On my return from cycle touring in Africa I didn’t have enough cash lying around to buy a car, and more importantly I didn’t want one. Sadly the public transport where I live is awful and to take Mr Hyde on a train costs €6 per day. So I needed a problem solver.
Enter my second hand Brompton
Initially it was just meant as a means of transport, but I quickly fell in love with its folding convenience and bmx fun feel. It didn’t take long to start hatching touring plans with my new friend.
Later I also invested in a trailer, making it an even better problem solver.
Using the trailer as a bag its the perfect solution for travelling in Europe to combine with public transport, or even ferries.
My Brompton trips can be found >here<
Some tips for carrying baggage and touring on a Brompton can be found >here<
Specs:
When I bought it second hand it was a 3 spd C type. After some work and upgrades its now a 2 spd S with lots of titanium bits.
Hi,
Why did you change the 3 spd Sram hub to 2 spd Brompton? Is it more reliable for touring?
Hi Peter,
I mainly changed from a 3speed SA hub to a 2spd for weight and convenience for commuting. It is also fine for touring though as the gearing is the same as gaar 1,2 on the SA hub, you just miss the 3rd gear. I use a Large chain ring for for commuting and a smaller one for touring 🙂 .
Thank you shane!
“smaller chainring” means 44T?
Yup, 50T for commuting and 44T for touring 🙂
Hi Shane enjoyed your posts re the Brompton. In your opinion, when touring, does it ride better with your bag set up or with the trailer?
Kind regards, Ian.
I much prefer the trailer. So much so that I’ve removed the rack from the bike, making it half a kilo lighter 🙂