Food Shopping with the Brompton - 5 Tips to make it easier 

I don't have a rack, so I put the Brompton in the supermarket trolly, as you do. There is just enough space remaining in the trolly to put the shopping itself, plus the T-bag. Another thing. I have noticed that I always get an audience for the folding and trolly stashing operations, and another, when it is time to lift out, unfold, load up, and go. And then there are the people who ask you to do it AGAIN, because they missed it the first time!

Good to get an honest non BS review about something like this as I was given the impression that it was "easy" to use a Brompton as a shopping trolley. But definitely some things to be aware of, which you highlighted.Thanks.

Excellent video, with good advice. Also, much good advice in the comments section, too. Thanks all-round.

My Brompton has a Rack but mine has a S Type Bar and I was considering doing some light shopping on my bike. Thank for sharing that no bs review about your experience.

Many thanks from Italy, great video very useful!!! Merry Christmas and happy new year with ours Brommie!!!

Awesome video man! Love the editing!

I bought a telescopic extender and bigger EazyWheels because I didn't want a rack. Using the handlebars it is easy now to roll the folded bike over any surface and it is untippable. I haven't been brave enough to use it as a shopping trolley, but if that is your aim, then I would recommend going this way for sure.

Best video about using the Brompton for shopping. All the others use the rack and make it look easy. The Brompton is simply not a shopping cart. Now if I could get mine to stop tipping over when I have my messenger bag on the front block. hahaha

Great tip to put the heavy weight on the right side, it sure helps the stability. Keep Safe! Keep Riding!

Thank you for sharing! I have just started using my Brompton for shopping. It has a rack, and it's using standard wheels (for now). It works, but it requires a bit of practice. I'm looking forward to receiving the easy wheels, extender, and the Rotacasters I've ordered. That should make it a lot easier! 😁

Great video, Like the hat too, Hope you're well.

I still carry mine in the grocery but hoping to get a front roll top luggage and easy wheels soon. Nice video!

Hi. I am using easywheel extenders. And the mudgard Wheel is a double, not one original. Rolls better. But still Needs to be on supermarket floors, outside rolling I take off the bag until unfolding.

One point: In the UK, T.E.Stockwell COmpany supermarket sometimes challenges even bringing a folded Brompton inside

Another really useful and informative film - I have to admit, I have used one of mine a couple of times but like you, my usual port of call is to fold and pop into a trolly! Adding the wheel extension bar was a massive help to stability, and I put a pair of in-line skate wheels on that (80mm I think) which also assists mobility but I have to keep an eye not to catch my heels on when pedalling. I love that the Brompton comes in with me, but am not bothered that it’s easier by trolly - as you say, it’s a bike not a shopping cart 😂 Stay safe 🤗

Feels like I would be working for the bike instead of it working for me... Thanks for the video!

I bought my Brompton 12 years ago with a rack and used it for camping trips etc. But after seeing so many people using it with out a rack, I removed it to save weight. A two weeks later I put the rack back on again, because I missed it so much.

I have the M3R version, with roller wheels as esaywheels. When the Brompton is folded, I attach the wheel to the frame with a piece of velcro. So I can extend the seat post and use the saddle as a handle. It is much easier to use like that and it is more stable. I think you should also use a suitable bag, the C BAG for example, is not practical for shopping ...

I got an aftermarket block, attached it to a milk crate with some plates and use that as my basket. I keep the handlebar extended and hold on to it. Will add the rack in the future, but for now it works fine. The 10kg weight limit gets reached quickly with beverages. 1 gallon~=8lbs. I don't think it would be very good on carpeting using the stock rollers.

Why not install a rack? *This improves the stability even more than an extender, both parked or rolling. *It rolls way better than with that pathetic “wheel” mounted on the back fender. *The rack enables you to take larger items with you, like toilet paper. *You can transport a kid standing on it (for short distances). *It serves as a bike stand for easy removing of the back wheel in case of a puncture (from the parked position, rotate the front half backwards till this rests on the seat). *It makes the rear light much better visible. *It protects the rear fender, and eliminates the load of the third “wheel” on this rear fender. *It enables the use of for example a rack bag, to create enough storage space for camping gear together with a T-bag. *With a rack maneuvering the bike as a shopping cart can be done by the steering wheel instead of the handle bar of the bag, giving more control over the bike. These 9 advantages easily outweigh the additional weight and cost for me. Installing it afterwards will cost approximately €125 on parts. It is not very difficult and the cable of the rear light is long enough. Do use Loctite where no self locking nuts are used.

The original small wheels are in my opinion rather useless, so I changed them to a larger version at once, and also a telescope easy-wheelset, with a carbon tube in the middle for less weight, and raised to be more usefull when folded.

My Brompton doesn’t have a rack either and I use it as a shopping cart with the handlebar up. It is unstable indeed as you very accurately pointed. But since I’ve just use it this way every now and then it doesn’t represent a problem. If the load becomes very heavy , I do need to take the bag (I have the S-bag) off the carrier block before unfolding completely. One thing that I’ve noticed which I don’t like is that the rear wheel often touches the floor; this makes the wheel roll, and the little chain coming from the SturmyArcher hub hits the sprockets helping it from rolling freely. It feels like I’m forcing it 🥵

Simple answer. Lock your Brommy outside the shop, use a regular trolley and load your Brommy up afterwards. Saves double loading and thus time. I've been doing this for over five years and it's so easy - !

Try using the saddle as a handle.

It's possible that pulling it by the handle of the bag, especially while loaded, could put quite a strain on the block and the latching system.

I made a change to my shopping is oat milk and fruit juices I get delivered by the milkman in glass pint bottles and has cut the weight from my shopping. I cycle on my Brompton and walk to and from the shops MCR

I have an Electric and I made the following alterations. Brompton rack and mudguard. 2 Rotacastors from Australia replace frame wheels on an extender bracket. 2 Rapid Omniwheels drilled out to take a pair of bearings each for the rearmost wheels on rack. Valerias shopping front bag from Spain (electric specific, need an Electric large frame) When shopping I hang on left from saddle using handle of a Vincita rack bag with Rixen and Kaul UniKlip fitting. That gives all counterbalance needed. Time from riding to shopping? About 2 minutes max.

Don't know where you live, but I have no issues locking up my M3 outside almost any shop here in Norwich - !

I own an M6R and I can say it's not that easy to maneuver about in folded state either, I usually lock my bike outside the supermarket, I'm much faster down the aisles that way so I can be in & out quickly.

Hi Stephen tried to use my Brompton at my local Asda , folded and with a rack and wheels of the floor, half way through the shop a security guard as if I would remove myself and the bike as he said it was against there health and safety rules so beware, I feel from you shop is are they more receptive to using the bike as a trolley, are you able to suggest other foods shops, I found Halfords allows bikes in to look around. I would like to use it more as a shopping as I feel the bike is more secure with you?

This setup corners on a sixpence, as any rubber wheels need to be lifted to steer properly.

Would you consider getting a rear rack for it?

have you considered eazywheel extender?

Then you don't have to lock up your bike The United States it's hard to find a good bike lock in front of the grocery store

Without the rack just bung it in the trolley. These bikes are nit really forbig shops, just a bagful.