Looking to finally pull the trigger on a 12 speed C line and wanted to get the gang’s views on whether this is a crazy commute to do on a Brompton. I’d do the full way (14 miles) on the outbound, on the inbound only 2 miles, from my nearest train station. And about half of the outbound is on a canal path so no traffic to worry about.
My current fitness isn’t amazing but I’ve worked on it before.
Is this a reasonable commute? What sort of time would you target?
by kvman22
11 Comments
If you can manage it on other bikes I think you’ll be fine on a Brompton. You may want to get grips/gloves and seat that are more comfortable for you.
Did something similar on a hybrid and later once on a Brompton. Took slightly longer but easier uphill. Didn’t do gravel.
Totally doable once but it’ll be challenging to keep up the motivation to do it every day with Bad weather etc. Anyway, the bike is totally fine for that distance/elevation and you’ll be fit in no time haha. Good grips and saddle is key.
My guess is 1.5hrs for the full 14 miles and from there you’ll get quicker with your gaining fitness.
Not insane at all, 14 miles on my Brompton without traffic lights and all, I’d aim at about an hour and 15 minutes in the Netherlands on my Brompton 3 speed
Doesn’t look too dissimilar from mine. I’m on a C line 6.
It is doable. The climb at the end looks rough if you’re out of fitness but hard to say. The gravel should be ok if it’s not too chunky.
Gravel is no fun on any kind of bike.
Not really OP if you can do it on a normal bike you can on a Brompton.
I’d do it on my g line for sure!
Especially considering you’re only doing the way back I think it’s very manageable. Having the train option still is great.
Brompton is really not that different from a normal bike
I’m doing 26 miles a day, 4 days a week on 6 speed C line (54T chainring and 13T swapped to 12T), it’s through the London though so pretty much flat. I’m not super fit, bit over recommended weight but hence doing every day I’m just fine with it, after long tiring day sometimes pushing myself less, stressful day – good push calms nerves brilliantly. Well worth it and through cycle scheme no brainer even if not doing every day it’s not big pay