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For anyone unfamiliar, I just want to put in a good word for Brompton folding bikes which fold down to about the size of a carry on suitcase in about 15 seconds

For anyone unfamiliar, I just want to put in a good word for Brompton folding bikes which fold down to about the size of a carry on suitcase in about 15 seconds. They last decades and are extremely useful for urban cycling because they open up a whole world of milti-modal trips since they can be taken on any bus, taxi, train, ferry, etc. there’s also fantastic for shopping and can carry a surprising amount of cargo. I think this video sells it better than anyone else https://youtu.be/V6bmuJ98Zc8 https://youtu.be/V6bmuJ98Zc8 They also have electric versions. They're a bit pricey but very high quality. Being from the UK, they are limited to electric assist up to 25km/h which is a bummer for Canadians who typically get to go up to 32km/h and Americans which are limited at 40km/h, but you can also buy a regular non-electric Brompton and add on a Swytch Kit (https://www.swytchbike.com/ https://www.swytchbike.com/) which. We've done that and it's worked out really well.

aembleton 3y ago
My wife had a Swytch on her Brompton and found after a year of use it wouldn't hold enough charge for her commute (10 miles). Bit disappointing really. Brompton is still excellent though. We know someone who cycles to the airport, takes it on the plane as hand luggage to Munich and then cycles to his mums house.
- joshlemer 3y ago
  Yeah, our Swytch experience hasn't been completely seamless either, but it comes in at still like $1000 or more cheaper than an actual electric Brompton and with a higher speed limit so I still think it's better overall. I also found that getting rid of the cadence sensor and relying solely on the throttle made fore a more relaxing and confident experience. With the finicky pedal sensor you are always wondering if it will pick up your motion, which is a constant source of mild anxiety whereas the throttle is totally solid every time.
password4321 3y ago
Costco sells the folding Jetson Haze e-bike (350w; 15.5m/h ~= 25km/h) for $550. https://www.costco.com/jetson-haze-electric-bike.product.4000025081.html https://www.costco.com/jetson-haze-electric-bike.product.400...

aembleton 3y ago

My wife had a Swytch on her Brompton and found after a year of use it wouldn't hold enough charge for her commute (10 miles). Bit disappointing really. Brompton is still excellent though. We know someone who cycles to the airport, takes it on the plane as hand luggage to Munich and then cycles to his mums house.

joshlemer 3y ago
Yeah, our Swytch experience hasn't been completely seamless either, but it comes in at still like $1000 or more cheaper than an actual electric Brompton and with a higher speed limit so I still think it's better overall. I also found that getting rid of the cadence sensor and relying solely on the throttle made fore a more relaxing and confident experience. With the finicky pedal sensor you are always wondering if it will pick up your motion, which is a constant source of mild anxiety whereas the throttle is totally solid every time.

password4321 3y ago

Costco sells the folding Jetson Haze e-bike (350w; 15.5m/h ~= 25km/h) for $550. https://www.costco.com/jetson-haze-electric-bike.product.4000025081.html https://www.costco.com/jetson-haze-electric-bike.product.400...