6 Things I Changed IMMEDIATELY on the Stock Brompton

[@WillEDC]

8:13 alternative a person can just buy the Swiss stop pads that are giving the upgrades modulation feel. Actually has nothing to do with the brakes. Lots of us are running Swiss stop. No matter what these brakes are more for the look and this color combo fits nicely with this frame.

[@Francis-xl2gu]

I use the Swiss stop pads, work perfectly fine

[@jeffdible8171]

Love that you are coming home to Brompton content.

[@candelarioful]

10:33 eagerly waiting to see what you recommend for short cranks!

[@peterdelmonte9832]

I’ve had my 6 speed S handlebar Brompton for nearly ten years. I fitted Ergon grips on Day 2, otherwise it’s stock. I’ve not noticed a downside of the folding pedal or an oily chain. I ride short distances most days and carry shopping. The brakes seem fine to me. I never considered any other handlebars as the upswept versions looked silly. I’m 75 now and the flat bars are logical and comfortable. Jolly clever those Brompton designers; more clever than me I reckon.

[@jezzarisky]

Upgrades so far on my C-line: Ergon grips, SQ Lab Saddle, MKS Pedals, EZ-Springs(so nice to keep the clamp plate straight), titanium seatpost, super light front wheel, EZ-Wheels, roller Wheel extender, auto on/off rear light, various vanity decor to help protect against the hook and cable rub. Good to know about Paul front brakes but maybe I’ll add some to the rear, likely upgrading to Urban Contact tires once the Racers wear out, and I also want a rear rack for better folded stability. And of course a good front bag is a granted.

[@kouotsu]

I'm a fan of putting a feed bag type bottle bag on the center inside of the handlebars, can even (potentially) fold it with the bottle if it's got a cinch cord.

[@platypushatstand]

On my 2012 H6R, I run the following modifications: - Joseph Kuosac mid-riser bars, trimmed to 560mm (20mm off each end with a Rothenberger rotary pipe cutter & de-burred), - Ergon GP-4L grips (w/60mm Eazy wheels) folds no problem as bars have less rise than original M/H bars, - Wellgo B087U platform pedals (they’re wider than stock, but the reflectors took a holiday some time ago), - Schwalbe Marathon Almotion tyres (same 5/7 puncture resistance but more tread), - Swissstop Flash Pro BXP cartridge pads (been running these since 2017) way better than stock Fibrax, - Brooks B17 Flyer Select (bought new in 2013) is cracking on LHS sit bone after 11yrs (despite meticulous timely Proofide maintenance) swapped to Specialized Indie XT143 (same design as Toupe), bought an identical new one off eBay (from a Crosstrail Sport) & have a virtually new Ergon SM Comp Men in S/M (which I’ll try next, as spotted yesterday that the Indie top is cracking also on LHS). - Just bought a bottle cage adaptor: Ryder Innovation Cage Mount - which I’ll pair with a Specialized fibre cage previously on my MTB & Zefal Magnum bottle (975ml). I’ll mount the Ryder & cage on the mainframe tube between sticker and main hinge, so I can carry folded. It would also fit on the seatpost (but require removal for fold). I occasionally car carry, so if mounted to handlepost it would get damaged even though it’s cushioned on a foam rubber pad and bungeed to boot floor tie-down fittings. I’ve thought about shortening crank length, as I can have a stiff lower back after some rides, I have Scoliosis, which I’m pretty sure caused the B17 leather top to crack.

[@jefflawrence5342]

I recommend the flat bar option for Brompton. To me, it offers a better, more stable feel for the small wheels. I have on multiple occasions ridden 30+ miles with the stock flat bar and no issues. And frequently ride 20+ miles (as in yesterday). I second the Ergon grips. They greatly increase comfort. The front mountable basket bag is one of my favorite accessories. With handle extended I pull around grocery store and it serves as a shopping cart. And keeps the workers at Publix amused :-). For reference, I have a Brompton 2017 Black Edition S6L, with 8-10k miles on it.

[@arevee9429]

Another likely benefit of short cranks on a Brompton would be less pedal strike when cornering. When I had a Brompton many years ago, I recall having to adjust my riding style due to the pedal strikes.

[@MnBicycleCommuter]

So many quality aftermarket parts for Bromptons. It’s fun customizing my Brompton. I use the Wolf Tooth B-RAD Everywhere Base to mount a water bottle cage on my Brompton stem. Goes on or off in under a minute and doesn’t interfere with the fold. For those in the Upper Midwest, Perennial Cycles in Minneapolis are the go-to Brompton specialists.

[@Josukegaming]

Thank you for the honesty on what Brompton can improve, these comfort points make such a massive difference!!

[@randallmiller3842]

Yup, bought a Brompton during the pandemic. Just finished a 280km bikepacking trip on the P’tit Train du Nord trail north of Montreal.

[@Pensées_depuis_mon_balcon]

It is interesting to hear different perspectives. My P line 4 speed came with the Brompton superlite saddle, I find it incredibly comfortable. There seem to be multiple saddles delivered with the P line; Fizik Aliante R7, Brompton Superlite, and Brooks. I actually love the superlite Brompton grips, I ride without gloves and find them very comfortable and grippy. But, it seems that I'm in the minority as the majority in the Paris Brompton Club goes with Ergon grips. I broke my superlite Brompton chain on a group hill climb and repairing it with a new link was a dirty mess on the road. Those brakes look sweet! Thanks for your insight.

[@davidrowe8747]

Interesting set of upgrades, Russ. Like you, I also waxed my Brompton chain after purchase (I wax all my chains - but it makes particular sense for the Brompton). HOWEVER, interestingly, before waxing it, I rode the Brompton ONCE, for 12 miles, on a dry, very slightly dusty summer's day in mid-England. I was visiting friends and just couldn't resist taking the Brompton with me for a runabout. Well, you wouldn't believe the difference between this chain and another brand new chain that I cleaned at the same time, in two different jars. The Brompton chain was filthy, after just one short, dry ride! The factory grease really is a dust magnet and it causes extra hassle to ride it before waxing, even if you only ride it once. Lesson learned.

[@timevans9195]

I use an alpkit stem cell bag mounted on the inside of my handlebar stem. It’s really easy to use on the go with a conventional bike bottle but also will fit a 1 litre Nalgene, useful whilst touring France last summer

[@huangteng]

Agreed with your upgrades on improving comfort and ergonomics - Saddle, pedals, grips and handlebar. For brakes, I feel that changing the stock brake pads to Swissstop, and the bolts, nuts and screws to titanium is good enough.

[@JamesShell]

Russ, I just picked up a Brompton C-Line this past Monday from Clever Cycles after watching your new bike day video at the shop :) Cool shop and cool people. The bike is fun! I also prefer a crank around 160mm (165 on my mtbs). Did you ever decide on a good shorter aftermarket crank for you P-Line? Maybe I missed it...

[@HallDJack]

My solution for a clean water bottle mount is a saddle rail mount more commonly found on triathlon bikes. They also keep the bottle upright and usable while folded.

[@WillEDC]

I always wanted to do that but the issue with saddle mount is that the bike no longer can fit in a bag like a dimpa bag and bike covers can’t be used either.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Awesome video,the Paul Brompton brakes are really super looking although being very pricey.💯👌🏻✌🏻

[@BahWeepGranahWeepNiniBong]

For shorter cranks, try Miranda. I found some 155mm cranks for my Bafang powered ebike there (a rare interface type). Thanks again Russ.

[@targetsalad]

Nice, do the wider bars mess with the folded size? Also wondering about running some metal link housing to the front brake to compliment the Paul brakes. Also maybe changing the brake levers. It is such a sloppy system on my brompton. And I got to go to clever cycles a couple months back and holy cow what a great shop.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

The bars make it a little bit wider, so it doesn't fit as easily into an Ikea Dimpa bag. If you have a Brompton with a rack and large roller wheels the bars don't touch the ground. If you have it without the rack and roller wheels you may have to cut them down a little so they don't scrape.

[@outtatrex]

I just checked the price of these Paul brakes .and Holy Cow !!! . $237.50 a piece, so almost $500.-- for a pair.

[@jafe6059]

Yes, if you also take Paul levers, you end up at more than $700.

[@Atxcmtb]

I will say, some of the nicest brakes to work on, super well machined, and amazing support

[@gertverseput6016]

​@@AtxcmtbHow much support do you need for a rimbrake. Paul stuff is so niche, I suspect people who actually know the brand and buy the stuff know how to work on their bike. Super nice, though.

[@Atxcmtb]

@@gertverseput6016 I generally meant warranty and service support but I understand your point. It seems wasted to put these on a brompton, and i don’t think anybody who had to pay full price would put these on one. However for a main bike, especially with their disc calipers, Paul is hard to beat. I see buying Paul parts as a lifetime investment and it’s nice that they design their parts as such.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes they’re expensive. FWIW they were asked to make them by some distributors in the Asian market and they are selling way better than they expected. The Brompton mod scene runs deep with some ridiculous upgrades.

[@youyu521]

Joseph Kuosac bars are a must but if you don't run a rack may have to cut it

[@jered2177]

I ❤ folding bikes,I ride a cheap folding bike.its been great with only about 2k miles so far.2023 zizzo forte

[@jezzarisky]

I definitely want to get one for winter use and stuff like grocery runs since it can handle a full rear rack.

[@onebighoffy]

Im fairly new to cycling. Im gearing up with fall and winter riding kit as we speak! The weather turned on me here in California and its almost 60f after the sun stops warming the area. Plus im moving to the mountains in a couple weeks so i should be looking to be in the high 40's to low 50's. Ive been cycling for 6 months and probably have about 2,000 miles in. Im not ready to jump into a new bike as i literally just got one last month (specialized roubaix). I still have a list of things i want on the bike. I may need a new seat (numb johnson syndrome), i really want a power meter, and ill be saving for new wheels after that. I think a folding bike would be a fun commuter that i could take into places with me. And ditch the riding gear entireley as i would only be riding it a few miles. Side tangent. I am fully enamored at my garmin computer... its the reason i ride a bike. I bought it 2 years ago when i was given a mtb. Im a nerd at heart and the bike savings led me to the decision. I only used it a few times before getting in a very bad car accident and breaking my back. Flash forward to 6 months ago and i was ready to try riding again. Just a short 10 mile ride, then a 14 mile ride, then i got my computer out of storage and did 18 miles. It told me i burned almost 1,000 calories! From then i was hooked on riding. Breaking my back made walking an issue, but riding the bike has even fixed that! The road bike stretches me out and riding has improved my back muscles giving me more support. But as far as the computer goes it has seemingly never ending tech. I can control my bike lights and their settings, visually see what gear my 105 di2 is in, check the wind intensity and direction, get weather info on my ride, i could track a dog if i had one, i can link with group rides to see where they are, i can get other sensors from 3rd parties like a core body temp sensor. i even just saw a "beers earned" app lol, you can watch a beer fill as you workout... they have fat burning mods, food counters, etc. Like i said, seemingly endless! Many work with the garmin watches too its the same app for addons across all garmin products i guess. You just have to check if it works with your device on the compatible devices. You can also do all the regular things like set routes or import from google maps and have navigation on your ride. And hey OP, what do you use your folding bike for?

[@Ramenscooter]

Love my Zizzo. Added a ti seat post and a Brooks B-17 saddle, MKS pedals.

[@jered2177]

@@Ramenscooter where did you get the ti seat post?

[@juliapoelstra3624]

I have that fidlock on my stem. It's not bad but has a habit of twisting. It's definitely the best option if you don't have a front mount bag with bottle sleeves

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Good to know!

[@tonyeggeling2693]

Ben a Kinetics in Glasgow can adapt the rear triangle to fit a Gates belt drive. Nice and clean!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Also “experimental”. Having a Gates fold on itself seems a bit sketch.

[@jfouellette5174]

the waxing and handle bars are on my list to try. Thanks

[@hoser7706]

Have you used or tried a Tern? Other than a larger fold they seem built to address many of the changes you made.

[@fromthesaddle]

Been running that Ergon Saddle on my Bombora after years of being on a cambium and it’s so much comfier

[@Robeuten]

many rationale improvements, well done! Regarding brakes - as disc brakes are not an easy modification on the Ps, would hydraulic Magura HS-33 make sense? I still have them on one of my communter bikes, and would not trade them for disc brakes on such a bike (though, would never use anything but hydraulic disc brakes for MTB/Gravel).

[@HunterAtheist]

6:00 That's hilarious that a bike this expensive would be shipped out to a store with defects or flaws. What a wild thing.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Its factory assembled and shipped across the ocean. Things happen to far more expensive bikes than this.

[@HunterAtheist]

@@PathLessPedaledTV That does make sense, but for a bike that is made to travel, it makes less sense. Brompton should know how to pack their bikes to prevent such damage. If the manufacturer can't figure it out, how is an end user supposed to pack their bike for air or sea travel?

[@peterdelmonte9832]

What damage is mentioned in this video?

[@adrianbicho3]

Congrats on the new bike! :) I am curious about the options for shorter cranks. Can you please share if you find an option to reduce the crank length for the Brompton?

[@stashi3107]

Yes, this would be interesting as it is easy to ground the pedals when cornering on Bromptons (and other folding bikes). I was thinking about this only last week as I managed to clip the road with my pedal and I was barely turning. Shorter cranks would seem to make sense for a number of reasons...

[@tranquill80]

Russ, any update or update video planned for what you found for a shorter crank?

[@ianthompson6268]

I use a clamp-on/quick release bottle cage on my foldy stem. It was $5.99 on Amazon.

[@cthulpiss]

Quite a lot of changes. Any ideas for Brompton-like frameset alternative?

[@thomasstone1363]

Nothing really does the Brompton thing like a Brompton does. However all the major folding bike manufacturers offer there own flavour. There are Brompton rip offs in a variety of materials available on Ali express, available as framesets, but I'd say they are a bit of a crap shoot. You may get something amazing or end up with a heap of titanium junk like a colleague of mine

[@cthulpiss]

@@thomasstone1363 Titanium specials are kinda expensive, I was wondering more like Litepro CR7 ?

[@julian-w5h]

I’ve been wondering about the Joseph Kuosac bars - I’m assuming the slight back sweep makes them trickier to put into a travel suitcase/bag?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends on the bag. It does make it a challenge to put in the Ikea Dimpa. If they are too long there is some margin to cut them shorter.

[@comounaverdura]

A lot of people upgrade the contact points, the seat, grips, and pedals. Confort is very important.

[@camiloferes1592]

Hello, could you give me more details about the pedals? Are they quick release with the same mechanism as the originals? Brand and model? Thank you

[@ShadowWilliams1265]

Do you have the 12 speed? If so, can you do a video of your thoughts? I’ve yet to see a decent video of owners thought on it. Thanks

[@WillEDC]

Seems your sensitive to handlebar feel. I recommend that you invest in sq lab inner bar ends. You will love them

[@rk-fc1he]

Chain waxing in dry environments works well but even done very diligently your chain will rust after the first wet day of rising so not practical when touring.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes thru that particular lens it may be challenging but for most last mile uses of the Bromptons it’ll work fine.

[@overland_adventure_nz]

So do you regret not waiting for the new Brompton G - Line? Do you think the G - Line model range would be better for New Zealand’s gravel roads and gravel cycle paths that we have down here? Keep up your great work with the alternative/non-race related bike industry products.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. Gear range is too limited on the G.

[@overland_adventure_nz]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks, I was thinking about changing the cranks to my favourite length of 150 mm, and gearing it down to have the low gears I need for climbing the hills and not having the top gears to limit my speed because of a brain injury I don’t need the speed because of Brain fatigue increase with speed.

[@wellwellrobh]

Anyone know if a Brompton fitted with the Joseph Kuosac bars will fit in the B&W International Brompton Bike Case - Foldon Case (96006/N) as sold on Amazon?

[@GG-si7fw]

Now onto to the Brompton World Championships.

[@albertyi2593]

Awesome summary of upgrades. Do the wider handlebars affect the fold in any way? Does the bike still roll nicely folded or does the handlebar end drag?

[@anthonykoleszar1779]

Pro Tip: buy a used Brompton for less than half new price and upgrade as you see fit, if at all. I only got through the handlebar swap out when I was done. I was really expecting to hear the rationalization for swapping out to friction shifting….ugh. ✌️

[@HunterAtheist]

Friction shifters just work. I love them on all of my bikes.

[@matthewtmcdonough]

Great video….out of curiosity, how many links in the chain does that bike take?

[@scoops2007]

In terms of the bars, does the sweep back affect the reach at all (i.e. make it shorter). I note these bars will drop the rise so just wondering if they cancel each other out? I don't find the stock handling to be anything other than responsive so I wonder if the change is so much that more stable = dull?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think it’s a vast improvement and far from dull. If anything I don’t feel like I’m going to die when going over 20mph on a descent.

[@scoops2007]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Ha! I think my max speed on a downhill has been around 63kph and it didn't feel dangerous just a slight wobble when out of the seat getting an aero position! That said, a mountain descent would be very different I am sure. Love the channel by the way!

[@wildhogget69]

Ergon grips cant find that model anywhere

[@wellwellrobh]

The GT1 Ergon grips come in S and L sizes - wondering which one fits the Brompton?

[@wellwellrobh]

When you get to the order page they give the lengths S = 14cm, L = 14.8cm. The Brompton foam grip is about 13 cm, so even the small might need a trim depending on where you want the brake lever etc. Looks not trimmed in the video.

[@synthpopper5555]

The G line seem to solve some of these things! Come stock with better brakes, bars and grips 👌

[@synthpopper5555]

.. and wider pedals :)

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Having tried the G, the original still has a lot of advantages. I probably would still opt for the original over the G by the way we use the Bromptons.

[@Rino-bicycle]

Have you done a full review of the Boreal from Paronama ?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Not yet. Waiting to take it on another bikepacking trip.

[@matztertaler2777]

Can a kuosac handlebar be mounted without changing the cables of brakes and shifters?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I did a straight swap on mine. YMMV

[@matztertaler2777]

@PathLessPedaledTV thanks for answering. That is good to know, so i can do this by myself at home. I would not be able to place new cables. I will order a C Line Electric 12 Speed next week and will order the handlebar you mentioned also immediatly.

[@bfeltovi]

simple $10 pouch from Amazon (take your pick) hangs off the bar/stem and holds a bottle or a phone or snacks. don't overthink this one.

[@live-to-ride]

Can you still fold the bike ok with the wider handlebars?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes

[@musiqsoundsproductions]

I never got on with brooks. Way to hard and shallow for my boney ass 😂 XLC GR-G17 Retro Grips are great too.

[@bobfet1]

Those brakes are sweeeet

[@sagehiker]

Brompton curious.

[@imagines9688]

i never waxed a chain never knew it could be so clean

[@davidrowe8747]

A waxed chain can actually get "dirty", but it's dry dirt and not greasy dirt - and far less of it, because the dirt doesn't stick like it does with wet lube. Only challenge with waxed chains is if you ride regularly in rain.

[@rk-fc1he]

Poor advice on the suggesting the need to replace the original Brompton calliper brakes, they have great modulation when correctly set up and maintained.

[@Galleyslave_ZH]

Totally agree. The brakes are fantastic for what they are. And absolutely all you need👌

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I don’t think I ever said “need”. In fact I stressed the opposite saying it wasnt essential but a very nice to have. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Dellvmnyam]

They would say "OMG he ditched the carbon fibre bar in favour of the aluminium"

[@frederickmulder280]

I’ve been lucky enough to borrow a Brompton for a couple week-long trips. That was enough for me to determine that, nope, I don’t want one. They work great until they don’t, and when they don’t there’s no guarantee that the mechanic at the local Specialized boutique is going to be able to help. Now you’re burning up travel time looking for a funky shop on the outskirts of town that carries the proper tubes or whatever. Be sure to snap amusing photos of your plight. Fender rub is twice as worse and happens twice as often. Now add a dozen more quirky glitches and you’ve got the Brompton experience in a nutshell. They’re not for everyone.

[@johnmalamatenios]

Where are your Team GB stickers?

[@bromptinowner763]

Throw on there a Selle SMP TRK saddle, you'll thank me later !!

[@abicyclist]

Seems like a belt drive and IGH would be better for such a bike.

[@davidpankras1933]

Were you coming down Els Angels on a cargo bike today? I said Hola and then thought “I think that’s Russ.”

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ha. Yeah. Was getting footage for a review.

[@davidpankras1933]

@@PathLessPedaledTV And wouldn't you know I enjoyed the climb so much I did it the next day and guess who was 100m from the top coming down with his wife?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@davidpankras1933 it is a good climb :). Had to do it again without the cargo bike.

[@mumm-ratheeverliving3138]

Wow, after seeing all of this it makes me appreciate getting my Tern Verge even more! At a fraction of the cost! Just made an adjustment to the bar height and that’s all it needs for me.

[@CasablancaDriver]

I ran my Brompton stock for a long time and it was perfect. Reliable, so fun to ride, so easy to fold. It’s a bike I’ll keep for ever.

[@onebighoffy]

The only takeaway im taking away from this is Brompton put 1 pedal 1" wider from your hip than the other... Im busting out the game of thrones on this one. Shame, shame, shame, shame, shame, shame. Edit: had to change a t to a y, fat thumbs!

[@jered2177]

Can't hide money, sweet bike.

[@nbartlett6538]

How to take an extremely overpriced bike and dump even more money into it...

[@Josukegaming]

Yet one of the best folding bike experiences in the world now that it's customized to his preferences

[@krollpeter]

Yep some people have too much money and feel the urge to burn it. I am amazed how they made a cult object out of this relatively simple bicycle.

[@jfouellette5174]

Caliper brakes that can be almost as good as disks!? Impossible according to many...Let.s be honest, disk are better in some circumstances but for most, caliper and v-brakes do a very good job.

[@Mach5sun]

I tried swapping my P line handlebar but the cables wouldn't reach, it wouldn't fold, and it screwed up the 4 speed shifting. So I swapped back.

[@CrapKerouac]

A bike that expensive and it needs upgrades?

[@TheGotoGeek]

All bikes need upgrades 😎.

[@CrapKerouac]

@@TheGotoGeek The Brompton is supposed to be the “end game”, according to many, it shouldn't require upgrades.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It’s definitely not an endgame bike. Take a cursory look at the insane aftermarket mods.

[@bromptinowner763]

Doesn't need upgrading ! Works perfectly fine as is ! Want over need

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@bromptinowner763 if you can live with it that’s great.

[@noel_hidalgo]

which pedals did you upgrade to?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

MKS Allways

[@jered2177]

Can't hide money, sweet bike.