In my quest to find a cheaper bike to ride during bad weather I came across this gem. Will this be my next bad weather bike or possibly more?? #Zizzobikes #brompton #badweatherbike New Vlog channel / @4briandowney
I bought a ZIZZO four months ago, choosing a 20 in wheel over 16 in because of the terrain and climate (Pacific Northwest). I’ve ridden it almost daily through dry and wet weather conditions. I made some changes (narrower tires), added fenders but that’s it. I agree the cockpit is a bit smaller than I’d like but overall, I love the bike. Thanks for reviewing what I think is a great bike for the money.
This was not a review, rather it was my initial thoughts on the bike. I only will review a bike after I have had someone time with it, this way I can form a complete opinion based off of real world use. I plan to do that in a month.😀
@@martindobisky8000 depends on what kind of riding I am doing. If it's off road gravel riding, I prefer the 20 inch wheels of the zizzo. If it's street riding/touring, then Brompton all the way.
I don’t own a Liberte, but I do own a refurbished Urbano from the same company. I’ve had it for 8 months, and it’s still running like new. Some nuts and bolts were loose when I first took it out of the box, but after tightening them, the bike ran like a champ. Aside from a snapped brake line and a few back tire tube changes, there have been no major issues with the bike. It is my first and only folding bike, and it has proven itself to be durable, comfortable, and all-around fun for its cost. I’d definitely recommend a Zizzo to those looking to buy their first folding bike.
The Liberte is a great bike. I have 7 (most for the grand kids etc). For about 12 to 15$ you can get a childs riser handlebar, in any color you like. This will be a bit narrower than the stock bar but give more flexibility in adjustments. Weight is same as the stock bar, to the gram. It is actually easier to fold with the riser bar. The stock tires are great tires, light weight racing tires, 120tpi / 110 psi. I put Stan's no flats sealant inside the tubes, 55g each. Really cuts down on the flats. If the ride is too harsh, one can put on much bigger tires. The folding pedals are something you will want to replace. Zizzo sells a more robust version. I use red mtn bike flat pedals with the nobs. If you want tubes, tires, a whole back wheel, Zizzo has very low prices compared to anywhere else. $18 for the same stock tire etc. The large head bolt exposed when the bike is folded should be checked for tightness. That bolt for some reason tends to be loose. Fine once tightened. I have gone as far as 85 miles in a day. The stock seat can be made comfy by removing some of the black plastic from the bottom of the seat (underneath) under the sit bones. Or cut a line under the sit bone front /back on each side and peel back. In all cases leave the white foam intact. Do not touch about 50mm wide of the front to back black plastic, as it is needed to support you and have seat integrity.
I approve of buying used! Reuse, recycle ftw! Before the pandemic Zizzo was awesome enough to directly sell refurbished bikes for like $100 cheaper. Got one, excellent condition even used.
My first folder is a Euro Mini Zizzo...in fact we have 2, of them and have gifted 2 of them. We’ve had them for 4 years and they’ve far exceeded our expectations. We’ve ridden the crap out of them from the ocean to the desert and even Death Valley. The fold? Not a Brompton, but NOT crap....a great entry level folding bike. In fact our Zizzo’s motivated us to buy our Bromptons. These awesome bikes are a gateway drug and a darn good one at that.
I have a Zizzo Liberte. I've had it for about 6 months and put a lot of miles on it. It's the best folding bike I've had so far, but I haven't owned a Brompton. One thing I like about it is that I can lock it outside a store while I'm shopping and not be anxious about theft. I would be scared to do that with a Brompton. I still want to get a Brompton for 40+ mile rides, but knowing that I'll have to take it in with me anywhere I go.
Well still you are able to use a folded Brompton in shops also, instead of the shops own vans, for minor buys. Or put it below the basket, in many cases I have seen. I admit that I wouldn't leave my Top Brompton unattended outside, while in a shop, if alone!!🤔 Finn. Denmark
Love the humor: Look out for ax murderers and potholes (showing the Grand Canyon). Nice. Also thanks for introducing me to what amounts to a new brand for me.
Thanks for this Brian. The price of these is SO much less than a Brompton that the 1 and 6 month reviews will be important for a test of durability and as a comparison. Aldo, since most folding bikes are used for commuting, I'm hoping that you'll explore the luggage carrying options too.
Yes, I will be getting a rack and fenders for it soon. I like looking at these cheaper folding bike options as it gives people that may not have or want to spend a lot of money on a Brompton more options.
Yeah - Brompton are a bit more expensive. BUT - you don’t see many people do long tours on any other fold up bikes. You get what you pay for. I have been through manyy what are meant to be cheaper fold ups, but in the longer term they cost you more, as you can no longer get spare parts, so you have to throw then away and buy another one. Also watch the 2nd price values of Brompton - they rarely fall. Watch this guy - he has taken his Brompton all over the world - that should tell you something. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zyko3nwuSVk.html
Had a Zizzo Via and it’s built like a tank but bought a Brompton because of the fold. Only issue has been the plastic pedals which I substituted with folding metal pedals. The Zizzo gets old when you have to take public transportation. It’s simply too bulky. Also the chain sits on the outside so watch out for stained clothes. If you need a rack, I recommend that you shop directly from Zizzo as they have the best fitting rack for this bike. That being said, I still prefer the Brompton, but if you are looking for a starter folding bike, nothing beats Zizzo.
@i bike unfolded Hi Brian.. Just add on "double stem" to extend forward your handle bar like i do on my 20" folding bike. Longer reach and leaning forward as well. Hopefully you like it..😊
You've began 21 having fun buying and riding a new folding bike. I took my Brompton for a ice bike ride on a winter road that is on Lac La Ronge. It was fun. Can't wait to do it again. Oh, the look that I got from three fat bike riders was priceless.
I lived out in GVR, and worked in RiNo. I occasionally commuted on a road bike, and did a lot of recreational rides that took me by Amazon, so I'm familiar with the roads you were on and the conditions you describe. Ride safe out there, I know how it gets on some of those sections you were riding on.
Good video. I've had my Zizzo (two syllables, I think) Liberte for about a year and I like it a lot. Have a couple of hundred miles on it and it's held up quite well. The headset has needed adjustment a couple of times along with some tightening of nuts to minimize squeaks. Roads here are pretty rough and I've also gone off curbs and popped a wheelie now and again. In other words, I haven't babied it. I'm due for new brake pads but otherwise it's been a fun, solid ride. I bought Pinhead locks for the front and rear wheels to discourage theft when locking the bike outside. I still use the seatpost QR though since it's needed for a small fold. Hasn't been nicked yet, touch wood...
I have put a couple hundred miles on the one I have since I got it and so far so good. I am going to go get some accessories tomorrow, like a rack and panniers.
Ooo! You got the Liberté! That's the "champagne" of the Zizzo line. I think that one is built more for speed and light weight. Definitely needs some fenders to keep you from getting a mud stripe up your back and front. Okay, now I have to go look for the "one month later" video.
Brian you are becoming the bicycle's version of UK TV motoring program Top Gear's "Stig" although we already know your face. But good move to try something different. Was this made before or after you damaged your trailer coupling? Brompton is of course the top-shelf of folders, but not everyone wants, can afford or even needs such a bike. For many more a decent cheaper folder may suit their requirements, I'm thinking RVer's, boater's & light aircraft pilots. Your evaluation I'm sure will be keenly awaited. How about availability of replacement parts for this brand? ★ On another subject back to bike horns & bell, have you ever thought of fitting a small megaphone to your bicycle, one with alarm or siren button❓
I have contacted customer support for the zizzo brand and so far they seem great. They do offer replacement parts as of now, but the wheels and driveline parts you could just pick up in a regular bike shop. When I get some miles/kilometers under my belt I will let you know what my final opinion is.😀
Best of all it will not draw attention to get new owner! But never say never. I remember in Ford Faunderdale I left crap bike in front library thinking who would take just junk. Well, I walked home by feet😪😪
Great review!I’m definitely looking forward to the update. I’ve had nine folding bikes, from the Dahon classic three, dahon speed Dahon boardwalk, giant halfway, Raleigh Twenty. It just seems to me by reading the specs that the zizzo is a great value for money and I’ve seen a lot of great reviews. There’s a video from the Zizzle companyOn doing some easy disassembly to pack it in a suitcase. This thing looks like bang for the buck especially for someone who still can throw it in the car trunk or only fly with it occasionally. I’m really looking forward to your follow up review
That bike looks almost new. I like my Brompton cause it has small wheels and I could put it in the trunk of my BRZ car. Thank you for the video and enjoy your used bike.
Your intro on looking for a bike to use in bad weather to protect your nice Brompton... reminded me of this thing that happened in communist Romania... In the late 1980s, it was super hard to find quality toys for sale. Finding a nice doll was rare and expensive... so much so that people who managed to buy one or two for their kids would cherish them so much that they wouldn't let their kids play with them. It became normative to see dolls displayed as proud ornaments to show off with to visitors - in many people's households.... they'd "shine" and gather dust while their theoretical owners, the kids, played with regular flimsy, ugly dolls instead...
I take care of my things.....that being said, I do use my Brompton most everyday. The bike is hard to keep clean when the weather turns ugly for a week and the temperature drops. The road conditions here are super harsh and the chemicals they use on the road are corrosive and need to be cleaned off straight away to avoid damaging the bikes drivetrain and finish. I do cherish my bike, not so much the bike itself, but the memories I make whist riding my bike and enjoying that experience. I get what you are saying...in my case it’s not an exact parallel.
@@ibikeunfolded yes, it is not an exact parallel, indeed. This was just something I remembered :) let's hope North America will be filled with properly maintained bike lanes soon! ;)
Ioana you've touched on one of the downsides of buying a new car. Some of those who do that then fret about every little ding and scrape. Older and cheaper cars are less of a worry. My Brompton was bought used and is 20 years old. I have far less reason to fret about it.
I would guess the Birdy fits you best. For tall riders.With special front(and back) suspension.11 kg.Most stable folding bike on the planet. Great piece of german engineering.Responsive grip shift.Exactly for these poor roads. Give it a test ride! 🚴💦
I plan on trying out a birds as soon as I get my hands on one. I know of no dealers in town so I don’t know when I will get the opportunity.....hopefully soon.👍😀
I own both brands. The Brompton folds smaller and better and is my primary commuter. The Birdy is a higher performing bike and I absolutely love the look as well as the full suspension.
Hey Brian, the company planet bike makes good fenders for 20in bikes. That could keep the slush off your back when riding through it. I wish you would have taken a closer photo of the bike on the Burley.
Hey Brian I think the bike is awesome video I know you had said no to the ebike but you could get a Swytch kit for one of your bromptons only weighs 3kg you commute so much your a madman I gonna we are gonna have to start a go fund me lol trust me I think you would love it just on the lowest level would help in the snow
in Indonesia there are many choices of folding bikes, from the Brompton, Fnhon, Java brands to other local brands. Since Covid, in Indonesia many people have bought folding bikes for sporting purposes or just for style 🤣.
I have been looking at other folding bikes from different counties to test out . There are lots of options abroad that have my attention so I may order a few and make some videos.😀
brompton has a unique fold. It folds small and fast. Another one is helix but it's expensive and out of stock. Other folding bikes are pretty much the same
Keep an open mind. It's another tool. Have fun with it. There are 16 inch wheeled, disc brake, 4130 steel alternatives which i like too. Tough and smaller fold.
@@ibikeunfoldedHonestly, it's meant to be a lightweight commuter road bike, not suitable for off road use. At less than half the price of a Brompton here, i guess its acceptable.
@@bernardlimvideos Maybe so but a solid test beyond the regular users treatment will be most beneficial. I'm looking forward to the 6 month review or complete failure whichever comes first.
The ride quality would be much better when you put longer stem and wider bars. I know that stem is a tricky part, but I use stem adapter and put an oversize stem so the reach would be fit. Though at some point maybe could sacrifice on the folded state, but since mostly I don't fold my bike so it's better solution.
Can you give me the name of that stem extension please? I dont like the short handle bar myself. I hope I could add something like the old days Shcwinn Sting Ray U -shape stem bar
@@MegaAluchi I use a normal stem adapter 25.4 to 28.6 and put the stem on that adapter. If the handlepost fits the 25.4 just clamp it tight, since mine was telescopic the T shape handlebar so I use the stem adapter to change the lower T part.
Great video as always. When it comes to weight - a Brompton SL goes some-way to solve that for you. Unfortunately the one you are reviewing looks too much like a Dahon I had. Derailleur gears are bad news on a folding bike, especially when the are exposed after folding - they can get knocked out of shape and constantly need to be adjusted, and you end up with oil on your trousers. Will look forward to seeing your 1 and 6 month reviews. Keep up the cool videos :)
I don’t understand the paranoia when people buy things. If someone wanted me to lug around the stuff I’m selling it would be a no. What am I going to do to them on my driveway in view of anyone? And if anything, the seller should be paranoid about having a stranger at their house.
Always interesting content. I think the hybrid gears on the Brompton are an issue but maybe they need them like that for the compact fold. Otherwise great video. Thanks.
@@ibikeunfolded I just watched ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EwYEYO3h2Po.html . Seems crazy to use plastic that swells with humidity. There seems to be a pattern going on here with plastic bottom bracket cups and plastic shifters. You shouldn't have to sand down your internal shifter parts so they don't stick. I'd be interested to know what plastic they used. At a guess they've probably used Polyoxymethylene as it's inert to most lubricants ( doesn't like chlorine ) or Nylon. Either way if what the above linked video states is generally true then Brompton need to sort the manufacturing tolerances out. Maybe it's been sorted out by now as the video was from 2019/2020 ?
Nope, I am actually working on a video explaining why. I will be reviewing and trying several E bikes including the Brompton( for the channel )I just personally have no interest.
It was a 360 camera mounted on a selfie stick attached to my T bag. When the 360 footage is stitched together it completely edits out the selfie stick.
It will be interesting to see if you can toleratel riding with cramped geometry over the long haul. Thanks for your post. Looking forward to the next reveiew.
@@ibikeunfolded You can get a shorter height stem through Amazon that will lower you body position to help get a racier feel. You can also add bar ends to give you more reach. I had the same issues with a cheap entry level steel folding bike that I used for a tour of the Oregon coast . I wanted to see how it would do on an extended tour. That frame cracked at the bottom bracket a year after the tour but I replaced it with a Sundeal folding bike and it has been going strong for the last 2 years. You need the watch the clamp at the fold though as it can work its way loose if you are not careful with the locking mechanism. I also ended up adding a front derailleur to the Sundeal to get more gear range. There is a bracket to goes around the wider seat tube. I got the bracket from Ebay but it depends on the diameter of your seat tube. Watch what front derailleur you use if the go that route. Depend on your bottom bracket axle length the travel towards the frame might not be enough. I went through a few front derailleur before ending up with an old Campagnola triple front derailluer that works. Also knobbies are fun on a folding bikes. You need to watch the stress on the fold if you are doing mountain bike trails. I almost used my current folding bike at the Rebecca's Private Idaho gravel event 2 years ago but bailed at the last minute as the descent part of the course was a little too rough on a folding bike at speed. The cheaper folding bikes have improved a lot in the last few years. A lot of the generic brand frames come from the same factories as the newer Dahon and Tern bikes. Have fun on your new bike and enjoy the fact you can use a lot of generic parts that are used on road and mountain bikes. That is what sold me on the folding bike I have as opposed to a Brompton.
What are the parts of the brompton that would need to change to make it more suitable for winter? Looking at custom brompton mods with 2 inch tires, belt drive and disc brakes and thinking those would make it more winter worthy and less of a hassle. I'm a one bike kinda guy and I've not liked taking care of chains in the past and heardthat bromptons chew through chains.
I go through lots of chains. I like Brompton for its small fold size. It makes the perfect travel companion. There are few tire options for Brompton. Schwalbe does make a studded winter tire for them but I don’t think they are all that great. I just got the 20inch folder to have more tire options for winter.
I carry an axe (a small pocket axe) with me plus I have a concealed carry permit. Does that make me a "potential" axe murderer? Should I disclose that in the future if I decide to offer one of my bikes for sale? I also live in murder city (Detroit). Do you think that there's a connection there? I may be a potential axe murderer but I do want to follow appropriate protocol.
I’m a trucker and I instantly recognized the warehouse in the background as you’re riding through 51st ave. I’ve delivered there many times. Now I’m watching videos on bikes I can ride after a long driving shift lol Do you still have Zizzo and has it held up decently?
I love the idea of a beater folding bike, but I have to draw the line at two bikes for myself given my apartment space. What happened with the orange Brompton, is that still in rotation or reserved for different occasions?
Nice one Brian! Glad to see you got the Burley trailer fixed as well! Did you have to get a new attachment or did you manage to fix it yourself? Hope the new bike lasts! Will be interesting to see how it goes over the next month!
Fixed?? It's surprising what a little duct tape will do.😂 I had to order a replacement hitch through Amazon and I did not know it was going to be over a month before I would see it.
how is this folding bike compared to Dahon D8 and Tern Link D8? It seems they do not have any local dealer to support repairing this bike. Local bike shop might refuse to repair their folding bike. Is that correct? Thanks
Denver has many cycling paths which are great. Since we get a lot of California transplants, the vast majority whom are very aggressive drivers, we as cyclist must stay on our toes. 😬
@@ibikeunfolded thanks for the reply man , i think birdy could be the perfect folding bike , now im from the uk and i really do like brompton for lots of reasons ,and for people that enjoy them thats awesome , i wish there was a lot more on the road , but having said that i hired one from brompton hire for 1 month which i used from my work everyday mon to fri and there was a few things that surprised me which i did not like and was happy to hand the brompton s6l back and look for an alternitive which would be a fiido d11 as a cheap electric option along with a birdy gen 3 for the ultimate folding bike in the garage to also use , things i dident like about the brompton was 1st it attracts too much attention , because of the small 16inch wheels it looks like a toy to a lot of people almost like a fun novelty or circus bike , for me i dont like attracting attention , 2nd again 16 inch wheels at 80 odd psi man thats a hard ride , i remember i was going downhill at a decent ish pace when i came onto a cobbled section oh my got i thought my brain and teeth were going to fall out it was so harsh , you feel every single thing on the road even the smallest of pebbles , lowering the tire pressure make things better but make the bike feel slow heavy and sluggish so yea horrible ride quality , 3rd dam how sensitive is that steering , again anything with a bit of speed can be plain scary especially on wet tricky sections the steering is way way to sensitive nervous and twichy really dont like it , then theres the difficulty in getting some parts because brompton have done an apple on us and a lot of parts are only available though authorized dealers and only to be fitted by them making replacing some parts very expensive and the list goes on ,so for me a brompton just has far too many compromises me personally are not willing to make to have one as a life transport companion , anyways sorry for the massive message , would love to hear your thought on whether you agree or not , thanks again man
I’ve always wanted a Brompton but after reading your experience with the bike I think that I will give it a miss, are there any good folding bikes that you could recommend under £600 in the UK ?
Chinese bikes are built for 5'3" riders. just adjust the thing. that is not a quality issue. ? running gear? It's a big deal if they cheap out. You need to rate the components. price tells you nothing.
With the extended seat post option. With the standard seat post it did not fit me very well so I ordered the extended seat post off their website. I’m 6’1”
@@ibikeunfolded LOL... you have a music director? Then I repeal my complaint Sir... there have been enough jobs lost already. Maybe just a "time out" will suffice. :)
It's basically a marketing ploy and price comparison wise, a ripoff. I love Brompton's, but am disappointed in what is supposed to be a reputable brand, lowering themselves in this obvious way.
I have been experimenting with different music, maybe something more contemporary would work. As far as the intro....I don’t know? Some say they like it🤷🏻♂️
