Buying a brompton - where?

candlegrease · 05-09-2021 9:30pm #1

I see halfords sell them online. Anywhere in person? Is it recommended to go and see in person?

themighty · 05-09-2021 10:19pm

My brother picked his up in McConvey's in Belfast, with a BTW. I think it came in about €400 cheaper than down here at the time. It's a few years ago now mind, I don't know if that still the case or not.

Edit: There are different handlebar variations, and a couple of other options. I went up with him to check them out (from Louth so the trip wasn't too bad). I think it would be worth checking out what suits you, if you can find a dealer that's local enough to you.

browne_rob5 · 05-09-2021 10:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058207532/buying-a-brompton-where

https://store28287025.company.site/BROMPTON-c64309010

I bought mine here in 2017. They are usually made to order so probably not possible to see in person.

Victor · 05-09-2021 10:37pm

There are probably other makes of foldable bikes, but without the prominence of the Brompton name.

wersal gummage · 05-09-2021 11:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117851404#Comment_117851404

Indeed.

I have a (I think) very decent folding bike called a Tern P10, can get up a reasonable speed on it but suspect the folding mechanism is not as slick as a Brompton

Hurrache · 06-09-2021 11:07am

Cycle Superstore usually have some on display.

tomasrojo · 06-09-2021 11:30am

I think the store I got mine in is closed now. It was a long time ago.

As said already, you get to mix a few different options: three handlebar types, four options for transmission (single-speed, three-speed hub, two-speed derailleur, six-speed combination of derailleur and hub gear), and colour of frame and fork. You used to be able to get titanium fork and rear triangle for a lighter bike; maybe you still can. You also can chose a standard-length seat post, a longer seat post, and a telescopic seat post if you're very tall.

Anyway, it's probably worth trying out the bike in store to get exactly what suits you. I did this, and it was useful, but I still had to wait for a few weeks to get the bike I'd ordered assembled and delivered to the store.

CantGetNoSleep · 06-09-2021 1:33pm

Was there a place in Limerick that did them?

Aside from the suggestions above, you also need to chose if you want an R (rear rack) or L (just mudguards) version. The rear rack isn't a lot of use as the front bag system on a Brompton is fantastic, but it does make it more stable when folded (e.g. you can set it up as a shopping cart). You can choose a built in dynamo, or the extra light titanium mentioned above (but it is 800€+ more expensive, to save 800g)

I'm a huge fan of my Brompton and would recommend one to anyone. I own road and gravel bikes but I enjoy my Brompton every bit as much, even for longer 50km+ slower rides. I would advise trying to do a test ride though, particularly to choose between M, H and S handlebars