RSSBrompton: A Big Little Bike
Nov 16
Brompton folding bikes 4 Comments
Blue Brompton bike matches my shirt!
I am well aware of the difference between twenty inch wheels and 700c, so I was sure I’d feel a difference when riding the Brompton folding bike. I ride BMX bikes which are small, but have frame dimensions that compensate, as well as riding stance different from typical bikes. I figured this would give me some heads up when jumping on a Brompton.
Brompton bike measures up in all the right places
Head tube angle is something I already knew is very important in BMX, and I was surprised to find was how effectively Brompton uses it to achieve a stable feel from the folding bike. Generally speaking, the steeper the head tube angle, the less stable a bike becomes, but in turn a bike with a steeper head tube will be quicker to turn. Brompton matches English style 16″ wheels for super cornering, with a super mellow head tube angle, and forward sweeping fork, to give the bike an incredibly stable feel, while still maintaining maneuverability. Basically what this means is that the front wheel of a Brompton bike naturally wants to point forward, eliminating the wobbles, but will still turn with the ease of a 16″ wheel.
As a messenger, I had to learn how to “track stand,” which basically means balancing on the bike while standing still, similar to the way a unicyclist will rock back and forth in order to stay balanced. I surprised myself with this Brompton folding bike, not thinking I would be able to track stand, but then coming to stop at lights and balancing with ease.
Folding bikes with suspension? Well…
BMX stands for Brompton Made Xtreme!
I have never been a fan of suspension, except where truly appropriate in downhill or cross country mountain biking, and folding bikes seem like they wouldn’t need it, but the Brompton bike has a suspension block that won me over. It has significantly less travel than typical suspension, but puts just enough padding between you and the road, without making it feel like your riding on the moon. Plus, Brompton suspension blocks come in regular and firm, to accommodate all kinds of riding styles and rider weights.
I guess what I’m getting to is: the Brompton folding bike is the complete package. They thought of everything. It folds up the smallest and with the most ease, it performs well beyond expectations, and it comes in tons of cool colors. This folding bike is the ultimate in saving space without sacrificing performance.
And even better, you can build you own Brompton bike and pick the options you like best! Personalization is sweeeet!
