Sunday 22 July 2012

Titanium Brompton

Just before we reach 2013 or shortly thereafter I am seriously toying with the idea of acquiring a titanium Brompton. There I have come out and said it.

It will be Orange of course! I am also pretty certain that it would be an M-type. As for gearing I am tempted by the simplicity of 2 x gears but the three speed would be more useful. There is a huge premium for having a titanium version and and I wonder if the saving of roughly 1kg is worth this premium? I have always wanted a titanium version and with the changes hinted at when I went on the Factory Ride, it might be time to upgrade.

No of this is certain but I would like to hear from other Brompton owner of titanium versions to say what they think about their bikes.

5 comments:

  1. My first, and still favorite, Brompton is an S2LX. My most recent addition is an M6R (with SON-hub, Brooks saddle and telescopic seatpost, so all the "heavy" options) to be used mainly for touring. So I have experience of both ends of Bromptons production weight wise. I have found that while I can carry the S2LX for quite long distances without much trouble the M6R is a beast. After have using the M6R for a few days the S2LX feels almost weightless. Oh, by the way, my S2LX is orange and the M6R raw lacquer!
    Unfortunately I can't go to the BWC this year, attended both 2010 and 2011. Also took part in the 2010 factory ride which was a blast. Even more fun than the BWC! So out of curiosity, what changes did you hear about?

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  2. Hello, many thanks for leaving a comment. The factory ride was great. If you read Part 2 there are some details of new things for 2013.

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  3. I made the 'weight change' a couple of years ago. A very hot afternoon cycling around SE1 and using the tube convinced my the investment was worthwhile. I previously rode a T3 with M bars that I had bought a few years previously. (so effectively a M3L in todays speak).

    Strangely the new beast is also orange, having written to Brompton in about 2003 and asked why no other colours such as orange? So I felt obliged when ordering!

    So then came the mods. New carbon fibre chainset, definately the best upgrade compared to the flimsy Stronglight/Brompton one, new bars, clipless pedals (can still be ridden in ordinary shoes)
    And a
    Ti seatpost, as Brompton regrettably have abandoned this,

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  4. I have a P6x in black and a S6 in lacquer . The P6 seems to retain road dirt whereas the S6 in all steel does not . Is it the colour , the lacquer , or both that retain the dirt does anyone know? I ask As I have a M6x on order with the titanium options ... I still have time to change the order.

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