Pennsylvania rider here on rolling terrain. There was a returned Type C Explore (2022) on the sales floor at REI in Conshohocken during their 20th anniversary sale. I had been in the market and the Philly shop was blocked off by utility trucks so…I got a very good deal with stacked discounts on a nearly new bike with full warranty. Note that I added the rear rack after purchase with the same 20 percent anniversary sale discount.
Riding it: Cyclemeter has registered about 85 miles total in past 3.5 weeks. My old daily driver was a 2016 Trek DS 8.3, a little heavy and a step-over. While it fitted me per my height and inseam, the kickover has been getting harder the past few years (68M). I also have no hitch for a bike rack on my car, so all rides have been around my city (Bethlehem, PA).
The Brompton opens up my riding range because it and my older folder (Dahon 2009) fit in the back of the car for the two of us. What a difference between the Brompton and the other two bikes.
Gearing seems great for our little hills. Only one of them leading into central Nazareth do I get too winded to pedal even at -1. On the D&L Canal towpath, I’m good almost always with +3 or -3, dropping into the 2 range around geese and goslings and people fishing for more flexibility in self-protection. Straightaway top speed is about 15 mph, with 12-13 sustainable on hard-packed soil or gravel (typical on rail trails here).
Some sticking on the derailleur last couple of days. Better now; have seen the YT stuff on how to unlink and adjust. New Brompton owner learning curve.
Seatpost: could be an inch higher for my inseam. The purchase price for the mid-handlebar model was too low to turn down and I may add the telescoping one in the next few months.
My bottom line: this is a huge boost to personal wellness and mental health. Being able to drive somewhere and enjoy it remotely with gearing that suits my style is the icing on this bicycle cake.
by conestogan
1 Comment
I have the same model – It has grown to be my favorite bike-Mind you like other bike people I have several bikes (Confession=6) including a electric C version. I got my a in similar fashion – when “newer model” was released this was on the floor of local bike shop and grabbed it for a 25% discount- Note: if you are in any sort of a hilly area or do any travel or bikepacking with a load – try switching front chainring to 44 – it makes a major difference in hill climbing- Also as an old roadie – I tend to like a little stiffer ride – I switch the suspension block to a third party “firm” version
These 2 modification changed the feel and handling IMMENSELY for the better
Enjoy
and Happy Trails!