Thinking of getting my first Brompton that I've been eyeing for years. I was quite settled on C-line 12 speed but then Tour de France C-Line 6 speed one looks pretty sleek. Couple factors I'm considering:
– will be mostly doing casual weekend rides on pretty flat trails but still considered 12 speed just to future-proof myself. some say you won't regret getting 12 speed although you may regret getting 6 speed when you find yourself in a hilly trail. Looks like folks here also have 50/50 opinions about 12 vs 6 speed.
– re-sale value for TDF ed could be pretty high as the Barbour edition on eBay still looks pretty $$$.
– Given this is my first one and will likely upgrade or buy additional ones in the future for the fam, I'm not interested in other lines at this stage.
What's your vote?
by HelloGreenwich888
5 Comments
TDF
Newer “special” edition Bromptons are built in numbers that rarity isn’t a word I’d apply to them, they had one heck of a job shifting the remaining stock of the olympic bikes as is, so I very much doubt they would increase in value especially for a bike your intending on using. I’d personally advise 12 speed it’s just a more sensible a newer option with very few downsides.
if you think you won’t resell, get the 12 speed. if you think you will, get the TDF
The TDF is polarizing and that will hurt resell. Get a 12 speed or a normal 6 speed with advanced triangle.
Get what’s cheaper. The 6 speed can easily be upgraded to have the kind of gear ratio you get on the 12 speed, however the c line 12 speed uses more modern parts, such as the newer rear triangle (p- line style but steel) and will be more compatible with future upgrades. Plus the 12 speed can be made a 15 speed and with minor adjustments/upgrades you can give it a really low gear ratio, mine has lowest of about 0.93 (gear inches 15.5)