Brompton C-line 6 Months Review

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Nice. I found a Flame Painted 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton in Copenhagen and has since changed much/most to titanium and carbon parts, so it now weighs below 9 kilo (mudguards)! My M type handlebar is a carbon from A.E. without a name, but still functions fine, as all titanium bolts and nuts, also from there (I am a rather tall and a heavy guy). My S.A. wheel I may change to a 7 speed with chain-gears and a single changer, for less weight and a lighter rolling than the internal 2 time 3. But for now it is fine. I don't use it that much but I like it for its purpose, transport as folded. Finn. Denmark

[@b.griffin317]

You can easily get a straight handlebar and replace the "u" type if you wish. I got one on Amazon for $22.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@@b.griffin317 I would like to as I think the straight handlebar looks better, I just don't know if it's worth comprising comfort by going to a more aggressive position?

[@b.griffin317]

@@Thecyclingbusdriver My experience with going lower is its temporarily more uncomfortable but you get used to it and the handling is much better. I agree it looks better. A $22 mistake you can always go back on is one worth making IMO.

[@trolleyob]

The best upgrade you could make is to switch to a P Line. It may be only 2 kilos lighter than the all steel C Line but, believe me, it seems to be a lot lighter and easy to carry around and the derailleur setup makes it way easier to pedal than Sturmey equipped models.

[@petekadenz2466]

@@trolleyobMaybe but it’s another £1,000, which is lot of money. As it happens, I have a 2021 Brompton Superlight (as the P-line used to be called) and it works well for me, but I could afford it, which unfortunately not everyone can.

[@adrianfumi]

Thank you so much for this video... I have the same color Brompton with the same type handlebars... I was considering getting it changed to the low handlebar cause it looks better, till I saw this... I'm 6'2". If your salesman was that adamant about not allowing you to use the low handlebars, then never mind! Although David Miller is 6'3" and uses the low bars... Who knows? This saved me a lot of money! Thank you! Cheers mate!

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@adrianfumi he definitely got it right, even though I do prefer the look of the flat handlebar I'll stick with this setup 👌

[@helenbenjafield7351]

I don't think that the handlebars are interchangeable.

[@gazzo12345]

I have the C-line explore, like yours but in the raw laquer. I have changed my bars for the Joseph Kuosac mid-carbon. They are quite a bit wider, but still fold without touching the floor as the rise is about 40mm less. The bars have made a massive difference to the ride, feels a lot more stable, a lot less twitchy. If there's one upgrade to make I would definately reccommend these bars.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

Thanks I'll have a look 👍

[@joesprague1464]

I wish all salespeople were like your guy. I’m 6’ and got the high bar.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

Yeah like I said I really wanted that low bar just because I think it looks great, but yeah he did a good job and the right call was made

[@petekadenz2466]

I’m 6’ too and bought the low bar, which works perfectly for me. It’s a more comfortable position , feels more sporty, and makes the bike easier to steer. I had previously hired a Brompton for a day, which comes with a mid bar. So I knew the low bar was the right one for me. The salesperson who kept saying No to you sounds like an extreme control freak. A good salesperson would have suggested that you cycle round the block on a low bar Brompton and again with a mid-bar one. That would have helped you make the right choice for you, whichever it happened to be.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

As a first when bought, I gave all paint an Auto Polish and found the Factory "Protection" worn through to the paint after a few folds, so as a second I ordered a "Set of Protection" from China. So today my bike still has paint as new, without any scratches. I complained to Brompton of course, but they hardly cared, I suppose? By that the Easy Wheels are for a totally flat area, and mostly useless, so I also found some with a larger diameter. All bolts nuts and discs on mine are now from titanium, also the SA nut for control. Finn. Denmark

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 thanks Finn, nice to hear what you've been doing with your brompton, the first thing that came to mind when I first got my Brompton was to get some protection stickers due to the vast amount of contact points, like you said with the wheels you have to be on a completely flat surface, I've just upgraded to a brooks saddle and the next thing on my list is the easy wheels 🛞 then the grips will be next.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@Thecyclingbusdriver at first I bought a set of larger Brompton wheels, but now I use some nicer Eastern versions. My Superlight had titanium stays on the mudguards but the - clamps are made from "Heavy Metal", so I have found a set from China, from carbon, with bolts (I don't like the "Brompton Stripe" up my back). And all bolts, nuts (also the S.A. control nut) and discs are from titanium, as my sadle pin, also the bolt holding the fork, with an alu wedge. My front axle is also titanium. My sadle is a slightly padded carbon from Selle Italia, and an M shaped carbon handlebar. All now below 9 kilo and for a fraction of the price for a similar weighing T-line, with mudguards. I could find an H type titanium stempost for a little extra weight loss but my post is Flame Painted and I like it to look fully standard, til lifted. Finn. Denmark

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@Thecyclingbusdriver Not "stickers", but - do buy plates with double tape, and a badge bolted on the fork. As a Brompton has been produced for that many years a whole Industri has been made in China providing those, also below the crank, by the shifter cable in the back and below the cables in front. Also bolts, nuts and S-discs from titanium. But beware that the plates below the changer-cable/wire aren't too thick (They also cover the wear from the Hook on the Fork)! Brazilian "Chrisbybike" had problems because her, too thick plates made problems for the cable function on top. It is a double set, on top and below and I haven't had problems. Finn. Denmark

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

You are able to find/import most from Chinese A. E. and also Taiwan, Joseph Kuosac parts. Also Dutch Firm, "Bromptonian" makes repair and strengthening parts for a Brompton, without any aquaintance to Brompton, by that. I have a solid bolted on end on my mudguard in front from those. They also make an offroad version Tri-folder, by that. Finn. Denmark

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I bought a metal arm tensioner with guide wheels, but they made a noise so I went back to the plastic wheels on the arm. And they have changed the size/length so it may be difficult to find the right length for your year. Finn. Denmark

[@tdgdbs1]

I bought a A line and spent $45 for a dual chainring, the cheapest 6 speed since I'm a frugal man.

[@TheShays]

smart

[@taber247]

I have contemplated this addition too. Can you please list the necessary parts. Thank you

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I thought about it, which would make my 6 a 12 speed. But the low gears are so low that I hardly knew for what use I had them (Till I met an absurd hill). So I manage fine with my 6. After all a Brompton isn't an Mtb or a Racing bike! Finn. Denmark

[@taber247]

Thanks for sharing.

[@davidhunternyc1]

You're awesome! Your wife, rightfully, was upset that you were keeping your road bike inside the house. They are an eyesore. She told you to keep it outside but you stepped up, like a real man, and "told her where to go on that one." 🤣 I bet your sex life improved dramatically. You've got to put your foot down but you're not unreasonable either. You compromised and got a stunning Brompton. Congrats. How about you next save up for the T-Line? You deserve the very best, don't you think?

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@davidhunternyc1 😅 she wasn't impressed but I did my best to keep it out the way in the house, the T line does look nice but it's a lot of money, I do think the electric will be the next one I own.

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@Thecyclingbusdriver I say, screw the electric. There's always something better around the corner. In the meantime, ssshh... you got a credit card. You deserve the very best, don't you think? The T-Line is for you.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@davidhunternyc1 nah the electric is the one I think

[@petekadenz2466]

@@davidhunternyc1Stop telling other people what to do. They can make their own mind up.

[@anthonyharrison3343]

Nice review but for me you left out the most important part how does it fold up! Whats its weight and how would various age groups cope with it. The handlebars might be a problem if you want to carry a phone and other accessories. Will give you a tick and a sub as i would like to see how you get on with it.

[@Thecyclingbusdriver]

@anthonyharrison3343 with recording it on my mobile it wasn't possible to fold it im afraid, sorry it weights 12kg, I've seen plenty of videos with younger and older people enjoying the Brompton, it seems to be suitable for all ages, older might benefit from the electric for a slightly easier ride, I'm hopefully getting some accessories soon so hopefully won't be to long for another update 👍