Comments on: Who rides a Brompton?

By: Andy B from Jersey

Andy B from Jersey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:21:52 +0000

I love my Bromie! Two years ago I went down to Trophy Bikes in Philly set to buy a Tikit since that bike is made in the good ol’ US of A. From my research however I knew I wanted to give the Bromton a try since it was my second choice. After two rides on both bikes and it was no contest, particularly since I push 200lbs (mostly muscle BTW, okay a little extra flab, just a little). The Tikit wobbled unnervingly under my weight. I felt like I could rip the handlebars right off (due to the muscle!) and that killed the idea of buying the Tiket. The Bromton was nearly as solid as any stout triple triangle bike. Clearly superior!

Only a quirky Brit could think up such a wacky, clever but well thought out and well made design.

Plus it helps me get girls! (Something my sexy
Italian road bike never manages to do) Ladies come up to me all the time wanting to know more … well about my Bromton but heck it’s a start. What more could you ask of a bike?!?!

By: Dolan Halbrook

Dolan Halbrook — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:59:38 +0000

Great post Todd! Makes me want a Brompton… if only I had a need for another bike :)

By: Todd (admin)

Todd (admin) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:17:45 +0000

Julian, you can check Kate’s posture on the bike in the gallery linked to her image above. Cockpit could be adjusted to be shorter, but as she shares the bike with bigger people and doesn’t seem to mind it as is, not a problem in need of fixing. No, it doesn’t have the makings of a balance bike for tots, but it seems the demise of ITchair is being addressed: http://www.velorution.biz/?p=2431 .

Re clown bike, I was once tending to some business at city hall in San Francisco, standing in a line with Brompton folded at my feet. And a woman behind me blushingly gushed how much she “admired my work.” Puzzled, I asked what she meant, and without pause she began to tell me how much her daughter enjoyed the performance they had attended the previous day; the circus was in town.

The curiosity factor of the bike means it’s a social catalyst, better than a dog. I’ve used these powers to great effect on my travels; e.g., http://clevercycles.com/?p=106 .

As for the look, when Bromptons first appeared, their looks were panned. “The bastard love child of a blind welder and a scaffold pole” is one writer’s take. But with familiarity comes affection. Now they are “classic” and honored for their design. Me, I find it impossible to look at most any bike with a Brooks on it and think anything but “beautiful.”

By: Erik Sandblom

Erik Sandblom — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:16:27 +0000

My grandfather used to say that at his age, he shouldn’t buy green bananas! Only yellow ones =)

Great stories!

By: Julian

Julian — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:14:19 +0000

Welcome back! This customer profile concept is going to be fun …

Curious about the reach for a 2nd grader – long cockpit for her? But love the idea of a bike that will go from elementary school to adulthood. Thanks for providing a Brompton justification … I don’t travel quite enough myself, but my almost 3year old probably needs a Brompton, right? Flip in the pedals, and it’s a run-bike, no?

Had a Tikit flirtation on my recent trip down (http://totcycle.com/blog/a-pilgrimage-to-portland-part-1.html) … but still think the Brompton is sexier. A sexy clown bike. Thanks to you & Martina & Tyler for the family bike hospitality!