I believe this is the first of your vids I have seen. You do a great job. No wasting of time. You just get right on with it. Like a freshman English paper your professor requires to be clear, concise and concrete. Love it.😊
Caution with the Brompton Toolkit: I do love it. Fits on the frame, is out of way and easily accessed when needed. The switch on the ratchet easily breaks off making the ratchet useless. This is a design flaw on the ratchet.
I've used the Vincita sightseer on 12 flights with not the slightest damage to either the bike or the bag. I don't remove the saddle (Brooks B17) being that it acts as a large leather bumper and I can also hook the garment bag under it so it doesn't slide around. The damaged zipper can probably be replaced by a tailor.
I made the mistake of checking my T-Bag once. Don't do it, it arrived three days later and not only the bag was ripped but also the luggage frame was broken in multiple places. The only usable bit was the attachment point to the luggage block. Since the nearest Brompton store was an eighteen hour bus ride away I got the bag stiched up and "made" a replacement frame with plastic water pipes held together by zip ties in holes I punched into the plastic water tubes by melting them partly with a nail heated over an open flame (of course there wasn't a drill). It worked and was surprisingly sturdy. Moral of the story: never check your T-Bag, always treat it as hand luggage so it won't get "eaten" by the luggage machine.
Tough lesson learned. The destructive power of those employees should never be underestimated. When travelling, we have to accept as well the possibility one (or both) Brompton(s) will suffer a catastrophic failure (we favour direct flight when possible). The PVC pipe solution was very creative. Wasn’t too difficult to find 12mm (?) pvc pipe? Cut using pocket knife? Did you use PVC elbow and T to complete the assembly or just zip ties/holes?
@@2Bikes4Adventure It was actually relatively easy to find PVC pipe in the home and hardware section of the market in Tirana/Albania. My hotel had a saw but no drill so the holes had to be made with nails heated on the gas stove ;) No elbow pieces were used (even though that would really have been a neat choice!). Instead zip ties through holes in pipes at right angles did the job just fine.
Love this video. My wife and I (both aged 75) have travelled extensively with our Bromptons over the last 15 years and the very issues you have highlighted are ones we too have encountered. We traded our original bike bags (with only two wheels) for Vincita bag with 4 removable wheels recently and wondered how we ever pulled out bikes along in the past. So easy to deal with (except when the lifts or escalators don't work and you have to lug them up and down long sets of stairs). Instead of a tennis ball to cover the sharp seat post we use cut off bits of a "swimming noodle" - it has a hole in the middle which is ideal to slip on to the seat post. We place another cut off on the handles where they jut out in the travel bag - it cushions any rough treatment which might damage the bag material. We have relied on the Brompton tool kit often and have never had any issues but we add tyre repair kit bits and a spare tube with some zip ties inside the bike frame. Our bikes are a source of wonder for some and amusement for others, particularly when we ride them on walking tracks or canal tow paths and come across walkers who are shocked to see us casually riding by. Arriving by taxi at accommodation in the middle of any city, unfolding our bikes in the foyer and tripping around at leisure as we view the sights is one of the best feelings ever.
We are just a few years behind you. Those (4) wheels on the Sightseer are very good indeed. Except for in London, our Bromptons usually attract attention from passersby as well. We wouldn’t travel any other way.
@nickbandy4940 This video we did last year has some additional information about the Vincita Sightseer. Enjoy your trip in France. 2 More Ways to Fly [ Vincita Sightseer & Cabin Carry-On ] ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZbLhMq1WQ5o.html
Although I don’t travel as you both do I have a hack to prevent puncture. I have leather tyre inserts between tyre and tube 2mm thick and 28 mm wide. I originally had them 35mm wide but noticed rolling resistance impacted. Length of strips approximately 130cm.
You guys are the best! Your combo of Professional Engineer and Technical Writer - c'est le top! Thanks for the tips about the Vincita bag - I'm planning my Brompton's first airline trip, and I'm thinking of getting a Vincita bag. I better order a tennis ball too haha. Trés util, merci !
That is disappointing news about the Tern Tool, as I use it for all my bikes. I will however continue to use it as I have for the past 30 years always carry a small plumber's pipe wrench as well. This can function as a pliers when I need to remover a thorn or glass from a tyre or in a pinch as an adjustable wrench. So I hope I'm still covered in the even of the Tern Tool snapping. Keep up the good work and keeping us informed, it is very much appreciated.
Disappointing indeed as it was our favorite minimalist tool while touring. One way to reduce the risk of Tern wrench failure while away from home would probably be to loosen (with any wrench) and retighten (with the Tern wrench) all 8-10 and 15mm nuts on the Brompton, prior to departure.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Yes, factory tight can be a bit of a challenge at times.
5 месяцев назад
What an useful video, because I used the Tern Tool too aaaaa, so many useful tips to survive at all the adventures with cookies obviously which help us in all situations. Thank you for this insight friends!
Needless to say, we were quite disappointed when it snapped. More surprising considering the torque applied wasn’t that much (the wrench is rather short). Gilbert couldn’t resist buying another one in a bike store in the USA a few weeks later, but we will be very reluctant to rely on it while touring.
5 месяцев назад
@@2Bikes4Adventure Yes it's sure. It's really disappointing. I also hope that your fall didn't do you too much damage and that everything went well for you to finish the adventure.
@Laptitereinventerie A lock keeper (we were cycling along the Erie canal) invited us in his office and offered access to his extensive first aid kit. We were able to get back on the trail shortly after.
@@2Bikes4Adventure Just adjusting my chain pusher before the trip, after waxing my chain. The Tern Tool 2.5 allen key is too large for the limit screws. The official Brompton video says they are 2.5 hex and the 2.5 hex from my home set of keys works so that's strike 2 for the Tern Tool.
Zip ties are amazing! I’ve used them for everything. And yes, I’ve had that failure with the plastic part of the frame - not from falling though. I don’t remember the exact circumstances, but it probably happened from daily use with heavy items…
Just travelled a few times with the sightseer, it's great. My fenders did get a little bent, annoying that you have to take off the entire rear rack to adjust it.
I had the same problem with the luggage frame and the same temporary fix. But the sheer torque the luggage block has to endure is quite a lot. I bought voile straps in the first bike shop i could find. I secured the bag to the stemp to give the zip ties a fighting chance. Since I bring various straps.
I got myself an 8mm, a 10 mm and a 15 mm socket and an adapter (four sided on one side, six sided on the other side) to connect the bits (sockets) with the spanner. Works really well and you can remove the rear wheel with it (in case of a puncture). 15 mm sockets with 1/4 inch often aren't available at the hardware store (they usually only go up to 13 mm, above that it's "automotive" and 1/2 inch) but the 15 mm 1/4 inch socket should be available online. Splurge for quality because you might have to apply a lot of force.
3:33 usually these type of things can be welded with any hot iron thing, heated on fire. If you add some plastic of the same type to seams areas (caps from plastic bottles, these zip ties etc), it can be done almost as strong as new. I use a welder for electronics at home, on a trip would use something like iron nail heated on my portable gas stove.
@@2Bikes4Adventure if you're adding the plastic - just make sure it's the same type of plastic (marked as a number in ♺ icon), else it won't mix up and won't strengthen the seam.
The biggest issue I find is the screwed collar on the tube valve pole where the valve is held onto the wheel frame to ensure it does not move when pumping up the tire. If this is tightened too tightly I realised too late there is nothing I can use to untighten it easily. Need a plier.
Thanks for yet another useful video! I had a similar problem with a damaged bag handle years ago caused by the handler lifting by one handle instead of both, solved for the future by tying the handles together. I think that that hex bolt on the Brompton Brake would be better as an Allen screw.
Another brilliant vlog....thank you, guys. I've had quite a few little disasters, the worst one was taking my 2012 Brompton M6R to Myanmar......unfortunately the rear pivot hinge on the drive side became loose.....and I didn't have the correct tools to remove the crank to tighten it up (old style) and locktite it in place as a temporary fix. So the only thing I had was velcro strips which I used to prevent the hinge coming too loose and compromising the front chain ring. In Myanmar the mechanics are very rudimental, so I had to wait another week till I flew to Bangkok and got it fixed.
@2Bikes4Adventure so it was 2013 when the political situation was a little more stable than today. I didn't do that much touring, just day outs around Mandalay, Bagan, Heho to Inle Lake......it was absolutely amazing, though. I flew from Kulala Lumpar to Mandalay, a Boat from Mandalay to Bagan, and a flight fro Bagan to Heho (Inle Lake), then bus back to Mandalay and flew to Bangkok.....loved every minute, as the scenery and people were just fantastic...... although the roads aren't great and fun fact.....in Myanmar they drive on the Right, but alot of trucks and buses have their steering wheels also on the right.....crazy!!! And dangerous. Cycling highlight was flying into Heho ( on top of a small mountain) and crusing down to the lake below.....the Brompton made many friends, and people used to laugh at me, as they thought I was crazy riding on a kids bike. Also getting chased by dogs, was a little worrying too
It's a shame to decommission the Vincita bag just because of a broken zipper - is it not possible to find a luggage repairer to install a new one? Surely it would cost less than a whole new bag ...(?) Thanks for the heads up, regardless; I may get around to the Vincita one day, but it's still relevant info for my current Dimpa-style arrangement, as well.
Sneaking past bollards ...Misjudging how wide the luggage is, like a dog trying to bring a long stick into the house, it snap the rack (same issue with the plastic moulded part)
Cheers to that 🍺. What Leatherman model did you select? We discussed our full toolkit in this video (it includes a Leatherman as well) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UsvSZ_0Sx0w.html
I definitely would carry a tool for wheel alignement, if you fall it is very easy, albeit slow, to arrange a warped wheel that would otherwise prevent correct braking. Personally I use the Fizer, it has all 3 sizes, but it's probably loghter to use a lighter and smaller tool of only the right size, like a Parktool. Otherwise my kit includes spare tubing, even if I haven't had a flat in more than 10 years thanks to the schwalbe marathin plus tires. Also I carry the PB SWISS bycicle tool, a set of plastic pliers from Parktool to remove the tire, the almighty 86 03 plier from Kynpex, in 15cm. And a hand pump from decathlon. Take an old toothbrush as well. Zip ties are a must, not only in the tool bag, but in any bag you take anywhere.
We also bring more than just a multitool. We discussed our regular toolkit in this previous video: Minimalist Touring Tool Kit for Brompton bikes ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UsvSZ_0Sx0w.html
Oh yes, we had failures 😂 Apart from shifting issues, The Headset of Ben's at this time one year old Brompton startet to crack and rattle while we toured through the Netherlands and it was a serious effort to find a store that first :;would admit there is a damage and second: fix it on warranty. They all tried to sell us Chris Kind Headsets instead wich are fu... expensive. Furthermore we always carry a spare Bottom bracket, cause these things break or run bad far to often for such an expensive bike. For us its twice in now 4 years with the actual Bromptons. In Busan we had to change Ben's the last time, and luckily we had one with us. 😂 And , not to forget: the shifters. We had to do major modifications, filing down parts and replacing the springs with harder and stronger pendants after our first bigger trip on the Eurovelo. That's why we don't trust a company to engineer a reliable 12 speed, as we hear so often from bad working 6 and 12 speeds. Enough crying, now we feel we are prepared and have build some reliable little bikes 😊 Regards Ben&Sarah
That’s enough failure reports to make a few videos! If we were not already “sold” on travelling with Bromptons, we’re not sure we would choose that bike following your feedback :-) Do you also bring the tools necessary to replace the BB? Instead of buying the 12-speed, we have decided to install dual chainrings (33T/50T) on our 6-speeds. More details in an upcoming video (hopefully, not a failure report video).
Sounds worse than it now is 😂😂 now they work good, but I am not a fan of telling people on the Internet that it is the best, most amazing reliable product ever made and not mention the issues that happened. No, we don't have the BB tool with us, we look up a store, run in there and start crying. We probably gonna make a video about fixing the shifters as well, cause it seems it could help some Brompton owners out. Looking forward to your thoughts about the double chainring and how many shoes you ruined by trying to flip the chain by feet 😁
"Our luck ran out when I fell on a wet gravel surface..." (images of Pam in blood) "... Gilbert was able to do a temporary roadside repair" (of the Brompton luggafe frame). I srongly recommend Gilbert to take better care of Pam next time. As the Tern toolkit, he could also be replaced for a more caring model. On a more serious note, having various problems with different toolkits in the past, I'm using them now only for very short rides and bring instead true, full size, reliable tools when I'm going afar. Cost is equal or less and they are not taking that much more space and weight.
Thanks for your concern, Paulo! Gilbert does take care of me, but he is disappointed that he never catches my falls on video! See you in the summer on the bike path!
Regarding the frame for the bag, the very same thing happened to me. Luckily, I managed to glue mine back together with a strong, epoxy glue (it looks a bit of a mess but it works fine). I genuinely thought the plastic bits would be replaceable. I even went into a Brompton shop thinking they could just switch it out. I honestly think Brompton are missing a trick here and should design/market it as something that’s fixable and sustainable. A bit like the way a rear derailleur hanger is designed so if you crash, it’s less likely to write-off your frame.
Hi, thanks for the great videos. I have taken three flights with the Sightseer, no big problems so far (fingers crossed), just some minor scuffs on the bag. They require patching, but I'm still happy with the bag so far. I'm wondering about taking the seat post out of the bike, wrapping it in pipe insulation or bubble wrap,, and placing it in the bottom of the bag. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of doing that.
Unless you have the T-Line seat tube, I would not be worried about it. In fact, if fully inserted, it will likely protect the front eazy-wheels attach points from collapsing in the event of severe vertical impact on the Sightseer. Just cover the top of the seat post so it doesn’t damage the zipper (as discussed in the video).
As a 6"+ tall Dane our Scandinavian Bromptons are delivered with the Long type, 600mm seat post as Standard (and not the children size, original post!), so trying to put it in a sturdy German B&W travel Box involves taking out the seat post from the bottom, which you may have done in this case? I also have an absurdly expensive, "Vincita Padded Pouch" to cover my folding pedal during transport (I would hate being able to loose my pedal during transport, so I haven't any intention of changing to a lighter but loose pedal!). But if it's tightened to the correct moment, I still doubt I would be able to take my wheel off/loose for repairs, even with the outside cover as a handle? Finn. Denmark
We both have a regular length seat post. We need to remove it as well when we use our (Samsonite) hardcase, but it’s not necessary when using a Dimpa, cardboard box or Vincita Sightseer. Leaving it in place protects the Eazy-wheels from vertical impact (the bottom of the seatpost absorbing the impact instead of the Eazy-wheels).
@@2Bikes4Adventure I also have a oversize wheel extender, with a carbon tube in the middle, for less weight on my now, weighing much less than my original, 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton (for now weighing around 8,5 kilo, and still with mudguards)! I hope to reach below 8 kilo with a little more work on my, mostly brakes and mudguards, but also a new carbon M shaped handlebar!! All for an expensive Fun of it, as I, weighing past 100 kilo, could easily find more obvious ways of loosing combined weight 😁!! Finn
@@2Bikes4Adventure My Brompton has been given all the extra titanium and carbon parts possible. I still need to change all the brackets on my mudguards original titanium stays (Which from the Factory are made from "Uranium"? Even on a - now much former Superlight?). I have a set ready for the change plus some extra parts for my brakes, to be changed. Finn
Plastic tyre levers are always preferable (not only for Brompton wheels). Having said that, careful use of metal ones (especially with relatively flexible tyres) should not be a problem.
Ah, I just ordered the Tern Tool 2.0 online for my new Brompton, based on one of your previous videos😅Was it the 2.0 version that broke in this video? Thanks!
The cool and versatility factor of the Tern tool ain't cool when the cheap cast metal snaps . don't be swayed by slick advertising and looks , use what the mechanics are using l they don't buy junk .
We attach the Sightseer to the Brompton only when travelling to/from the airport, not while touring. We feel it’s too cumbersome, and we like to travel light. Some RU-vidrs tour with it, mounting it sideways on the rear rack, secured with bungees. NOTE: It offers some storage space even when folded.
Lesson 1: From the beginning there have been not any solution superior than Brompton's products. The reason is simple: they 'already' know the most concerns, problems and customers' worries - They always have been trying research and want to design the best solutions and selling them even if it's a little expensive. Need to know that their research teams are not just there to sit behind desks and collect salaries.
Yes but to put it into perspective, we are talking about one incident, not some widely known issue and I'm pretty sure you'll find there has been an issue for someone with every single component on the Brompton and every other quality brand. If there were not we would have not need to good mechs.
I'm about to travel with the Sightseer. I was able to close the zipper with the seat in place (might be a revised version of the bag?). Can you think of a reason not to do that?
Ours did zip up with the saddle installed (we have a regular length seat post). Partly by habit (to fit in a Dimpa for example), we decided to remove it. Not sure it’s particularly vulnerable in the Sightseer, but we learned to never underestimate the destructive power of airline baggage handlers. In hindsight, the bag would have been better off with the saddle on. We will never know if the saddle, the pentaclip or the bottom rack/eazy wheels would have been worse off with the saddle on.
How did it go? I am about to travel to Australia using Vincita. I did last year with B&W and i find th;at suitcase too heavy and bulky. I did leave the seat on. Now, not sure if i should do that in Vincita bag or no.
I head out on Friday. I did take the seat off. The bag with the Brompton and my cycling gear came to 50lb on my home scale. If I find I'm slightly over at check in, I can move the seat to another bag.
Except for the 15mm wrench, the Tern tool is indeed quite similar to the much cheaper version. One can wonder which version was created first (and what is the difference in quality, if any)
Gee, you don't mean to say that lightweight stamped tools and fancy bags and frames don't hold up well? What ever will I spend money on , now? More shattered dreams? My Raleigh20 rusts faster than these things break. Replacement bring up to Raleigh weight, too. /s
![Failure Reports [Tern Tool, Vincita Sightseer, Luggage Frame]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
