TLDR; I switched from an S handlebar to an M handlebar, only to find out that when it's folded, the handlebar now drags/catches the floor.
Full story:
When I had ordered my Brompton originally, I got an S6L. After a few years of riding it, I wanted a more upright position, and so went to my local bike shop (a Brompton dealer) and asked them to order me an M handlebar. They told me that I'd also have to redo the brake/shifting cables. Fine by me, I understand that. So now I spend all morning installing the new handlebar and cables, pretty satisfied overall. But when I try folding it, however, I notice the handlebar catches the floor.
My husband has an M6L, and so I put his and mine side-by-side to try to understand why his has no issues and mine does. If you squint hard enough, you can notice that the one on the left (mine) has a longer stem than the one on the right (his):
Tried googling around a bit, with no luck. So I look up the handlebar that my bike shop ordered me ("HB M/H Low VER 17ON Silver") and see this little note:
If you're changing from one of the other Brompton handlebars you will need a whole new handlebar stem.
Anybody else have experience with this? Maybe I'm just looking for someone to tell me this isn't true…heh.. but I'll settle for a confirmation.
EDIT: I also found this chart as another confirmation that an S->M change would require a stem swap.
AN EXPENSIVE LESSON LEARNED: choose your handlebar wisely when you first purchase your Brompton.
by Upset-Plantain-8117
3 Comments
Yep, the S-stem is longer than the M-stem. (https://images.app.goo.gl/usqVgGM4LsSryRjFA this photo shows the difference quite well)
A possible solution could be a different aftermarket riser handlebar like this one: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handlebars/joseph-kuosac-handlebar-for-bromptons-mid-rise-254mm-clamp-black/?geoc=DE
If you check out the description you’ll see that a 60mm riser bar on a S-Stem ends up slightly above a M-Bar/Stem combo.
Yes stem swap needed to switch between the 3 different handle bar styles. I believe the S stem is actually the tallest stem of the 3 types due to its handle bar being just straight. Both the M and H ‘s U shaped handlebars make up some of the height.
Joseph Kuosac has a mid rise bar that I believe paired with the S stem should result in a shorter handle bar more M height. Please do the math as this is just a guess by me.
https://josephkuosac.com/product/brompton/brompton-handlebar-o-25-4mm/
>went to my local bike shop (a Brompton dealer) and asked them to order me an M handlebar. They told me that I’d also have to redo the brake/shifting cables.
They mentioned this *but didn’t mention the stem?* 🤦♀️