New saddle and grips for my Orange Titanium

It has been a busy week and an even busier weekend. I have been using my Orange Titanium a little more and one of the reasons for this is that it is now a much more comfy riding experience. I will let me explain. 

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post recalling the overnight adventure from London to Leigh-on-Sea. This was memorable for all the right reasons, but it did firm in my mind the need to return to a Brooks saddle of some description. It was also the ride where I abandoned the lightweight handlebar grips in favour of something much more comfortable. 

   

I ended up getting a Brooks Cambium C17 Carved. This is a very comfortable saddle for commuting, touring, and longer urban rides, especially if you prefer a slightly more flexible feel than a traditional leather saddle. The vulcanised rubber construction absorbs road buzz well, while the carved central cut-out helps relieve pressure and improves comfort on longer rides.

Unlike classic leather Brooks saddles, the Cambium range needs no break-in period and handles wet weather much better, making it practical for year-round riding. It also suits bikes like Bromptons particularly well because it combines comfort with a fairly modern, low-maintenance design.

On the downside, the saddle is heavier than some you can get and expensive. Some riders even find the rubber top a little firm at first. The textured surface can also feel slightly grippy against certain cycling shorts.

Overall, the Brooks Cambium C17 Carved is an excellent choice for riders who want all-day comfort and weather resistance without the maintenance of traditional leather saddles - all tick boxes for me. 

The Brompton Ergonomic Grips are one of the more practical and comfortable upgrades you can make to a Brompton, especially if you ride daily or spend several minutes at a time on the bike. I first encountered them on my G-Line and thought that they were rather good. Compared with the standard Brompton grips, these have a broader ergonomic shape that supports the palm properly and spreads pressure more evenly across the hand. The difference is noticeable on longer rides, where standard grips can sometimes leave your wrists or fingers feeling numb.

In everyday commuting, the grips feel secure and well-made. The rubber compound has a good balance between softness and durability, and they provide better confidence in wet weather than the stock grips. 

One of the biggest positives is that they still work properly with the Brompton folding mechanism. Some third-party ergonomic grips can interfere with folding or stick out awkwardly, but these are designed specifically around the bike’s tight folded dimensions. Installation is straightforward with the lock-on design and once fitted they stay firmly in place without twisting. I have seen some Brompton users with all sorts of bits sticking out the ends of the grips. They remind me of the grips someone from a Hells Angel biker gang might employ on their ‘hog!’ These are much better and work well. 

That said, they are not perfect. Riders who prefer a minimalist or sporty feel may find them slightly chunky at first, and the firmer support shape takes a few rides to get used to. 

Overall, the Brompton Ergonomic Grips are a well-designed upgrade that genuinely improves comfort without compromising the fold. They make the biggest difference for commuters, touring or anyone who experiences wrist strain on longer rides.

Until next time, stay safe out there people.