Brompton Tour Packing ( The Bike )

[@pedropabloanto2306]

As a fan of your wonderful programs with the Brompton, I have to admit that I have learned a lot of little tricks and valueble tip for journeys and touring with my Brompton. Thank you

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Pedro! Great to hear.

[@bikerides]

I've done a couple of bike packing tours with my Brompton. Useful to compare notes. You present things very clearly and methodically. I hope it encourages other people to get out on their bikes.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Glad it was helpful John. It looks like the virus is now encouraging many people to ride. There is something positive at least...

[@felixcat9318]

This was a very useful video tutorial for the multimodal traveller, thank you.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Felix!

[@diegojunca3686]

Excellent video and recomendations. Thank you so much!

[@BromptonTraveler]

Pleasure. Good you have found it useful.

[@Muddy283]

Thank you. An *extremely* useful video to help me if and when I go touring and camping with my Brompton. Very helpful & practical 😄.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks for watching!

[@Me_and_My_B]

I usually go tor the soft bag option too....but the one main difference is that instead of a camping roll mat to pad the dimpla, I use a folding camping mat.....karrimor make one (£10 from sports direct in the uk). It's perfect, and very light as it fits exactly the width of the rear rack....so can stack perfectly on top of it, but more importantly can be folded a few times at the bottom of the bag (attached to the rear rack) to ensure the bikes area most prone to damage (the stays for the easy wheels) are protected. I use a large velcro strap to keep it in place, and sometimes I have used 2 cheap self inflating camping cushions to pad the edges of the dimpla bag....I've probably done 30 flights with this method with no damage so far. However, the only time I sustained minor damage to my brompton was when I got it shrinked wrapped as shown in your video.....please be careful here, the damage was sustained as too much pressure was used forcing the handlebar stem to touch the forks....which gave the stem a micro dent. The alternative option I've used for flying is a Brompton box which works very well and can be discarded at the far end.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Ashely, thanks a lot for the feedback and info! I recently started wrapping the bag at the airport as it reduces the size of the bag considerably keeps the bike package tight. Next time I might put a spacer ( sponge or something...) to keep the handlebar from pushing onto the fork. I have flown about 20 times myself with my bike and only time I got a little damage was on the rack that was bent due to some mishandling or too much weight being put on the bike... So far the rack to me seems the most damage prone part. Thanks

[@pingapple123]

@@BromptonTraveler Hah, after watching your video, my first concern is the rack damage.

[@creationadorer4690]

Thank you for sharing this informative video, Gianni. The bike and other equipment were cleverly and thoughtfully packed.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks a lot!

[@jasonloke2219]

Hey Bro, great way of packing your Brompton and the other items for flying. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@BromptonTraveler]

thanks for the comment!

[@kellysprocketty8817]

I often wonder how the Brompton can sustain luggage handling personnel/equipment. Your tips and real life experiences are very helpful. Thanks!

[@BromptonTraveler]

It takes it pretty well, within limits... :) I believe the main reason is just the clever way it folds. Pretty much all the delicate parts are inside the fold and not exposed. I just returned from India where apart from the flight it endured a very bumpy 20 hours journey on a bus that really tested the way I pack it. In the end it was perfectly fine and ready to go. Thank you.

[@malcolmlyon8871]

Thanks Gianni for your excellent advice. Your approach is really well thought out. Inspirational! I did one camp trip with my Brom with just the T bag - just!

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Malcolm. T bag is surprisingly spacious isn't it? I bet it would be good enough for a day or two.

[@itsfahys]

Fantastic the way you packed the Bike. Really giving me some ideas having just purchased a Brompton M3R. My only issue may be the 3 gears but I can allways pick routes suitable for that gear range. Looking forward to your other videos.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks a lot Stephen! Three gears will still take you a long way if you don't mind the odd walk on the occasional steep hill! You can always modify things in the future if you need.

[@markmoffett6813]

Brilliant !!!!

[@BromptonTraveler]

Cheers!

[@rider2731]

Gianni, thank you for sharing. I have subscribed and given you a LIKE.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks!

[@hw5789]

Thanks for the great video. A lot of good tips. 👍I get my Brompton in the middle of October. Can't really expect to get it. Cheers from Austria, Helmut.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Helmut. Enjoy the bike!

[@bush-radler7326]

interesting information. Helpful to plan my future trips! Thanks greetings from Spain Michael

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Michael. Happy you found some useful information here.

[@jonathanwong880]

Excellent demo. Thank you!!

[@yingwang2935]

Love your videos and thank you so much for taking time and sharing your ideas and experiences. Very helpful.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thank you so much!

[@robingood62]

You are responsible for the fact, that I am seriously considering buying a Brompton even though I own a very good touring bike!

[@BromptonTraveler]

If it helps I also do own a good touring bike :) thanks!

[@pkay1111]

Liked the way you pack for travel. The bicycle bag you mentioned where can I get one too. Thanks for the great info.

[@BromptonTraveler]

The transparent one is called DIMPA and is an IKEA very cheap bike. The other one is a soft folding bike bag that you can find on Amazon for example.

[@pkay1111]

Thank you very much for your help but somehow the soft folding bike bag I couldn't find it on Amazon.

[@BromptonTraveler]

@@pkay1111 That's the one I currently have. amzn.to/2PVxbos Cheers

[@willchang4744]

Thank you for sharing your story. Can you please give me the link to where can I purchase the soft bike bag you mention. Thank you again. Will

[@BromptonTraveler]

You are welcome. The transparent one is called Dimpa bag and can be found at IKEA stores. The black larger bag is something I got on Amazon years ago and they keep on changing them but if you search 'folding bike bag' on the web you should be able to find a soft bag that looks the same. You don't need anything too expensive, I think I paid around 25/30 Euros for mine. Thanks!

[@willchang4744]

@@BromptonTraveler thank you so much for your reply. 😇

[@mikeskor6230]

Wonderful video. Many thanks.

[@BromptonTraveler]

thanks!

[@cww922]

Excellent advise, thank you for posting!

[@BromptonTraveler]

You are welcome and thanks!

[@amit2897]

I love your set up, we (wife n me) plan to use a similar set up for our nxt tour i.e. Taiwan, Japan and Korea..we plan to buy the bikes in Taiwan for this tour, we are looking at the 20" (KHS f20 T23) bike , which is a folding touring bike...however, for carrying the luggage, we plan to fly to Taiwan just wih your backpacks and then use your method to secure it on the racks.... personally I would like to place my pack on the front rack, as we won't be carrying any front bags with us...and since we are panning to do this in hot weather, so no winter gear or sleeping bags...just a tent and cook kit...so the backpack should be plenty enough....it would have been great to see a set up with the backpack in the front....but since you don't do it..can't ask you to just for us :-)

[@BromptonTraveler]

What great destinations you picked! I am planning Korea 4 Rivers sometime in the future and I heard Taiwan being very interesting with nice National Parks and mountains. Japan I might do next year if at all possible, probably touring in Hokkaido. The T-Bag or the new Brompton large bags at the front are useful but the backpack is much more versatile as you can use it off the bike too. Thanks

[@brucesmith9144]

@@BromptonTraveler Taiwan is fantastic; I lived there for about 2 years. Taroko National Park near Hualien (East cost of Taiwan) is a must-see destination. Spectacular. Another notable place is Sun Moon Lake (near Taichung). There are numerous other places, so enjoy your time there.

[@user-fb2me3th6z]

Really helpful video. Thank you so much~

[@nunalecrim]

Hi, thank you for sharing. I wonder, do you take kitchen equipment with you? how do you eat?

[@BromptonTraveler]

Hi Nuno, I don't. On a folding bike I want to keep my weight to the minimum and my rides are usually up to 20 days or so. During that length of time I can put up with cold meals and have a hot meal and stop at a cafe during the day.

[@finnjensen3261]

Hi. Thank you very much for your great videos i really enjoy watching them and have also bought your books! I wonder if you can share the link to where you have bought the black soft bag you use to pack your Brompton!?:)

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thank you! A search on a online store such amazon or similar for ‘folding bike soft bag’ will find a few option similar to what I show here. Usually they are bags that can fit folding bikes with up to 20 inches wheels. Lately I have only used a simple Dimpa bag but those black bags are useful and easy to carry and non transparent which will hide the bike.

[@axel2b509]

Verry good video thanks

[@BromptonTraveler]

thanks!

[@sseb007]

Thank you for sharing.

[@BromptonTraveler]

You are welcome!

[@richardwallace2664]

Hi, I enjoy you informative videos on travelling with a Brompton and would like to do some travelling with a Brompton bike. Your videos are very informative. Do you ever take your Brompton as carry on luggage or do you always pack it for the hold? Cheers, Richard

[@BromptonTraveler]

I have never tried that myself. I know of people, especially in the US, that managed to do so but it is always a little risky. Often they might refuse and force you to load it unprotected in the hold which would make me way to stressed to contemplate it.

[@CaffeineJogger]

Very thorough Gianni. Congratulations. I've never traveled with a tent. Perhaps I have to try. Have you ever cycled throughout "the Stans" or Indonesia? The last question is do you have any issues with indexing the Brompton 6 speed.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Sorry I had missed this one! I haven't done the Stans, apart from Pakistan and haven't cycled in Indonesia. Indexing hasn't been a problem once I got the hang of adjusting the little chain tensioner... Not sure if the new version of gear shifters are different. Cheers!

[@hsager47]

Hi there! Just bought the transparent Ikea bags, but I am wondering where the black bag came from. I checked the Amazon link but it wasn't shown. Thank you for your reply. :)

[@BromptonTraveler]

Black bag is any generic bag that fits folding bikes. I found them on amazon twice but they are bound to change or disappear. I mostly travel with IKEA bag only nowadays. I carry one as a spare but they have been very strong. Idea of black bag over it was mostly to hide it is a bike but with what I pack inside it is not easy to see a bicicle anyway….Thanks

[@wilcyguantero6804]

Great advice on the extra wheel spokes, brake pads! Take a look at the samsonite stryde glider hardcase. I bought it for my brompton m6l.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks for the suitcase tip :) Does a Brompton with rack fit in it? My only concern so far with suitcases or Brompton case is that they usually tip you over the weight limits... This one looks lighter though. Thanks!

[@wilcyguantero6804]

Unfortunately it does not. That's the only con.

[@BromptonTraveler]

I see. I need a rack to tour with it but if I ever do a light tour it might work. Thanks @@wilcyguantero6804

[@garyhardy3810]

Thanks for the fantastic series Gianni. Two questions: have you ever encountered problems with airlines over your rucksack as carry-on? And the 12.5% reduced gearing - is that achieved by a smaller chain wheel or is it a different Sturmey Archer hub? Thanks again for all the inspiration and information!

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks Gary! As you well spotted the rucksack I use is not a tiny one at 45L. Saying that I have only once been asked to check it in so far, and that was on a low cost Indian airlines that was particularly strict. I bought the rucksack as it was one of the lightest one I could find and that means that as far as weight it falls within carry on limits of most airlines. Reduced gearing is simply achieved by smaller sprockets in the cassette. Thank you.

[@pedalthevale3062]

Loving the videos, very inspiring! Can I ask, what do you do about leaving your Brompton outside whilst touring, do you have a lock, if so which type? Thanks

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks! I have made a video on that too kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5evlpxmgMaVnbM I do try to limit as much as possible the times I leave it unattended.

[@snipsdraper7537]

Is your tent able to fit in the front Brompton handle bar bag, T bag, or the back pack?

[@BromptonTraveler]

It does fit in the T-Bag and that is what I used to do in the past. To do that though I had to always carry a large plastic bag for when it was damp early morning. Now I prefer to attach it outside as you have seen as that way it doesn't matter whether the tent is wet or not. Thanks

[@orenyinon5380]

Hi, Can you please share the link to buy the soft travel bag? Is it a bag for 16 Inch bicycle or are you using the bigger 20 Inch?

[@BromptonTraveler]

The one I use is a few years old by now and brands keep on changing but it is the 20inch folding bike size bag. A search on Amazon or equivalent webstore for 'Soft folding bike bag' should get you something very similar to the one I use.

[@johnny212]

Great stuff..been following your channel for quite sometime now. Im preparing for a tour so need advice on grips..I see that u are using the ergon gp3 grips, does it interferes with the rolling when it is folded?

[@BromptonTraveler]

No, they don't interfere with the fold. The only thing you need to do is to cut the handlebar grip a little as it won't fit otherwise on a Brompton. Bike shop has always done this for me! Good travels.

[@camgrice]

Do you have a video of the tools you take?

[@BromptonTraveler]

Not yet! Thanks for the suggestion. I might do one in the future. Saying that I carry few simple tools, as not much is needed for a Brompton. A few spanners to adjust brake bolts and wheel removal. An allen set with several sizes. A small chain braker tool and spoke wrench. I also carry a swiss knife with a plier which could come handy although I haven’t really used it so far…

[@bmwofboganville456]

Can I ask why you did not opt for the official Brompton tool kit which slots into the frame? In any case the Brompton kit lacks a chain breaker. Cheers

[@BromptonTraveler]

It is a cool kit and very conveniently hidden in the frame but as I had already the tools I needed I never felt the need to get one. Maybe one day... Thanks!

[@5mjc]

What brand is the black cycle bag and what size ?

[@BromptonTraveler]

T-Bag by Radical Design but is not produced anymore as far as I know. Brompton Borough bag is equivalent and almost as good.

[@brucesmith9144]

Wonder if you have ever had any issues with customs declarations with your bicycle and what you recommend when travelling internationally.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Not really Bruce... I have never thought about it. I suppose if you turn up with a brand new bike you could get asked a few questions by a strict customs officer, but this has never happened to me. I think it is quite clear whether one is touring on a bike or not, given that all you carry is bike touring bags and stuff.

[@abcfreehkhk359]

Why you use no helmet?

[@BromptonTraveler]

I have answered this many times but here is the gist. I recommend using an helmet but I chose not to wear one as I find it really uncomfortable when you have to ride all day with it. It's a risk I am willing to take. Cheers

[@Дмитрий-у4е9з]

Hi, what kind of pin 03:41 where to buy one?

[@miiichael0815]

Which led lamps do you have? I cant open your bikelist in the Description. Thx

[@BromptonTraveler]

I use some simple and cheap USB rechargeable led lights. Not good enough to ride at night but that is something I would never do anyway. I like the USB as it is rechargeable with a powerbank which I carry and the other thing I like in the one I have because they fix onto the bike with a rubber band system and it is quick and easy to attach and detach when needed. At night one of them can also be my tent light. Cheers

[@rafaignasiak9082]

Hi, I am planning to use your suggestions and want to buy a Ryanair flight. Have you used these lines? Is it enough to buy 20 kg checked baggage? Or maybe you have to pay extra for the bike? Thanks for tricks and tips!

[@BromptonTraveler]

It all depends on what you carry Rafal. My checked in bike with some bits and pieces like tools and tent is usually around 21kg. Ryanair has very good deal but they will be the worse airline as far as overweight luggage and make you pay for all of it so be well prepared and sure it’s 20. If you pack small no need to say it’s a bike otherwise it falls into sporting equipment and more money. Cheers

[@rafaignasiak9082]

@@BromptonTraveler Thanks a lot!

[@rafaignasiak9082]

@@BromptonTraveler One more question if you are so helpful. Is it the second bag, the black one, necessary? Why dimpa is not enough?

[@BromptonTraveler]

@@rafaignasiak9082 Dimpa on its own is good enough but cover the bike with a rubbish bag as Dimpa is transparent.

[@LittleRedCapBWR]

Do you put "fragile" labels on your "final product"? How do baggage handlers know it is a bike? They may just throw your brompton around.

[@BromptonTraveler]

Thanks for your comment. I normally don't ask for fragile stickers but should you want to put one on I guess it won't do any arm. Bear in mind that saying you have a 'bike' inside a bag or saying it is a 'fragile package' usually sets off alarm bells at check in. Nowadays a lot of airlines will charge extra fees if they know you are carrying a bike and they might not be interested to know that it is a folding bike and all the other good reason that it should be free to carry. If you feel it is safer and don't mind the fees involved you have the choice to say it is a bike. I rather pack it as well as I can in the way I show and take the little risk involved. I have taken about 20 long haul flights to date as well as several long bumpy bus and train rides and my five years old Brompton never suffered more than a slightly twisted rear rack stay. ( Happened only once and was straightened by hand....) Of course flying a bike whether you declare it or not, always involves a little risk but the package is well contained and reasonably protected to endure the little abuse it gets at airports.

[@camgrice]

Any significant updates to your pack since this video?

[@BromptonTraveler]

Nothing significant beyond a carbon fibre tube to keep the bottom of the rucksack stable as it is much lighter than what I used before ( spare seat post! ) I now have a telescopic seat post which makes it easier to pack the bike compact which was one reason why I used to bring a standard seat post as spare as well as the extended seat post I used for riding.

[@malcolmlyon8871]

What size is your exped rucksac? It looks light and waterproof.

[@BromptonTraveler]

I have the 45 litres one. I chose it especially for its light weight. It isn't waterproof per se, but while I ride, it is always wrapped in its waterproof cover. This makes it waterproof and keeps it cleaner from dirt. Cheers.

[@tarkineWild]

No room for the Maton

[@BromptonTraveler]

Sadly not! You must be one of the first people I connected with on KZbin trying to play Emmanuel's songs! :) Still playing my lovely Maton and you? Thanks

[@tarkineWild]

@@BromptonTraveler Yes still playing Gianni however your travel vlogs are compelling viewing and I do enjoy your unique take on it with your brompton

[@BromptonTraveler]

@@tarkineWild Appreciated. Thanks

[@chefjoo]

how many kilos do you carry on the back and on the front bags ?

[@BromptonTraveler]

10kg at the front, 7 at the back...roughly...

[@chefjoo]

@@BromptonTraveler thanks !