Cheap Bromptons

[Barry Chuckle]

I've decided that I'd rather buy a pair of Brompton bikes as opposed to buying the VW bike rack. I'm new to this brand but I know many Cali owners have them. I know there are plenty of other cheaper folding bikes but Brompton seem to be the very best in the folding market.

I'm probably after the entry level A-Line, but all the prices online seem to be the same, does anyone know if these get discounted from time to time?

Thanks in advance

 

[Justinitus1972]

I’ve had various different Bromptons for years and they are really robust and sturdy bikes and of course fold up to the smallest size of any folding bike. The A line doesn't have folding pedals, so if you’re going to be transporting it flat rather than upright then you’d ideally need to remove the drive side pedal. The A Line is also only 3 speed, which is fine if your a fit cyclist of just riding in flat areas, but for ultimate flexibility I would suggest spending a little more and getting 6 speed models - better brakes on these too.
There are better riding and cheaper folding bikes (maybe try Decathlon) but imo for fun and flexibility nothing beats a Brommie… if you can bear the price! My advice would be to pop to a local Brompton dealer and have a look at the different ones - proper Brompton dealers have demo models to test. I wouldn’t have thought it difficult to get 10-15% off if your buying 2 of them.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

I’ve had various different Bromptons for years and they are really robust and sturdy bikes and of course fold up to the smallest size of any folding bike. The A line doesn't have folding pedals, so if you’re going to be transporting it flat rather than upright then you’d ideally need to remove the drive side pedal. The A Line is also only 3 speed, which is fine if your a fit cyclist of just riding in flat areas, but for ultimate flexibility I would suggest spending a little more and getting 6 speed models - better brakes on these too.
There are better riding and cheaper folding bikes (maybe try Decathlon) but imo for fun and flexibility nothing beats a Brommie… if you can bear the price! My advice would be to pop to a local Brompton dealer and have a look at the different ones - proper Brompton dealers have demo models to test. I wouldn’t have thought it difficult to get 10-15% off if your buying 2 of them.

That is soooo helpful thank you ever so much, on that basis I think I'll dig a little deeper and get a c Line. I do find the C-line a little bit confusing as they seem to have lots of versions ie Urban, Explore etc...
But I think a bit of old fashioned haggling is in order and simply asking the dealer for a discount....

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I have one of these for my commute as they are allowed on the train during peak hours, but bit too big to be carried inside the van. Super quick and also has hydraulic brakes.

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Bromptons are great and very strudy. Only downside is that they tend to need Brompton specific parts, which can sometimes be a pain if you need to replace something quickly to get you back on the road again.

You won’t get a discount on a new brompton as they are always in demand. Only way to save is to purchase thru a cycle to work scheme and save on tax.

Or the ultimate speed machine, but only available 2nd hand:

World Wheels - The No 1 internet source for Dahon Folding Bikes in UK and EU

World Wheels: Online Retailer of Dahon folding bicycles. We carry Dahon's complete line of portable folding bicycles and folding bike accessories.

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[Jimmylondon07]

If you get any workplace discounts at Halfords then check out Tredz, they’re owned by Halfords and often you’re entitled to the same discounts. I saved a few hundred on a bike there a couple of years ago, looks like they stock Bromptons.

 

[Justinitus1972]

That is soooo helpful thank you ever so much, on that basis I think I'll dig a little deeper and get a c Line. I do find the C-line a little bit confusing as they seem to have lots of versions ie Urban, Explore etc...
But I think a bit of old fashioned haggling is in order and simply asking the dealer for a discount....

The Explore models are the 6 speed versions, you then have low, mid or high which refers to the handlebar heights - low is like a racing bike, mid is a more relaxed semi upright riding position and high for if you‘re very tall or want to be really upright when riding. Discounts are possible - if you have a Blue Light Card then Tredz offer 10%. I’ve never paid list for a Brompton - try Avon Valley Cyclery in Bath. Or as above, the Cycle to Work schemes if you qualify.

 

[temporarysecretary]

If you get any workplace discounts at Halfords then check out Tredz, they’re owned by Halfords and often you’re entitled to the same discounts. I saved a few hundred on a bike there a couple of years ago, looks like they stock Bromptons.

One of the best ways to do this is to try and buy a gift card through a discount scheme like above and also take out a British cycling membership for a year.

Easily pays for its self when considering a 10% discount at tredz

Member Rewards Hub | British Cycling

 

[Barry Chuckle]

The Explore models are the 6 speed versions, you then have low, mid or high which refers to the handlebar heights - low is like a racing bike, mid is a more relaxed semi upright riding position and high for if you‘re very tall or want to be really upright when riding. Discounts are possible - if you have a Blue Light Card then Tredz offer 10%. I’ve never paid list for a Brompton - try Avon Valley Cyclery in Bath. Or as above, the Cycle to Work schemes if you qualify.

Thank you again, I work for myself so work based schemes are out unfortunately. I've looked at that shop in Bath, nearly all their Bromptons are showing as list price, do you just make them an offer and they discount or do you wait for the sale?

 

[chockswahay]

We have had 2 Brommies for 17 years now. They are 3 speed but we had the gearing lowered at the factory by 18 % which makes inclines easier but limits top speed to around 16 mph (unless pedalling really fast!). At the time we also specced the folding pedals. They have been fantastically reliable and we have done thousands of miles on them. For me the seat is too low as standard so I bought the seat extension post which made a massive difference to effort/fatigue.

So, here’s the thing…… the wheels are small and the tyre pressures high, so bumpy roads are not well suited. They can cope with fine gravel paths but not soft ground or really ‘trail’ type tracks. They are very agile and can nip through small gaps and spaces that bigger standard bikes can not. They are highly desirable so never (never!) leave them out of your sight when out and about unless you have an amazing thief proof lock and chain….. (we just fold them up and take them into a shop/pub/cafe whatever with us. They are light enough to cycle and carry when need to (over styles, crossing fences etc)

Regarding folding……they are the fastest and easiest to fold bikes out there….. this encourages you to fold them every time (takes about 15 seconds).

We fit ours in the boot of the Cali under the rear shelf with no need to raise the shelf …… they are a tight ‘jigsaw’ type of fit but with practice works well. The only downside to carrying them is that they do of course take up a lot of boot space. Having said that we always carry ours all year round…. they are so convenient when parking out of town and just nipping down to the shops etc.

Would we be without them?…………. NO!

Would we change them? ………… we have been tempted to go for the 6 speed latest models and do flirt with the idea, however the ones we have are so good and the money was spent long ago….. so not in a rush to change.

Can you cycle far on them? depends on personal fitness I suppose….. we tend to think nothing of 10 to 20 miles and have done 50 in a day.

By the way we do have a pair of Specialised Crosstrails (700mm wheels) with 27 gears…… they are great and better suited to trail riding or longer distances however to be honest we still prefer to ride the Bromptons almost every time because they are such fun and easy to us.

And……. you don’t have all the grief of carrying a bike rack ………. Result!

Bottom line? ……… buy them! you won’t regret it and if you do the secondhand values are safer and higher than any other secondhand folding bike…….. actually so much so that buying secondhand won’t save a lot of money.

Enjoy!

 

[Justinitus1972]

Thank you again, I work for myself so work based schemes are out unfortunately. I've looked at that shop in Bath, nearly all their Bromptons are showing as list price, do you just make them an offer and they discount or do you wait for the sale?

They have a few Bromptons on offer at the moment on the website, but I find the guys in the shop (Luke, Harry, Gareth) really friendly and knowledgeable and I’ve managed to negotiate a discount with them. I’ve bought several from them now. If not too far, I’d suggest going to chat with them, try the demo bikes out and see if any of them suit.

Theres also Mud Dock in Bristol with a car park, they have a decent selection but I’ve never purchased from them.

 

[HILL BILLYBOY]

We recently bought A Line bikes direct from Brompton At £900. Ordered Brompton mudguards with stays and non Brompton folding pedals from Brilliant Bikes - simple task to fit myself. Total price £1,065 each. The A line has increased recently to £950.
We find them just perfect for us just for local canal paths and for short trips from campsites for a little exercise and a cafe/beer run.

 

[HILL BILLYBOY]

Forgot to add- when parked up for the night they fit very nicely in the front footwells. Also an after thought we bought Brompton storage bags - just to keep dirt and chain grease off the seats. Quite expensive at £30 each though IKEA have suitable bags a lot cheaper.

 

[jonnystrong2000]

I've decided that I'd rather buy a pair of Brompton bikes as opposed to buying the VW bike rack. I'm new to this brand but I know many Cali owners have them. I know there are plenty of other cheaper folding bikes but Brompton seem to be the very best in the folding market.

I'm probably after the entry level A-Line, but all the prices online seem to be the same, does anyone know if these get discounted from time to time?

Thanks in advance

if you are still in work, cycle to work scheme is tax free!

 

[Phillvr6]

I've decided that I'd rather buy a pair of Brompton bikes as opposed to buying the VW bike rack. I'm new to this brand but I know many Cali owners have them. I know there are plenty of other cheaper folding bikes but Brompton seem to be the very best in the folding market.

I'm probably after the entry level A-Line, but all the prices online seem to be the same, does anyone know if these get discounted from time to time?

Thanks in advance

You can buy my 2021 three speed if you want for £800

 

[RockinNRollin]

As all the above really. Discounts generally not possible so cycle scheme type thing is the best to reduce the outlay. They’re expensive but good - had mine for 12 years. They need more maintenance than a normal bike in my experience as the gears/chain get more crud on them as they’re closer to the road. Hinges etc need servicing and the bushings replaced from time to time. Depends on use.

They are good to ride despite their comical appearance. Agree a 6 speeder is the way forward. You can (or could?!) get a smaller chainring if you wanted to focus the bike on hilly ground although you’ll lose top end (but it’s rare you’re going to be using the top end anyway).

Loads of accessories and they’re all clever. My only other suggestion is to get a dynamo light fitted - modern lighting is good, it’s fit and forget and always there. No batteries to charge etc.

Last thing; while compact they’re still fairly substantial and also very nickable due to their value, demand and compactness. You need to store them inside the van really when not in use and I’d include overnight on campsites in that unless you thread a heavy lock through the frames and something immovable.

 

[Magic Bus]

We bought a couple of Bromptons, but we sold them within 6 months. They take up more room in the van than you would think. We found they didn’t really both fit under the rear parcel shelf and took up most of the shelf if you store them on top of the shelf. The Bromptons are also heavier than you might think and I found my 3 speed to be overgeared. I’m a reasonably fit cyclist but struggled up anything more than a small incline.

We already had the bike rack, so we are able take our normal bikes with us, more comfortable, more versatile and better over a distance. We only paid £900 each for the Bromptons and managed to sell them for £800 each.

 

[chockswahay]

 

[RockinNRollin]

This is the thing though; they fit there nicely but there’s no space for anything else including helmets, waterproofs, bags etc let alone normal luggage.

On weight, standard Bromptons weigh roughly the same as an average hybrid type bike. You can get a lightened one and they even do (or did) a full titanium one which is barely over 7kg but probably costs as many thousands!

 

[Magic Bus]

Yes, they still do the Titanium version, called the T Line, but they are over £4000. They also do an electric version with a motor in the front wheel and a battery that fits on the front luggage block, around £2600.

if you can find one, they do/did a cheaper version of the Brompton called the B75, for about £750 to £800 - slightly older spec, no mudguards and no luggage block, but these can be added later.

 

[Moose]

When travelling if not using the rack we stand our two folded upright on the rear top shelf side by side in storage bags and still space for a couple of bags.

 

[barry]

We bought Bromptons when we bought the van (12 years ago?). Bought plastic boxes for them to sit in folded (and the helmets and wproofs) for next to nothing and they fitted side by side on the back shelf with plenty room to spare. My Brommy's done many thousand of miles and my wife's 250 miles! One big problem is that we generally take the van to coastal regions like west coast of scotland and portugal where the sites tend to be many hundreds of feet above the waves and whilst going down to the sea was easy cycling back up became impossible. We're currently high 70s.
I tend to use mine a lot since we live at the start of the dead flat canal path Glasgow to Balloch on Loch Lomand (20 miles out) and has been a godsend recovering from a triple bipass a few years ago. But we've given up using the brommies from the van.
We'll probably sell my wife's but I'll keep mine.

 

[RockinNRollin]

We bought Bromptons when we bought the van (12 years ago?). Bought plastic boxes for them to sit in folded (and the helmets and wproofs) for next to nothing and they fitted side by side on the back shelf with plenty room to spare. My Brommy's done many thousand of miles and my wife's 250 miles! One big problem is that we generally take the van to coastal regions like west coast of scotland and portugal where the sites tend to be many hundreds of feet above the waves and whilst going down to the sea was easy cycling back up became impossible. We're currently high 70s.
I tend to use mine a lot since we live at the start of the dead flat canal path Glasgow to Balloch on Loch Lomand (20 miles out) and has been a godsend recovering from a triple bipass a few years ago. But we've given up using the brommies from the van.
We'll probably sell my wife's but I'll keep mine.

Look up Swytch conversions. They do a variety but I think they do one for a Brompton; basically an aftermarket (and decent) e-bike conversion kit. The smallest one will just give 10 miles of assistance, but if it's just to get you up a few hills than that's sufficient and the battery on that one I think is about the size of a mobile 'phone!

Edit: not had direct experience of them, but I know someone who has fitted one to his bike and he loves it.

 

[chockswahay]

This thread is at risk of becoming a 'good or bad' type of thing....... Bromptons have a lot in common with VW Californias! ........ they are a compromise just like the vans themselves. A California does not have the space on site of a 'great white', nor does it have a proper toilet or shower, storage is limited and sleeping space for 4 max........ in fact compared to a 'great white' a Cali is really limited and not as comfortable..........BUT........ we all (on here) appreciate the refinement and driving qualities of the Cali, the ease of parking or nipping around narrow country lanes, the sheer pleasure of owning a Cali.

A Brompton is a choice, a personal choice. I am certainly not going to try to convince anyone why they are a good idea......... All I can say is that they are fun to ride, easy to take in and out of pubs, restaurants, supermarkets etc, I don't have to worry about them getting nicked (never out of sight) and nor do I have to tolerate a bike rack sticking out the back and blocking my rear view, making it harder to park and possibly costing more on ferrys.

Like I say, each to their own

 

[Moose]

Look up Swytch conversions. They do a variety but I think they do one for a Brompton; basically an aftermarket (and decent) e-bike conversion kit. The smallest one will just give 10 miles of assistance, but if it's just to get you up a few hills than that's sufficient and the battery on that one I think is about the size of a mobile 'phone!

Edit: not had direct experience of them, but I know someone who has fitted one to his bike and he loves it.

We have Swytch conversions on both of our, very happy easy to fit and use.

 

[RockinNRollin]

Most people who don't known Bromptons ridicule them, but I've done the coast to coast (65 miles a day and steep climbs) and a charity ride from Cheshire to Edinburgh on mine (300 miles in 5 days, some of which were very snowy!). Even even carried a tent on it!

They're good fun and a conversation point. Plus, once you've refined the "art of the fold", you can fold them in about 15 seconds - makes for a good party trick.