My Brompton. A 4 month review

So at the time of writing, I've now had Bluey the Brompton Bicycle for 4 months.

My love of the Moulton marque is well known and established.

Bluey is a game changer though.

It's great fun to ride, quick, nimble and feels very stiff and solid. All of which is very much like a Moulton. 

Because there is no front suspension the overall ride isn't as smooth as a Moulton, but considering the small wheels and high pressure tyres it's surprisingly good.

Initially it can be twitchy, but load the front up with some luggage and it settles down. And you very quickly adjust to the handling.

The game changer though is the fold. 

We have had a 20" folding bike for a long time, but the Brompton is so much better. It folds down in a few seconds & "locks" so the bike doesn't suddenly unfold on you.

When folded it's so compact and easy to carry that it goes anywhere you go. When it's folded it's basically luggage.

Public transport is easy as it fits in train luggage racks easily.

Even if the racks are full, then it will happily go between it under the seats.

Shopping is easy. Just fold and chuck in in the trolley. Some shops even have fold out racks which are perfect for a Brompton.

There's no need to lock, just fold the bike and take it with you.

Part of the genius of the Brompton is that all the mucky bits are hidden when folded.

The comments I've had taking it folded into shops and other places has always been along the lines of "wow isn't that fab" and "so handy". Even that it's cute!

I think it could be the perfect utility bicycle because of the amazing convenience

i can't think of another form of transport that isn't as well thought out and as convenient as a Brompton.

Andrew Richie, the inventor of the Brompton, described it as a personal magic carpet that you could just unfurl and ride to your destination then refurl and take it with you.

It is a perfect description.

Review: Carradice City Folder bag for Brompton

First off, I've been using Carradice bags since the mid eighties, both nylon and cotton duck and am a fan. I have a set of Overlander panniers, bar bag and stuff sack from the eighties, as well as a Super C rack pack and Moulton touring bag. I even have a Carradice waxed cotton cape which feels very luxurious in the rain. 

The bags are made in the UK in Nelson, Lancashire and each bag is signed by the person who made it which is a nice personal touch.

The City Folder is a cotton duck (waxed cotton) bag specifically for Brompton bicycle. Various colours and combinations are available. Mine is the black with white straps. 

It's a 25l bag with two large rear pockets which can take large water bottles or reusable coffee mugs. The Brompton luggage block is only rated for 10 kg, so don't go loading this bag to capacity with heavy objects.

There is also the pouch for the Brompton bag frame, which is secured underneath by two velcro straps.

On the front there is an open pocket under the flap as well as a zipped pocket for a phone or other valuables.

The  interior of the bag is well cavernous to be honest. There is plenty of room for a laptop, clothing, shopping or whatever you want to chuck in. Although in poor light it can be a bit of a black hole.

There is a lightly padded laptop sleeve which is secured with a couple of press studs. Neatly, when secured with the studs, it is suspended off the bag bottom which further protects a laptop from being banged about when cycling.

On the outside of the bag, there is a substantial nylon and  leather handle as well as a detachable shoulder strap. This is secured by four screws into the dowel reinforcement under the flap.

The rear pockets are secured with traditional leather straps and buckles. The straps for the front cover are a slightly odd combination of a traditional leather strap and buckle for adjusting, but has plastic clip buckles for securing the flap.

Personally I would have preferred using the plastic clip buckles and ditch the leather buckles which can be fiddly especially in the cold whilst wearing gloves.

The bag has the Carradice name and logo stamped on to a leather patch which is sown on to the flap. There is also a diamond shaped reflective patch stuck to each side and the top flap. The top flap reflective faces up rather than forward with even a partially full bag.

I would have liked to have seen a white  reflective strip around the base of the bag for added safety. I would have also liked a mesh socket or two so gloves etc can be stored for quick access. Whilst you can use the rear pockets, the buckles don't make for quick access.

In use though it's very well designed. It's well balanced and comfortable when being carried by the handle or the shoulder strap. It is very stable on the bike and feels very secure.