10 Bike Hacks for your Brompton

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Here are 10 easy-to-implement bike hacks to get the most out of your Brompton folding bike.
I hope you enjoy!
Check out how Chris packs her Brompton!
Chris by Bike: • Unpacking My Brompton
In the last video, I showed you six accessories you can get for your Brompton. Some of those really make your ride more convenient, but still, cost you some money. Today I will do something a bit different and share 10 Brompton hacks that will make your life easier, for free. Most of them, you can do with supplies you probably have at home.
When going for a bike ride, people usually carry a pack of tools, in case they get a flat tire, or the brakes run out of adjustment. These packs usually consist of tire levers, a patch kit, an extra tube, a pump, a multi tool and some cash. Carrying this tool bag every time you go out for a ride can be quite inconvenient. But well, you do not need that on the Brompton. This bike has an air pump that sits attached to the rear triangle and a toolkit that is stored inside of the bike frame. The only piece that is missing here is an extra inner tube. We can, however, store a spare tube on the other side of the top tube. To do that, first grab a new Brompton inner tube and remove it from its packaging. We are going to have to fold it in half, but we do not want to do it like this. We want to keep it laterally symmetric when it is folded, so the result should look something like this. Make sure you keep the valve pointing straight out, and not to the side. Then, use some PVC film you may have in your kitchen to press it as tight as possible. It may help to have an extra pair of hands here if anyone is around to assist you. Once you are done with that, use some tape to prevent the film from unrolling. Finally, we are going to insert it into the frame. Notice how the inner tube has a curvature that kind of matches the curvature of the frame. This is the orientation we want to insert it into the top tube. If we flip it vertically, the curvature of the inner tube will not match the curvature of the frame, and the inner tube can get stuck in there. Now, insert the tube into the bike with the valve pointing outwards. If you’re afraid the tube will slide in or get stuck in there, you can also use a string to connect it to the clamp bolt, like this, and prevent the tube from going too deep into the bike frame. I personally do not use a string myself, since I can just tilt the bike and the valve will stick right out. The inner tube actually slides quite easily inside of the frame if you tilt the bike back and forth. You may be concerned about the inner tube getting damaged, but it has not happened to me, and my last inner tube was in perfect condition after over a year of being kept inside of the frame like this.
The second hack is for those of you who do not own the Brompton toolkit, and are willing to accept an improvised solution. Just grab two tire levers, a cheap small multi tool, a patch kit and a small Ziploc bag. Put everything in the Ziploc bag as tight as possible. Now put it in front portion of the frame, where the original Brompton toolkit would go. Keep in mind that it may fall out while transporting the bike with the frame open, so you can use a piece of electrical tape to prevent the tools from falling out. It does not look good but, well, you have got yourself a hack.
Now, since we are talking about storing stuff inside of the bike, there is a bit more we can do. Zip ties can come quite handy when improvising solutions on the bike. And so is some duct tape and some electrical tape. So, let us keep them in the bike as well. Grab an old pen you will not need anymore, remove the cap and the cartridge. Now, wrap some tape around it. You can use different kinds of tape if you want. If you ever need a piece while on the road, you just have to unroll the amount you need. You can also stick some zip ties in it. Again, put it in a Ziploc bag, along with some extra, larger zip ties. Now, lower the seat post and remove the lower cap and shove it all in there. Fit the cap back into place. If you ever need a zip tie or some extra strong tape, you know where to find it.
You may be curious to know why I have a wire running across the seat post. Well, both my front and rear lights are powered by my dynamo hub, and I decided to install a second rear light closer to the saddle. It is connected to the main rear light in parallel, and the cable runs from underneath the bike, up the seat post and into the rear light. I attached the light to the telescopic seat post clamp using, you guessed it, a zip tie.
Char. limit reached.

[@londy1234]

I don’t know if it has been mentioned, but puting a small magnet to the plastic bag with tools will prevent the bag from falling when the bike is disassembled.

[@roddymacd6284]

I have the Dimpa ikea bag lined on one side with a cutdown camping sleeping mat. I stuck it in with double sided tape. Just so it wouldn't damage anything while laying down on its side.

[@Muddy283]

You don't need to fold and tape the inner tube. Stick it fully extended into the frame tube (with the valve remaining at the front), push it right back and then wedge the valve against the protruding bit that the frame clamp screws into. The fact that it is fully lengthwise squeezes it so the valve pushes against that protruding bit. That way the inner tube never gets lost at the back of the frame tube. I've done this for several years now and I've never had a problem.

[@michaelthibault7930]

An alternative to polyethylene film: heat-shrink tubing. Essentially a thermoplastic tube, delivered in flattened form (like the new inner tube), and available in different widths (and colours). Get a size (width) large enough to easily accommodate a new inner tube and apply heat to the heat-shrink tubing. You can massage the works while getting to the maximum shrunk size -- if you're wearing gloves-- , so as to produce a more uniformly cylindrical finished product. You don't _have_ to shrink it fully; you can choose to get it 'snug', and later re-fill and re-shrink to get a second use out of the heat-shrink tubing (it's not cheap). And, of course, you don't need to use a length of the tubing equal to the folded length of the inner tube -- you can use several short sections, if you want to pinch pennies. Multiple short sections makes the finished product more flexible and more easily installed in the frame. Short sections also makes it easier to break down the whole when needed.

[@5p1n0za]

A definite "yes, please!" on the video for the seatpost dynamo light setup.

[@mickepersson3147]

Yes please 😊

[@lonestarlaurel8620]

Me too.

[@carlosduarte85]

where is that video ? ;)

[@acivilconversation18]

Quality video! Really useful tips, especially for the inner tube storage. Had my Brompton for 3 months now and absolutely love it!

[@gesa5187]

Now I really want a Brompton, because the hacks are so cool.

[@effyleven]

I too carry a flattened plastic bag as back-up carrying capacity. However, an alternative way to mount the bag when it is called into use, is to hang it directly on the top of the saddle such that you can sit on its handles and let the bag hang down behind. This keeps the handlebars free, and, unless you have a particularly sensitive tush, you won't even know it's there! I use this method for the light but bulky stuff, say a box of cornflakes, or some paper kitchen rolls. Of course, the length of the seat tube leaves lots of space for a carrier bag to hang down unobstructed, so this idea works rather better on a Brompton than on a bike with normal-sized wheels. Note: I have not had any trouble with heelstrike, and the lack of a rack is not a problem, either. In fact, the simple act of hanging a carrier bag on the saddle was one of my most useful Brompton ideas.

[@danieljames2718]

I have never considered a Brompton. But today I watched two Vlogs showing a Brompton. 1st made the trip from England to Sweden and now your Vlog. Awesome! Enjoyed both and learnt a lot about the Brompton. I like the bike. Thanks for showing.... PS The hacks are awesome...

[@nateums]

If you don’t want to use tape to keep stuff in the front inner tube you can use rubber gloves 🧤 to keep things in there

[@marizeleznik3165]

Love the zip ties and Whole Food bags! I'm learning about my Brompton 6ML.

[@mikekearsley2407]

Like the extra tire tube hidden in the bike frame. I also put a small pocket knife in this area of the frame. After 25 airplane travel trips no issues with a concealed knife in the frame thru TSA.

[@Ankataa]

Great video! Thanks! Didn't realize that you could take the cap off the bottom of the seatpost. I also like the inner tube placement and the wrapping of tape around a pen trick!

[@EverydayCycling]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@aikok.5635]

Serious really love all of your videos, super useful and you explain them so well!!!

[@EverydayCycling]

Ahh thank you for watching!!

[@trailblazerEHT]

Very helpful tips indeed. Thanks for shearing.

[@GA-ko4ew]

Fantastic! Really clever! Thank you.

[@jeromemullet115]

Merci ... génial toutes ces idées !

[@lonestarlaurel8620]

Grateful for some useful news I can use! Thanks!

[@rodrigofraga1]

Great as always Victor! I was missing your videos, Cheers

[@itsfahys]

Ingenious Hacks. Got me thinking about my own bikes now.

[@heidrunwanner2924]

Thanks for the tips! They are useful not only for Brompton!

[@dwest200]

GREAT video! Thanks you for creating it👍

[@satchelle]

We missed you! Thanks for this very informative video 😊

[@raymondchew8894]

Thanks for all the ideas.

[@jacc88888]

Great hacks! Thanks. Will also check out the IKEA bag.

[@ngchiwo]

Very useful. Thanks for sharing!

[@clementihammock7572]

Thanks Pal, this is neat stuff.

[@estelletennent7132]

I so enjoyed this hacks. Thank you.

[@Boomshion]

It’s a brilliant way to hack inner tube!

[@MartinSchabbauer]

I learned a lot, indeed. Thanks for the ride :)

[@garymoore8711]

Regards the tire tube hack. Don't destroy the zip tie. Just use a small penknife blade to release the catch and pull the end back out to be reused again.

[@maurice_walker]

The last one came in super handy! I have to replace the front mudguard but can't flip the bike upside down because of the shifters. This works! My back thanks you. On a side note, I'm a bit confused about the flat tire obsession (carrying a spare tube and tools everywhere). Is that a real issue for some people? My Brompton is almost 8 years old, I've cycled tens of thousands of kilometres in multiple countries but didn't have a flat tire once. It came with Schwalbe Marathon tires and I later upgraded to Marathon Plus. These are essentially indestructible.

[@ismaelc5758]

Very useful video and a lot of cheap solutions. Thanks a lot. Regards

[@royyanramdhanidjayusman7711]

Fantastic, thank you!

[@karenhotaru3702]

Thanks a lot for this helpful hacks!!!

[@EverydayCycling]

Thank you for watching!!

[@msato8650]

Brilliant hacks! Thanks.

[@niccat7051]

Great tips 👍 Thank you 😊

[@louiscastero6566]

Awesome hacks~ thanks for sharing mate.

[@leejoycechung2162]

Super informative. Thanks so much Victor.

[@EverydayCycling]

Glad you enjoyed it! Long time no see (my fault)!

[@emmal1399]

you are finally back!!! I’m so happy

[@EverydayCycling]

I'm happy you're happy!

[@brightlightdun]

Thanks for the share. It is nice

[@hingtong5110]

Great ingenious hacks! You are a Renaissance Man who really know this bike and how to make it be so versatile! I really enjoyed watching your magical videos, even I don't have the Brompton, and can't afford it in my lifetime.

[@dagmarMcNally6250]

Thanks so much for the Video and the great ideas. It's perfect and practical 👌 😍 😌 ☺️

[@mattbalajadia]

Glad that you're back!

[@EverydayCycling]

Ahh good to see you're here!

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

Brilliant!

[@pascalbruyere7108]

Good ideas applicable to some other bikes.

[@RenM908]

Recommendation for alternative tool is the Tern tool. It comes with a saddle bag that fits pretty snug, is half the price of the brompton tool and has a chain breaker. If you don’t mind not having a ratchet tool, I recommend it.

[@EverydayCycling]

It is a good option!

[@codak29]

@RenM908 My Tern tool just fell off my Brompton. The velcro on the little bag is garbage. Saddlebags should attach to the big in at least two places.

[@RenM908]

@@codak29 I currently don't have it on my saddle as I have a custom saddle bag for my Brompton which that tool is in, along with a spare inner tube and some other items. Sorry the bag it came in didn't work out for you. The tool itself I haven't had a problem with since getting it. I have heard it attaches much better on the Tern bikes which makes sense

[@coms00]

great suggestions!

[@jasonloke2219]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing. Your hacks are really useful.

[@EverydayCycling]

Glad you like them!

[@taber247]

Hi, thank you for the vlogs. My rear rack shock cords are tired too. I am amazed considering their price and that they are a Brompton product. Take care

[@teeI0ck]

tis is super helpful, thank you

[@dominicpereira8629]

Thank you mate👍

[@phungmoe2302]

Loved ur videos.... bcos of ur video, I brought my first B.... n never looked back since. Riding Away~~~~

[@kevjmu]

Glad to see your back posting quality Brompton content. Hope all is well with you. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

[@EverydayCycling]

Thanks Kevin! Same to you!

[@tandago7281]

Yes yes please add a video on your light installation ;)

[@ChrisB-bi6qc]

Wow!! What an awesome video and channel!!! Thanks for taking the time and the hours upon hours to make this helpful video! Truly generous of you and thanks love it! So many great tips

[@EverydayCycling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrMansu]

thank for share

[@justwalk5280]

You are very good with your hands.My friend.👍👍👍

[@chang010807]

Wow, this is an amazing video with lots of good tips. Thank!

[@EverydayCycling]

You're so welcome!

[@LongRideAdventures888]

Awesome tip. Thanks.

[@EverydayCycling]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@luisfelisberto6191]

Nice musical choice. Beautiful!

[@EverydayCycling]

Ahaha it is! Thanks!

[@bush-radler7326]

helpful..thanks!

[@mikeclare5907]

as a Brompton person really enjoyed your video and found it very useful. Regards Mike, County Durham UK

[@janmorren1]

Well Victor, I sincerely missed your posts here. Hope you are well! In the meantime, I'm enjoying my Brompton to the fullest. Adding some goodies and tools, while it is almost Christmas. Remember, it is thanks to your first posts, that I really got into the Brompton. Added to my B: a C-bag (very conveniently for small grocery shopping and random tours. Brooks leather grips (makes this bike so much nicer), and now finally the Brompton Toolkit (I truly hope that I do not need it that much on the road). With your hacks here, I'll most definitely use the inner tubes hack. Thank you so much for those videos Victor. They are well made and inspiring!

[@EverydayCycling]

Thank you for sticking around! It seems like you have a good setup there with the C-Bag, the grips, and the toolkit. I'm glad you enjoyed the inner tube hack!

[@draw1951]

Some very clever ideas. I don’t have a Brompton but so many of your ideas can work for me/my bike. Thanks for thinking outside the box.

[@EverydayCycling]

Hey Chris, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and cared to leave a comment considering you don't even ride a Brompton. It means a lot! Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@kimberley8114]

I got inspired and ordered a Brompton after watching videos like these on here.

[@irisheyes00]

Your Brompton channel is most helpful! I always look forward to watching and learning. Please post a link to where your leather frame accessory/protector can be purchased. Thanks much!

[@ericcantocorner4517]

Great hack tips! Will definitely adopt these

[@EverydayCycling]

Glad you like it!

[@kzarz0219]

Great hacks!!! I like the inner tube inside the frame. When I travel, I use the Dimpa bags with a self inflating sleeping pad for protection

[@CherDele]

Pic please!

[@kzarz0219]

@@CherDele love your name. As soon as I get back from my vacation, I'll send one over.

[@jondrewry8195]

Great idea for storing the spare tube. I suggest wrapping a pair of gloves in with it.

[@tito2928]

Hello Victor, so glad you are doing ok. Thank you for your video is very informative.

[@EverydayCycling]

Good to see your still around the channel!

[@whatever9774]

thank you!

[@janzam]

Nice video.I did a hack using a Heineken plastic crate I have removed all the plastic separators from inside except two on the long side in oposite position. In them I keep plastic bags for groceries. I have atached the crate whit big zip tyes on a brompton bag frame. I have carried around 15 kilos maximum and in eight years I had no problem at all. The second advantage is that I have obtained an solid chair ,wich I am using when I rest and enjoy my favorite beer...Heineken of course. Cheers from Romania. :)

[@justicar5]

Gorilla tape works pretty well as a puncture patch, maybe other ducttape does as well, not sure, as to having a small bag, I use a veshmeshok, they are military surplus, but they scruch down to cargo pocket sized, and open up to a 25 litre backpack, super useful,.

[@nateums]

Brilliant

[@polloloci21]

Very cool.

[@ChrisbyBike]

Hi Victor Love the hacks! Especially the tire velcro, it will be very useful to fix new tires. Adorei fazer parte do seu canal 🤩😊🤩😊🤩😊🤩😊🤩😘😘

[@EverydayCycling]

Haha I'm glad you liked it!

[@mauriciolguin]

Great video!

[@effyleven]

Excellent hacks. Warm and pleasant voice.

[@EverydayCycling]

Thank you!

[@mmkhair]

Why i didn't come across before hurmm. What a brilliant ways! Thumb up for the video.

[@EverydayCycling]

Thanks, I'm glad you came across now!

[@makrele2487]

Super! 👍

[@watiu9lei]

nice one man

[@PaulHolder]

I've been using one of those Ikea bags to take my Brompton on the coach for years. I have no idea where I got the idea for it but the size is perfect for the job and super cheap so no problem if the bag gets damaged (although mine never has).

[@RoundsOfWanting]

Great video! You might be interested to know there are reusable zip ties available for the tire trick.

[@GilSotero]

Aeeee! Chegaram em boa hora essas dicas! Já vou usar na cicloviagem! Saudações!

[@EverydayCycling]

Hey! Boa viagem!

[@norahalkefs]

Amazing 😉

[@nicktrieu8129]

I'm not a Brompton bike owner yet but since watching your channel I'm a fan of your and the bike!

[@EverydayCycling]

Thank you, Nick!

[@maxsiu1989]

waiting this video so so so long time!!!! btw i got my Brampton because your upselling

[@EverydayCycling]

I hope your enjoying it!

[@NoZenith]

I'm so glad I saw you comment on Chris's video. I was starting to get worried. So glad you're back! Thanks for more informative content.

[@EverydayCycling]

Thanks for your kindness! I'll be posting more regularly now!

[@NoZenith]

Aaaaaah! Yes SHOTOUT to Chris! I had a really long day and didn't get around to watching the rest of the video after I got a phone call from my mom haha. Just finished it and read another comment, sorry to hear you were injured and couldn't ride your bike.

[@NoZenith]

Is your bike raw lacquer or black lacquer?

[@andreasbacher2695]

Great! Particularly, I like the "storage compartment" of the seat post, and tbe inner tube hack! I am considering using these on my Brompton.

[@EverydayCycling]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@campbellcaraher1008]

Me too

[@FraiseRaboteuse]

@@EverydayCycling Of course you can store zip ties inside the handlebars on virtually any bike.

[@user-yn6nk4kw1i]

nice idea!

[@echam9143]

Great !

[@danrkelly]

Great stuff.

[@EverydayCycling]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@danrkelly]

@@EverydayCycling Did you ever make a video about wiring in the additional high level tail light? I've just ordered a dynamo kit for my 2008 M6R.

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

Wow absolutely love these hacks. And I don't even own a Brompton.

[@gurozbelge]

hi victor, your videos are very useful so thank you for sharing. i was wondering where you bought the leather handle from? and i can't seem to find the btwin bottle holder anywhere, do you have an alternative one that has the same setup like the btwin? thanks!!

[@stephenschuit7880]

Your last video about options? I think I haven't seen you for months--so it's nice to have you back. This is a very useful video. These ideas sound like they come from the mind of an engineer. Ha ha.

[@EverydayCycling]

Yeah, I've been away for a few months, but I'm back!

[@beardedknits]

Can't link it but brilliantbikes have a video on how to change tyres without using tyre levers and I can vouch it works

[@tandago7281]

Sticking a zip lock with some basics inside the frame was the first thing i did after getting the bike :) happy to have that validated :)

[@crazyman7958]

多謝分享

[@antoniocorigliano68]

Genius 💛👋🏻

[@cegb551]

Nice video👌🏿

[@tomanicodin]

I bet you are a life hacker, seeing endless shortcuts to everything! Really nice video! Now I just need to get me a Brompton :)