10 reasons not to buy a Brompton

[@captkkk]

Good old Julian is using an alternative way to make us re-think do we really want to buy a bloody Brompton, if anyone who goes through all the questions and still go and get one, that one has a strong will for sure.

[@simonasm2647]

You are the legend! Truely I must say, that was a great stand up!

[@tigerlittleblacknose]

As a multi Brompton owner for more than 25 years, i cannot be more agree with you. Especially on the price we have to pay for those tiny improvements here and there is far too high and unjustifiable. That's why i have been doing research on Brompton clones. There are 3X3, 9 speed derailer, carbon fibre frame, 18” wheels and some with disc brakes, all equipped with better easy wheels, etc. There are at least 8 brands available in the market and mostly cost only half the price of what a real Brompton asking for. Do we deserve better ? For the monies we are paying?

[@solarwind907]

Please name the Brompton clones you’re speaking about. I’d like to take a look at them before I buy. Thank you very much!

[@tomvanderham1416]

Tell us which is clone of Brompton? From China? But are they top quality?

[@tigerlittleblacknose]

@@tomvanderham1416 litepro, aceroffix, Cranston, pikes, royale, forever...etc royale is designed in Singapore but probably assembled in PRC. I can add a dozen more easily. Price range from £300 to 800 USD

[@whazzat8015]

You deserve what you select. Don't want what they offer? Buy something else. It's called product integrity.

[@LaughingStock_]

A Brompton is NOT expensive - sorry to totally disagree. How many bikes have you owned in your lifetime? What age do you reasonably expect to be riding a bike until? Start doing the maths - if you buy a Brompton, you are buying a bike that will, with a little care and regular attention - last you a lifetime. Not only that, you will be using a bike that is the most practical and usable on the planet. The cost is peanuts. Go ahead, buy a cheaper clone - then drop me a line when that clone starts to fail, costing you time and money. Buy once, buy the best. It's a no-brainer.

[@hughoxford8735]

You’re a bloke. I think women appreciate the safety aspects of the Brompton, the ability to use all modes of transport. My wife loves hers. I think they are a fantastic way of making public transport accessible.

[@johnclifford1911]

I've done a lot of traveling with my Brompton. Yes, it's heavy. Getting it on and off the train is no big deal. Hauling it down the stairs inches Tube, say Tower Station, is a pain. Riding it a mile from my hotel in Cambridge to the train station, then riding it from another station a few miles down for a half mile to the office is quite pleasant. Rolling it through LAX and carrying it on the plane and storing it in the overhead and then riding it from the hotel in Sydney to the train station out to the suburbs and then to the client... and having it to ride around Sydney harbor on the weekends is great. In short, I've traveled with it extensively, and it is fantastic. This is just ranting. Oh, I'm in my 60s and I canget it around. B3cause while it's not the best or most expensive bike I have, nothing else can do what a Brompton can do.

[@solb101]

Brompton in the overhead baggage of a plane?

[@FOXMAN09]

​@solb101 a few videos and pics out there. Check em out.

[@ovalchainring]

In Tokyo, folding is a MUST feature because we don't have good parking lots for bikes. I always fold it into shops, cafes, supermarkets, my office, and my home. Moreover, the railroad system in Tokyo is so convenient that you can bring your bike anywhere if you can fold it. And, the compactness and easy folding are the best characteristics of Brompton. Eventually, it's a matter of matching between your lifestyle and bikes.

[@BRAZUCANYTV]

Julian I loved your video ! You should make a video why you bought a folding ladder and not a regular stander LADDER :) take care brother.

[@dogsinheaven]

😂😂😂

[@Rob-cv3vh]

It folds - so what? So what it means for me is that I take mine on trains that have a booking limit of 2 full sized bikes. I do this at least 5 times a week. Can't do this every day with my Bianchi. If the train is cancelled I can put it on the bus. If it's great weather and I'm feeling fit I've got the choice of cycling home after my shift to unwind after the day at work, or when my shift finishes at 3am there are no buses or trains and the taxis want mortgage sized money at that time of night. I've been on cruise ships and taken mine with me, normal sized bikes are prohibited. The Brompton is allowed because it fits in the wardrobe and doesn't hamper the fire escape routes. I've cycled in the most stunning locations on my holidays because I've taken it with me. And not shelled out £100 a time for a bus tour. Your MacBook / coffee shop / Brompton observation is about people, not the bike. It costs a lot? It costs less than my road bike - full Campagnolo Record which I agree with you about, superb components. It's less than a travel season ticket and a gym membership. Mine's paid for itself many times over. I don't renew it every year. No disc brakes? How bloody fast are you going?! I'm not much younger than you but I certainly don't need disc brakes. The bell - use your voice if they don't hear the bell. They've got right of way on the shared paths anyway. Perhaps some of them are hearing impaired so use your brakes. Should you buy a Brompton? If it fits your life they're worth it. Mine saves me time and money. It's a utility device. But don't try and make your life fit a Brompton because you won't get the benefits.

[@RalfBurkhard]

Thank You for your time you put into your command

[@johnoliver7411]

You are hilarious!!and I love my Brompton even more and I know deep down you do lie in bed thinking of your Brompton ☕️ 🦭

[@tandmservices1655]

I loved this review I am only two years younger , have seven other bikes, and agree with all his grumbles AND love my Brompton - get one

[@WheelsonaBike]

I never thought of comparing a Brompton bike to a seal. Now I can't get the image out of my mind. A Brompton, a seal and a Macbook Air in a coffee shop...

[@Luuk_M]

In 1981 Brompton did not mount dual pivot brakes, like they do now. The current brakes work perfectly fine and are easy to adjust (because of the two pivots). One might be worried about wearing the rim down, but start by keeping it all clean and it wil last longer.

[@BOSKASAURUS]

This was the most engaging, original and endearing review I’ve ever watched. Lost it completely at the medium size seal weight. Thank you and keep up the great content.

[@JulianHutchings]

Thanks Bosk

[@ab935]

There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. You want a brompton so you can bring it in the grocery store with you and use it as a cart. It won't disappear, however somebody can still knock you off of it and steal it. There's a lot of flimsy parts on it. They wanted me to take it to an authorized dealer to replace the broken rollers. That would mean a lot of trips to get rollers that just about anybody can install. Fortunately, we have right to repair here in the US so they sent me some. So, there's other flimsy parts issues I won't discuss here, including the plastic fenders and the known problems with the plastic shifters. It's not that heavy and they could beef up some of the flimsy parts. Still beats coming out to a bike rack and the only thing left of your bike is pieces of a cut lock. BTW, cameras mean nothing, especially in this age of face masks. Dutch bikes are the best!

[@nellomaxim]

I take mine on the train and I need to fold it up cos I live in a flat and I can't store a full bike away. Mine is great it's for commuting. Its really compact.

[@housekeepah]

This is hilarious but the brakes are superb, best stopping power ever! Ok not quite disc but still very impressive.

[@Digbysexpot]

I'm waiting until they bring out a Brompton Gravel!

[@hobocyclist]

bro they have it, Dutch have mods for these bikes. Sure it will cost an extra €2k 😂 😂

[@freedomformen2548]

I ride my brompton allreddy for 17 years and he is still in good shape 👍😀

[@zafrullahyazid6542]

Hilarious! Great stand up comedy.

[@lairdsky4604]

Bought a Brompton B75 last year during the lock down and this video makes a lot of sense 🙂⚡👍

[@MrJesterJam]

Thanks for your honesty and experience. There are now Brompton-likes which cover the deficiencies you mentioned: cost, weight, even disk brakes

[@solb101]

Where are these improved likes?

[@davidking258]

Got a Brompton and a Apple Watch 🤗 Which tells me when I’m riding it I’m not going very fast….Perfect for the truck though, sits neatly in passenger footwell and means gyms, supermarkets and boozers are all within easy reach 😎👍

[@F3udF1st]

Didn't expect a standup show but I'm definitely here for it. Great video, now I don't want a Brompton anymore!

[@JTChi]

There are none!!!! I love my Brommie.. it makes me so so happy whenever I ride it. I also have two fast roadbikes that I ride more than the Brompton.. totally different feel and enjoyment I must say.

[@JulianHutchings]

Watch and learn.

[@jamesfranks7102]

Couldn't agree more, I'm a new Brommie owner and I have no regrets.

[@andreasgfghfgdfgh9864]

breaks are from the 80ies. that's a no go.

[@whazzat8015]

@@andreasgfghfgdfgh9864 In the '80's I managed to stop pretty well. That's why I'm here, livin' the '80's dream

[@Jack-bs6zb]

Andreas ….. did they have longer breaks in the 80s ?

[@CsabaTamaslinguist]

😆 I am so enjoying these. I have never wanted a Brompton myself, I might not have known what that is. I won't buy one for sure. Thanks Julian

[@victoriousventures5897]

the more you discourage me not buy this bike, the more i want it now , you made my day, by the way your so funny hahahaha, new subscriber here, enjoy your brompton have a great day always...

[@nl7247]

😂 Oh my goodness, I haven’t thought about my ADell laptop would be a mismatch, oh no, I am not sure whether I should buy a Brompton and another laptop. ❤

[@DK-ic5uc]

This is the funniest thing ive seen all week !! Heavy as a seal lol

[@colinbox9074]

I think you are being a bit harsh on the wonderful Brommie! The big attraction for me is being able to take it on the bus (free for me, as I'm so ancient) or on the train (without having to book in advance, as I have to with my road bike) and going to a town, canal path or cycle route some distance away and having a thoroughly great day out somewhere that I do not have to ride to get to. The roads here in Devon are extremely hilly, pot-holed, clogged with traffic and very dangerous. The Brommie has freed me from all that. Moreover, Brompton have made constant tweaks to the design and spec since it's inception and current models are a big improvement on the early ones. Suggest you try the 6 speed S ( straight handlebar) model with a nice Brookes saddle. Comfortable enough to ride all day long! I'm with you on the bell, however--- It's completely crap and I have emailed Brompton to register my outrage. P.S. Your videos are always good, and I will not be buying an Apple Macbook to accompany me on my ride any time soon.

[@lairdsky4604]

I replaced the bell immediately on mine. The stock one is as you correctly stated 'crap'.

[@christianhindley1615]

This made my morning mate! You are fantastic!

[@JulianHutchings]

The cheque is in the post.

[@lsmith992]

The cycle paths around here are also bridle paths so its horses too . LOTS of them. And the dogs are never ever on leads so they either run up to say hello , or more likely , want to chase the wheels cos they really don't like them. Then there's the kamikazi squirrels who are always on the wrong side of the path and only realise that JUST as I'm cycling past and then I have to jam on the brakes. The best was a young badger who appeared from nowhere nearly colliding with me then veered off somewhere. This is on the edge of a North Yorkshire town not open countryside

[@LaughingStock_]

Nice video and thanks for your humanitarian work for Ukraine. Superb! For me, there's only one rule in buying anything specialised: buy once, buy the best. And Brompton is the best - the most practical bike on the planet. A Brompton is cheap when taking into account the design practicality, the build quality and the resale value spread across the 25 year lifespan of the bike. I'm thrilled with mine - wish I'd bought one decades ago!

[@MiataBRG]

Well I was on the train today coming back from London Bridge at peak time with my big badly-folding Dahon that was too big, even folded, to keep out of the way, and it gets all caught up in itself and falls over, and bangs into your shins when you're trying to carry it upstairs. It was then I wished I'd got a Brompton. That's why people buy Bromptons.

[@jonathansinados4189]

He is absolutely one hundred percent correct, brompton is pricy the same is not reasonable for a unit

[@a.w.thompson4001]

You have an amazing gift for stand-up critique, applicable to any product. I hope you will evaluate more. As a first time viewer, I'm off to see if you have already, starting with your complementary video. If so, I'll subscribe. Thanks, Julian.

[@mendyman]

Very good! Just working on my poxy Brompton now. It's freezing in the garden, too.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Classic British Wit. ♥

[@AchievingPotential]

Hilarious video Julian. I will now proceed to buy my 3rd Brompton. I actually wake up at 03:45, with the Brompton never far from my mind. I have never been to Greenland, nor have I ever clubbed a seal. I also have no practical perspective on the weight of 'shit'. Seriously? I think I'm going to ask James May's opinion just to be sure.

[@JulianHutchings]

He just copies me

[@yegorbabenko5122]

The story about the bell is hilarious!! Love this video. Still thinking of buying Brompton, may be used one. Thanks for supporting Ukraine! 🇺🇦🤝🇬🇧

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Well mine is an extremely, yes extremely expensive Lightweight, with a too long seat post for an effective fold, which I may try change into a shorter version, to see if it works for me? And I have exchanged a lot of parts into even lighter but much more expensive titanium parts! But going down a very steep hill on my Brompton, the brakes did function very well, having to make a full stop at intervalls to walk over the cattle prevention grids!

[@dogsinheaven]

❤😂

[@jibronCee]

Haha this guy is pretty funny. Good video! I need to watch ur pros video now.

[@winstonramirez1665]

Thanks for this video. It justifies that I don't want a Brompton. There's another saying here in the Philippines about Brompton bikes: It is a snob rich kid's bike who is just trying to cycle a bit but more of a show off than actually biking.

[@dolittle6781]

This type of video is needed to help folks be honest with themselves about buying a folding bike regardless of the brand. I won't get one right now simply because I don't need it. I'm not a bike commuter and do just fine with my fitness bike (hybrid bike) around town--in parks, medium distance rides, here and there, and you name it. It's got a ton of gears, panniers, bike computer, and four different warning devices (bells and horns), front and tail lights), and I never need to or want to go faster that 15 mph (did hit over 20 mph going down hill a few times-fun but a little scary too!). If I want speed, I'll get a motorcycle. I enjoy just taking my time (cruising between 11 and 15 mph) running errands, talking to people, and enjoying nature. I'm glad folding bikes exist, though. Variety is the spice of life, don't you think?

[@flpirate4565]

Well done my friend, we'll done.😊

[@genersay1037]

They listen to him in 2024... All the things he said Brompton did it.. But only the price it's rediculously expensive.

[@oswaldjchild8105]

Gonna sell my Brompton, is expensive to repair, and the ride gets very uncomfortable after 3 miles, for the same money (even selling my 10 year old brommy) can buy other a nice folding bike with 20 inches wheels and 8 gears, which is cheaper to maintain. Most Brompton owners I know use them as multi-modal commuters and do short trips between their station and their office desk, I use mine on longer rides so I guess Brompton is not for me.

[@jhonchan4770]

spot on mate! by the way, in china ,a copy cost 200 quid, 1/10 the price . it rides just fine and if it breaks it's cheap enough to get a new one .

[@cjaus]

Brompton should design a new földing blke: 20 inch wheels, steel frame, no electric motor, felt drive, pinion gearbox, all for less than 2500 euro.

[@FranLuckyflute]

That’s sounds just what I’m looking for - a challenge. Life has never been easy so its just up my street, it will keep me young at 74. I still chop up wood to keep me warm lol. Thanks for the laugh, but you have definitely persuaded me I’ve done the right thing…it will be here tomorrow.

[@JulianHutchings]

Glad to be of service.

[@WisteriaBerlitz]

Mint/Sunrimoon has welded their trifold(/Brompton clone) to have external gears and disc brakes. Costs about 420 GBP where I'm from, weigh around 13KG stock I've seen someone upgraded it with Shimano Ultegra 11-34

[@batucave]

Had a second hand brompton sold it after 6 rides and even make $ from selling... MINT(ext gears/ disc brakes) is as good and much cheaper with better parts. Just get them and upgrade and lighter parts if desire. Brompton parts are shitty.

[@whazzat8015]

@@batucave Not so much shitty as durable '80's . 135mm rear would be more fragile and wider so it was just a decision on priorities Rim brakes work just fine on them. On racing bikes in the rain not so much and discs are fragile. IGH other than Rollie are hard to keep adjusted heavy fragile again. this is a rugged bike overall

[@crosca82]

Congrats my good sir, you just convinced me to buy my first Brompton after watching this video ! I always wanted to have a chopper like a Harley Davidson and a Brompton was all I could afford ! 😅

[@mad2barxhst]

Yup, the Brompton rear wheel, gear and brake systems do need to be updated. Sturmey Archer hub/gears make the bike heavier. The Sturmey Archer hub/gear makes for a more cluttered look in the rear end, difficult to remove the rear wheel when fixing a flat tire. The hinge point for the rear triangle and the seat post clamp both require specialized tools to replace bushings. The rear wheel and gearing really needs to be designed without the thought of using a Sturmey Archer hub. A design using more readily available parts from Shimano, SRAM, etc. makes for better maintenance and parts replacement in the long run.I own a Brompton CHPT3 with titanium rear triangle and fork, and Sturmey Archer rear hub. The bike is still heavy when compared to a regular bike with 20+ gears.

[@moniqueviau2702]

What do you think about the P-Line (new system) ? I am not an expert and I would like to know your opinion. Thank you.

[@whazzat8015]

Yep, that every 10,000 mile bushing change is a bear. Shimano IGH's are a PITA. worse than the Macarena shifting of the Brommie All foldies are relatively heavy

[@oggyoggyoggyy]

I like the part "not the singer Adele, it's a dell"

[@callumk5]

Heavy? There speaks a man who has never ridden a Pashley. The Roaster Sovereign makes a Challenger tank seem flimsily made.

[@sampriest12]

Lmao!!! They are heavy. I don’t care what any one says. I have two and I do everything I can to never lift it off the ground. Facts about the comfort. You missed your calling… you are the funniest person I’ve come across in weeks.

[@jmanuelforero3850]

The newest titanium Brompton weighs over 7 Kg but costs £4500!! I agree the folding and unfolding is more tiring than popping every 10 minutes while wearing overalls and gloves!!

[@stephenschuit7880]

I apologize. I just got it. This is completely sarcastic. You're doing this as a comedic schtick. Love it!

[@JulianHutchings]

You should watch my video about why you need a Brompton

[@richnelmartis9487]

Of all the clips I watched on Bromton bikes this was tje best

[@rafriedman]

The brakes look like Tektros to me. V-brakes would be a welcome addition. SA gears never had the low range I needed.

[@darrenhogan1967]

Thanks you’ve cheered up my morning 😂😂

[@mancello]

And you wonder why the people at Brompton haven't called you for a product endorsement!

[@JulianHutchings]

Maybe they lost my phone number.

[@stephenschuit7880]

I, like you, get up at 3 in the morning. But, if your opening to your "10-reason" salvo, is the question, "Who thinks about a folding bike?, and you assume few, if any, people do, then you're dead-in-the-water from the get-go. I think about it all the time because: 1. I travel a lot and being able to travel easily with my bike is a priority of mine, 2. Being able to easily lift my bike and store it-anywhere is important to me, and 3. A folding bike is my preference when biking in cities (I spend a lot of time in cities, especially Budapest, Portland, Maine, New York City, and Portland, Oregon) because you can easily fold it and take it inside with you rather than locking it up outside with the concomitant risk of vandalism. That's it, 3-reasons why I'm thinking about folding bikes all the time.

[@humanityrevisited6006]

It's better than carrying a seal, because seals always complain about being carried.

[@davidstokes551]

You must live in a city, your so grumpy.

[@crosca82]

This is pure genius comedy ! 🤣👏👍

[@jonathansinados4189]

Better for the brompton company to roll back the price down to only 150 to 200 dollars every unit of brompton bike if it is titanium, that is enough and reasonable price for every unit of brompton.

[@DiegoCamarero]

LMAO I can't help loving this man. He's hilarious!

[@JulianHutchings]

Thank you

[@chrismaddox15]

Lol. Thanks for the laughs.. 😂😂😂

[@reempire888]

The only bloke against buying their national treasure lol

[@kavanobrien6547]

You made me smile good sense of humour , would like to see you review the new P-line , and the new T-line , you do give a realistic honest opinion, image I have you going into the coffee shop with a Brompton in one arm and Adele in the other arm the only thing is no hands for the coffee.

[@JulianHutchings]

If they send me a T-line I'll review it!

[@tjj5337]

Love my Brompton ❤️🇺🇸. It’s great for bad back pain

[@fender1000100]

People buy into BRANDS. Everyone wants to slate people who shell out 2 or 3 grand for a bicycle. For me I have a problem with people shelling out even more than that for a ROLEX. At least with a Brompton you get some form of exercise. And can save the bikes cost in travel expenses over a few years. This is how you have to look at it. I dont have a Brompton. But I have another high end folder. A Tern Verge X11. I spent £2,400 on it 7 years ago. In the last 7 years its saved me over £20,000 in travel expenses. When I first told a work colleague how much it cost me. He said you must be MAD to spend that much on a bicycle. Only 7 months earlier he had spent 6 grand on a Rolex. Which to me is mad..

[@a.akande]

OMG, Best Product review i haved watched in my entire life, love this, thank you so much for making me laugh so hard.

[@danabella6540]

I keep on laughing... Seriously your so funny. I subscribe.

[@Sandman1255]

You have to buy a MacBook to accompany it in a coffee shop. Lol

[@tahirahmed33]

True review of foldable bikes

[@alexandruepuran]

Had a GREAT laugh, thank you!!!

[@jamesyee4143]

Thanks for that funny video and FYI on may be some better upgrades on the bike!😊

[@tomonyszko6754]

Heavy, uncomfortable, expensive, image?, inadequate gearing, inferior brakes, a shite bell....why would you??

[@Bike-Matter]

Disc brakes, extra gears, ergonomic grips...it looks like you're dreaming of a Dahon Curl D9 😄

[@Trump2024TheOrangeHouse]

Well Sir you had me in stitches!!

[@odl21]

You can indeed get a Brompton titanium seat post

[@michaeljvdh]

Please Julian, look at the Tern D9, and tell me what you think. I have it and it’s miles ahead, bigger wheels 9 gears.

[@whazzat8015]

And my truck can carry a piano. So?

[@fixlore2514]

This is Gold

[@fixlore2514]

Thank god i own a Brompnot

[@nodbag6301]

Excellent young man. One of the best - up there with reasons not to buy a gravel bike !!

[@whazzat8015]

Or to not buy a. used Yugo

[@AFerreiraV]

Mister Julian, you are undoubtedly a very amusing individual.

[@MK-rn2hm]

Glad to see you come around and denounce the wannabe two wheeler. Give you ten cents on the dollar for yours Sir Jules!

[@JulianHutchings]

For 2 dollars on the dollar I’ll sign it!

[@johnwest]

this is hilarious, loving this ;-)

[@odl21]

Funny - I was actually lying awake at 3am the other night thinking i want a set of Brompton rim brakes!

[@TheBAT69]

The next Bomptom must have hidden cables / internal routing cables to keep it clean and more beautiful bike. Yes, disc brakes should be standard already.

[@crosca82]

The first reason not to buy a Brompton, is coincidentally the first reason to buy one ! I can't stop watching this video, it's so addictive 😂 !!!

[@benjaminvillasenor9064]

What?? It doesn't fold that small ?? What you expect. It's small enough to bring as a carry on on a flight. Its anti theft too, you can bring it with you in doors anywhere

[@user-xd3rj7cd8j]

Cracking sense of humour. Brilliant!

[@kyphoticlifting4474]

Your voice is relaxing sir. 🎉

[@MrFrescocotone]

Spot on. All ponte very well explaned! 👍👍

[@sandydennylives1392]

I've got two more reasons. It's too bloody heavy and you can't descent long hills or 'tains without burning up the rims to a fiery friction collapse. I still love it though. But it's too heavy all the same. Did I hint that it was too heavy? 4th floor flat makes me pray the lift still works.

[@tomonyszko6754]

Now you're talking Julian!!

[@JulianHutchings]

You haven't seen it yet!

[@tomonyszko6754]

@@JulianHutchings It's all in the title!

[@TartanABU]

What about the cost of growing and maintaining the necessary hipster facial hair? Plus the cost of a flat in Shoreditch? Great video, thanks!

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

One soppy girl thought I was disabled because I was sitting next to my bike

[@MikeSignorelli_]

This is the definition of gaslighting lol