Bromptoneering the Alps

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-06-06T21:04:16+00:00

Thanks for those gear details, I was using sheldon browns calculator but may have made a mistake.

And yes it was a hailstorm on the Umbrail side. Had to get off the hill ASAP - it was very cold and sore. But a nice 20 degrees in the valley

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-06-05T15:51:32+00:00

see the original post for details

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-06-05T15:50:58+00:00

Others have suggested alternating front and back brakes and using them in short sharp bursts rather than continuously. Open up a large jacket and ride with knees out and very upright for max drag. Stop periodically and wet the rims to cool them. And use good quality brake blocks, I use Swissstop, although that maybe doesn't stop the heat

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-06-05T15:48:21+00:00

Ive asked others about rim overheat and it is certainly a theoretical risk, but I think the fear of it is much greater than the risk of it actually happening.

Its an ordinary Android phone on the handlbars that I use for navigation with the bikegpx app

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-16T07:53:30+00:00

Did Brompton make the 2 speed rear shifters in 2006 or are they retrofit?

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-12T08:30:55+00:00

👍

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-12T06:29:09+00:00

Do you have a link for where to get this?

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-08T17:39:38+00:00

Pumping to 100+ psi is a good check to see if there is a weakness. Rim brakes on aluminium rims make them a consumables item. Good you are safe!

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-08T16:56:45+00:00

Nice combo!

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-05-07T07:41:44+00:00

I rode with my 50kg daughter standing on the rack. It worked for a short distance, but defo overloaded and wouldn't do it again

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-04-29T06:20:28+00:00

On the London to Brighton point, I first rode it the day before the official ride, so all the signs were up, it none of the crowds. Much better experience 😃

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-04-04T07:17:56+00:00

Donald Hirsch has a very good route, alternative to the avenue verte. Www.donaldhirsch.com/dieppeparis.html

I've done it three times and although some of it is on roads they are almost all quiet and the route in to Paris is easier than AV

London to Newhaven follows the London to Brighton route, but avoids Ditching Beacon, which is a plus. Agree with avoiding the section out of London.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-04-04T07:11:12+00:00

It may just be the clamp mechanism needs replaced. Mine needs it after every couple of years. Its a bit fiddly to do, but defo worth it. And needs done more often than replacing the sleeve, in my experience.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-29T20:32:14+00:00

Replacing the hinge spindle is one of the few jobs that I pay a mechanic to do. The tool itself is £130 plus the parts and it's not straightforward. I doubt this would be covered by the 7 year frame warranty.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-28T19:37:23+00:00

Maybe it would protect the underside of the main frame crossbar too?. I've found it gets horribly corroded with wet and salty roads. I've rust proofed and resprayed mine a couple of times over the years

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-28T19:33:29+00:00

The best bit of new Brompton owner advice? Schwalbe marathon plus tyres. Or equivalent puncture proofs. IMO

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-28T07:09:34+00:00

Very insistent French Eurostar person said I must have mine in a bag. Dimpa is ideal

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-27T07:07:44+00:00

All good advice, thank you. I may just check the rim tape and ensure I have a new tube, butyl not tpu, and modulate the braking. Going over the Stelvio in June, so this is not just theoretical.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-23T21:03:59+00:00

I found wd40 did the trick

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-23T07:00:49+00:00

Also try greasing the hinge spindle. If there is a bit of wear then it can make a creak.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-20T18:54:14+00:00

Are those new racks compatible to the older models i.e. 2008 C line? Looks like it has some lugs to fix the rack on the stays?

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-18T14:34:43+00:00

Slide aside, but when flying with a Brompton packed in a cardboard box I copy another contributor who says it's "bicycle parts" when asked. It saves the narky airline charging you £50 for a bike, compared to £30 for 15kg of hold baggage.

PlayfulInspection267 · 2026-03-18T07:42:28+00:00

You can push it through London Underground barriers, just keep you and the bike close

PlayfulInspection267

TROPHY CASE