Monday 26 September 2011

Folding Bike Competition?

This morning on my daily commute I had the chance to eye up the opposition like never before.

At the first set of traffic lights, up rolled a Dahon 8 speed. Now I don't want to upset Brompton lovers out there, but I used to own a Dahon before I saw the light. Anyway, I glanced across and nodded to my biking cousin, twice removed. He nodded back. There was at least cordial communication and a slight deference to the pinnacle of folding bikes from this Dahon rider.

Literally five minutes later up rolls a bright yellow Birdy folding bike, daring to compete with my brighter orange. There was no nod. No deference. This Birdy rider actually felt smug. Superior even. He didn't tell me that but it was plain to see by all in his eyes. Right, I thought to myself.

With the lights turning green our Birdy friend was off and proceeding well up a fairly steep incline almost immediately after the lights. He was out of his seat and going for it. I on the other hand stayed seated in my Brooks saddle and found myself overtaking.

This with hindsight was a bad move. If I had a video clip of this episode of bitter rivalry I fear I would have resembled that witch from the, Wizard of Oz. All I would have needed was Toto sitting in my Brompton C bag to complete the overall look. Needless to say I backed off and resumed the dignity of a gentleman Brompton rider.

Tomorrow no matter what rolls up beside me I will neither sneer or pass judgement at my fellow cyclist, regardless of what they ride. I will just wish that the roads of our Capital City are filled with more cyclists.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Tyre pressures

I don't know if this applies to other Brompton riders but I was thinking about tyre pressures this morning.

Since owning my Brompton I have used it virtually every week day on my daily commute. Once a week I usually give my bike the once over and always check the tyre pressures. It occurred to me that I hardly ever do the same for my car! At best I might check them every two months.

Talking of Brompton bikes I have been toying with the idea of maybe one day adding a second to my collection. This time it would be an S-Type and probably 3 gears rather than the 6 I have on my Orange Brompton. As for colour I am at a loss? I started with Black and moved on to Turkish Green and now don't know. Any suggestions would be welcome.

In the meantime I will enjoy dreaming about my dream bike, albeit a second one!

Sunday 11 September 2011

Mini adventure?

It has been some time since I posted anything. I have been quite busy of late and just haven't had the time to commit fingers to keyboard.

Since the Brompton World Championships I have been reading a brilliant book by Alistair Humphreys in which he describes his journey around the globe. I am about halfway through the first book and it is brilliant. (Well worth giving it a go by the way).

I suspect that reading this has given me itchy feet as I now want to go on a Brompton adventure of my own. I have no intention of circumnavigating the globe of course but a mini adventure would be good.

It has to involve other Bromptonians of course and ideally before the full force of a British winter hits these shores.

One idea muted around has been a cycle from London to Oxford and possibly back again. I am open to suggestions from London Brompton riders or those from further afield. Time is of course ticking and I'm not overly keen on going solo but I will definitely do something.