When I am out and about in London, invariably I spot another person riding a Brompton. Many years ago (being an early adopter) I might have dinged a bell or nodded in a knowing way, acknowledging that we have equally good taste. I have started to wonder, whether owning a Brompton is a little but like being part of a cult - an excessive and or misplaced admiration for something. Let me try to explain.
#1. Owning one is never enough!
There are many Brompton users out there who have one Brompton. It could be their only bicycle. They might use it for their commute or if they have limited storage where they live. It could be that the compactness of the fold means they can use it for a range of transport options. The Brompton big cheese and all round good egg, Will Butler-Adams, has actually said that Brompton only really wants to sell you one bike, perhaps in the knowledge it will last you years.
That is all well and good but some people have more than one. Some have their commuter hack. Others a summer/fair weather Brompton. Some even possess a stripped down, light racing Brompton for the few times you can actually enter a Brompton event like the Brompton World Championship. If you already own a Brompton but have had your head turned by the svelte T-Line or the all-terrain G-Line, you are but a step away from taking your love of all things Brompton a stage further.
#2 Converting others to the ways of small wheels
When you own a Brompton you do occasionally spark curiosity in others. They might ask questions: what is it like to ride; is it good over longer distances; what it is like to carry... You can of course be the Brompton user that simply answers such questions. If however you start to or have actively encouraged someone to join the fold, highlighting how it has changed your life or that of others...you can probably see where this is heading!
#3 You join a group of like minded individuals
You have seen several people riding a Brompton on your commute and occasionally elsewhere and you ponder the idea of meeting up with other people, who own a Brompton. Using the interweb you are but a click away from spotting a group nearby. Nervously, you join an event and before you know it, you find yourself in a Brompton peloton, gliding through Hyde Park.
#4 The Brompton World Championships
I could be wrong but I cannot recall ever hearing about the Bianchi, BMC, Cannondale, Cinelli...World Championships. I have however heard of the Brompton World Championships. If your usual commuter mode becomes that of an international world class athlete and you join others in this goal, you can perhaps see the direction of travel.
#5 Matchy matchy
You have - for example - a green Brompton. You buy more than one cycling accessory to match - even in the slightest of ways - the hue of the colour of your Brompton, you are joining others (not sure who I could possibly be referring to here) who do the same.
#6 Unsuitable cycle rides for small wheels?
So, you have a Brompton. You have it for your commute. You have participated in the Brompton World Championships but you need more. You find yourself taking part in all sorts of cycling events, normally the preserve of your distant big-wheeled cousins. If you also include #3 and get some of your newfound friends to join you, again you can see where you are heading.
There are almost certainly more signs that you are heading towards the possible cult of all things Brompton. However, you are definitely among friends - some of which will become friends for life. Being part of a Brompton cult can't be such a bad thing...but then I would say that.
Until next time, take care out there!
