Hi Brompton community!
I’m thinking of getting my first Brompton. I’ve always loved the aesthetic of the bike and how convenient it looks.
For context, I live in NYC (Manhattan) and recently opened my first flower shop in Williamsburg with my wife. I’m currently doing bouquet deliveries and thought this could be the perfect excuse to finally pull the trigger. Brompton aligns really well with the vibe we’re creating—though the other side of my head is telling me I might just be making excuses to get the bike (I’m fine with both scenarios).
Anyway, I’m a relatively fit guy who runs marathons and triathlons. I feel pretty comfortable pushing a Citi Bike across NYC bridges; however, I’ve never been able to test a Brompton. Since the Junction store is closed, I’m leaning more toward buying second-hand.
I found a C Line with 2 gears in almost new condition, and I’m debating whether I should go for it or try to find a 6-gear version. I’ve read mixed opinions—some people love the simplicity of the 2-speed, while others hate having to rely on “chevro-legs.” I also love to think that I could save some minutes on my commute here and there, time is money specially with a small business (i.e Hardware shop visit, broken trains, delivering stuff)
I’d really appreciate any advice or thoughts! Thank you!!
P.S. If you’re ever around Williamsburg, feel free to visit! And if you see me delivering bouquets on a Brommie, don’t forget to wave (IG: brunianyc)
by jackpi88
6 Comments
Get 2 speed. It is fine. I’m having one for more than a year, even took to a vacation with me. I only replaced stock 54t chainring to 50t, didn’t even shortened chain.
If for some reason 2 speed would be not enough there are upgrade kits from Brommie+ for about $300. It will be even better and lighter than stock solution with Sturmey Archer hub and 2 speed cassette
Bicycles NYC has a great selection. I looked at used ones and they are so close to the price of new ones that I felt new was a better way to go.
You’ll need to ride them and see for yourself. I think you are going to find that delivering on a C/P/T is going to be tough and need the size of a G. I found a P line 4 speed was great for Manhattan, and you won’t struggle on a bridges the gearing is perfect. I ended up going to a G because It seemed like the P was going to flat every 8 weeks and oh my gosh was it a harsh ride. I’m not sure the flowers will suffer well.
Again best to try before you dive in.
Definitely get a Matcha Green to tie in with the business, then change out some parts like the cabling sleeve, pedals to match the pink. Really depends on how far you’re going to be biking. But definitely do try the 2 speed will be great. But I myself have a 6speed as I use it to commute to work as well.
For NYC the two speed is perfectly fine with just one simple modification. Your sprocket set on the rear wheel could use a larger spread so that your gear range increases. The smallest simple mod is to swap the 16 tooth rear cog to a 17 tooth. This mod is only a 10 dollar swap of a simple part but it held quite a bit of you were to encounter any hill. But if you choose like I have I have a 19 tooth cog and a 12 tooth cog. essentially I have a hill gear and a on the flats gear, without having to change my front chain ring. But to make this mod you have to heat up a part of your frame and bend a bit of the metal out of the way to make clearance for the larger cog. Also you have to lengthen your chain to accommodate the new gearing.
Having done the 5 borough bike tour on my 2 speed and ridden it in cities all over I’d be perfectly happy on a 2 speed but would recommend riding others to be sure.
I live in Manhattan and have a C Line six speed – which has pretty awesome. I could probably make do with a 2 speed. Once in awhile I find myself in the baby gears ( heavy windy days on West river trail)