A common frustration in my part of the world is that transit does not run very often, and there are only 2 spots for bikes on the front of buses. There have been many times when I’ve had to wait an extra hour just to see if the next bus happens to have a spot for my bike.
Every time this happens, I promise myself that I’m going to someday spend the money to buy a folding bike (which can be taken on the bus if it’s folded).
In my head, riding a folding bike is a joyous experience, partly because of Dr Sharon riding a Brompton in Ted Lasso, but I’m curious what it’s actually like.
My dream folding bikes are any model of Brompton, a RadExpand 5, or a Tern Link D7i.
I’ve got a Brompton, it’s been great but there are a few tiny drawbacks.
Number one, it’s expensive. Mine cost $2750 AUD
Build quality is great but the bike is probably not for you if you’re over 180cm.
The 16 inch wheels feel a bit squirrely at high speed, and are the perfect width for getting stuck in tram tracks.
Carrying it folded is a bit awkward for anything over about 100m. It’s light for a bike but it doesn’t weigh nothing.
I put unidirectional casters on the back to replace the original hard plastic wheels to make it easier to push around in the supermarket when folded. These are loud and often catch on my heels when pedaling. If you’re going to do that I’d recommend the softer plastic or the modified seat rack with the extendable wheel thingy.
Wheeling it around the shops mostly folded with the seat post up can result in the bike unfolding itself at unexpected moments, best to wheel it with the handlebar bit unfolded instead, although this does make the steering a bit awkward at times.
The mudguard is plastic and can break easily.
Now the pros:
It folds up quite nicely with the chain sandwiched between the 2 halves of the bike so it doesn’t get grease on your pants or bag when sitting with it.
The hub gears can be changed from a standstill, which is great for taking off from the lights on moderate hills.
It fits into almost any space when folded. Car footwell. Train seats. Trams. Under your desk at work. You name it. You won’t be impinging on other passengers with it folded up beside you.
Brakes are good. Seat is comfortable.
You can fit a spare inner tube and toolkit inside the frame for emergencies. It also comes with a small bicycle pump which does the job in a pinch.
Those are my thoughts. Was it worth it? I think yes, even though I rarely use it for public transport these days it’s nice to throw in the car on a whim and take it with me so I can ride around at my destination. I use it more for fun than commuting
Wow thank you so much for all of this! I am a bit of a taller guy (193cm) so perhaps a Brompton isnt for me, but by god they are sexy bicycles haha
Look at the H handlebars. They add a few inches to the standard M. The bike won’t fold as tight, but you’ll be more comfortable.
I’m 182cm and got the M, but I think I’d be more comfortable in the H.
I’ve got the H handlebars, they dont protrude beyond the frame when folded. They are great and I couldn’t imagine riding with the M type. For me the main issue is seat post height. I think you can get an extender for it but I haven’t bothered cos its not my daily ride.
Oh yeah. I had to get the telescoping seat post. I needed just another inch. One benefit of the telescope one is that I have the second segment set so I just pull the first segment out as far as it goes and it’s at my desired height. No need to fiddle with adjustments.