It’s the way I’d go, I think. Cut out the expense of buying a Brompton or similar. That said, Brompton bikes do hold their value.
Brompton Bikes
- Thread starter Udders
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It’s the way I’d go, I think. Cut out the expense of buying a Brompton or similar. That said, Brompton bikes do hold their value.
I think the problem with storing bikes on the outside, is the fear of theft.
You either end up putting extra locks and a cover or the toerags half inch it.
You either end up putting extra locks and a cover or the toerags half inch it.
Indeed.
I already have a Thule folding bike carrier that I used on the cars tow ball.
The big issues with doing that on my van though is …..
1. I won’t be able to open the back doors
2. I’ll be parking in some very isolated places and definitely don’t want to leave it outside overnight anywhere.
3. I don’t want anyone seeing that I have an Ebike with me.
That’s why I’m looking for a folding robust type bike.
You can get racks that hang on one door, I had one, years back, doors will still function, not that I'd open them loaded with thee bikes.I already have a Thule folding bike carrier that I used on the cars tow ball.
The big issues with doing that on my van though is …..
1. I won’t be able to open the back doors
2. I’ll be parking in some very isolated places and definitely don’t want to leave it outside overnight anywhere.
3. I don’t want anyone seeing that I have an Ebike with me.
That’s why I’m looking for a folding robust type bike.
If it's isolated there'll be few wrong 'ens. You could drop a wheel out and sleep with it.
Covers are available.
However, the ex went to Ireland with the kids and some desperate soul had the brake blocks away, probably on the ferry. Desperation, or malice?
I do know where you're coming from, but small wheels are far from optimal off-road, more a bloody liability.
I remember my dad having a folding bike, ex para's i think, a couple of wing nuts split the frame, not as sophisticated as today's offerings, but full sized wheels and not lightweight.
If you really want an offroad bike that can 'fold' then there are options.
Not cheap and not an Ebike, starting at £1549
Not cheap and not an Ebike, starting at £1549
I do indeed have an Electric G-Line and as most of my morning cycles are around old tow paths that are hard compacted gravel it's been perfect so far. It's no "Off Road" bicycle, but it is built to take a few more knocks than the P / C Line and the 20" wheels roll really well to. I use it virtually every morning for a 15-18 mile circuit around the local country park, canal side and through a couple of business parks. I'm working from home, sat down most of the day, so even though it is electric, it's still enough to burn a few calories and wake me up for work. I don't think I've been in assistance mode 3 yet, I use it mostly in 1, with a foray into 2 on the odd bit's of ascent.
I can also use it in "Shopping cart" mode still, and it's pretty stable to push around on the roller rack when I'm on my fortnightly trek to the butchers for supplies. I honestly don't think there's anything out there as flexible.
It works really well for me, and so far, 14 months down the line, I am really happy with it, and it's handled the rougher stuff really well. I use it so often, I now need new tyres after only 14 months
This is good to hear as we have two electric G Line Bromptons on order. We plan to use them from our motorhome, stored in the garage thereof. I've previously had a C Line with a Swytch kit which was a bit 'twitchy'!
My bog standard electric Brompton will pull a modest wheelie, when first peddling away.
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The G-Line is way less twitchy, feels more like a full size bike.
You can get a very good used "normal" modern Brompton for under £750 - and if you don't like it it will sell for near what you paid for it
why not give it a try
I'm biased as I collect Bromptons, mainly the older bikes, I have maybe 20 or a few more
why not give it a try
I'm biased as I collect Bromptons, mainly the older bikes, I have maybe 20 or a few more
I have three ‘standard’ Bromptons, two of which I bought via UKGSer.
1. My original, which now has ARC electric drive.
2. One, Brompton electric, bought via UKGSer.
3. One, basic non-electric, bought via UKGser.
I might sell two and put the money towards an electric P-line. I need to go and see one in the flesh. I have though also been considering an electric ‘conventional’ bike:
Use my Brompton around London and where I know it’s going to be smooth and reasonably flat. The Cube for longer jaunts and / or for when it’s not ideal Brompton country.
1. My original, which now has ARC electric drive.
2. One, Brompton electric, bought via UKGSer.
3. One, basic non-electric, bought via UKGser.
I might sell two and put the money towards an electric P-line. I need to go and see one in the flesh. I have though also been considering an electric ‘conventional’ bike:
Use my Brompton around London and where I know it’s going to be smooth and reasonably flat. The Cube for longer jaunts and / or for when it’s not ideal Brompton country.
Cube are very under rated bikes. I love my Cube emtb.
You wanna be careful doing stunts at your age!
Are the tubed or tubeless tyres?I do indeed have an Electric G-Line and as most of my morning cycles are around old tow paths that are hard compacted gravel it's been perfect so far. It's no "Off Road" bicycle, but it is built to take a few more knocks than the P / C Line and the 20" wheels roll really well to. I use it virtually every morning for a 15-18 mile circuit around the local country park, canal side and through a couple of business parks. I'm working from home, sat down most of the day, so even though it is electric, it's still enough to burn a few calories and wake me up for work. I don't think I've been in assistance mode 3 yet, I use it mostly in 1, with a foray into 2 on the odd bit's of ascent.
I can also use it in "Shopping cart" mode still, and it's pretty stable to push around on the roller rack when I'm on my fortnightly trek to the butchers for supplies. I honestly don't think there's anything out there as flexible.
It works really well for me, and so far, 14 months down the line, I am really happy with it, and it's handled the rougher stuff really well. I use it so often, I now need new tyres after only 14 months
View attachment 520386View attachment 520387
I’m guessing the battery is in the bag at the front? Does this make it unstable?
You wanna be careful doing stunts at your age!
It quite surprised me, I must say.
On the small wheeled Brompton, the battery (quite heavy) alone - hung on the front- is fine.
However, if you add the bag to the battery and put anything even modestly heavy in the bag, the head starts to wag the dog.
Much better is to use the rack on the back and the very good Brompton rack bag.
However, if you add the bag to the battery and put anything even modestly heavy in the bag, the head starts to wag the dog.
Much better is to use the rack on the back and the very good Brompton rack bag.
Tubeless on my G-Line, they come with tubes, but are sealed rims and all you need to do is whip the tubes out, add some Stans, and you are ready to go.
Battery does not interfere with stability at all, the 20" rims and fairly fat tyres dial any instability out, it actually handles pretty well, goes where you point it, grips well and handles well (Jesus I sound like I own a Triple black rallye denali touratech edition GSA now
)I've got the handlebar remote fitted to, so there's a short burst "Turbo" mode you can access using that for a quick getaway from congested junctions if you need it to.
My preferred shopping configuration
I bought a Giant Explore E+1 e-bike during lockdown. Virtually identical to that cube. Very capable bikes - roads, light trails etc with a very good range if used with lower power settings. I put some panniers on mine and used the bike for a couple of nights away, taking my charger with me, and making sure the overnight stop has somewhere to store the bike.
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