You video provides the most comprehensive information on helping the buyers to choose the right Brompton. I particularly like the graphical illustration on showing the rider's riding position using the rider's height vs the 3 choices of handlebars. Great video !
I’m 178 cm (5’10”). A few days ago, I tried different options of Brompton handlebar height on my local Brompton store. At first, I want a H-type handlebar because I want a very relaxed riding position, to contrast my road bike. But, the high handlebar position made my body more laidback and causing my arms too strech to reach the handlebar, nowhere near the dutch-style bicycle with its sweep back handlebar. So I finally prefer the M-type with mid-upright position because my arms can still be in relaxed position (slightly bend).
Excellent explanation and graphics in easy to understand format. Thank you. Should be an official video on the Brompton site as they have nothing close that compares!
S type bars could lead to wrist discomfort, but you don't counterbalance that with H type bars put more weight on the saddle leading to possible discomfort there. Leaning somewhat forward helps with weight distribution and better bike balance.
Just discovered your channel and find it outstanding! Long-time Brompton rider. The design of the Brompton is a marvel. However, a persistent issue affecting every ride is how to find the correct seat height AND direction when unfolding the bike for a ride. There’s no good way to do this right. I put a distinct mark on the top front of my seat tube with a permanent marker. I then scratch (ouch) or scribe a mark around the seat post at the proper height and a vertical scratch mark to help me get the seat perfectly forward-aligned. Scribing the marks isn’t easy or convenient and there’s no way to use a marker since moving the seat up and down will obscure the mark. I always check for seat rotational alignment before I ride. It’s a tough problem but one the rider must confront on every ride. That’s my solution and it’s not as slick as I’d like but it works. 😊 [I have a S6L Black Edition in Lagoon Blue with all manner of mods and upgrades.]
I really appreciate your through review with very easy to understand graphic. Even after 10 years on Brompton, I learn something new everytime I watch your video. Keep it up good work. Thank you!
Excellent vid with clear explanation. I can vouch for the standard M-bar, with top position of Pentaclip, being a perfect fit for my 33” inside leg and 5’11.5” height, with very good wrist and saddle comfort. There is a degree of handlebar “flex” with the M bar, but I have accommodated to this and if anything I find it adds to the shock-absorbing comfort for the wrist and arms. An aggressive rider may not like the M-bar flex, particularly if in high gear or on steep hills but I have found that for ordinary, all-round utility and leisure riding it is fine.
@@GlobalAdventurer - I have a Brooks B17 Standard on mine, always brilliantly comfortable, short or long rides, and these saddles have a character that fits well with the Brompton 🙂
You are amazing! So informative and exactly the information I was searching for! You have such a clear voice and amazing diction. I really appreciate what you do.
I'm short and got the M handle bars on my brompton. I tried the H handlebar and it felt like I was raising my arms up and I thought it would make me tired riding like that for extended periods of time. So far the M handle bar is working fine.
I just got my rental¹ Brompton with the telescopic seatpost and M-Type handlebar. My inseam is 85 cm, but I'm did the testride most comfortably with the telescopic post fully extended to it's maximum. The good thing is that this position also is most closely to the position I had on the Tern Joe C21 that needs replacing², which I rode somewhere between trekking and racing positions. ¹ Rental to try it a year before purchasing one, or not. ² The aluminium frame broke right at the seatpost insert above the top framebar.
I used the chart at 6:32 since I don't have access to a shop. I took it completely literally. I was right on the H-type line. I had never ridden an H before, but happy with it. Thanks!
Great explanation of what flipping the pentaclip can do. I am 6-1 and I think close to the top of the extended seatpost. I might need to do the pentaclip switcheroo when my Brompton arrives in 2 weeks. Thanks much!
Excellent, well-researched video, finally providing clarity about the rather cryptic fitting information provided by Brompton (to my knowledge). I have long admired Bromptons but alas may probably not take the plunge as a pensioner.
I ride an M, but wish it was an H. Why? My bike helmet has a sun visor (yay!). But on the M, that visor is angled just low enough to obstruct the horizon. I like to see where I'm ultimately headed for... and not just stare downward at the pavement right in front of me.
Very helpful.. I changed my 2 Bromptons to Joseph Kuosac bars, not for height but for width. I found the standard handlebars too narrow whereas the JK ones, even with 1 cm off, are in line with shoulders. Much more comfortable on longer journeys. Thanks for all your films.
2Bikes4Adventure yes. Needed an extra 2 cm or so. My bars are 158 cm across, normal are 152 cm. JK uncut are 160 but my memory is that they have 1cm cut gradations on them, so v easy with a hacksaw. I have put them on my S6R and my Alfine H11R. Thanks for your films - they are very good. Take care.
I second the many positive comments about bike fit and selecting the right handlebar. Note that in addition to your body size, the lower, more aggressive position will require a greater saddle setback. With the saddle further back, your upper body weight can be offset by the hips being further back. You should be able to ride with your hands just floating on the bars, which is the setup used on a road bike. So if you have too much pressure on your hands, consider raising the bar, or sliding the saddle back (or both). On a folding bike, you might be limited in saddle setback because the seatpost is straight.
Excellent point. Since there is no stem between the handlebars and the steerer tube, reach adjustment can only be done by "fine tuning" the saddle setback for any given handlebar configuration. Maybe something to cover in more details in a future video.
I might buy a butterfly handlebar of even H-type for more comfortable riding, my arms are even getting sore from M-type because of lower handlebar height than the saddle.
Scandinavian Bromptons are sold with the 600 mm saddle post as standard, so I have problems when using my B&W travelbox, as I have to remove the saddle and post. So I also have bought a telescope post!
Hello!! I am having some issues with the slipping of the pole in my seat. Is there some tip that you recommend, i have cleaned it and tweak the nut. I read something about scratching a bit the pole? - I love your vids, they inspired me to buy my Brompton!! - greetings from Mexico.
Hi Enrique, We do suffer from this problem as well (as most do, we suspect!). We used disk brake cleaner on the post and inside the seat post sleeve. Kind of help, a little. Ultimately, the sleeve may need to be replace (unfortunately, this cannot be done easily as a DIY project). The sandpaper trick could work (and should not be visible if there is only one rider, as it will alway be inside the frame)). Could make the post more susceptible to corrosion however. Good Luck.
I'm a 5'5" female with average body proportions except that I'm quite thin. (105 lb.) I like a more upright position. Should I go for the M or the H? Will M be fine?
I really need help, I have a sever nick shoulder pain for many years but i am dreaming to have T linewith H 2 inches stem? I am in pain and M is not enough, Please advise.
Now if only Brompton would re-introduce the bike-builder so we could actually choose the seat-post that works best for us, rather than only providing models with the extended post!
Just bought a Brompton and had one ride but disappointed that the top of back end of shoe catches the baby wheels or something. Must be doing something wrong.
thank you for the detailed video! i'm 5'3''. do you recommend the M or H for the upright position. i have a dutch style bike now and like sitting upright.
Using your existing dutch bike, measure the vertical distance between the top of the seat and the middle of the handlebar. Using this measurement and your inseam, use the graphic in the video to determine your recommended Brompton handlebar setup.
@@2Bikes4Adventure awesome. I discovered it from one of your videos and I just bought mine. Will be trying it this coming weekend. Keep the great vids coming 😊
@@2Bikes4Adventure I just tried it tilted on max. And Im not sure if it's just the fabric of my leggings but I slightly slide forward that i think somehow adds pressure to my thighs. Though a really big relief on the butt and sensitive part.
Can I ask. If the S and M stem height is the same? Seems to be conflicting views that the S has a longer stem and low handlebars and the M has a shorter stem and higher handlebars. Some say it’s the same. Can shed some light? Thanks
@@2Bikes4Adventure oh that’s thanks for the confirmation. Do you know what the height difference will be? I was going to put a flat bar on my m stem. Guess that will be way too low.
Hi Martin. The last Dahons we owned/rode were Dahon TR equipped with Schwalbe Big Apple tires. The pressure in those tires was less than half the pressure in our Bromptons’ Schwalbe Marathon tires. Coupled with larger diameter wheels (20” vs 16”), it made the TRs noticeably more comfortable than the Bromptons. Nonetheless, we eventually sold the TRs and kept the Bromptons as their small form factor and slightly lighter weight made them more appropriate for the type of light touring we had in mind (even if it meant a little less comfort).
The stem are not identical between S and M. In addition to the different handlebar shape, the S stem has a slightly more forward angle compared to the M-type.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Thanks! This is what i thought so too, I asked BJ London and they replied " the M stem is shorter than the S, but the angulation is pretty the same."
Another *great* video! The praise you got from me for the video regarding tire options ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p1i1W6xy8hM.html fits here again. And had I seen the video about the gearing option which is also great. Your channel is now the first and only I subscribed to in some 20 years of internet activity.
