I used to be an avid Brompton rider in 2007-8. I had the cheapest steel model and loved it. Then i had an accident and had to give up cycling. Fortunately, I am now well enough to consider commuting by bike again! Due to my injury however, it's better for me to avoid lifting heavy things. I can just about manage 10.5kg so I am considering a the new 2016 model Titanium model with just 2 gears and the Schwalbe Kojak tires to keep the weight down (although I live in East finchley and would commute to and from the west end, so a little concerned 2 gears won't be enough). My questions are:
1) Is there a big difference between the 2016 model and the equivalent 2006 model. I ask because i can buy a third hand 2006 model (with the premium accessories that i want) that has done c. 12,000 miles for about 1000 GBP less than the new model. I'm interested in weight differences and any other differences which couldn't be addressed by swapping out cheap parts or accessories.
2) If the answer to the above, is "definitely go for the 2016 model!", then my second question is: is it really worth spending all this money! Other than the 750g weight difference, what are the advantages of the titanium Brompton over the standard one? Is it like upgrading to carbon forks on a non-folding bikes?
1) Is there a big difference between the 2016 model and the equivalent 2006 model. I ask because i can buy a third hand 2006 model (with the premium accessories that i want) that has done c. 12,000 miles for about 1000 GBP less than the new model. I'm interested in weight differences and any other differences which couldn't be addressed by swapping out cheap parts or accessories.
2) If the answer to the above, is "definitely go for the 2016 model!", then my second question is: is it really worth spending all this money! Other than the 750g weight difference, what are the advantages of the titanium Brompton over the standard one? Is it like upgrading to carbon forks on a non-folding bikes?
