I honestly think this would have a great market personally. Like even if they just widen there frame to give the consumer options to spec tires it would be very welcomed. I’m also a big advocate for disc brakes. Thanks for watching
Try using grip paste on your seat post to see if the slippage goes away. The grip paste is intended for carbon fiber seat posts but I found it worked for a slipping aluminum seat post in an old Vitus 979 I built up. If it makes the slippage go away there is a tolerance issue for the seat post being a hair under sized or with the seat tube being a hair oversized. You can stay with the grip paste if it works, though is is a little more messy if you are unfolding and folding it a few times a day. Alternatively you need to get a properly sized seat post to match the seat tube of your frame. .
Brompton only goes into developing mode if the aftermarket made something and people buying it for years and love it. That's why next year a 12 gear c line will come. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-T5-p0PoVVtg.htmlfeature=shared
@TheBromptonGuy To see the 12 gear version? There's only 1 video publicly available, and it's from a German bike show. Link in my first comment. (Official German Bike show, Official Brompton stand, Official Brompton employee that talks about it.) No words about cost, no close ups, but they talk about that it would be an evolution of the p lines external 4 speed version.
I would really love this bike with a road tyre for my commute to work, which is on quite rough roads and cycle ways. I am a heavier rider so the fat tyres are a must. I would love a factory version but failing that this is next best. Love it 😁
Yeh there are some amazing in between tyres for your style of riding cause these smart sam's are certainly too big for everyday use and they loss so much power compared to the Kojak road tyres. I hope so much Brompton see a need for a bike that fills this space but watched over 8 hours of interviews withe CEO and it's clear they will never go this direction. Thanks for your support friend.
I watched your video and what I can say is that the project is really very unique, so it is most likely designed for those who understand and who need all these improvements and improvements. For my part, I would like to ask which rims were used in this project... Thanks in advance for the reply.
Thanks for watching and completely agree with your comment! I just built it cause why not (and I need it for a specific event). The rims are Halo T2 20”
I could easily manage with only a hydraulic disc brake in front, as my brake in the back functions well enough to block the wheel, a near any time!! And larger wheels need more room, which will make a conflict with the Brompton Idea of a foldable and compact wonder bike (If in need of a larger wheel "folder", buy/try a "Montague", US Army type bike (Also offered in a civil version), with Standard size wheels and more gears!)! And the small 16" wheels makes it already now a - lousy and heavy bike to ride, so I doubt 20" will be much better, just needing more room? And I mostly use mine on flat roads. Finn. Denmark
Yeah this bike is an absolute heavy beast!! Interested to see if the road wheels massively speed it up. Don’t won’t to give too much away but will have a video coming later in the year where I will maybe be cutting the rear disc In order to so some tests with the bike. Also always mate thanks for your support. Dave
@@TheBromptonGuy On my hand-built, Vision Kilo based Superlight, fully Shimano XTR equipment, MTB I use a 203mm Shimano front disc and 180mm disc in the back, with double caliber Top XTR9120 brakes! They do brake like a dream, not a nightmare, even though I originally was afraid they would be too powerful, and able to block my wheels on a flat road!! You can easily downsize the disc on the wheel in the back. I have a large selection of brackets for the calibers, to be able to move them compared with the size disc! Finn. Denmark
I have found some very special looking alu brackets for my calibers, with a thinner center and just for show, as the ordinary looking brackets are just as good 😆! But they may be a fraction lighter! Finn
Hopefully Brompton will hire you to design some new Bromptons. 20 inch wheels, gearbox and felt drive, hydraulic disk brakes. Old is good, but future should be better.
Sir, appreciate your enthusiasm but please don't use such titles without mentioning that this is a completely custom built project, I've already had friends asking me about the 20 inch Brompton before due to some other dude who did similar stuff and i don't want to have another wave of explaining to them not everything they see on the internet is true.
Interesting. Have you replaced the seat post bush in the frame? It needs to be reamed once replaced. This really needs to be done by a Brompton service shop. Just saying. Fatter tyres = lower pressures. On my Kona Wo fat bike I have the Surly Nate or Jumbo Jim tyres set at around 5-8psi depending on riding terrain/surface.
I have now, took it to a local shop and appears to have worked 🤞🏻 Yeah mine could have definitely been lower and still have so much to learn about the world of MTB
Did you go for electric shifting because you were unhappy with the original Brompton set up or because you thought it'd be more efficient , have you had any teething problems with the new system ?
Video coming in November my friend. TBH Its how easy it is index gears from the head unit if you have any issues mid ride, plus no cable maintenance costs 🤣
The Halfords Carrera orange coloured model is only the only easy to get MTB type set up I have seen off the peg . Prob does not fold that small or weigh like a feather either :). That custom job you did could of been repeated in budget style using cables and V brakes I guess.
Believe it not the brakes were the cheapest upgrade!! Got the set used with everything for £99 quid. Proper bargain and have so much life left in disc and pads. As long as you’re happy to get used parts and can see signs of wear and what to look for bargains to be had. Thanks for watching
A lot of work has gone into that - well done. Two questions - 1. How come you are riding road clipless pedals? Wouldn't you be better off running normal SPDs? 2. Given the massive lean forward angle of the handlebars, does it still fold? Thanks!
I only own road clip less pedals so for the test ride had to use them 🤣 (I’ve now ordered the correct shoes and pedals for off roading now). It doesn’t fold without adjusting them back straight for transport but the only time I do that is if I’m taking it on the train. Trade off between fit and time really 🤷♂️ Thanks for supporting and watching
But as a Special built, it is impressive! I have a 600mm black seat post (Titanium) for mine, which was the Original Size, Scandinavian Post when I bought it (I also have a black telescope post, for a more compact fold, but it is indeed very "HEAVY"!!!). For now I (184cm), for "folding reasons", use a standard 535mm black Titanium Post with an upside turned round clamp, for a higher seat position! I'm then able to put it in my German B&W Travel Box by that, without having to take my "folding bike" apart 😁! You are able to buy a Titanium, ordinary type Brompton fork also for a disc brake in front (China) but I haven't been able to find a similar 16" wheel for it (as for a similar disc-frame in the back!) 🤔. Of course You did it by building wheels yourself. A project not fit for most? Finn. Denmark
@@TheBromptonGuy I actually haven't got a camera or phone able to make/send a picture, but I mostly try to make my bike look as "normal" as possible! Though it is indeed, besides the frame with the Titanium fork and back frame, a much rebuilt bike, though still with its originally looking mudguards. Stays are originally from titanium, as the lightweight type mudguards, but all other parts ("Heavy Metal", originally!) have/will been changed to new and better/lighter versions. As a "Rainy Dane" I don't like the named "Brompton Stripe" up my back during eventual rain or muddy conditions!! My Crank is Titanium with Ceramic balls, as the balls in my fork! All bolts, nuts and (security) parts, - wedge to find, are from titanium, even those holding cables. My original 6 gears could easily be doubled with an extra, double chainring in front, but + an added changer would also add weight! But honestly, except riding on my local and rocky Bornholm, the heavy functioning, internal gears I have, gives enough options. I have seen though, that Chinese Firms offer a 7 chain-gear solution, wheel and shifter, for the back! This would give a considerably lighter function, without the internal, additional friction inside. Finn. Denmark
To get more suspension in the rear, simply fit the standard block and add two standard hose clips (jubilee clips) one in front of the other on the block, this allows individual adjustment of the travel. A bit Heath-Robinson, but it works.
Great input! Thank you. I will certainly be doing tests on adjusting the rear sus because I think it will payoff for the downhills. I actually think with how easy it is to change it would maybe be worth while on longer rides to carry two types and swap out as needed! Thanks for supporting Dave
Very interesting , why do you think Brompton will not make something like your bike ? As you said the appeal with apart of the market which Brompton hasn’t even looked at could be very profitable especially building in numbers would reduce the cost dramatically.
Video coming next month but in short It's my view cause I've watched over 8 hours of interviews with the CEO and the mission is simply "to create urban freedom" and this bike doesn't really help with their mission statement.
Amazing build. Didnt even know, there are DI2 Alfine hubs. Much better then the rotary grip shifter I believe a stock(‘ish) brompton, has some sex appeal too. You just need to fold it down very publicly ;). Yours looks much better when riding.
Yeah it's amazing just how good electric shifting is with the Brompton. micro adjustment at your finger tips. Nothing looks sexier than a super slick fold and roll my friend. Thanks for watching
This is an amazing build. I would love to build a bikepacking version but without the D12. Its a shame Brompton missed the opportunity to make a true adventure Brompton with the Bear Gryls and Alistair Humphries versions. If you did not go for the D12 set up, is there alternative hubs or set ups you considered?
I completely agree!! If they wanted to play with the idea Bear Grylls would have been the perfect outlay. So electric shifting was important for me on this build but hands down when I get the money I'll look at a Rohloff hub for bike packing.
Looks fine, but really, just buy a Vello bike Alfine. It has a Gates belt drive, 11 gears, wider handlebars, 20” wheels and disc brakes, great luggage capacity, and folds very well. All for 2,590 €. It’s also inherently stronger, and rides much, much better as it does not have the cross bar hinge.
Thanks for sharing an should help people choose another option if they wish. However I would be the Brompton guy with converting this puppy. That said other options might be better for folk who don’t like a big build project
Apart from the stronger Vello frame, the 11 gear hub, the belt drive, the disc brakes, the 20” wheels with bigger tyre clearance the Brompton is better. Ha, ha. Brompton gearing is a joke and always has been.
@@Wolfloid Sounds like you are part of vello....maybe Marketing.....There is a reason Bike-stores didnt Like to service the shitty vello-bikes....and they dont got much service-partners.....If you buy one and you got Problems(There are a lot of parts in the vello that dont Work well)and you need Help...good luck!!!! Seems they only want your money
When I travel (when using the train) I raise the handlebars back to a default position and the catch back to forks. I also have a nice little bit of elastic that holds it tight if I can't be bothered to reposition the bars 🤪
How do you justify the cost and performance to make this one of a kind brompton, vs other kind of larger wheel folding bike eg. helix from canada The weight could be similar, the drive train could be easily modified, and the folding form factor is very similar
You make a solid point and suppose my only response is passion! I love to tinker, build and solve problems and this bike ticked all the boxes. This bike is custom and does carry a heavy toll of cost but I love it so much cause it has everything I want on it. I agree!! if you just want a folding bike that already has it they are WAY... cheaper than this project. Would I go back and save the money on one of those bikes?? Certainly not but I love building bikes even though it costs an arm and a leg lol. Thanks for supporting the channel.
This would seem to answer a lot of question the Original brompton makes me nervous about, that is how about heavy riders over potholes, down canal towpaths, mud and grass parkland shortcuts, and the occasional drop kerb that isn't. I do suspect that the reason Brompton doesn't do this is that its going to be too much of a lump for London rail/tube commuters (and permissive rail authorities) that are their core.
Was going to release my first off roading video next Wednesday but might move it to Sunday and move the cost breakdown video 🤔 but yes way more to come!!!
Looks like a Brompton R&D department, as innovation is not their strong point. I could never understand why Brompton never used wider hub spacings thus allowing the Alfine hub solving the Heath Robinson gear change I have on my SL6 speed. I suppose it was the obsession with city bike and narrow profile when folded.
Completely agree with everything you've said above 110%. My person opinion is they have focused so much on scaling up there currently product and getting it to ship around the world they don't have time or space for a frame that's a different spec. They don't even make the T Line in there main factory! Thanks for supporting
Everything was honestly fine! Struggle on the really wet bits after the big puddle but that was all really. I mean I wouldn’t recommend it but I found it really fun 🤩
They come from Glasgow from a shop in Glasgow called Kinetics. Video of mine about it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6I-Jpj3JwPA.htmlsi=eX9NNZ2qq_bT18s3
A really interesting build. I don't care for the Di2 stuff but a 'gravel' build ie wider tyres is something that I think brompton should think about. they had the ideal opportunity to test the market with the bear grylls x brompton offering although tool up costs might have made it prohibitive. i think your tyres are too chunky but one could argue you have done that to show the art of the possible. perhaps panaracer gravel king sk's would be a better bet if they did them in the right size( 20x1.9?) as that would then lend the bike to being a smooooth bike for the pot holed british roads but then also make the bike perfectly suitable for tow paths, some bridal ways and tracks. good informative video!
This is a great input and as someone new to off roading valuable!! Indeed I’m shown the extreme limit of tyre size and have so much experimenting to do with both size and pressure. I mainly got di2 for the road size and think a Rohloff hub would be way better for the off roading side.
What a great build you have created there pal, patent it as yours and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank 😉, I'm 6-2 also and I'm under 100kgs and it was a pain in the arse-cheeks excuse the pun as the seatpost kept slipping down, I've just had to tighten the quick release a little bit more but in doing so can increase the risk of cracking the frame, has been fine since doing this a couple of week's ago and I've ridden just over 250mls so fingers 🤞, anyway look forward to what content you have coming, cheers..
lol so true! Yeah I think I'm at the same point my friend! going to replaced the plastic insert first just to rule out its not just worn out with age. Has to be a proper fix somewhere I'm sure. Thanks again for the support friend.
I use a nicely cast, brass finger-nut on my quick release. I release it and adjust it to a proper tension then. You are able to buy some friction paste for a saddle pin, but I don't know if it will be of any help in this case? As a tall guy I just pull out my standard, titanium post in full, and then punch it down again during my rides. Finn. Denmark
When you say clamp do you mean hub? I can fit any size of disc to my hub as long as it’s a centre but I feel I might be missing what you’re trying to explain
@@TheBromptonGuy Between the caliber and the bike frame you most likely have a distance clamp for the positioning of the caliber according to the size of the disc! I think it is normally about three/four sizes, from large to small. Mine is the old type side-mount, and I had to test and try to find the right shape for my new wheels and discs, 203 and 180mm and my new Shimano XTR 9120 calibers. I don't know what type Yours are? But if you want a smaller disc in the back, you need to be able to move the caliber in according to the new size. Finn
Thank you for the feedback. Watched it back and thought the volume was ok but little too late for me to tweak now. Thanks for the editing feedback also think it was to draw on the episode before building up to the reveal intro
I’ve had the Alfine 11 for two years now on a Vello bike. No leaks, no problems just smooth riding and reliable gear changes. I’m sure the Alfine will be far superior than anything Brompton has offered so far.
@@WolfloidGood it works for you. If you google it, there are lot of reports on oil leaks. For example on cyclingabout.. the new announced Brompton G line use alfine 8 hub, rather use that instead of the 11!
Thanks for the input! This bike was made to show what a Brompton can do/be. I'm certainly not saying its the best at going off road but I reckon this style of bike is great for people that commute that little but further from city that maybe go thought less than perfect tarmac and/or loose gravel. With that idea in mind the extra rolling resistance of the 20" goes a long way. Hope that answer helps with regards to the build itself.
A 20" Brompton is still smaller than other folding bikes. While the big mtb tires make it wider, thinner 20" tires are also available only make it a bit taller and longer, but not that much wider. So the compactness nearly stays the same, while you also get the benefits of bigger 20" wheels.
Just put my 20" Kojak road tires on today and it's a completely different weapon now!! and yes it really doesn't make the Brompton any bigger an IMO it feels like a better fit for me and makes a 6ft 2 man look a little less silly 🤪@@FunFreakeyy
@@TheBromptonGuyI'm 6"6' and only tested a Brompton at Eurobike, but want to get one in the future and I'm fine to entertain some people if they find the looks silly. 😊 But on a serious note, I already looked after Kinetics upgrades, mostly for a better gearing option, maybe a Kindernay, and if I would invest in that I would also take the 20".
The Kindernay looks great but Rohloff is certainly a fan favourite that's tried and test for reliability. As a shorter rider that yourself this upgrade to the 20" makes perfect sense and the bike honestly feels like it just fits me better but bare in mind I did get the MT frame which is even longer. However as you probably know it's a SERIOUS investment with that level of kit. I've spent just under £2500 doing this conversion and that's even with used parts!! I would 100% endorse the quality of Kinetics but if your dropping over £3000 on a folding bike you better be sure your buying it because having a bike that folds that is a good spec is ESSENTIAL. If I can help in anyway let me know. Dave @@FunFreakeyy
people always like to use a spoon where the fork is needed :D weak frame, small wheels, no suspension forks, this should be horrible offroad comparing to an mtb
