Why are Brompton folding bikes so expensive?

[mjr]

Brommies fold up to a more compact size by using 2 frame hinge axes instead of the usual one. This means extra tubework, lugs and fittings. This complex hand-brazed structure is made in London, paying London rents, wages, taxes, effluent standards etc.

I'd say this is part of the reason, plus it's a fashionable brand that holds its resale value. I have a rebadged Dahon for occasional bike-train/bus-bike work trips, but if I was using it every day, I think I'd get a Brompton.

 

[jay clock]

They do hold their value amazingly well. Two yr old 2 speed for £650? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brompton-...397905?hash=item33b1a03211:g:aKYAAOSwKtlWtOqd

 

[Kell]

to be fair my Dahon folds fast but is huge and cumbersome when folded... and will not fit behind a seat on the train I used to take

I was going to say, the Dahon folding mechanism was probably less than two seconds on the older bikes. The Lockjaw system took a bit longer because it needed an allen key, but was still quicker than the Brompton.

As mentioned though, no where near as small.

 

[Kell]

[QUOTE 4159829, member: 45"]

And I still believe that Brompton are cheeky with what they can get away with because of the brand - they're a bit lazy with their development.[/QUOTE]

I'd agree with that. The three speed hub and two levers to achieve 6 gears is ridiculously archaic. Plus I think they should offer more handlebars as stock seeing as how there's no other way to adjust the height of the front end.

Discs would be a welcome option. So would a longer, more stretched-out version of the frame.

As you say, pretty much every bike is a compromise on something and folding bikes add a whole new dimension. With bikes it always used to be LIGHTWEIGHT/STRONG/CHEAP - pick any two. Add in size of folded bike and ease of fold and it's a nightmare trying to get the 'right' bike.

All I can say is that nothing else I looked at would have worked for me. At any price.

 

[Profpointy]

They do hold their value amazingly well. Two yr old 2 speed for £650? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brompton-...397905?hash=item33b1a03211:g:aKYAAOSwKtlWtOqd

there's asking £650 and there's getting £650. A touch high i'd say, but not by miles

 

[StuartG]

[QUOTE 4158093, member: 45"]They're overpriced, simple as that.[/QUOTE]
There are cheaper folders, there may be better folders. But show me a cheaper better folder (ie folds as small) that is good for at least an 80 mile a day tour for a very ordinary rider ... or perhaps a little less if towing a trailer?

I'm listening, wallet at the ready!

 

[MichaelW2]

I'd agree with that. The three speed hub and two levers to achieve 6 gears is ridiculously archaic.
Discs would be a welcome option. So would a longer, more stretched-out version of the frame.

With 16" wheels there is no practical way to use disk brakes. The disk would strike curbs and get covered in oily, muddy water, just like rims do, and sharp edges would not be practical for suited commuter riders.
How can Brommies get more gears. Alfine/Nexus style hub gears are quite heavy. Brommies need a rear chain slack device for folding anyway, so adding some cogs is easy. 3+2 is a reasonably sensible way to go. Is there space for an 8 or 9 speed cassette in the 115mm frame dropouts? There would be much more risk of oil contamination of clothing from all the exposed cogs.
Kinetics make Rohloff rear ends and disk forks for Brommies, if that gets your goat. An "ecosystem" of 3rd-party support and bits is always useful.

 

[jay clock]

there's asking £650 and there's getting £650. A touch high i'd say, but not by miles

this 4 yr old version sold for £652 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brompton-...542591?hash=item58d4d04b3f:g:kK0AAOSwqrtWoo7M
That works out at about a quid a week depreciation

 

[skelator88]

I don't find bromptons to be that much more expensive than any other. It does the job that's needed can be thrown under your desk. Can climb hills like other expensive road bikes. And you can carry a bottle a milk in the basket on the front as well as a tent tied to the back rack. !!!

 

[TheDoctor]

My M6R cost me £650 IIRC, and after 7 years use I'd probably get more than that if I sold it. Not that I ever would.
I don't think that's expensive at all.

 

[PaulM]

How can Brommies get more gears. Alfine/Nexus style hub gears are quite heavy. Brommies need a rear chain slack device for folding anyway, so adding some cogs is easy. 3+2 is a reasonably sensible way to go. Is there space for an 8 or 9 speed cassette in the 115mm frame dropouts? There would be much more risk of oil contamination of clothing from all the exposed cogs.
Kinetics make Rohloff rear ends and disk forks for Brommies, if that gets your goat. An "ecosystem" of 3rd-party support and bits is always useful.

The drop outs easily take an 8 speed Sturmery Archer 120mm OLD hub, although the tensioner needs a slight mod.

 

[TheDoctor]

That's true, and it gives you much the same gear range as a 6 speed, but weighs more. And costs more.
But there's only one lever, if that's important to you. It's a far neater solution.

 

[Fab Foodie]

[QUOTE 4159829, member: 45"]The Brompton isn't the best of each though. It's the best compromise, and not the best option for everyone. My Mezzo was a way better ride than a Brompton, the fold was fine, and it was not far off on size when folded .....[/QUOTE]

 

[Fab Foodie]

Bromptons are expensive because they're worth it .... but also because they are quite specialist in their build and components.
I don't agree with @User (unusually) in that I find mine well built and designed for it's purpose. OK, some bits could be better, but they still work. The ride is a bit quirky but none the worst for it (I think it's a hoot to ride) and it's a very usable bike - fine for long distances and cycle-touring (especially multi-modal touring) aaaaand it fits inside my tent, is easy to take on a plane, is great for a run to the shops, commute, occasional club runs, whatever. Out of my 9 bikes it's the most flexible and the first one I'd save if the garage was on fire.

 

[mjr]

That's true, and it gives you much the same gear range as a 6 speed, but weighs more. And costs more.
But there's only one lever, if that's important to you. It's a far neater solution.

More importantly, gear-hub-only need not dangle the chain quite so near the road to collect crud, nor flex it. I wish I'd gone for a three-speed hub gear instead of the 6-speed derailleur on my folder. I've only once really needed the bottom gear on the six and walking that would have been OK.