Brompton owners

Very clever. So you converted the stem into a pop-top style (ala Ahead style stems)? Could you not just fit some correct diameter riser bars?

I think he meant when fitting the rack, someone fabricated an attachment. Looks like a stock stem/steerer.

Yo brompton lovers, MKS ezy pedals on sale here...

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/mks-mt-e-ezy-pedals-prod23666/

Still not quite loving bromptons yet, been borrowing various models from work for lunch breaks etc.

I think its because the back end is so soft and flexy (standard rubber insert), I weigh about 75kg so I guess this is too much for it. But also find the steering slow, but unpredictable at same time, and pedal strike, urgh! so low to the ground. And lastly those cranks, you can see the flex. Is it a popular upgrade to put a better chainset on them, something like a shimano 105 with a huge ring on it would be 500% better than the £5 job that comes with them.

Theres a dead brompton (1996 ish and wrecked) lurking about somewhere that I fancied doing up, but would probably just go for SS and solid rear end. Also reckon its possible to retro fit the newer 'locking' rear end to the older 'folds up when you bunny hop a pothole' design?

^ yeah the pentaclip can be retro fitted. Different density rubber blocks are available. If the hardest still ain't hard enough you can put a wide jubilee clip around it to stiffen it up more. I would be inclined to try a crankset from a spares bin before buying anything. I'm not sure if the chainline would be right. 165 cranks might help with pedal strike or maybe spd's.

The firm suspension block takes away the bounce. Beyond that, I wouldn't expect too much. It's all about the fold, which is fantastic. Like I've mentioned to a few people: folds like a dream, handles like a restless night.

165mm cranks would interfere with the fold. Start with 170mm cranks!

Still not quite loving bromptons yet, been borrowing various models from work for lunch breaks etc.

I think its because the back end is so soft and flexy (standard rubber insert), I weigh about 75kg so I guess this is too much for it. But also find the steering slow, but unpredictable at same time, and pedal strike, urgh! so low to the ground. And lastly those cranks, you can see the flex. Is it a popular upgrade to put a better chainset on them, something like a shimano 105 with a huge ring on it would be 500% better than the £5 job that comes with them.

I really enjoy the handling. Takes a little while to get used to and you need to be attentive to it, like riding rollers. I've noticed it handles a lot better with more weight over the front wheel too.

I'm about 85kg's at the moment and the firm suspension block is fine. Though the whole thing flexes when climbing or sprinting, if you're looking for any kind of stiffness it's the wrong bike.

Never had an issue with pedal strike either, but then I've always been conscious of the low pedal position and cornered with the inside foot up.

Considering these as an option to extend my bars:

http://www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=430

Upwards for the fold and city riding, quick allen key adjustment for more reach and lower position on longer rides.

I think its because the back end is so soft and flexy (standard rubber insert), I weigh about 75kg so I guess this is too much for it. … Also reckon its possible to retro fit the newer 'locking' rear end to the older 'folds up when you bunny hop a pothole' design?

The elastomer/rubber bung is rubbish. If you put a jubilee clip around it, you can reduce the level of bounciness to the point of pretty-solid.

Yes - you can retrofit the clip that holds the rear triangle up. Not for bunny-hopping, as it'd stay up anyway. But for carrying the thing unfolded.

I have done both of these things and they're 10-minute jobs at most.

The elastomer/rubber bung is rubbish. If you put a jubilee clip around it, you can reduce the level of bounciness to the point of pretty-solid.

Yes - you can retrofit the clip that holds the rear triangle up. Not for bunny-hopping, as it'd stay up anyway. But for carrying the thing unfolded.

I have done both of these things and they're 10-minute jobs at most.

I would like to add that the taller you are, the more flexy it feels. I now use the firm rubber on my brompton but it did not feel so much of a difference compared to the standard one. I need the telescopic seatpost, and all that long tube showing flexes a lot (I am around 92kg too).

Saying that it's not a problem for me. A brompton is a folding bike and I never expected the stiffness of a normal bike. Folding bikes will always be a compromise, and Bromptons are my favorite compromise of all folding bikes options.

Now, I agree a better chainset wouldn't hurt... If it wasn't for the sake ok keeping it all "original spec like" I would have changed it...

Considering these as an option to extend my bars:

http://www.syntace.com/index.cfm?pid=3&pk=430

Upwards for the fold and city riding, quick allen key adjustment for more reach and lower position on longer rides.

i have one of these in my toolbox..

you could even do this

;)

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/201202/02/78/c0233178_14305878.jpg

One of our demo bikes has an extended seat tube (telescopic?) and a taller front end, and yes, it literally feels like a rowing machine, however, I do get that its the best of the bunch as far as folders go. No other folder can fold as well, and fit as many people without having to alter the spec/ faff.

Also spares are (mostly) very cheap and easily available, that much cannot be said for any other type of folding (or weird) bike I've come across.

Up in Glasgow there isn't a huge demand for them, it tends to be the beardy weirdy types (and just plain weird).

If I do get one of the busted ones I'll see what I can do with it, but locking or firming up the rear end and swapping cranks out for something else are the highest on the list.

Also stand lights, does anyone have one that works? I seem to see more broken/returns lights than I do working ones.

@STE5 - I get what the clips do, but I can't see how those clips work. Can you post a pic with them fitted?

@tilover - two handlebars are better then one - lol

yeah there's a fair bit of flex for me, telescopic seatpost and firm suspension but i'm just over 100kg and riding it like I stole it. I kind of like the flex after a while though, it's oddly comforting

@STE5 - I get what the clips do, but I can't see how those clips work. Can you post a pic with them fitted?

It'll be this essentially.

The clamps will be aligned vertical with the brompton stem/headtube for folding and horizontal for more reach on longer/faster rides.

I have one of those ^ I used to get a bit more height on my flat bars, works a treat.

the toolkit is out now.. and it's about £45!!!! Not sure if we've already discussed this

forty five fucking quid

Also stand lights, does anyone have one that works? I seem to see more broken/returns lights than I do working ones.

What is the stand light? The rear light?

I discovered today that even if changing the chain before it had reached 1/8" stretch over 12", it's essential to also change the sprocket on a SS Brompton, with the caveat being I use a 13t rather than the stock 12t, and I think it may be less beefy (more like the stock 16t on the 2-speed).

Fucking limped the short distance to work, chain skipping any time I put more than gentle pressure through the pedals. Standing starts were particularly awe-inspiring, probably going from 0 to 15mph in about ~30 seconds rather than the usual ~3.

Thank fuck Condor had the part in stock to pick up on my way home. Normal service has been resumed.

^weakest part of the drivetrain I've found is the right side of the crankset. Thought I'd hit a neutral but the chain weren't movin!!!

I'm loving the idea of touring Europe on my Brompton with one of these:

https://www.radicaldesign.nl/en/products/bicycle-trailers/cyclone/cyclone-iv-chubby

Expensive though.

http://youtu.be/MLAEjkJ5-3Q

Look like you can do that yourself with a Carry Freedom for a lots less.