Product Review: Brompton folding bikes

Photo Credit: Christy Punkin Pants Jens

When I first saw Brompton Bikes I assumed they were like any other folding bike - heavy, uncomfortable to ride, with low-end components and a gear ratio that would make you scream if you attempted to go uphill.

But Brompton has taken the folding bike to a new level. Although Bromptons are completely customizable, their six speed, internal hub option is more ideal for Salt Lake commuting than one would expect. Bromptons aren't just another production bike. The engineering, culture, and community that has sprung up around these bikes is as unique as the people who ride them. Just look at The Path Less Pedaled for proof that Bromptons can do anything a "full sized" bike can do.

I rode a Brompton for a week, taking it through every situation one might encounter commuting the streets of Salt Lake. Descending hills at high speeds through the avenues, climbing 100 South up to the University of Utah, riding in downtown traffic, and finding a place to store the bike with nine people crowded into a tiny apartment.
Although the Brompton was comfortable to ride, it was a little squirrely at high speeds. But I never felt nervous while descending hills. The three speed internal hub with a two cog freewheel proved to be a work horse, but it was hard to get the "perfect" gear ratio all of the time. Sometimes I ended up with a higher cadence or a slightly slower cadence than would have been preferred.  I did, however, find it great for climbing through the avenues and getting up hills.

Photo credit: Saturday Cycles

One of the best features of the Brompton is how compact it gets. Office doesn't have bike parking? No problem, fold it up and put it under your desk. It can sit tight till you are ready to go home. This feature is also nice if you live in a small apartment with limited storage.

Overall, the Brompton proved its worth for me as a great commuter bike, though the possibilities with this bike are endless. To test ride the many models of Bromptons visit Saturday Cycles on 600 North and 300 West.

Want more reviews on Bromptons? Check out the latest issue of Momentum magazine.
 

CPPJ

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