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The current issue is Issue 16. The next issue is out early March 2005.
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A revamp and a rumour
Brompton redesign their website, and hint at exciting things to come...
The Brompton folding bike now has a new website (at the same address as before):
http://www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk
but perhaps of even more interest to folding bike enthusiasts is a note at the end of an article in a recent issue of Professional Engineering magazine. The writer mainly covers the introduction of the new hinge design (see our earlier report), and stresses how Brompton are (after Pashley) the second-largest UK cycle manufacturing operation around - they do the whole production process in house, rather than farming it out overseas as most do these days.
Anyway, at the end of the piece Projects Manager at Brompton, William Butler-Adams, is quoted "Within a year we will be producing something that's going to be seen as quite far-reaching and novel for this product, taking it a step forward."
Sounds intriguing!
Posted on 16 March 2004
Your comments ...| From: Seamus (etc) on 16 March 2004 |
| Oh well. I'll not be buying a Brompton this year afterall then. |
| From: Just curious (New toys@once) on 16 March 2004 |
Things it could be:
- Electric-assist version?
- Rohloff hub version?
- Carbon fibre, aluminium or titanium version?
- 20" wheeled version?
- version with adjustable-reach handlebars?
- Disk/drum braked versions with hub dynamo?
- Version with frame (not swing-arm) rear carrier?
- Tandem version (!)
- Wipe-clean version with belt drive and disk wheels?
Any more?
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| From: Peter Eland ([email protected]) on 16 March 2004 |
| How about front suspension using the Pantour hub, like Steve Watkin's bike on page 43 of current Velo Vision... |
| From: andy ([email protected]) on 16 March 2004 |
| I bet it will be an 8-speed,using the new Sturmey hub. Though they should put some brakes that work on the bike. |
| From: Steve watkin ([email protected]) on 16 March 2004 |
| Hope it is the Pantour, cos I can say I did it first!! |
| From: Ralf Grosser ([email protected]) on 17 March 2004 |
Have a look at the Links page of the Brompton website.
They are the only Folder company who also link to the other ( Not Competition) makers of folding bikes.
Also read Anrew Richies views on why they do not use the material that I do not speak its name!
Ralf Grosser
Darmstadt Germany |
| From: ken brownless ([email protected]) on 18 March 2004 |
| aluminium - there I've said it! |
| From: Carlton Reid ([email protected]) on 18 March 2004 |
| Wings. I have that on good authority. |
| From: Seamus (etc) on 19 March 2004 |
| Lilac and pink will become the only colours available. |
| From: Ralf Grosser ([email protected]) on 19 March 2004 |
The 8speed would be nice to have on the Brompton.
The problem with this would be, that there may not be enough space for the shifter ring behind the chaintensioner.
Also the Hub hight now only comes with a monstersized brakelever/twistshift unit.
I would also not mind to have the bike with a SRAM 7 speed. but I am afraid that the clickerbox may be in the way.
The SRÁm wire shift cabel also is very stiff, and may not fold well.
The Brommie is the smallest folding bike, but everything on it is a very tight fit when folded.
Ralf Grosser
Darmstadt germany |
| From: paul bailey ([email protected]) on 19 March 2004 |
| Just given up on my third attempt to use a Brompton (hope over experience) they are: to heavy, to short front to rear (I am six foot)and come into the Leyland Mini class for me - nice prototype when will they finish the job. |
| From: andy ([email protected]) on 20 March 2004 |
The guy at my LBS (Hello Roger if you're there) thinks it could be V-brakes - mini ones probably, so they can fit.
Is he right?
Can he claim his prize...? |
| From: Leicester's most handsome (cyling historian) on 20 March 2004 |
| Proper size wheels and a diamond frame would be nice. And none of that silly folding business. |
| From: Ralf Grosser ([email protected]) on 20 March 2004 |
Dear Leicester's most handsome,
why don´t you ride a "he-man" bike like a tru bigwheel Pennyfathing?
All that safety buisness is for wimps, who don´t have the guts to ride a bigwheeler. |
| From: Leicester's most handsome (penny farthing rider) on 21 March 2004 |
| Um, I do ride/own a Penny. |
| From: Mike ([email protected]) on 22 March 2004 |
In November 2002 I picked up a snippet of info that was going round financial circles in London that Brompton was planning a financial restructuring with the aim of increasing capacity by 400%. That fits very much with the latest statements that something new from Brompton is on the horizon.
Such a dramatic increase in production heralds both bikes in lower price ranges and, hopefully, a premium range.
Thye effect of this news is that I will be postponing a decision on a new bike until I see what is proposed. |
| From: Ralf Grosser ([email protected]) on 22 March 2004 |
| Anyone who owns a Juliane Neus conversion for a Brommi into a recumbent should be aware, that the converter kit does not fit the newhinged Brommi. |
| From: Mark (...) on 23 March 2004 |
| I spoke with William a couple of weeks back, and it may be something to do with a more aggressive design, perhaps single speed or maybe even fixed, with minimal bits/weight, for city use. |
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