Instead of easy wheels I recently upgraded to Oxelo rollerblade wheels, a set of 4 64mm diameter with 6mm bearing costs about 7 Euro at decathlon. you need 10 mm larger screws, but even if you have to buy new screws it is still dirt cheap.
Thanks for the great tips and I'm very excited because I kept my Ikea strap from years ago when we purchased a new mattress. I thought the strap that they provided for keeping the mattress rolled up was quite unique and that by keeping it, I should be able to find a future use for it. And lo and behold, you found it. Brilliant!!
That’s great Harry. Yeah we keep things that think might be useful in the future. The straps are really good so hope it turns out well on your Brompton! 👍
Great tips. When I got my B75, one of the first things I did was order some helicopter tape (clear)on Amazon. Cutting pieces to apply where cables rub, and installing was kinda therapeutic. I took my time, and it turned out great. A 3” x 3’ roll was maybe $10 (US). “Pro” tip is to round the square corners so they don’t peel easily. You have to look hard to see it. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for a Velcro strap, to reuse on my bike. I love the orange color one your new bike, my favorite color. Cheers from Chicago!
Good idea on minimizing the rub from the cables. I work at a bike shop and get long strips of double sided velcro with new bikes. They've been very helpful to minimize the rub points.
As my bike was the, by then most expensive top model, a LightweightH6LXBrompton, the first thing I did after my buy a few years ago, was to search the market for protective items, and I saw the factory mounted pieces of - "tape" (TAPE!!!) on its frame had been worn away at once by the chain, after only a short/few times use/folding (Oh my Good, why don't the factory find a proper way of protection, when they clearly know it's a week point!! (Clear tape!))! And luckily I had already found and had ordered some, for this purpose, specially shaped carbon pieces, with tape for their being fixed in place, to protect both my crank from below - and the back-frames, titanium tube, from the chains rubbing on it (And that's where I found the rather useless/ridiculous piece of "Factory-mounted" tape!), and I also ordered some pieces of nice leather to be sown on the frame, and later on, also a leather cover round my stem-post, to protect it during the folding/handling. I also found a special "metal badge", with a bolt to be mounted on its titanium fork, to protect the fork against the cable rubbing through the paint, at the most obvious place for it. A Brompton has an added small tube on the fork to be used for this purpose, with a proper bolt. I also use an elastic band, with velcro, to secure my bikes wheel against the frame, from being "unfolded" at times when it isn't wanted!! (And I found a special, and very - actually ridiculously, expensive "Vincita" padded pouch to be put on and secured by a string, on the folding pedal during transport. It is very effective though and protects the bike and its surroundings very well).
Yeah there are some key areas that are prone to rubbing away after a short time. Definitely worth investing in some better protection if you want to prevent it 👍😀
I put transparent adhesive patches cut to size. They also wear but they’re easily replaceable. And they don’t show. Which reminds me it’s about time to change mine!
I turned a plastic milk crate into a front basket attached with a cheap aftermarket part and reinforced will some scrap sheet aluminium. Works good! Handle bar mittens are good for the winter. If you sew, I'm certain an old down jacket could be converted into a pair. I wish Brompton would beef up some of those flimsy parts. I don't care about weight, I only want to take it in with me where ever I go and have it hold up to moderate commuter use.
@@CycleEveryday plastic fenders, plastic shifters, rollers, cable caps, chain tensioner nut and the paint job. Still beats leaving a shop and finding a cut lock where your bike used to be
I used my old puppy's collar to hold my wheels when folded. It's has a snap on clip that is easier to put on and remove. Plus it has a small bell dangling and chiming, while I'm riding :)
The fork should have a disc on it to stop cable rubbing. A half disc on L models, full disc on E. I don't have any cheap or DIY upgrades, but do swear by my Restrap bar bag on the S. It's superb
Unfortunately they don't fit those anymore Duncan. Any Brompton with mudguards doesn't have the disk on. My new Brompton doesn't have one either. They are only fitting them on Bromptons without mudguards to prevent the brake cable rubbing on the wheel. You are right though, having one fitted does stop the rubbing, so a shame they decided to stop adding them on to mudguard option.
@@duncanhamilton5841 I know. Seems strange. Think it was more of safety. You need it when you don’t have mudguards, as would rub the cable away over time. But with mudguards it isn’t a t risk so just rubs the fork and mudguard instead 😂 you can buy them though like you said
I have considered changing back myself as like you have said, the extra height does make it less stable. Still got them on at the moment though. I think if you roll it a lot it’s just something you have to accept unfortunately 👍
Hi there. Our first Brompton we brought was used. If you look around for one in good condition will not have any issues with it as they are built to last. Personally I prefer the three or two gear rather than the 6 gear. You also want to think about the handlebar set up as well. But you can get them for good value second hand. Buying one new is still a very good investment though as they keep the value 👍
@@CycleEveryday thanks for the info i like the idea of 3 or 2 gears , just a bit worried about getting up hills cause i,m on the wrong side of 70 . not sure i want to go down the electric route
Sorry, but those Bromptom EZ wheels totally suck! Id go with the, Aceoffix a lot better looking and roll a lot freer! or go to Decathalon and get the Btwin wheels!
