Brompton Touring Setup | Self-Supported Touring | 600+ KM Erie Canal Trail

[@martinfahrni5677]

Last summer i encountered a typical Brompton commuter on the train, we exchanged brief thoughts, mine being the wish to own one...anyway i went down to our local recycling center and whenever i am there i inspect their section of old bicycles and do you know what i spotted? I am now as of 2024 The proud owner of a Brompton 5 Speed All it needs is a chain and lots of adventures ❤ Happy New Year 🎉😂

[@WheelsonaBike]

Wow! That's an incredible find. Good for you! And if you're the tinkering, mechanic type, you'll be able to make all the necessary upgrades the bike may need. Good for you!

[@tukitoria01]

Hi Agnieszka thank you for sharing, this is awesome!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching. Hope you found something useful in the video.

[@boris100ish]

Great set up. Old school saddle bag and Brompton borough roll top bag on the front for me. Will have to invest in a rear rack to add more capacity and flexibility. Bromptons are so much fun to ride. Thanks for taking the time to share. All the best Pete 👍🚲

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing your setup. A saddle bag would've done perfectly and that's one way to increase the carrying capacity as well. Or do away with the load rear rack altogether. The bike was so much fun to ride and the journey back was seamless.

[@timevans9195]

@@WheelsonaBike Great video! ...the other good thing is that you can use one of the quick release attachments for Carradice saddlebags, which together with a carry strap makes it quick to remove and easy to carry when using the train or bus. I have one of the long flap models which allow you to add extra luggage as and when needed - handy for food bought on the go! I have the 6 speed with a 39t ring aswell - great for touring in that set up!

[@javierbromptonpimp]

Great setup! as a tip, you can also change the sprockets to 17-12 or 18-12 (some frames can hold the 18) to increase the range of the hub. 👍🏻

[@BIJOSEBASTIAN]

Great set up,waiting for my brompton from Curbside cycles Toronto this summer.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Nice! That's where my Brompton was originally bought as well.

[@fennecbushcraft9001]

Nice. very good upgrade

[@aedamhaeng]

Nice setup, thanks for sharing. On my last trip through the Netherlands, I had my old Brompton T bag in the front, an Ortlieb 22 liter dry bag on the rack and the Carradice Audax bag at the saddle. The Eerder Metaal main frame hugger for useful stuff, stored on the frame and a Restrap food pouch.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing your setup! I wondered about adding a saddle bag as it would've added carrying capacity without added load strain on the front block or the rear rack.

[@mad2barxhst]

Thank you for sharing ideas on setting up your Brompton for touring. I would love to ride the Erie Canal on a Brompton. I cycled the Erie Canal ten years ago on a 700C hybrid bike.

[@WheelsonaBike]

It was a pleasure to ride the trail on the Brompton.

[@JPBVideo]

So happy to hear you're touring New York's Empire State! I've ridden the Erie Canal part once and since I live in Westchester, I've ridden the stretch from Kingston to Battery Park many, many times. Let me know if you have any questions along the way! I love that you're doing Erie on the Brompton. Good luck and stay safe!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I finished the trail in Albany on Monday and had an amazing time! I was so impressed with the trail. The variety in surfaces, the great signage, the local support. The Brompton did so well, I was also pleasantly surprised with that. I will be posting more videos of the ride in the coming weeks, and will look forward to your insights along the way!

[@juandanielcano8052]

Excelente❤

[@psocretes8183]

I have a bridge on my Brommie too. They are really handy. I like to have a mirror as well but the style I had stuck out and eventually got knocked off. Your style looks better.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, the bridge is an excellent space extender, isn't it?

[@sheilastallard]

Love your set up!!. Noticed the Paths Less Pedalled cycle shoe ........... Crocs !!!! Keep Safe xxx

[@WheelsonaBike]

The crocs were excellent around the camp shoes and very light to carry.

[@rogberube6422]

Thanks for sharing. Very useful.

[@steveelkins52]

that was a trip, lucky you.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Highly recommend that trail. Such lovely riding.

[@FollowThomas]

It's a beautiful trail I rode it last month. Thanks for your bike setup video. 👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

Isn't it?! I had such a wonderful time riding there.

[@FollowThomas]

@@WheelsonaBike I can imagine it's a lot of fun riding foldable bike. How many miles you do on an average day since the tires are smaller and probably the pace is slower too?

[@WheelsonaBike]

@FollowThomas I was definitely slower. I did between 54 to 84 KM per day (33 - 52 miles). I rode slowly, and because the bike is new to me, I was very conservative in my daily mileage estimates. I could've definitely gone further as the bike was capable and very comfortable to ride.

[@kittencollective]

I use the backpack on a rod attached to the saddle and the back of the (Nitto) rack on my 6 speed Brompton & I swapped out the pedals for MTB flat pedals. Someday hope to ride the Erie Canal route!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing your setup. Your comment was held for review, I not quite sure why... I HIGHLY recommend the Erie Canal trail. Such a lovely ride.

[@chuckdeyo291]

I like that handle bar bridge. I'm handy with the tools, so I will see if I can build one.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I've seen a video of a person doing just that. If you can do it yourself, this will make for a good project.

[@bromptoning]

I got a lovely back rack bag from Vincita that's designed specifically for folding bikes. What that means is that it's a much higher bag, and it has short panniers that can fold down. I want to take it touring, but alas, this summer has been all work and no play. But our usual set up is simply strapping 30L backpacks to the back rack. Not perfect, but it works.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing the Vincita setup. Glad to hear it's worked well for you. As it happens, a shipment from Vincita was waiting for me after I finished the tour. The Big Nash bag is one of the items I got and it would've been perfect as a rear bag.

[@bromptoning]

@@WheelsonaBike I noticed the Vincita bags you had on your Brompton today! The huge handlebar stem bag was one I was curious about too.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@bromptoning Yes! That's two of the three I received from them. The stem bag can also be mounted on the saddle. I'll play around with both positions to see which one I like better.

[@alanwilliamson6421]

Nice little rig for riding

[@WheelsonaBike]

It worked very well for me!

[@redsorgum]

Very cool! I like your setup. I was watching some videos last night on the Brompton’s, and for some reason you popped up into my head. I was wondering how you were doing on the Brompton. I like the idea of using a smaller bike. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

[@WheelsonaBike]

The big difference for me was downsizing my load. I carried 10kg on the front and the back, which is substantially less than what I typically carry on my touring bike. This made riding less strenuous and the bike handled beautifully. I was impressed.

[@alfasamiam]

Hello! Just stumbled on your feed! Love your commentary and explanation of the sights and your encounters along the way! I am curious about your photography/video setup. Any chance you can post more info on the cameras, holders/brackets etc. you are using? Love the Erie Canal… have ridden it end to end on several occasions… seems there is always something new to see and do!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you found the channel. I have an older video where I go over my setup. Some of the cameras have changed but the functionality of each type of camera is still the same. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaHTiHeDlKt1oJo

[@DEVAULT.]

Beautiful ❤

[@wojownikswiata4549]

Jaki piękny polski akcent ;)

[@WheelsonaBike]

Dziękuję. 😉

[@Andrea-kx1mj]

Really cool

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@GordonThompsonAZ]

Thank you for your video. I have ridden from Buffalo to Albany for the past 7 years, the first 5 with my Bike Friday and the last 2 with my Brompton. I was very interested in your use of a dry back on the back. I have used the Brompton Rear Rack bag but the dry bag maybe a better idea. I will test it out.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing that you've done the ride so many times. It's beautiful, so I can understand the draw. Which Bike Friday bike do you ride? I like those bikes and spotted one in Toronto. The dry bag worked very well, with the only caveat being that it's clunky to take off and put back on securely. But it was just a bit of time. Otherwise, it worked very well. I am now testing the Vincita Big Nash bag with panniers. Not waterproof, but has a cover.

[@GordonThompsonAZ]

@@WheelsonaBikeI have a 2017 Bike Friday New World Tourist. I used it for 8 tours in New York and Europe. It has several advantages. The Bike is very comfortable. I am 72 and like to ride as upright as possible and BF made a custom length seat post so I can sit upright. The BF is very good for climbing. I have T28-38-48 chain ring on the front and a T11-34 rear cassette which gives me a a gear inches range of 16-88, which is very good. The tires are 20 x1.75. I use Schwalbe Marathons with tire liners and since the tire is wide I can use a thicker inner tube, all of which makes it almost impossible to get a flat. The disadvantage of the BF for me and why I now use a Brompton for touring is the BF does not travel well on a plane. For me the two considerations in bike set up are how it sets up in general for riding and how to I carry with me what I need to take the bike on a plane without getting it damaged. BF recommends a hard case which you can convert into a trailer when you ride but I think that is a bad idea because it just adds more weight and parts which can break. I had a padded foldable case made for the BF which is OK and I can somewhat fold up and put on the back rack when riding but it is unwieldy. Also although I use a soft case for the Brompton I can add extra protection to that case which I cannot use as well the BF. Lastly the BF is a pain to assemble when I arrive to start my tour whereas the Brompton is easy. Therefore the BF is now my around town bike and the Brompton my touring bike.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@GordonThompsonAZ Thank you for sharing this. I can see the benefits of both bikes. The gearing is definitely superior on the BF, but depending on where you go the Brompton can hold its own. How does comfort compare on the two bikes. Do you find BF more comfortable because of its wider tires? Or is comfort comparable?

[@GordonThompsonAZ]

@@WheelsonaBike The BF is more comfortable because the handle bars are higher in relation to the seat than on the Brompton and so I am more upright. Having said that over the course of a day I have not a comfort problem with the Brompton.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@GordonThompsonAZ Thank you, once again, for sharing your experience with the two bikes. Very valuable.

[@oldoza]

Nice set up,might consider using bike trailer?

[@WheelsonaBike]

No, I would noy use a trailer.

[@kzarz0219]

Hi.. Thank you for your video. I have been planning for a long bike ride. What type of tires did you use and did you use tube sealant to protect against punctures?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I have the original Schwalbe Marathon tires on the bike and no, I don't use sealant inside. The tires are puncture proof as they are and they are quite new as well. If I wanted to up the puncture "proofness", I'd opt for schwalbe Marathon Touring Plus tires. I have those installed on my touring bike and I rode across Canada on them without one flat.

[@kzarz0219]

@@WheelsonaBike Nice. Thank you and safe travels

[@JayDollKingHefner]

You didn't mention your bike lock on top of the frame located directly underneath your seat. I was curious as to what kind of lock it was and how you like it. Great video and you're always beautiful! 👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

It's an Abus folding lock and I used it a few times. I like that it mounts to the frame, but it did scuff up the Brompton sticker while mounted there. The little key I mention on the water bottle holder is for that lock.

[@JayDollKingHefner]

@WheelsonaBike thanks, I thought it was a lock, but I wasn't sure. I hate that it scuffed the sticker. I love your bike. Bromptons are really cool and compact!

[@WheelsonaBike]

@JayDollKingHefner Yes, I was a bit bummed about the sticker, but I was able to heat up the glue with a hairdryer and reapply the sticker. It's not perfect, but this is what happens when you tour, the bike comes back with some "battle scars" and I'm OK with that.

[@JayDollKingHefner]

@WheelsonaBike A few scars to remember the journey! I can't wait to take my first tour! I think I'm most concerned about what to pack! Until them I'll be keeping up with all of your adventures! Stay safe and have fun! 😁🙏👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

@JayDollKingHefner You'll figure out a lot of what works and what doesn't on that first ride. It'll be a great learning experience you can build on. Thanks for watching!

[@GGg-ic9ku]

How do you ensure you manage the weight on the front block and the rear rack? With a 10 kg limit on each it seems like it would be a challenge to carry enough gear to tour with. I think one could tie/hang from the center bar between pedals and/or the seat post to get more items, but curious how you do it, would love to know your methods. I plan to get my first Brompton this year an electric that I will get an extra front tire for to with in places I plan to fly to - can’t bring battery on plane. thanks for posting your videos there so interesting and helpful. I love the rides through the Canadian Rockies and BANFF but would be terrified to ride on such busy roads. How do you do it?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I weighed my front bag with all the gear inside. I did the same with the rear load. I was at 10kg each for both front and rear. I had everything I needed for self supported camping. This was a hot fall tour, so I didn't have to bring any cold weather supplies which ate typically heavier. Regarding your question about riding on busy roads. I live in Toronto so am very used to riding alongside car traffic. Riding through the Rockies was a nice respite from traffic actually. But again, I'm coming from a large urban rider experience.

[@GGg-ic9ku]

@@WheelsonaBike how do you see the Brompton fitting in your touring plans? Where do you plan to use it in the future? The thing I like best about it is the portability I can easily fly drive train anywhere with it. You amaze me … so brave! I wear much brighter and reflective clothing than you do, and have flashing lights, front and rear, I live in a college town, Charlottesville, Virginia, but occasionally train up to DC and bike around there , we have horrible bike lanes, if any, where I live, but it’s much better in DC but nowhere near Amsterdam standards!

[@Khris618]

I was wondering what diameter ez wheels you have on your Brompton. I put Ergon GP2s on my Brompton and with the standard 60mm ez wheels, I can not have the grip horns pointed upward without the left grip contacting the ground when the bike is folded. At least without tilting the handlebar more than I want. The best solution I can think of is to put larger diameter ez wheels on the bike.

[@WheelsonaBike]

The easy wheels were upgraded by the previous owner. Here's what I have installed, you can check the details on this page: josephkuosac.com/product/brompton/1_6_2_easy-wheel/

[@Khris618]

@@WheelsonaBike according to specs, those are 60mm in diameter. Did you have any trouble positioning the grips or mirror so you can roll the bike folded on the easy wheels without either contacting the ground?

[@WheelsonaBike]

@Khris618 No, I have no issues with either.

[@CrazyLittleBikerGirl]

You mentioned you have a high handlebar brompton, can i just ask does the ergon gp2 grips + mirrycle mirror that you had on interfere in anyway with the folding of the bike? Like does it touch the ground etc? Thank you for sharing your setup

[@WheelsonaBike]

No, they do not.

[@shuttle461]

Hi! I liked the mirror. Where did you get it? What brand is it? I agree, the rear set up doesn't look very handy or comfortable.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I think I got the mirror at a local bike shop, but it's also available on Amazon. It's called Mirrycle Mirror www.amazon.ca/Mirrycle-Corp-Mountain-Bicycle-Mirror/dp/B0009R96YK/ref=asc_df_B0009R96YK/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292983095445&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15812210670858927205&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000982&hvtargid=pla-436660969623&psc=1

[@pgreenx]

I live on the Empire State trail an hour north of nyc and thinking about the Erie trail. Are you going to do review and if you liked it, camping options food etc?

[@WheelsonaBike]

You're so lucky to live next to the trail! It's such a great trail. Yes, I'll be sharing more videos from the tour. But overall, I highly recommend this ride. Very well marked, good variety of surfaces, mostly away from car traffic, excellent variety of camping and in-door accommodation options. I was very impressed.

[@pgreenx]

@@WheelsonaBike thanks. On my list for next yt

[@Adventure8Ride]

Is that s Small Ergon GP2 - Ergo Lock on Handlebar Grips with Bar End? How did the Brompton handled steep hills? I am 4' 11 3/4" tall...and still in search for the bike for my first bike tour/bikepacking. Thanks.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, these are the Ergon GP2 grips. They already have the 'horns'. Brompton doesn't do well on steep hills. For that you need physical strength as the gears are not suitable for climbing. On this tour I rode a very flat terrain with some long, but gentle hills. I would not recommend the bike for a long bicycle tour with lots of hills. Unless you are in an amazing shape and can use brute strength to climb. Have you looked at Bike Friday bikes?

[@Adventure8Ride]

@@WheelsonaBike I finally bought the Ergon grips..gosh, so hard to puil out the existing grips! I will have a go on Thursday so I can test it for Friday ride. Ride safe always! thanks

[@reginald6803]

Nice. But if you cant fold it quickliy, why not use a bigger bike?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I do use a bigger bike when I want to (like right now as I'm touring Poland and heading to the mountains) and I use the folder when I want to. It all comes down to personal choice and specific use cases.

[@livethemoment9070]

I also like the GP2 but wouldn’t fit on my M handlebars. You mentioned you have an H bar and seem like it fits like a glove. Did you do anything special to make it fit?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I had to cut the grips to make them fit on the handlebars.

[@thomasstacho]

What model Brompton do you have? BTW, love your videos. Tom

[@WheelsonaBike]

It's the C Line Explore.

[@pualema3]

Hi! Thanks for the great info. What type of Click-Stand do you use? I went to their website and there are different configurations. Thanks!

[@WheelsonaBike]

This Click Stand was actually made for my full size touring bike, but because of user error I ended up breaking it. So I removed two pieces and now it fits the Brompton well. It's the Click Stand Max.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

When is your next installment of your across Canada bike ride?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Im hoping to have one ready next week or in two weeks time. It's a heavy one for me as I'll be going over the day of the accident.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

@@WheelsonaBike accident????

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, I was hit by a car while in Northern Ontario.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

@@WheelsonaBike omg. So glad you’re ok. Perhaps that’s the reason behind your new bike 💔. I will wait for the videos, I love your channel. Btw I bought a brommie in 2020! 6 speed as well. Love it.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Oh no, I didn't get a Brompton because of the accident. I got it because I've wanted one for years. I was able to finish the tour on the Sutra and still ride it. It's a fantastic bike that save me from a serious injury. I'm very thankful for it.

[@seanyushi9096]

Is that piccadilly blue?

[@WheelsonaBike]

It sure is!

[@aswang78]

Hi .May i know the Brand and Model number on your Chainring? Tnx and Stay Safe Always!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I share the details in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6uxgKBmr72njKM, it's a SRAM 39 tooth chainring.

[@andreacaciolli5250]

what about the lights?

[@WheelsonaBike]

The lights are the rechargeable front light, and a battery operated rear light. Both available as Brompton accessories. I do not use dynamo operated lights.

[@georgecombs]

Where can I get the same kick stand 4:00

[@WheelsonaBike]

It's a Click Stand and I have the max version. www.click-stand.com/

[@Ivandrago89]

Hi, where did you buy your Brommie??

[@WheelsonaBike]

It was a private sale.

[@coretan6749]

Hi i amer from Malaysia, may i know what is your height?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Hello Amer, thanks for watching. I'm 5'4".

[@Cycle2life]

Can and do you wild camp in that area?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm sure people do wild camp in the area, is it legal? I'm not sure. I think Ryan van Duzer did wild camp on the canal. Check his love cycles series for their ride. What I did is relied on free camping at the lock stations, paid camping in campgrounds, warmshiwers hosts and motels.

[@pataaqui2045]

@@WheelsonaBike is there any way that you can provide a list of your stops? and when you say you did free camping at lock stations... can you explain, I am not sure how it works.

[@WheelsonaBike]

@pataaqui2045 I will be posting videos of my entire ride and will be sharing the stops in those videos. Regarding your other question - when you arrive at a lock station, go speak to the lock master (the person operating the lock) and let them know you'd like to camp. They will show you the area people typically camp at and also point out a porta potty (washroom), water source and any electricity hookups available. Some lock stations had a QR code that led to a survey you needed to fill out, but the one I stayed at did not.

[@stevenbissett]

If you tour with a trailer there is no need for protecting your bike frame.

[@WheelsonaBike]

While I use a trailer for urban commuting when grocery shopping, I would not take a trailer on tour. Personal preference.

[@stevenbissett]

@@WheelsonaBike May I ask why you would not use a trailer for touring?

[@WheelsonaBike]

@stevenbissett I personally wouldn't use it because I don't like to feel the pull of the trailer behind me. I don't mind the sensation when grocery shopping, but wouldn't want that on a long distance tour when climbing mountains. I'd rather have it all on my bike. As well, maneuverability is always affected when I have a trailer and based on personal experience, the more nimble, the better. Although a fully loaded bike is not the most nimble, a bike with a loaded trailer, in my opinion, would be a big headache. There are others who do ride with trailers and prefer it. There are some that start with a trailer and then switch to on bike loads. It's all about your own preference. If it works for you, it's the perfect solution.

[@stevenbissett]

@WheelsonaBike There are pros and cons for each setup, I guess.