Brompton M-Type Folding Bike

the first time I ever used a Brompton I rode for over 100 miles without a hitch, not bad for a folder. I subsequently bought one and it has changed my life for the better. it has opened up London (and many other cities)to me. Yes it is a bit slower than a normal bike over longer distances but on mixed mode journeys is just fantastic. Pricey yes a bit of a maintenance hog but truly life changing. As you may have guessed I take it almost everywhere I go. And it carries more junk more easily than any other bike I have owned.

The worst bike I've ever owned!

I bought the M3 in December 09 with high hopes. I've had many bikes in the past, and was converted to folding bikes having owned the Dahon Jack and Speed 7. The Brompton frequently receives rave reviews, and I like the style and iconic design.

After just a few weeks use, I was already noticing how inferior the ride and gearing is to the Dahon Speed 7. I then ran into countless problems with the gears and frequent punctures (5 punctures in 3 months on Brompton's 'Kevlar' tires!). I had less than that in my 4 years ownership of the Dahon Speed 7.

The bike is a very frustrating ride, struggling to go up the smallest hills, and shaking on the smallest bumps. It really takes the fun out of cycling.

Granted, it folds well into a neat transportable package. The design and frame is good, but the rest if bad.

I've now traded in my Brompton for a Dahon Vitesse. A far superior bike for half the cost!

I've had my ML3 Brompton for quite a while, and this particular bicycle was manufactured around 1991/1992, and still going strong to this day. All the major parts on the bicycle i.e. Frame, seating and handlebars are all the originals, and the only things that have been changed or replaced are the typical items that you would expect.... ie. cables, tyres, brake blocks etc.

I use this bicycle regularly in and around London and have found it a very 'complete' package, it will carry my frame (13 stone) plus luggage, and handles very well.... the 5 speed gearing on my particular model is via a Sturmey Archer S5-2 rear hub setup.... which is very reliable as long as regularly serviced, which is something I would do myself. The gearing has a great range to allow an easy hill climb and also will allow you to build up a bit of speed on the straights. Some believe the Brompton to be an over-priced bicycle, and when you bear in mind that you can buy other folding bicycles from as little as £80... they might be right. But when you want a folding bicycle that rides like a full size bicycle and has little or no flex in its folding frame and has only the best components, then there is no compromise..... It must be a Brompton. The Brompton is also manufactured in full in the UK, just on the outskirts of London.... this I would imagine would account for the price tag... buts it's good to know that should you need parts or advice, then help is not far away.... I've contacted the Brompton factory for advice recently on a part which I could not find for my model.... I received a reply in 24 hours, and they even sent me the part I need completely free of charge - now that's a brand & company you want to deal with.

I recently bought another folding bicycle, based on lots of reading up on it, and a quick test ride from a shop... this is a Mezzo I4.... another great folding bicycle, it rides as good as the Brompton, and the build quality is again excellent... and it is made completely from aluminium, and anodised to finish... only down side is that it does not fold as compact as the Brompton, and is more expensive.

In summary.... If you live in London as I do and need a bicycle which will survive a daily commute and perhaps needs to be taken onto a busy train during rush hour... then there is no choice in the matter... it ' s a Brompton.... you'll not find any other bicycle that ticks all the boxes, trust me I speak from experience!

In my view Brompton folding bikes are leagues ahead of their competitors. None of the others offer the combination of ride quality, practicality, easy folding and transportation that Brompton offers. The design that lets it fold down to such a tiny size in seconds is pure genius. The build quality is superb, it feels like it will last forever and it's British made !

At first the small wheels and upright riding position take a little getting used to. The hub gear on mine has 3 speeds which is adequate but I have to get off and push up steep hills, you can specify more gears if needed.

If you are tall like me (6'1") you will need the longer seat post. The flat handlebar version (S Type) will also be better as it gives you a more "stretched" riding position. I found the standard upright handlebars too high and rather flimsy, they flexed under heavy braking which didn't inspire confidence so I swapped them for mountain bike handlebars which was easy to do and a big improvement. I cannot over-emphasise the advantage the Brompton has over it's rivals in respect of the compactness when folded. If you regularly commute by public transport or need to carry it in a car boot this is THE folder to buy. It's very comfortable to ride with a basic rear suspension spring helping iron out the bumps which you will feel more on a small wheel bike than on a full size one. You quickly learn to dodge potholes though !

I've twice used it on the 60 mile London to Brighton bike-ride no problem and it is just as fast as a full size bike.

In summary I can't recommend Brompton highly enough.