Brompton on Irish Rail InterCity trains

lukeod

Hi,

I'm sure there are some Brompton users out there who take them on InterCity trains. How do people store them while on the train, assuming no spare seats. Do they fit on the overhead storage? Any advice from regular users appreciated!

Poxyshamrock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325895/brompton-on-irish-rail-intercity-trains

Luggage racks on Mark IV and 22000 class where you'd store large cases.

Vic_08

They would probably fit behind the seats, a useful luggage space most people ignore.

mikeybhoy

Never heard a fold up bike referred to as a Brompton before

Idleater

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121465714#Comment_121465714

It's a term like "iphone" or "Birkenstock"

😄

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121465714#Comment_121465714

Most famous folding bike in the world.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121463713#Comment_121463713

My 20" Dahon fits behind the last seat and the wall behind. If it was long trip I'd put it underneath the large luggage rack and I'd run a lock though the luggade rack rails. Too heavy for overhead. That would be dangerous.

traco

Generally the luggage area and book a seat that allows me to see the bike if an intercity journey. It will fit on the overhead storage shelf but it is too dangerous and should not be used in my opinion. When folded and on its side it is very unstable, rocks, tilts, spins etc plus it if comes off and hits oneone it will do serious damage. Might be an option is a padded bag if such a thing exists but its still heavy to be above head height.

Commuter routes - depends. If empty train and no luggae space on the carriage I slot it on the floor in the seat beside me and only if near the door so that should teh carriage fill up I can hop out and stand with it at the carriage doors out of the way. On the dart I always stand with it beside me or I stand over it so as to keep as much space free for others when its jammed.

Its always intersting to see peoples reaction when you fold it on a platform, lots are amazed if they haven't seen it before and its been the cause of few chats out of curiosity.

billyhead

Are they allowed on the dart and commuter trains during peak time?

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121465869#Comment_121465869

i wouldnt count iphone as a genericized trademark, if someone is talking about an iPhone they generally mean an iPhone

you might have had a point with 'iPod' as a term for mp3 players in general

bk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121523837#Comment_121523837

I see iPad used a lot for generic tablets too. Less so iPhone.

The most famous example would be Hoover. Jacuzzi, sellotape, too.

Fun fact, Heroin is a brand name owned by the Pharmaceutical company Bayer!

traco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121523792#Comment_121523792

Folding bikes are allowed.

From Irish Rail site:

Fold Up Bikes On-board Trains

Fold up bikes can be carried on-board all services free of charge. Please be sure your bike is folded properly before boarding the train.

Link to page detailing all bicycle related info for Irish Rail:

https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/Travel-Information/Bicycle-Information-for-Rail-Travel

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121525117#Comment_121525117

Cheers. Do you know how hard it is to unfold and fold these bikes?

traco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121525129#Comment_121525129

Here you go, bit of a knack but do it a few times and its very fast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_yTKvxA5oE

lukeod

Thanks for all the replies! I thought I'd get alerts when someone replied but apparently not so only seeing these now.

Good to know about over head storage - agreed it sounds dodgy. Luggage area and a nearby seat seems the best option.

Thanks again.

lukeod

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121465714#Comment_121465714

Hi. I referred to it as a Brompton because my bike is a Brompton. I wouldn't use "Brompton" as a generic term for folding bikes since there are so many brands/types/sizes.

billyhead

Are Brompton one of the best makes of folding bikes available in terms of quality and efficiency?

lukeod

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121530652#Comment_121530652

I think it would be fair to yes, it would be one of the most reputable makes.

Iguarantee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121485354#Comment_121485354

It’s a short list 😁

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121525129#Comment_121525129

You have to practise it a little. I can do my dahon in about 30 secs.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121531368#Comment_121531368

Not sure any other brands have models that stay in production long enough to become iconic..

lukeod

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121531537#Comment_121531537

I've had my Brompton for two days and the folding/unfolding is already quick and easy. There are one or things to know (like positioning of pedals) but it's very easy. The way the handlebars drop into position is very satisfying as the final step of folding.