag, and the Brompton rear rack bag. Off we go yay! Comfortable too with my sprung saddle and it came with a suspension spring at the rear fold rather than the synthetic one. Steel is real baby! Off to Japan as soon as I can...
Great bikes brompton, just love the cycling paths you have out there 👍🚴
Great to see you on the road with the brommie, fantastic footage of your ride to Boulder and very interesting to see the inside of the hub gear. Always impressive to see a pro at work. As to durability you are perfectly right, you ride them a lot and ride them hard, don’t see any out of the ordinary maintenance. I have mine looked after approx every 6 months, taking care of the routine stuff myself. For tyres I am using the continentals since about three months and very impressed with their durability and rolling qualities (approx 1500 km in London). Looking forward to your next one - keep well!
Great job Chuck and Laura at Freedom for the repairs. Brian now has a almost new Brompton Yay!
Brigham City has mountains. We're right next to them. If you hate your job, check out our little town. Lots of jobs, milder weather, 2 bike shops, 3, 7-11's, McDonalds, and many types of industry. // I bought an '86 Miyata 610 in '86. I used it to commute to work 24.6 miles one way. I rode that for miles after work and on the weekends putting in 400 miles+ per week. Toured the western states exclusively and never, true, broke down except for two broken spokes. I wobbled home. To date, over 250,000 miles. I stopped keeping track. I did my own maintenance. Helped a lot.
Great video and loving your channel Brian. I’m looking to get a Brompton and came across you a few weeks back. I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on my purchase and you’ve convinced me to go for it. Thank you!
Excellent video! Very informative and clearly shot and framed. I really appreciate how the commentary is concise and to the point. And the ride footage puts everything in context. I really like this channel and look forward to updates. Thanks, from the UK.
Mulling over getting a brompton, primarily for when I travel. I moved from Aurora CO after 23 yrs there, 3 yrs ago. Does my heart good seeing bike trails I took down to rei on weekends,,,,and my god you did some miles to Boulder on the E 470 stretch. Wow. I have an old bike Friday pocket llama,,,but it is not,,,a quick fold,,,,mite try to unload it,,,pick up a brompton. Thank you for your videos.
Aargh Brian! It’s been a while, but everyone needs a Chuck from time to time with that level of expertise (Yaaaaay Chuck and Freedom Folding Bikes!). Glad to see you getting sorted and I hope your hub is smooth as silk now... and going forward 👍🤩🤩 Glad you’re safe and okay and still love your films - stay safe 🙌🌟🌟
Yes😀👍. I just wish he was closer to Denver. I will try to stay safe, but I can't make any promises😬 thank you for the well wishes, I really appreciate it.
Great little video. Thanks.
Thanks, I appreciate you being here😀👍
Interesting video. I got the sense that Chuck and his Brompton dealership are really expert and reliable. You deservedly can place a lot of confidence and trust in him. Not so everywhere else.
Have seen the Brompton Traveller on YT. He does a visit to the Brompton factory and his latest outing was round north of Scotland. Your channel is excellent and the reason i got a folding bike.
Thanks for Bonnie Scotland
I’ve had virtually the same problem. After several years of regular use , I got the hub serviced like you. The oil was gone and water had got in. I’m relaxed about it as mechanical things wear out and it’s just part of regular maintenance to resolve. I regularly change the chain and rear sprockets and this is fine. My S6R Brompton is my main bike and as above is used regularly. It’s brilliant for what I want.
I am just glad I did not continue to ride the bike for months and damage the internal hub. I think I am going to get a 6 month check up on the hub from now on.
The advice I was given is get the hub serviced with new lubricant every couple of years. As you have found, you need a specialist mechanic to do it. Most will just try and sell you a new wheel. Thanks
The old sturmey archer hubs with the oil port were far better....I have one from the 70s that is still working like new. I generally spray degreaser in it and ride it round for a day....drain it and oil it again.
the old innertube wrap is normal thing to see on mtb chainstays in the uk and also people do it for uplift services at trails/bike parks to avoid damage to forks and frame.
That's a long ride from Denver to Boulder and back. It's good that you have such expertise in a bike shop in your general area. Great video, Brian.
You're right about the usage of using a bicycles or cars etc. I had my road bicycle for 11 years and never had maintenance on my wheels or chains as I usually use it every now and again. Only just had one maintenance before this pandemic! But I'm looking into buying my first brompton soon!! Well done on keeping your brompton whatever is throw at you!!👍
How much was the total cost for the service and parts for your Brompton with freedom folding bike?
Great video man! Thanks for sharing your experience in all instances. I am a couple of days away from getting my first Brompton and your channel has for sure helped during the decision making process. It is definitively good to hear from someone who puts the Brompton to its real paces. Again, thanks a lot!
Hi Brian. Thanks for the long awaited new video. I like the fact that the Brompton gear hub actually can get maintained instead of having to replace it directly. I really hope, you’ve planned some longer tour this summer? Would be awesome. All the best.
Brian, A tip for the next time: That screech doesn't come from the hub, it comes from the elastomer that acts as a suspension block. Just by taking it out, cleaning it, lubricating it and reinstalling it, it is solved :)
I was surprised that the front chain ring was not also replaced as you had significant wear on the chain and the rear cogs.
Like you said if you use a Brompton, or any other bike,daily and do significant mileage parts wear out so need replacing.Ive spent a fortune on my bikes in the last 4 yrs ,since I retired, as my mileage has shot through the roof but I've enjoyed wearing the parts out.
Keep up the with the vids as I always look forward to the next one.
Thank you my friend👍😀 I am so hoping to get back into the grind and make more videos.
Hello Brian, they did a great job at Freedom, So fantastic to have somewhere to take the Brompton. This was a very informative video and looking at how to do the protective thing of the tires.
Have a wonderful week see you soon ,
hi Brian,I'm sorry, I' m Italian and my english is not so fluent, but I would like to tell you something wich might interest you, concerning the hub gear.
After 20.000 km with my Brmpton 6 speed,driving in the melting snow with much splashing water, a couple of days after the hub was very noisy and not working properly.The local assistance could not do the maintenance like in your video, but they gave me a new wheel free.After that I read in a U S web site that a good idea was to remove the small rod with the chain from the hub and pour in a few ml, let'say 30-50, of oil.
I asked Brompton in England what they thought about it and their reply was''it's a good idea, do it often''.
( I can adjoin their reply if you are interested)
So I did,and after that I have done 80.000 km (50.000 statute miles)with my Brompton, and it rides perfectly smooth and silent.The only problem you can see is that the oil slowly seeps outside the hub in the coming days,but I personally don't care, I just wipe it off, and I can tell you that a part from my Brommie owning friends who now do the same, there is no Brompton as smooth as mine.
By the way,I enjoy very much your video,thank you.
Another great video, Brian. I simply have to ride that Denver-Boulder bikeway. It looks fun. No doubt you took your Brompton to the right person/business. I to can attest that Chuck definitely knows his stuff as he has worked on both of my Bromptons and made things right. Chuck and Freedom Folding Bikes are definitely my Brompton go to. An interesting part of this video is the innertube/toptube wrap. Perhaps in a future video you and/or Chuck can demonstrate how that's done. Brian, have fun. Stay safe.
Hi Brian, how much did you spend on this service(if you don't mind answerin)?
Thank you very much
Another AWESOME video. Great stuff
Great commonsense video,I'm retired have a Gazelle ultimate t10 e bike,I probably use it more than my Brompton ,but like you said the more miles you bike things will start to wear out.My Brompton sits pride of place in my living room,(unfolded)British Engineering at it's best.Keep safe,and keep the videos coming Steve from UK.
Thy for the update❤Is Brompton still the best folding bike 🚲 on the market? SL6 the RollsRoyce❓Looking to buy this year.
Totally agree with you, more use more maintenance and in the UK some of us like myself has
rapped the inner tube around the frame. I like to recycle. Love your channel all the best .
I have brompton and regular road bike, for my commutes to work I use both bikes (on weekly rotation). But I use brompton mainly when I go to the supermarket so that I don’t need to leave it outside.
When I got my new bike I gave it an auto polish all over. And found out that the ridiculous pieces of clear tape, from the factory, had nearly been worn through after only one or two folds, so I ordered all the protective plates for the frames parts I could find. I also ordered a piece of leather to be sown on the frame, and later also on the stem post. So now at least my bike is as protected from use and scratches it may be.
Watching Chuck working on your bike was like witnessing a confident pro at his best. Such a nice guy to even allow you to partake in part of the repairs. So it was like deja vu when Chuck mentioned about water rusting the internal hub. I thought right away about your past video showing you washing the bike at a car wash. My question is, have you learnt your lesson?
Chucks great. As for washings I have updated my procedure. A video about it will come soon.😀👍
I think you got youre case over very well some people just haven't got a clue. i use carbon wrap around my folding bike top frame it comes in a variety of colours peels off without damaging paintwork and it's cheap really like youre vids. greetings from UK...👍
Well done, enjoy your videos & what great mechanic 🧑🔧 😎👍🏻
What was the cost of the hub overhaul? DM me if you cannot post the cost.
Ironic how i watch this after just last week having my Brompton M6L serviced! They 'trued' my wheels, cleaned everything, put a new chain and brakepads on, tightened the breaks and best of all sorted the gearing out as it wouldn't go into the higher gear and shifting between 2 and 3 was weird. Brompton really need to urgently upgrade their shifters!
Had mine 18 months but its like new now and I love it. Racing Green with a Brooks B17.
Thomas, Liverpool, UK
All things being equal, how much more expensive is it to repair a Brompton vs. Zizzo/Dahon? You know, a Honda vs a Jaguar comparison - same rider over time for both, and time down when ordering specialized parts? How easy is it to find a qualified Brompton tech vs a Specialized or Montague mtb?
Well, I don’t think of it as a matter of the expense. Brompton is a serviceable bike whereas the Zizzo is more of a disposable bike. For instance, if the main hinge wore out on the Zizzo, then you would have to throw away the bike. Not so on the Brompton. So it’s a matter of fixing rather than replacing.
@@ibikeunfolded Thank you very much for your reply! /bow
Nice to see you out and about on the black brompton again!
So informative Brian,truly.
Brompton #1
Interesting to see the internal hub clean up. Did also some maintenance. It was good weather here in Holland and I had a week free so thought to change all the worn out parts to have a good bike again for summer (the winter has left its marks, when you ride through the winter things wear out faster per km). Its always a good feeling when your Brompton is provided with fresh new parts :)
Second gear is the most direct, so that is why!
Just ordered a H6R from RIE! Can't wait to get it!!!
Great video Brian. England 🏴
I hope Chuck advised against jet washing.
Thanks for the vlogs
Take care
He did😂 some have to learn the hard way.
The oldSturumey Archer hubs could be cleaned by spraying a lot of wd40 oil in oil hole then riding and shifting the inverting with oiler cap of to drain out contamination then put back hub oil
Sounds like Chuck is a great guy.
Brian, have you tried the Continental Contact Urban? These things are like putting on Schwalbe Ones but with much better puncture resistance. These might be a good alternative if you need the reduced rolling resistance. Else, I find the Marathon Plus to be too beefy heavy for my needs. They also feel quite sluggish on asphalt. I've not had a puncture on my Contact Urbans yet, but never say never.
Great channel mate thank god for common sense, you tell ‘em. I’m thinking of getting a Brompton (S6 with Ti forks and rear rack) the reason it folds away to nothing and you can fit it in your back pocket. But, the ride is is ok, as the wheels are on !6”? From the UK.
Was your shifter problem the same as this one? ruclips.net/video/EwYEYO3h2Po/видео.html I've seen a few videos of people that have mentioned shifting problems. This guy really explains the problem well and how to he fixed it. Btw, Thanks for all your videos! I enjoy the views, and all your comments and musing about whatever topic may be. You are inspiring to those who are like myself, trying to get out and bike more instead of just sitting around hiding from covid. One of these days I'll get my own Brompton, but in the meantime I ride capital bike share bikes (in DC) Give Beans some pets on my behalf!
What’s the distance between your place and Denver and Boulder? I know they have an excellent bike path between
Brompton has 7years guarantee. Is it not covering all this parts?
Did you keep the CHPT3? I have been awaiting your comments on its ride etc.
Yes I still got it. I am working on a comparison video between the s6r and the chapter 3. It's just taking forever to get the footage I need. I hope to have a video about the chapter 3 done soon.
@@ibikeunfolded thanks for the update. I’m training to use my CHPT3 for a metric century and also a 175 mile bike ride from Liberty Park to the Liberty Bell on the bike highway
The difference is that your hub was rebuildable. Cheap bikes break fast and then stored in the trash pile in the garage.
What tyre pressure do you ride your front & rear M-plus now Brian?
I've never seen the innertube/crossbar wrap in London, UK - had my H6R since 2014 and it's rock solid.
Your logic around maintenance is sound, totally agree. But rather comparing two Bromptons, It would be interesting to know what bikes you've used a compatible amount in the past, and the amount of servicing and maintenance they required vs the Brompton. Any drastic differences? Or more or less similar?
I will do some comparisons...i have 8 folding bikes of all different major brands. That would be a good video Idea I think. The short of it is that the Brompton does require more maintenance then some of my other bikes due to it being more complex. The simpler the design the less prone to breakdowns and the easier it would be to maintain.
Heck you're wearing yourself out :) BTW I use rubber tube too for frame protection, cheap and does the job.
If that Chinese shifter works out well, give us a link to the source. Mine is a bit wonky.
I will. If it does better than the original shifter, I will do a video about it and link it in the description for sure😀👍
Great video chuck! Can u provide a link on the Chinese shifter? Interested to have a look what is the make and what looks like integrated brake/shifter levers?
Very interesting video Brian.
Cheers from Germany
Thank you😀👍
Rohloff and Schlumpf Mountain Drive. Of course there only the fundimentals on mini velo's. Dah!
Thanks Brian for your very informative video. Ive riden my brompton 3000km for a year and it's time for a maintenance :)
p/s: i replaced my grips to ergon gs1.
As I (like youtself) delivered Uber Eats and Deliveroo on my Brompton the nipple/handblebar catch /braising died on me and I had to move over to Marathon Plus tyres. Liverpool has loads of potholes and glass everywhere.
Brompton is tough man. I had a bad crash but it is still ok.
My Brompton reliability: 2014 S2L - 3k miles, replaced headset (rust) and 3 x right pedals. 2017 S6L - 5k miles, frame hinge, rear hub due to bearing failure, folding pedal. 2020 S6E-X Chpt 3 - nothing yet. 2021 M6L-Electric - Motor failure after 50 miles.
Bromptons do far more miles, under far more demanding and unusual conditions, than pretty much any bike this side of courier whips (and there's a reason those guys prefer fixies with literally nothing breakable/serviceable on them)
I agree. I used to ride a brakeless fixed gear surly and I fixed nothing besides the tires occasionally. Brompton on the other hand.....well that's a different story.
@@ibikeunfolded overall, I'm happy with the reliability on my non electric Bromptons. Nothing has broken that hasn't had a root cause in me.
The electric, on the other hand, hasn't impressed me...
I used a fixed wheel bike while at school for delivering newspapers. I lived in Boston (UK) which is dead flat. There are plenty of hills where I live now so I won't consider less than 3 speeds but I remember my fixie with fondness.
Brian nice video, cool to see the work being done. Hey, next time you are heading to freedom bikes. Could you take a moment and take a bit of a walk around the bike carousel (5:55). Never seen one like it and would like some closer shots if you don't mind. BTW, have I missed you doing the bike friday yet?
nice video. good for you that you are living in a city that has some many bike lane infrastructures.
The infrastructure is nice, however the drivers are less so.😬
@@ibikeunfolded there’s no such thing as good drivers in any city.
Truer words have never been spoken...
20:15 … People in Europe do that…
Me from Germany👍 I can confirm… I did it until I got my Leather Protector.
🤔 Now I’m like …Leather looks Deluxe … Innertube is functional and affordable … what is the best for Travel? Maybe something else … ( Because: Durability, Weight, attracting Thief’s etc..)
Thank you, I was wondering about that.😀👍
Nice cycleway network you have there Brian. With the weather change hopefully we’ll get to see that camping tour this year. How’s that top tube protector secured to the tube? Your video highlights the quality of those hub gears. If I wanted a softly softly video to watch, I look for a fluffy kitten video. 👍
Hey Brian,
Watched all your videos just now :)
I’m waiting on my brommy to arrive right now and your videos are helpful.
Quick question, what happened to your Orange commuter? Are you still commuting with the black edition?
Keep it up 👍
I was doing the same on the top tube of my bike I got some carbon stickers to protect it.
I know I’m more or less saying the same as other comments but it’s really nice to see a skilled mechanic repairing the hub gears. Probably a fairly hefty bill all in one go but looks like you are set for quite a long period of smooth cycling again. Great video. Do you keep track of your yearly mileage on the bike?
Boeing tests wings by bending them until they snap. You impose similar stress on the bikes you use. Brompton should hire you to test their bikes.
I can imagine a job where my boss says “ride this bike until the wheels fall off”. That would be a job I could get up early for😀👍
@@ibikeunfolded The CEO of Brompton is a pretty cool guy, and open to new ideas, you should contact him.
Here he is ruclips.net/video/0awwsXrqExk/видео.html
Still kicked it past cyclists on your way to Chuck's 😂
A little TLC and good as new; proves quality.
Brill vlog Brian and informative as always 🚲 🇬🇧 👍
I wonder what they think as I zipp by on my little British bike🤷♂️
Probably pulling out the the stops to catch you up!
I have Terns s11 and x22 which like all folders appear to be challenges for racers to catch me up; comfortable in my own saddles 😃.
Great video! The only way to stop your Brompton from wear and tear is if it was diamond encrusted! 😂
I got your point.
Never pressure wash bike hubs as you force water in under pressure into locations that don’t like water ingress (hopefully your wallet has taught you that lesson). Brompton recommend you put 3-5 drops of oil (eg: 3-in-1 oil) into the IGH by removing the wheel and the indicator chain, lay the wheel flat (drive side up), puts the drops in and leave the wheel for 30mins or so, then reassemble. Personally I don’t find circular grips comfy anymore and have for the past 9yrs been using Ergon GP-1L grips on my Brompton, much more comfortable for my ulnar nerves and wrists, you could ty them. I replaced my brake pads with Swissstop Flash Pro BXP Blue cartridge pads, they have greater stopping power and a longer life (they’re also fitted to the electric Brompton as standard). I’d also suggest you get yourself a chain checker tool Lifeline make an affordable one. If you’re doing a lot of miles consider changing your chain and rear sprockets every 6 months, both items are really simple to do yourself.
When you say you're "going up to Boulder" do you mean you're riding from Denver to Boulder...and back?!!
Yes😀👍
update on the forte!
Making the video as we speak😀👍
I heard you said you hate your job. But you like bike riding…why don’t you do ubereat, door dash, grub hub full time with food delivery on your Brompton?
Bigger wheels, one gear = less maintenance yeah
👍
Good example with the cars (nissan) 😊
You then have to coompare it to other bikes
I have 8 folding bikes so I am sure that can be arranged😀
It really has nothing to do with Brompton quality, and everything to do with children raised in a disposable society. Use it, break it, throw it away, but a new model! Repairs and maintenance, good care of a fine object built with quality and pride, don’t fit in that paradigm, sorry to say.
Don’t change a thing, not you needing a lesson and some can’t be taught.
You've really put me off anything to do with Bromptons.
Glad I could help😀👍
If he has then you're not a natural Bromptoneer.
LOL, Troll
Cheap components