Comments on: BIKE FRIDAY TIKIT VS BROMPTON COMPARISON REVIEW http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/ ANATOLY IVANOV / PROSE / EN Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:08:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: » Comparing Brompton and Bike Friday Activate Your Commute http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-712 » Comparing Brompton and Bike Friday Activate Your Commute Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:18:25 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-712 [...] spaces. This is consistent with the best comparison I’ve read of the Tikit and Brompton, from Anatoly Ivanov: if the fold is your priority, buy a Brompton. If the ride is your priority, buy a Bike [...] [...] spaces. This is consistent with the best comparison I’ve read of the Tikit and Brompton, from Anatoly Ivanov: if the fold is your priority, buy a Brompton. If the ride is your priority, buy a Bike [...]

]]> By: Alexis Grant http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-703 Alexis Grant Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:15:46 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-703 Anatoly - I read your comparison site some time ago when I started seriously thinking of getting a folder. It was really useful to me since I knew that fast fold and good ride quality were my top priorities, so it helped me decide to get a Tikit, which I finally did recently. I'd forgotten all about your review until it came up in a search and wanted to let you know it was helpful. Anatoly – I read your comparison site some time ago when I started seriously thinking of getting a folder. It was really useful to me since I knew that fast fold and good ride quality were my top priorities, so it helped me decide to get a Tikit, which I finally did recently. I’d forgotten all about your review until it came up in a search and wanted to let you know it was helpful.

]]> By: Sorin Petcu http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-655 Sorin Petcu Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:19:30 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-655 About folding a Brompton. There is no fold without a scratch! About folding a Brompton. There is no fold without a scratch!

]]> By: Stef Jones http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-648 Stef Jones Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:16:36 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-648 Nice little comparison. I'd just like to add that while the folded size of the Brommie is wonderful you RIDE a bicycle therefore ride quality should take preference especially when you think about being in traffic, coasting down hills and braking.!!! That's why the Tikit wins for me even though I love the look and design of the Brompton. The Tikit with the Nexus hub is also well capable of doing longer rides and light touring if need be, where the fit and body position on the bike is much more important. The belt drive is ridiculously expensive compared to a chain drive and has to be set to fine tolerances to function properly and requires special cogs which wear sooner than the belt itself. Fine while it's working, big trouble when it's not. I have discovered that Bike Friday's advertised prices do not correspond to their actual prices which seem to be ( much ) higher. Be careful of them. And the add-ons are expensive.Saddle...add if you need it, pedals..add if you need them. Last I heard all cyclists need these things! Also the custom color options on the Tikits are frighteningly expensive due to the powder coating ,multi-oven baking process at Bike Friday, so Brompton's colorways are a much better option if this is something that matters to you. Having said that, I STILL think the Tikit is superior in terms of the ride quality if you want to do any more than the hourly commute to and from work. I think... Short trips, small spaces= Brompton Short trips, longer rides, light touring, performance= Tikit Both nice machines. One last thing. I saw the rear wheel removal video for the Brompton. My goodness! I would NOT want to have to do that very often!!!! Nice little comparison. I’d just like to add that while the folded size of the Brommie is wonderful you RIDE a bicycle therefore ride quality should take preference especially when you think about being in traffic, coasting down hills and braking.!!! That’s why the Tikit wins for me even though I love the look and design of the Brompton.
The Tikit with the Nexus hub is also well capable of doing longer rides and light touring if need be, where the fit and body position on the bike is much more important. The belt drive is ridiculously expensive compared to a chain drive and has to be set to fine tolerances to function properly and requires special cogs which wear sooner than the belt itself. Fine while it’s working, big trouble when it’s not. I have discovered that Bike Friday’s advertised prices do not correspond to their actual prices which seem to be ( much ) higher. Be careful of them. And the add-ons are expensive.Saddle…add if you need it, pedals..add if you need them. Last I heard all cyclists need these things! Also the custom color options on the Tikits are frighteningly expensive due to the powder coating ,multi-oven baking process at Bike Friday, so Brompton’s colorways are a much better option if this is something that matters to you.
Having said that, I STILL think the Tikit is superior in terms of the ride quality if you want to do any more than the hourly commute to and from work. I think…
Short trips, small spaces= Brompton
Short trips, longer rides, light touring, performance= Tikit
Both nice machines.
One last thing. I saw the rear wheel removal video for the Brompton. My goodness! I would NOT want to have to do that very often!!!!

]]> By: chuan lim http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-640 chuan lim Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:47:16 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-640 Hi Thanks for the comprehensive review though i wonder if some of your comments still hold true for the 2011 version of the Brommie? I am deciding between the two, in this case i'm a sucker for looks, and i just love the classic curves of the Brompton :) However, my rational side might just push me to get the tikit instead, ASSUMING that the negative qualities of the Brommie still holds true today. I shall have to research more! Best Regards Hi

Thanks for the comprehensive review though i wonder if some of your comments still hold true for the 2011 version of the Brommie? I am deciding between the two, in this case i’m a sucker for looks, and i just love the classic curves of the Brompton :)
However, my rational side might just push me to get the tikit instead, ASSUMING that the negative qualities of the Brommie still holds true today.
I shall have to research more!

Best Regards

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-634 ANATOLY IVANOV Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:59:28 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-634 Thanks Konstantin! If you choose a Bike Friday, I'd suggest to get the one with a Nexus internal gear hub and a carbon belt drive. Thanks Konstantin! If you choose a Bike Friday, I’d suggest to get the one with a Nexus internal gear hub and a carbon belt drive.

]]> By: Konstantin Kouzovnikov http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-624 Konstantin Kouzovnikov Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:24:56 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-624 Just wanted to thank you for such a comprehensive and objective review. In my days in Yorkshire I have learned to love Bromptoms. Now back in Canada I found it almost impossible to ID a source of a good review on bikefriday products vs brompton. Well done! It looks like I should go ahead and order a BikeFriday. Best! Just wanted to thank you for such a comprehensive and objective review. In my days in Yorkshire I have learned to love Bromptoms. Now back in Canada I found it almost impossible to ID a source of a good review on bikefriday products vs brompton. Well done! It looks like I should go ahead and order a BikeFriday. Best!

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-439 ANATOLY IVANOV Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:00:10 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-439 Thanks Martin. // PRICES I apologize, but I can't add prices. I omit pricing for all reviews I publish. The reasons? 1) My web site is read globally, so I'd have to calculate prices, shipping costs, VATs and currencies for the whole planet. 2) Bike configurations vary so much! A friend of mine bought a used Brompton for 300 EUR... and if you look at Bike Friday web site, they list a SRAM Red outfitted Tikit priced at 3 880 EUR. And that's not the limit, if you choose some other components, both for the Brompton or the Tikit. // SECURITY I don't have a bike lock for my Brompton. You'd have to knock me out to get my bike. Or steal a strange and heavy <a title="ANATOLY IVANOV / PROSE / BACKPACKS TO CARRY A FOLDED BROMPTON: MY DIY RUCKSACK" href="http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00124/">backpack</a> that I use to leave the folded Brompton in cloak rooms and on trains. But, yes, you're right, I probably should add a security overview for both bikes. Thanks for the tip! Thanks Martin.

// PRICES

I apologize, but I can’t add prices. I omit pricing for all reviews I publish. The reasons?

1) My web site is read globally, so I’d have to calculate prices, shipping costs, VATs and currencies for the whole planet.

2) Bike configurations vary so much! A friend of mine bought a used Brompton for 300 EUR… and if you look at Bike Friday web site, they list a SRAM Red outfitted Tikit priced at 3 880 EUR. And that’s not the limit, if you choose some other components, both for the Brompton or the Tikit.

// SECURITY

I don’t have a bike lock for my Brompton. You’d have to knock me out to get my bike. Or steal a strange and heavy backpack that I use to leave the folded Brompton in cloak rooms and on trains.

But, yes, you’re right, I probably should add a security overview for both bikes. Thanks for the tip!

]]> By: Martin Briscoe http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-413 Martin Briscoe Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:44:46 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-413 Great review - I have an old 3speed bromi and its perfect for my trips to london. On the train the small fold size is fantastic, nothing can beat it. For me the ride is fine for 5 miles or so but nothing like a full size bike, so if I dont need a fold I use my road bike. Could you add a rough price comparison? perhaps cheapest to most expensive for both ranges? A weakness of the bromi is that they are highly prized by thieves, so I tend to keep it with me rather than lock it up. so another comparison could be security Martin Great review – I have an old 3speed bromi and its perfect for my trips to london. On the train the small fold size is fantastic, nothing can beat it.

For me the ride is fine for 5 miles or so but nothing like a full size bike, so if I dont need a fold I use my road bike.

Could you add a rough price comparison? perhaps cheapest to most expensive for both ranges?

A weakness of the bromi is that they are highly prized by thieves, so I tend to keep it with me rather than lock it up. so another comparison could be security

Martin

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-367 ANATOLY IVANOV Mon, 03 May 2010 17:12:10 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-367 Jean, <blockquote>I'll recommend the tikit for tall people</blockquote> Yes, I agree. I'd say 1 m 85 cm is the maximum for a Brompton. <blockquote>I think perhaps many Brompton users are not cyclists used to better bikes so they endure B. faults</blockquote> Maybe some Brompton users are indeed like you describe, but I think the majority is well aware of the Brompton's handling shortcomings. It's a compromise. Jean,

I’ll recommend the tikit for tall people

Yes, I agree. I’d say 1 m 85 cm is the maximum for a Brompton.

I think perhaps many Brompton users are not cyclists used to better bikes so they endure B. faults

Maybe some Brompton users are indeed like you describe, but I think the majority is well aware of the Brompton’s handling shortcomings. It’s a compromise.

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-366 ANATOLY IVANOV Mon, 03 May 2010 17:04:07 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-366 Peter, Yes, you're right about Sturmey Archer's 8-speed hub. The Shimano Nexus can fit the Brompton in the same manner: choose the one with the brake, remove the brake and spacers, spread the rear triangle a bit. Otherwise, as I've <a title="My Sturmey Archer tweet at Twitter.com" href="http://twitter.com/anatolyivanov/status/3817753863">tweeted from Eurobike 2009</a>, Sturmey Archer also makes a 5-speed gear hub available in Brompton's 111 mm over locknut width: the <a title="Sturmey-Archer.com / SRF5" href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/4/id/34">S-RF5</a>. 256%, 13 T, 1 kg. So no tinkering required. Peter,

Yes, you’re right about Sturmey Archer’s 8-speed hub.

The Shimano Nexus can fit the Brompton in the same manner: choose the one with the brake, remove the brake and spacers, spread the rear triangle a bit.

Otherwise, as I’ve tweeted from Eurobike 2009, Sturmey Archer also makes a 5-speed gear hub available in Brompton’s 111 mm over locknut width: the S-RF5. 256%, 13 T, 1 kg. So no tinkering required.

]]> By: Richard Kaufman http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-340 Richard Kaufman Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:44:05 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-340 Regarding the Tikit, I'm pretty sure the name 'Model T' is a playful tribute to the iconic Model T Ford - the world's first basic, inexpensive, mass-produced car. Like the original Model T, the newer Tikit is more affordable, mass-produced (i.e. not built-to-order) and possible more reliable (if you believe the twist knob will prove to be more reliable than Hyper Fold). Like the original Model T, the newer Tikit "is available in any color you like as long as it's black" just like the original Model T Ford.… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_T (Bike Friday probably also chose to call it 'Model T' to highlight the feature that separates the Model T tikit from all other tikits: the twist knob that one twists (or twiddles) to fold/unfold the bike. Twist, twiddle, T… get it?) Regarding the Tikit, I’m pretty sure the name ‘Model T’ is a playful tribute to the iconic Model T Ford – the world’s first basic, inexpensive, mass-produced car. Like the original Model T, the newer Tikit is more affordable, mass-produced (i.e. not built-to-order) and possible more reliable (if you believe the twist knob will prove to be more reliable than Hyper Fold). Like the original Model T, the newer Tikit “is available in any color you like as long as it’s black” just like the original Model T Ford.…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_T

(Bike Friday probably also chose to call it ‘Model T’ to highlight the feature that separates the Model T tikit from all other tikits: the twist knob that one twists (or twiddles) to fold/unfold the bike. Twist, twiddle, T… get it?)

]]> By: Jean Dille http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-281 Jean Dille Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:55:23 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-281 After 3 days commuting with a borrowed B. I did appreciate the compactness of the bike when folded in a train. But I didn't appreciate the riding position on the bike (I feel cramped even with a seat post extension - I'm 6.30...) For a new bike I consider shifting as lazy and I wasn't convinced by the poor gear spacing with 2x3 mixed dérailleur and Sturmey archer neither by just sufficient race bike-like brakes. So I was happy to find a travel Tickit test bike size L at a reasonable price I m delighted by the handling of that bike for 16"" wheels >Braking (V-brakes) is perfect and dual drive 24 speeds permits fast descents and Hill climbing as well I 'll recommend the tikit for tall people and for those concern by good handling of their bikes (I think perhaps many Brompton users are not cyclists used to better bikes so they endure B. faults) J Dille Brussels After 3 days commuting with a borrowed B. I did appreciate the compactness of the bike when folded in a train.
But I didn’t appreciate the riding position on the bike (I feel cramped even with a seat post extension – I’m 6.30…)
For a new bike I consider shifting as lazy and I wasn’t convinced by the poor gear spacing with 2×3 mixed dérailleur and Sturmey archer neither by just sufficient race bike-like brakes.
So I was happy to find a travel Tickit test bike size L at a reasonable price
I m delighted by the handling of that bike for 16″” wheels
>Braking (V-brakes) is perfect and dual drive 24 speeds permits fast descents and Hill climbing as well
I ‘ll recommend the tikit for tall people and for those concern by good handling of their bikes
(I think perhaps many Brompton users are not cyclists used to better bikes so they endure B. faults)

J Dille Brussels

]]> By: Peter Bartlett http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-260 Peter Bartlett Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:05:09 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-260 It is possible to fit an 8 speed sturmey archer hub gear to a brompton as the standard hub with spacers removed will fit between 155 mm dropouts. if you want some one to do this for you try Kinetics at http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/8-speed.shtml . The advantage with this hub (apart from the width) is that you only need a small front chain ring as direct drive is first gear. Of course you can also fit one to a Tikit and with the extra drop out width choose an intergral drum or disk brake. It is possible to fit an 8 speed sturmey archer hub gear to a brompton as the standard hub with spacers removed will fit between 155 mm dropouts. if you want some one to do this for you try Kinetics at http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/html/8-speed.shtml . The advantage with this hub (apart from the width) is that you only need a small front chain ring as direct drive is first gear. Of course you can also fit one to a Tikit and with the extra drop out width choose an intergral drum or disk brake.

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-248 ANATOLY IVANOV Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:54 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-248 Piotr, you might also want to consider the <a title="Mezzo Bikes .com" href="http://www.mezzobikes.com/">Mezzo</a>. As I was saying on <a title="Anatoly IVANOV on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/anatolyivanov/">my Twitter</a>, I've briefly test-ridden the Mezzo during Eurobike 2009. About 15 minutes on good asphalt. Max and min speed, cornering, track standing. Very stable ride, folded size inbetween Bike Friday Tikit and Brompton. However the distance between the saddle and handlebars have seemed too short for me, and the handlebars too high as well. That's after the adjustments for my 1 m 80 cm body at Mezzo booth. Piotr, you might also want to consider the Mezzo.

As I was saying on my Twitter, I’ve briefly test-ridden the Mezzo during Eurobike 2009. About 15 minutes on good asphalt. Max and min speed, cornering, track standing. Very stable ride, folded size inbetween Bike Friday Tikit and Brompton.

However the distance between the saddle and handlebars have seemed too short for me, and the handlebars too high as well. That’s after the adjustments for my 1 m 80 cm body at Mezzo booth.

]]> By: Piotr http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-189 Piotr Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:17:42 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-189 Many thanks for your extensive comparison, Anatoly. I am about to choose either of the following: 1/ Bike Friday Tikit; 2/ Brompton S2L; 3/ Airnimal (quite a few models to select from); 4/ Strida 5.0 Funny thing, 3 out of the 4 models are British makes, only Bike Friday is an American one. Anyway, with my priorities fixed at the comfort of riding (but balancing slightly towards compactness of the folded bike and ease of fording/unfolding), I should probably be choosing Airnimal, then Bike Friday Tikit, Brompton S2L and then Strida 5.0. With the compactness of the folded bike in mind, Strida comes first, then Brompton, Bike Friday and Airnimal. Folding/unfolding time/ease wise, Strida first or maybe similar to Bike Friday, then Brompton and Airnimal. Spend-wise, Strida comes the cheapest, then Brompton, while Bike Friday and Airnimal are probably similarly priced to each other. Sadly excluding Strida, as despite having one racer and one MTB (or maybe because of that) I probably need a bike more suitable for biking (although some tests of Strida show that you can actually ride it!) and leaning towards excluding Airnimal due to its folded size, atypical wheel size and being not as easy and quick to fold/unfold (I am going to test it soon). I am also leaning towards excluding the Brompton as I have just tested it for a while and it feels a bit tricky and uncomfortable (although I am sure you can get used to it). Also, its cheaply accessories/parts do not appeal to me when choosing a bike. The (not so clear winner) seems to be Bike Friday Tikit but I will have to check on the Airnimal capability to fold/unfold soon. I will have a few test rides so that to compare the roadability of the bikes. Maybe I will also test the Strida but I think it its design and roadability fall too far from what I am ready to accept for a folding bike. Piotr Many thanks for your extensive comparison, Anatoly. I am about to choose either of the following:

1/ Bike Friday Tikit;
2/ Brompton S2L;
3/ Airnimal (quite a few models to select from);
4/ Strida 5.0

Funny thing, 3 out of the 4 models are British makes, only Bike Friday is an American one.

Anyway, with my priorities fixed at the comfort of riding (but balancing slightly towards compactness of the folded bike and ease of fording/unfolding), I should probably be choosing Airnimal, then Bike Friday Tikit, Brompton S2L and then Strida 5.0.

With the compactness of the folded bike in mind, Strida comes first, then Brompton, Bike Friday and Airnimal.

Folding/unfolding time/ease wise, Strida first or maybe similar to Bike Friday, then Brompton and Airnimal.

Spend-wise, Strida comes the cheapest, then Brompton, while Bike Friday and Airnimal are probably similarly priced to each other.

Sadly excluding Strida, as despite having one racer and one MTB (or maybe because of that) I probably need a bike more suitable for biking (although some tests of Strida show that you can actually ride it!) and leaning towards excluding Airnimal due to its folded size, atypical wheel size and being not as easy and quick to fold/unfold (I am going to test it soon).

I am also leaning towards excluding the Brompton as I have just tested it for a while and it feels a bit tricky and uncomfortable (although I am sure you can get used to it). Also, its cheaply accessories/parts do not appeal to me when choosing a bike.

The (not so clear winner) seems to be Bike Friday Tikit but I will have to check on the Airnimal capability to fold/unfold soon. I will have a few test rides so that to compare the roadability of the bikes. Maybe I will also test the Strida but I think it its design and roadability fall too far from what I am ready to accept for a folding bike.

Piotr

]]> By: Syb Pereira http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-185 Syb Pereira Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:49:22 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-185 It was very timely that I came across this excellent review as I am looking to purchase a folding bike and have now decided on a BF. Thank you. It was very timely that I came across this excellent review as I am looking to purchase a folding bike and have now decided on a BF. Thank you.

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-112 ANATOLY IVANOV Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:31:14 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-112 Пожалуйста, Tim, заходите ещё. The current Bromptons are much better than the previous versions, especially the Taiwan-produced. So I'd suggest to check out a new Brompton as well. Comparing a Tikit to a 1996 Brompton isn't quite fair ;-) Don't know about the Bike Friday's naming inspiration, but could ask, if needed. Пожалуйста, Tim, заходите ещё.

The current Bromptons are much better than the previous versions, especially the Taiwan-produced. So I’d suggest to check out a new Brompton as well. Comparing a Tikit to a 1996 Brompton isn’t quite fair ;-)

Don’t know about the Bike Friday’s naming inspiration, but could ask, if needed.

]]> By: tim http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-108 tim Fri, 29 May 2009 10:59:45 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-108 ANatoly, spasiba for your writing. Illuminating. I own a Brompton bought in Malaysia and made in Taiwan in 1996!!! It has been fun but it is getting a bit rusty, the brakes are dreadful and the chain often slips off when folding. So I shall go and test ride a Tikit here in Japan. My local dealer has the T model. Is the bike names after the Beatles' song? ANatoly,
spasiba for your writing. Illuminating. I own a Brompton bought in Malaysia and made in Taiwan in 1996!!! It has been fun but it is getting a bit rusty, the brakes are dreadful and the chain often slips off when folding. So I shall go and test ride a Tikit here in Japan. My local dealer has the T model. Is the bike names after the Beatles’ song?

]]> By: ANATOLY IVANOV http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-94 ANATOLY IVANOV Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:36:54 +0000 http://www.anatolyivanov.com/prose/en/AI.7.00109/#comment-94 Christoph, Thanks for the huge comment, I think we all appreciate your feedback. <blockquote>I kept on repairing all the time, I’ve spent a lot of money on spare parts, and finally I gave up after some accidents and after having replaced nearly every part of the Brompton.</blockquote> Interesting. That's not my experience. Which parts were breaking down? I replace mainly the cables, yearly, especially the gear-shifting cable. They wear out much quicker because of the constant folding-unfolding and the friction caused by the suspension. <blockquote>And there is also no reason to build the swing arm so narrow that only 3-speed gear hubs fit; an 8-speed gear hub is more appropriate.</blockquote> There is a good reason for a narrower rear triangle: a narrower folded package. Yes, I too would love to have an 8-speed hub instead. It's possible to fit the Nexus-with-brake hub by removing the rear brake and spreading (cold-setting) the rear triangle just a bit. I think instead of developing the recent 3-speed Sturmey-Archer BWR + derailleur system, Brompton ought to steer towards an in-hub solution instead. Why Brompton chose to go that route, I don't know. Yet. <blockquote>I think it would be possible to build a Brompton which is both lighter and more reliable</blockquote> Totally agree. Christoph,

Thanks for the huge comment, I think we all appreciate your feedback.

I kept on repairing all the time, I’ve spent a lot of money on spare parts, and finally I gave up after some accidents and after having replaced nearly every part of the Brompton.

Interesting. That’s not my experience. Which parts were breaking down?

I replace mainly the cables, yearly, especially the gear-shifting cable. They wear out much quicker because of the constant folding-unfolding and the friction caused by the suspension.

And there is also no reason to build the swing arm so narrow that only 3-speed gear hubs fit; an 8-speed gear hub is more appropriate.

There is a good reason for a narrower rear triangle: a narrower folded package.

Yes, I too would love to have an 8-speed hub instead. It’s possible to fit the Nexus-with-brake hub by removing the rear brake and spreading (cold-setting) the rear triangle just a bit.

I think instead of developing the recent 3-speed Sturmey-Archer BWR + derailleur system, Brompton ought to steer towards an in-hub solution instead. Why Brompton chose to go that route, I don’t know. Yet.

I think it would be possible to build a Brompton which is both lighter and more reliable

Totally agree.

]]>