Since past year I have a dilemma about foldable bikes. I own a budget Polish branded foldable bike called Nicebike Circle. It has 7gears, 20" wheels and it folds quite quick and simble. It weights nearly 15 kg. I bought it used in excellent condition (look as new) for about 180$. Now I am thinking about the Brompton. I like this brand since many years but the price for it is ridiculous. Even for a used one. The cheapest one in very good condition, over ten years old costs in my country over 1000$ at least.
My question is, is it really worth changing when the idea of folding is similar. Is the Brompton is more comfortable, durable and I could feel the price difference? I know we pay for the brand and for the foldable Brompton exclusive patent but is that really it? Or should I go for it and I will not be disappointed?
The things is, I am a father of two little daughters which means I don't have time for traveling for hours. Now I am using my foldable bike growing from kindergarten to work. I always put the bike in a trunk, going to kindergarten and then I leave my car and I switch to bike. Going to work for about 6-7 km. 90% flat road. I don't have fo fold the bike and take it to work or to the store. Is it a good idea to reconsider and choose the used Brompton for instance 2015th model or is it a bad idea, too expensive and unnecessary for my needs?
Thanks for all the replies on advance.
by Ayreon90
9 Comments
If your current bike is serving your needs, keeping it and maintaining it is the most sustainable option.
Let’s be honest – there’s never really a value for money case for buying expensive bikes. They’re a luxury. Sounds like your current bike does the job and a Brompton would be a nice treat but not a necessity. And that’s fine!
A Brompton will be better made, ride nicer, and fold smaller. However, it will be much more of a loss if you lock your bike outside work or the store and it gets stolen.
If you’re happy with how that rides, it fits in your car boot, you can leave it locked up where needed without worry, I’d stick with it. Seems like it works with your use case.
A stock Brompton will have less gears and smaller wheels so won’t ride as nicely as that bike probably so if you don’t need the compact fold and carriability, you’re better off sticking to that bike.
The main Brompton’s advantage is small size when folded, convenience of the mechanism itself and a “Shopping cart mode”.
Basic C line also not so light, about 12kg, depends on the gears.
I’m sure your bike is more comfortable to ride because of bigger and wider wheels and more gears. And if you’re okay with the way it folds, you don’t need a Brompton. I’d just replaced few parts to lighter ones, like crankset, tires and inner tubes.
And by the way Nicebike =)
Depends: I used to live in NYC and New Jersey. The Brompton could fit in front of me in my seat on the train; other folding bikes available at the time could not. So for me, the Brompton was in a totally different category from other folding bikes: bikes I could take with me without a second thought, and a bike that I could only take places that allowed you to carry bikes
>My question is, is it really worth changing when the idea of folding is similar.
Do you take your bike on mass transit often? Is your living space small? If you answered “no” then the Brompton is not going to improve anything for you by folding marginally smaller.
>Is the Brompton is more comfortable, durable and I could feel the price difference?
Speaking as a C-line owner, I’m going to say no. My hubs likes the stiffer frame of the Brompton compared to his previous folding bike, but that’s about all. *Any* bike can have its grips and saddle upgraded if you’re seeking additional comfort.
>I know we pay for the brand and for the foldable Brompton exclusive patent but is that really it?
I willingly paid for the fold, and in my case the (at the time) smallest/lightest/safest electric bike available. I was forced to pay for the brand. 😆
>Is it a good idea to reconsider and choose the used Brompton for instance 2015th model or is it a bad idea, too expensive and unnecessary for my needs?
The bike you have now is just fine. You may like the improved fold of a Brompton but I don’t think you’re going to like the smaller wheels and gearing loss.
Guys I think my biggest concern about my current bike is the external gear hub. It’s not as convinient and stable like that one in Brompton. This one is cheap, simple, works fine but it can be damaged easily because it’d outside the frame, not an internal hub if you know what I mean. Also the derailleurs may become deregulated at some point more often.
I think the question you leave unanswered is why do you want to switch? It’s a luxury item.
I like others, I don’t see a reason why you should switch since your current bike is working AND not expensive to replace if stolen or broken. Sounds like you want to change, but can’t find a reason to.
It’s more expensive to maintain a Brompton as well.
Do you have access to a Brompton mechanic? Some are unique and can’t easily be done by the user, and require special tools. Cost for servicing is an issue … while many of the day to day parts that regularly were out are straightforward to find, some parts are not, and are unique to Brompton and might require a Brompton mechanic to repair. For example, the seat post sleeve wears out over time and has a specialized tool/skill required to remove it and replace it for example.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWFL73_1lHY
I’m questioning if I should keep the bike, the closest Brompton mechanics are a three hour trip one way for me. I love my 12 speed c-line electric what I’m questioning if I should go with a Tern Vektron s10 electric foldable. I might just buy the latter as a second bike, this Fall at REI when I can get a 25% REI rebate, like I did for the Brompton last year (33% then!) Would use Tern for cargo (60lbs max) and back up to lock outside when I can’t bring the brompton inside. I don’t own a car. I decided not to get one, rely on taxi, family, when needed, rentals, so I have more funds to spend for bikes than you might.
I’d sell my current backup … the LECTRIC XP 3.0 foldable … too heavy now w/my new shoulder issues.
The fold, and roll w/rack is the unique advantage for me … if you don’t need what they bring keep what you’ve got.
Here’s my list of reasons (last one might be THE reason!)
-Bring in: no lock outside; easy apartment storage
-Carry-on: trains/planes, store at/above your seat!
-Rack & Roll: I roll it in everywhere, with seat fully extended, luggage on the bike.
-Shopping Cart: Handlebars up, shop away, fill the basket!
-Joe Cool: Everyone looks at you with amazement and envy!