October 13, 200916 yr Wow that was some rightup Dan! Thanks for taking the time for explaining it all to me and for the links. I will be sure to check them out. I can see your passionate about your Brompton Oh Andy and thanks for your input too. The cycle to work scheme does go up to a £1000 though the wieght savings do not seem that much for the extra dosh. £300 for 1kg or so! Regards Jerry Edited October 13, 200916 yr by jerrysimon
October 13, 200916 yr Author The one thing I don't like is its weight when lifting. Because of this, if I were buying new, I'd be awfully tempted by a titanium version. Yes, this would be expensive, but if you used it year after year ... go on, you know you'd want one! Thanks for your feedback Andy. The Titanium parts only save a minute amount of weight, compared to a "typical" Brompton. It's a question of proportions: if your favorite configuration is a SL2 or a single-speed fixie, then opting for the Titanium bits (i.e. front fork and rear part of the frame *) makes sense as the shaved weight will be perceivable when carrying the bike around (that's ideal for a commuter who have strong legs or whose typical cycling journeys don't include steep hills). * PS: the new lightweight seat post is now made with aluminium, due to the difficulty to source Ti...according to Brompton PR. However, if you're looking into making the bike a bit more "useful" or versatile, then you'll quickly be adding weight such that the Titanium bits will become irrelevant. You muscle power will build-up to the extent that the weight savings offered by the Ti parts will not be perceivable anymore. In this case, why not use your budget to purchase more "important" things (in my opinion: invest in expensive quality luggage, which will serve you for years). This particularly applies to you as you will be putting a Tongxin on the bike, which will inevitably render the Titanium parts completely pointless (the Tongxin setup will obviously be lighter than the Bafang beast, but it will definitely change the way the Brompton feels when carrying it around). Andy, what do you think ?
October 13, 200916 yr Gulp! I knew I was asking for trouble by taking on such a formidable adversary as Dan… Here goes. When I pick up an ordinary ie non-folding, non-electric bike, I have one of three reactions to what it feels like. If it weighs 25 lbs ish, I think it feels great. 25 ish to 30, it feels OK. Over 30, it feels heavy and I wish it were lighter. There seem to be perceptual thresholds, step changes, involved, rather than a continuous scale. The same applies to folding bikes. I know this because from time to time I go into my folding bike shop to look at them. Sad, but there you are. If I pick up a really light one, and there are Dahons and others like this as well as the titanium Bromptons, I just think - Wow! With folding bikes there is a practical side to this as well. If you are going to be lifting and carrying something a lot, the weight is important and not merely a matter of aesthetics. Which is why I would get the lightest folding bike I could afford if I were buying one now. Adding a motor and battery complicates things a bit, but it does rather depend on what is added. A stonking great battery might overwhelm any base bike advantages, but a more minimalist set up would still allow the overall weight to be kept low. I think this is one of those happy occasions where your head should follow your heart...
October 13, 200916 yr When I pick up an ordinary ie non-folding, non-electric bike, I have one of three reactions to what it feels like. If it weighs 25 lbs ish, I think it feels great. 25 ish to 30, it feels OK. Over 30, it feels heavy and I wish it were lighter. There seem to be perceptual thresholds, step changes, involved, rather than a continuous scale. I wonder if these steps are common for many cyclists, since those are exactly my perception points too. Unfortunately it makes all e-bikes feel too heavy and there's little prospect of then getting into "ok", let alone "light". .
October 13, 200916 yr Author I can see your point Andy, about some kind of physical+psychological threshold involved when having to carry the bike around for some distance. This is definitely down to personal appreciation of what is heavy and what is not. I must say, my e-Brompton's weight has gone over that threshold, and I find it a lot harder to wheel the bike around (when folded), let alone carrying it with one arm...that Bafang ain't no slim dude ! :o Plus, I now tend to load the luggage more with the knowledge that the motor will take the extra weight without complains... At any rate, I am now cycling more than I ever did, which is good for me, good for the environment, ... only the sheep and other farm animals watch me with bemusement when I whiz pass them I think they are just curious about the unusual noise !
October 13, 200916 yr only the sheep and other farm animals watch me with bemusement when I whiz pass them I think they are just curious about the unusual noise ! The Bafang "whine" does that to the sheep in my area too, but the best effect is on wood pigeons which roost in trees mid afternoon alongside country lanes. It scares the hell out of them and they often take off and flee as I get close.
October 14, 200916 yr Pheasants and Grouse aren't too keen either, though quite often the Grouse (being not the brightest of animals) will run directly away from the sound - i.e. down the middle of the road , I've seen them do this with cars too...
October 14, 200916 yr Man and I thought I was taking this thread off topic Dans posts always go this way lol Dan I joined the Yahoo group and also found this site which is nicely laid out with all the options Brompton Folding Bikes Regards Jerry Edited October 14, 200916 yr by jerrysimon
October 14, 200916 yr Well just went to a LBS and tried a Brompton. I have to say I was impressed especially with how well it rode I am leaning towards a S2L initally. As I will no doubt end up putting a Tongxin in it, I don't think I need the extra gears. I might order the S bag as well at the same time. I don't think its worth another £400 for the X and the 1kg ish saving. The S2L is only 10.7kgs anyway. I have found a Black one in stock and the company are signed up to my works onyourbike scheme. Works out at 40% saving and paid over 18 months tax/interest free Its really an indulgence though given I already have the Cytronex :o Does anyone wheel theirs round the supermarket when they go for a few groceries ? Regards Jerry Edited October 14, 200916 yr by jerrysimon
October 14, 200916 yr Lol excellent link. Problem is if I order a specific color its 10 weeks waiting time I do like the racing green with black extremities though PS or maybe cobalt blue with black extremities or desert sand with black extremities lmao Regards Jerry Edited October 14, 200916 yr by jerrysimon
October 18, 200916 yr Author Just for those who are watching this thread: I've just added more reliable GPS tracking data in this other thread of mine (a short hilly ride, up and down riding statistics): http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/4825-diy-stage-8-continuous-improvements-2.html#post61464
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