109km on a 3 speed Brompton folding bike for the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2018 VLOG 84

I love my Brompton folding bicycle! It folds, has 16” wheels and three gears! In this video I ride the 109km Cape Town ‘Argus’ Cycle Tour on it! This was my 14th or 15th Argus Cycle Tour, and I think it was my 5th on a Brompton. It is an absolute blast! I always wear my University tie (befitting of a cycling Professor!) ha ha! It was a beautiful day 11 March 2018 - I did the 109km around the coast in 5h10mins
The Brompton attracts a lot of attention! It is an amazing bicycle! I take mine all over the world when I travel, and it lives in my office to ride across Stellenbosch University’s campus.
See my Brompton tumblr site here: / capetownbrompton
Thanks for watching! As always, I would love to hear your comments, suggestions, ideas, feedback and questions!
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Thanks!

[@michaelstallard8563]

I couldn't see any one else wearing a shirt and tie! Top man and respect.

[@digitaldion]

Ha ha! A gentleman always dresses for the occasion! Thanks for the comment. It is always a LOT of fun!

[@twdenman1]

I didn’t think a folding bike could do that ride! And on 16” wheels! I have a 7speed Sun Shortcut folding bike. You have inspired me to try a ride in the future. I AM a little older than you, 67. Thanks for sharing your 14th ride.

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for the comment Ted! I did my 15th on my Brompton again this year! It was a little tougher (the wind was pumping!) But, it was as much fun as ever!

[@johnnymac8680]

Cape Town has the weather for all day cycling. I wouldn't be as cheerful after 109 km done. The Brompton is more than just a great commuter bike.

[@jcabb1]

Thanks for the ride Dion!

[@digitaldion]

Jerry thanks for the comment!

[@trikesur8573]

Delicious riding over delicious sites. I'm dreaming for Brompton... it will be in a months. Best regards from Málaga in Spain!!!!!!

[@schoi604]

I am so agree with you about the shirt and tie! I would wear the same myself. Brilliant video, thank you for sharing!!

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for watching. It is always such a fun ride! And riding it in 'style' just makes it so much more fun. I always get a lot of great comments from spectators and other riders!

[@samchai1]

That was good ride on a 3 speed Brompton. Enjoyed the scenery of Cape town. Thanks for sharing. from fellow Brompton 6 speed rider.

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for the comment. They are amazing bicycles! As mentioned, this is an M6L, but I had a damaged rear deraileur so it was only working with 3 gears. I am pleased to say that I have since managed to get it fixed! So in 2020 I will ride it with all 6 gears!

[@colinpearce7079]

First time I've watched your video's,absolutely brilliant,myself & 3 friends all ride Bromptons,power to small wheels,from the North Notts Bromptoneers UK,Atb.

[@digitaldion]

Yup! Power to small wheels! If you can’t fold it you shouldn’t ride it! Ha ha!

[@juancuadra3697]

The rumors are true, it is possible to compete using a Brompton while wearing a tie. Thank you for taking the time to make and share the video.

[@digitaldion]

Juan Cuadra one has to be a little crazy 😝 But, it is a lot of fun! Thanks for the comment Juan! Come and join me in March 2019!

[@SO-zi3zq]

Really enjoyed watching this, love the upbeat vibe and really admire how you said you were feeling nervous beforehand despite all your riding experience. I'm thinking of buying a three speed Brompton but was unsure how capable it would be on hills. You've really given me something to think about now.

[@lucakhari4512]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the login password. I would love any help you can offer me.

[@jaylenskyler8721]

@Luca Khari Instablaster :)

[@lucakhari4512]

@Jaylen Skyler thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@lucakhari4512]

@Jaylen Skyler It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@jaylenskyler8721]

@Luca Khari Happy to help :)

[@flpirate45]

That was great on a Brompton 3 speed. Good job Mate .

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for the comment. It is actually an M6L (a six speed), but the rear shifter was broken this year, so I only had 3 gears. I have managed to fix it since and have ridden with all 6 gears (see my 2020 Cycle Tour video). The extra gears do help, that's for sure!

[@华爱花]

@@digitaldion 3速还是6速好呢？听说3速已经足够了，是真的吗？你怎么建议呢？谢谢

[@hmat7472]

Merci pour cette video . Très sympathique.

[@PaulCreane]

You're a legend and you give me inspiration.

[@digitaldion]

Ha ha! Thanks! It was an absolute blast!

[@yurimelato]

Wooow, what a inspirational video!!!! Uhuuuul!!!

[@digitaldion]

Glad you liked it!!

[@junreaksaa]

Just what I did last Sunday. Rode a 100km with a 16inch foldie without the tie. While my riding buddies is on they're 29ers. Lol

[@snabelone]

Thanks for sharing this event with us!

[@digitaldion]

Any time! Please check back, and please subscribe!

[@mnelson311]

Great video, Dion :-) I will be looking for more of your Brompton recordings. I have the six speed and use every gear every day (except maybe 6th somedays) and wonder how anyone could do with less. Mine is also the 12% reduced ratios and I admit to being a fairly weak peddler living in hilly country. Did you consider the six speed gearing option? Thanls also for showing us the beauty of South Africa.

[@digitaldion]

Hi Mark, thanks for the comment! It is lovely to hear from you! I also happen to own a 6 speed (2011, M6L). It is a great bike! I love it, and I find the extra gears great! However, Doris, my M3L is my favorite! Somehow, the ‘challenge’ of riding this bike is what spurs me on! Thanks for your comment. You wil find snippets of my Bromptons in many of my videos.

[@matthewfranklin7541]

Chapeau! 👍😀

[@sseb007]

Thank you for sharing.

[@digitaldion]

Htebazile Arm only a pleasure! Each year it is such a lot of fun! I had to make the video to share it with others! I will be riding the cycle tour on my Brompton again in 2019! So please check back. Thanks for the comment!

[@albin2232]

Well done!

[@macpdm]

Looks like great fun and who said you cant cover distance on a Brompton

[@digitaldion]

Yes, they are amazing bicycles! Well designed, beautifully made, and very competent on the road. I have done some longer rides while touring without any problem. Ha ha, and they are a lot or fun!

[@TheJoyfulEye]

So cool! nice video

[@digitaldion]

Ha ha! Thanks! I had fun making it! Thanks for the comment!

[@razieladolfonunezgalicia358]

Muy bueno tu video solo dime como puedes rodar tres horas continúas sin que te roce la entrepierna o la región del perineo hacia la nalga, espero me puedas ayudar gracias.

[@SkyManagerNYC]

Very nice ride!!

[@digitaldion]

Newton Dixon Jr thanks Newton! I love following your rides - you’re a Brompton Global celebrity! Thanks for the comment!

[@SkyManagerNYC]

Are you located in South Africa? I have always wanted to travel there. Especially with a Brompton. Dion Forster

[@digitaldion]

Newton Dixon Jr yes, I do live in Cape Town! Please come visit! I’d love to show you around! Am I correct that you live in New York? I have ridden my Brompton in New York many times! It is an amazing city to ride in (especially Central Park!)

[@SkyManagerNYC]

Yes, Dion, I would gladly like to make my first journey to South Africa. We could ride Bromptons. NYC is great place for Brommies

[@nicolescott89]

It looks like a 6 gears as there are two black controls on the handlebars?

[@digitaldion]

Nicole O Scott well spotted! Yes, it is an M6L, but my rear shifter is broken. So I only have the 3 gears of the hub. Thanks for the comment! I will be riding the Cycle Tour on my Brompton again in 2019! So please check back!

[@nicolescott89]

@@digitaldion oh ok cool. Yh I was thinking of getting a 6 gear but in london they are abit more expensive then a 3 gear and with the same amount just for a 6 gear I could get a 3 gear and some other bits that add up to the same amount and if there are any big hills I will take it as far as it can then walk if needed. But definitely want to get one soon. Keep pushing your awesome. Xx

[@scin3759]

Brompton here. Ya gotta look distinguished. I might join you from NYC. 109 km is a decent distance. Your times posted here: results.cycletour.co.za/results_by_person.aspx?PID=88359&SID=1

[@digitaldion]

Awesome! Yes please do! A few years ago I loaned one of my Bromptons to a guy from London who rode the Cape Town Cycle Tour on it for charity. It is a great ride!

[@salamander333]

Hero

[@digitaldion]

😂 or not so clever? Ha ha! It is a lot of fun!

[@ploddingonC3H6]

Inspiring, thanks for sharing.

[@digitaldion]

It was a lot of fun! Thanks for watching!

[@hunchotv7217]

Hey nice ride!😊 But which is better? The 3 speed or the 6 speed? 🤔

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for the comment Ron! I tend to prefer the 3 speed. It is a much simpler mechanism and is also lighter. Fitness is often much more important than gears! 3 gears are plenty. Ha ha! I need to get fitter!

[@RenM908]

Plus you can always change the chain ring too to get more variety with your gearing. Although I’m surprised Brompton doesn’t use a 6 gear internal hub rather than using a spoke shifting system for the other 3 gears.

[@jomscp]

fuistes el unico brompton

[@digitaldion]

¡Este año hubo 3 Bromptons! Uno fue montado por un amigo mío. Pero, en el año en que filmé este video, era el único hasta donde yo sé.

[@annacho8986]

Wow. :)

[@fraub1]

how is this guy not sweating buckets?

[@digitaldion]

Ha ha! I must admit, there were a few tough climbs on the route! The gearing of the Brompton is not quite low enough to remain seated while pedaling you’re very steep inclines, and not quite high enough to keep pedaling on fast flats and downhill sections. So, yup, I did take some strain! Although, I am a regular cyclist and 110km is not really an extraordinary ride. I have done much longer, and tougher, rides on my mountain bike - such as the 230km Trans Baviaans one day MTB race. Anyway, I will be back out on my Brompton again this year (8 March 2020!)

[@fraub1]

@@digitaldion That's some very impressive cycling! I've just bought myself a Brompton for use in cities when travelling and I might use it to travel to work on the warmer days (if we get any warmer days this year... I live in England). Anyway, loved the video. Keep it up! And thanks for the reply!

[@digitaldion]

@@fraub1 super! Enjoy your Brompton, they are amazing bicycles. I bought mine when I was living in the UK. I have taken it all over the world with me. You will see videos in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. It is wonderful to get around in a foreign city.

[@bush-radler7326]

amazing! I love Brompton travelling...have a look at my channel...greetings from Spain Michael

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

I'm considering a 3 speed Brompton..is yours the normal speed.. or reduced gearing, or 8+ gearing. Many thanks...

[@digitaldion]

Hi Geoffrey, mine is regular gearing. I find it to be fine for me, and there are some pretty steep hills in Cape Town. The Brompton is exceptionally well made and versatile. It is a great bike for all sorts of distances and terrain.

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

Dion Forster thank you so much for getting back to me. I'm now going to buy a 3 gear Brompton.. stay safe...

[@digitaldion]

geoffrey welsby Ah wonderful! Send a pic when you have it! They are lovely bikes. Yes, I think the 3 speed is the perfect bike - the single speed and 2 speed don’t have enough gears for anything other than city riding (short distance, not much climbing). The 6 speed is good for climbing and touring, but in reality on my M6L (the black one in the video) I only ever use 3 gears! The design of the 6 speed is such that you have to keep the rear shifter super clean or else it doesn’t shift (that goes for the 2 speed bike as well by the way - it uses the same system, just without the extra 3 speed internal hub). So, to my mind the 3 speed is both adequate in terms of gear range, but also rock solid in terms of maintenance. Enjoy your bike!

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

Dion Forster as soon as I buy it I will take pictures. As a normal Brompton.. then I will add some bits and pieces just to make it my own.. take care...

[@mark1448]

That's why I watched your video...to get that information. If I buy one, I will go with changing gear size. Thanks!