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Hi,
Trying to get a Brompton sorted through the Cyclescheme via my work. Mixed commutes on the tube now back in the office more. So have it as an option for both me and my wife since it’s adjustable in terms of sizing even with the low bars. Ideally orange or cloud blue.
Slight complication as the shop I was planning on using appears to no longer offer the Alfine 8 option I was hoping for. How fussy are stock 6 speed options in the real world?
I was looking at low maintenance/foldability first and maybe a longer ride option to slow me down a bit to make it more challenging for me on rides with my other half.
I don't have Brompton but a old Birdy that rarely gets folded so can't comment on 6 spped but I think the regular modifier to make Alfine compatible Bromptons is Kinetics in Glasgow. I think they can bling a Brompton as far as your wallet may stretch.
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/folding-bikes/brompton/
Do you live in London? I do and manage very well with a 2x speed, but then my main commuter bike is a single speed!
I didn't like the look of the Sturney Archer 3 speed, the lever was in a really awkward place and it added a lot of weight
Keep it simple. Sturney 3 speed has done years of solid service for me.
Thanks for the link to Ben’s page, I did have a chat with him previously but he has limited colour options without a respray (I know, I know priorities… 😂) for the frames he stocks.
At 5’8” I thought the medium height curved bars are likely too tall, as I do prefer a bar drop on my other bikes. I couldn’t spot any three speed Sturney hub gear bikes with the low bar option when looking around unfortunately or likely would have gone for that.
@shermer75 - Based in Barking, but do cycle around the Essex lanes and wouldn’t mind some gearing flexibility in case it is used for other stuff to.
6 speed has a huge range, alfine will double(+?) the price and I would see as worthwhile, Essex isn't exactly alpine as you imply but will you really need lower than 28"?
I think they can bling a Brompton as far as your wallet may stretch.
Front and rear discs and a Rohloff. Suspect it costs a fortune…
I'm a massive Alfine fan boy but readily accept it's got a lot of limitations. Have you ever ridden one? If not I'd suggest doing so before you commit.
@cynic-al - You might be surprised! Well, not really if you live somewhere properly hilly, but Mott Street did just about make it into the top 100 hill climbs book, with Lippits Hill and Theydon Bois pretty close. I do use the smallest front chainring for them on my proper bikes.
Cost is higher I agree by ~£800 but looking at the Brompton 2-cog rear derailleur it just looks like the worst dirt trap imaginable.
@ratherbeintobagoe - I winced when checking adding a belt drive Rohloff, top of the line F&F disc, full dynamo lighting added £5,150.00 to the bill. With base bike you are looking at nearly £6,500 😬
Brommie derailleurs are fine, you are worrying about irrelevant stuff where can you get alfine on a Brompton for £800?
where can you get alfine on a Brompton for £800?
From Kinetics in Glasgow on the link above. Price seems to be £725 plus an extra £50 for the Alfine shifter. More for racks, discs, DI2,11 speed etc.
That's the upgrade price. First you need a Brompton!
The full works Rohloff Bromptons are mega money.
@cynic-al - I do my own servicing so not sure how it is irrelevant? One of my requirements was low maintenance, looking at the jockey wheels does not fill me with confidence on their 6-speeds. Pic taken from a Cycling UK thread is below, a lot more books and crannies than I expected.
Pricing from Ben was £795 for the conversion kit on top of the base price for a Brompton if he supplies or the donor bike you buy. Not sure I wrote that it was “£800 all in” from my previous posts, as that would be an absolute steal.
Edit: slowol was too fast for me… 😉
https://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/folding-bikes/brompton/rohloff-brompton-order-form/
I went through Sturmey Archer pawls at a hell of a rate. Three hubs on warranty before my so suggested just going for the two speed, which has run like clockwork ever since.
I spaced down an Alfine 8 for a track frame years ago - get the one with a roller brake fitting, and it's as easy as removing a bunch of stuff and throwing it in a drawer.
If it's a London commute, two speed is fine. Remember this is utility cycling, not a race. Keep it simple, reliable and light and you'll be good.
I've been riding a S2L for 11 years now. I ride in West and Central and London. The only hill to defeat me is Swains Lane. I've been through an entire new drivetrain in that time. The derailleur actually works pretty well I think you're worrying too much.
My partner had a 6 speed but it added a lot to the overall weight. She now has a S2.
It might be very worthwhile looking at the new 4 speed Brompton derailleur - maybe the new titanium?
Thanks for the further inputs, will have a think about it.
Could be worrying too much about the rear derailleur to be honest, had thought it was worst of both worlds i.e. regular maintenance of a normal geared set up and the added service complexity of a hub gear.
Fair point on the utility cycling, actually slightly excited to have a bike where I can just use normal shoes for once 😂
Sure the derailleur collects dirt but mine hasn't needed any maintenance.
Sturmey hubs need a similar amount
Brompton is my only bike to have had nothing other than tyre change (Marathon's for the win- try rear tyre change and you will realise why) absolute zero maintenance over years.
You are over thinking it. Simple is the key.
I had the six speed. It was a little fiddly to use as it operates like a 2 speed cassette and a triple chainset. Drag in lowest gears is also noticeable.
When I changed the brompton I went to 2 speed. It's so light and has none of the drag of the hub gears, plus it does almost everything. It's my favourite.
To add to Horatio's comment: you can also switch cog sizes if you want to go full nerd and mess with ratios and go full nerd. I'm stripping mine down at the moment to get it resprayed - a decade of commuting and pootling has taken its' toll - and will probably go singlespeed when it's back together.
One other thing to mention: The design might be ancient and the frame steel, but in my first three years of ownership a riding friend who did a shorter commute than me went through three Term folders. He eventually gave in and bought a Brompton and uses it to this day.
I've had an M3L since 2016. Hasn't been ridden loads, but has had regular short trips all through it's life with the odd longer one every now and then. Now I'm commuting my train it's getting used a bit more.
Apart from the odd drop of oil I've done no maintenance on it, it's done sterling service
Has carried my kids many times too (on a Brompton IT chair/milian pere). It's a fantastic little thing. I lowered the gearing on mine as I found the gearing too high for normal pootling, has a slightly smaller chainring fitted
The rear mech on a Brompton looks like complete rubbish but it does work remarkably well. Mine's done about 10,000 miles, most of the mileage in the early years when it was my daily commuter, and it turns 20 this year!
Order now placed! Went with a green low 6-speed explore in the end. Carradice Stockport smaller front bag arriving shortly so should be all set.
@cynic-al - You were right, I was over thinking it.