We’ve all seen a competent Brompton aficionado transforming their bike from a complete commuter machine into a compact carry-on in the blink of an eye... but how long does it take to achieve that level of slickness? We wanted to find out.
Towards the end of last year, Brompton launched the new ‘P Line’ range of its popular folding bike. The new design features a titanium rear end and forks, along with a new wheelset that combines to bring the weight down to a very manageable 10kg.
The use of titanium hasn’t, according to Brompton, changed the strength of the bike. Another thing that hasn’t changed is the folding procedure (apart from the new super premium T Line, that Brompton claims has a slightly slicker fold) and it is this that we are testing out in the video.
Brompton says that its bikes can be folded up in just 20 seconds; and when you’re rushing to make the next train, each of those seconds counts.
> Buyer's Guide - The 6 best folding bikes for 2022
So, how long does it take to learn to fold the bike up quickly? Having never used a Brompton or any folding bikes, I was tasked with figuring it out without help. We didn’t watch any instructional videos, and those behind the camera weren’t allowed to offer anything other than gentle mocking.
The trick, as I found out, is that there are set positions that things need to be in for each step of the process. The cranks, for example, need to be set in a way that the pedals don’t get in the way once you start to fold the bike.
And then there is a certain technique to actually getting the frame to fold. I found it's more of a lifting action of the head tube than an actual 'fold'.
> Supercharge your commute! | Top tips for commuting success
Once you get the technique of these two key movements dialled, the slowest part of the job is unscrewing the brackets that secure the frame and the steerer tube. But the question is... could I get my time down to Brompton’s claimed 20 seconds? Watch the video to find out.
I'd give half an arm for some semi-humerous articles today. Well, maybe 1/4 of one.
Can someone who understands the finer points explain why Van Aert isn't being supported for a yellow jersey? He is the only rider that seems...
Funnily enough Chris Boardman covered this in his technical slot yesterday. Its actually against race rules to ride along the edges/gutter of the...
A couple we've seen already this tour:...
I noticed Viagra was being advertised during the TdF highlights on ITV4 last night too!
Why did the Beeb decide to blank out their [his] numberplate?...
That makes sense; I'd missed that...
Nope, if that were the case everyone with 12 points or more would have been banned. Totting bans are (or are not) imposed by the court - https:/...
Double check the spindle length with calipers, and also confirm its symettrical in the frame....
I will try the reboot. Only 6 months old