20 questions for Brompton Chief Executive, Will Butler Adams

Just over five years ago Brompton Chief Executive, Will Butler Adams agreed to answer some questions about all things Brompton. Five years is a long time in business and there have been lots of changes at Brompton.  Very kindly, Will agreed to do the same all over again. 

I put twenty questions to him and said that he could answers as many or as few as he wished. Despite being undoubtedly busy, he answered all twenty questions. My questions and Will's complete answers appear below without any alterations.

I think his answers are brilliant but please see for yourself.

1.    A few years ago, I asked you what sort of Brompton you owned. You said it was a black 15-year-old M3L. Do you still have this bicycle? Do you now have another bicycle and what is it?
 
Sadly the 15-year-old Brommie finally died a death at circa 18 years of very hard labour. I could have fixed her up but actually after that much time everything is about to conk out, so it was time to move on. Since then I haven’t really had my ‘own’ bike. I have a red, white and blue, 2-spd steel that I use often but have been more keen to be trying out more of our r&d bikes, be that Brompton electric or other plans we have afoot.
 

2.   Since we last did this Brompton has moved from its former home in Brentford to its larger one in Greenford. What was the reasoning behind the move and how did it go in the end?
 
We needed more space, we moved into Kew Bridge with 20 or so staff and left with nearly 250 it was just not sustainable. We had taken on another unit round the corner which bridged the gap but it was not sustainable and inefficient to be transporting stuff up and down from each site. Also we needed space for more r&d facilites, space to put in an electric line, space to bring paint in house and space to have a bit of fun. It was scary, daunting, expensive and none of us were 100% sure it was the right decision. Two years on we are all sure it was the right decision and are very happy in our new home. 

3.   When it came to moving day, were there any moist eyes?
 
The last day of production was a sad day and the end of an era but our mission is to change how people live in cities and we need to evolve, innovate, grow and take risk if we are going to pull that off so at the same time we were proud to be taking the next step. 

4.   The ‘Brompton Electric’ is finally here. (I am pleased that I will still be able to ride a Brompton in my dotage). How did this all come about and what was the rationale behind Brompton making an electric bike?
 
It has been a long and hard journey and we in many respects are still just beginning the journey. We want more people to enjoy cycling, many people do not have the confidence to cycle as they don’t feel they are fit enough or don’t want to sweat. The electric takes these barriers away. The problem has been that electric bikes weight a tonne and are bulky things so not much good for something you have to fold and carry. We looked to find a solution, there wasn’t one so we took the rather more challenging path of developing our own. We were lucky to have some help from Patrick Head (Long standing Brompton rider and ex CEO of Williams F1) who said he could help. We have invested much of our savings and it has been a real challenge to become an electronics and software company as well as a metal basher. We are getting there, it has taken longer and cost more than any of us imagined but we now feel we have something we are proud of. I have been using the electric for six months now and love it!  

5.   In 2015 you were appointed OBE. What did it feel and what did it mean for you to gain this honour?
 
Other buggers efforts is what OBE stands for. It was a complete surprise and an honour to accept the appointment on behalf of all the Brompton staff. 

6.   Did you travel to Buckingham Palace on a Brompton?
 
The award was given at Windsor Castle and I was able to bring my wife and two of my daughters. It is a bit for from home on the Brommie but we went in our Pink Austin Vanden Plas Princess 1275 car 😊.
 

I have though been to Buckingham Palace several time and on all occasions went on my Brompton. 

7.   How does Brompton deal with other manufacturers who copy make components that are not that dissimilar to those found on a Brompton?
 
We have copy bikes, copy components etc They will always exist and we cannot stop customers buying them. But it is worth reminding everyone that a Brompton is not a toy, it is a tool and the responsibility that comes with making it is serious. If any part breaks on a bicycle it can be catastrophic, not only the shock and impact but also the consequences of being on a road with other traffic. We test our bikes to standards that we know are needed to look after our customers: we carried out a 144 thousand bike recall last year because we had the smallest concern for the safety of our customers. Those that copy without understanding the design intent or carrying out the right quality control and testing put our customers at risk. 

8.   Last year I heard Andrew Richie give a talk at the London Business School at one of the TELL Series talks. He spoke very fondly of you but alluded to differences between you both. Are you able to elaborate on what these differences were?
 
Andrew and I are both engineers but he is an inventor who is obsessed with detail in an extraordinary way and I am a person who is a leader wanting to drive growth and impact society. We have huge respect for each other but we do disagree about some areas of how the company is run. Just as I can often disagree with my management team about things we do in the company. I think this is a positive as I believe that it is through teamwork and positive debate that you get the best answer. 

9.   The Brompton World Championships will be held in July in London for the fourth time. It is a brilliant location and circuit but what plans do Brompton have for future events?
 
Our problem is capacity, the BWC costs money and a lot of time to organise and whilst we would love to organise other events in the UK so more people can get involved there is a limit to our capacity. We sell 80% of our bikes in 44 countries and have BWC events in circa 12 countries so there are other events several of which we also organise, but we also rely on our customers to organise events, be they weekend rides or grand tours.  

10. You collaborated with David Millar and the rather fine ‘Brompton X CHPT3’ was the result. Explain how this relationship was build and how the ‘Brompton X CHPT3’ came about?


I sat next to David at a hobnob lunch, I had no idea who he was as I don’t follow professional cycling. He was so modest he listened to me rabbit on about Brompton and kept quiet about his achievements. He then invited me to an event where he was launching his clothing and then I realised who he was. I met his Mum at the event sold her a Brompton. David used it when in London, loved it. We then made him a special funky one which he took back to Girona and the rest is history. 

11. With regards the ‘Brompton X CHPT3’ did Mr Millar have an input into the components, colours and design of the bike?
 
Loads 

12. I seem to see a Brompton on every street corner in London. Where is your biggest market overseas and what are Brompton doing to tap into new ones?
 
Germany, Japan, US, Benelux, S. Korea, Spain…………. get more out of what we have got.  

13. In terms of sales, which Brompton type and colour sells more than any other? Why do you think this is?
 
Black M3L, rather boring but sadly safest stock bike for a shop to hold. 

14. If you were Prime Minster / Mayor of London for the day, what would you do to make cycling safer?


Stop investing in shoving people underground and spend 1/10^thof that money improving cycling infrastructure. Band combustion engine for all private vehicles by 2020 and for commercial by 2023. 

15. The Brompton Bike Hire looks to be going really well.
 
Early days still but it has the potential to act as a catalyst to get people back on a bike. 

16. Despite there being hundreds of Brompton users in London, very often I find myself demonstrating the fold and unfold to people whose reaction is often as if they have just seen a unicorn. Why do you think a Brompton has this reaction for people?


In our own little world, we think everyone knows about the Brompton but actually real awareness is still very low. 

17. Who is the most famous person you definitely know uses a Brompton and who is the one you have only heard might use one on the grapevine?
 
Not bothered as long as they like it.  

18. Brompton users can be an eccentric bunch with many…ahem…fixated on one colour for example. What are your thoughts on Brompton users in general and the more exotic varieties?
 
We are a bit eccentric because the bike is not normal but we don’t care because it make our lives better. 

19. Having two daughters I am very conscious of the absence of women from many roles in design and engineering. What are your thoughts on this and what does Brompton do to try and encourage a more inclusive environment?


It’s nuts, half the potential customers for any product are women. Women are the decision makers for most of the money spent in any household yet most of the products they buy are designed by men. There is a lack of understanding of what design and engineering are, the innovation, artistic flare and fun but it is changing. We now have four women in our design team of sixteen, bit by bit.   

20. The next question is not an interview question but as I asked it last time I felt it was only fitting to ask something similar. Where do you see Brompton in five years in terms of sales, design and manufacturing?


Continuing to change how people live in cities, making life more invigorating and fun.


A very big thank you to Will for agreeing to do this. It really is appreciated. If you are interested, you can read my original interview conducted just over five years ago via the link below. 

Link to original interview

Interview with 2013 Brompton World Champion Isabel Hastie

Back in 2012 I went on quite a few training rides with a great bunch of people called, 'Small Wheels Big Difference.' They were in training for an epic Lands End to John O'Groats on Brompton bicycles. 

Looking back on things I cannot quite remember how I ended up going on their first ride but think that it was merely a tweet put out by them asking if anyone wanted to join them.

Things were quite different back then. I was quite unfit and carrying a few more lb.'s than I would have liked. I had a Raw Lacquer S2L  and decided to take it with me on their training run from London to Cambridge. I found it demanding! I met Geoff S (I think for the for the first time) and also Isabel who I remembered as also riding an two speed but being incredibly fast!

2013 Brompton World Champion

At the 2012 Brompton World Championships I remember saying hello to Issy and pleased for her that she got on the podium in the ladies category. Last year we bumped into each other again in the pens just before the race and I wished her luck. 2013 was to be the year Issy became the ladies Brompton World Champion and she has kindly took the time to answer a few questions.

Below are my questions and Issy's responses:

1) You are the Brompton World Champion for 2013! congratulations again. Can you describe what it feels like?

Thank you! It feels great to have won, especially against some really strong competition.

2) What sort of Brompton do you have and what made you buy a Brompton?

I have a Turkish Green S2L Brompton. The reason I bought a Brompton was because I was getting fed up of my other half's worn out GT mountain bike for the commute, which I’d been riding for about a year. So I decided to buy a mountain bike. The first day I cycled to work on it, it was stolen, and this was only a day after I’d bought it! 

I'd seen Bromptons being ridden around London, and thought it would be ideal because I could take it into my office where it was much less likely to be stolen.

3) I first met you on a 'Small Wheel Big Difference' training ride when we cycled from London to Cambridge. Looking back at it I was fairly unfit compared to now but I remember thinking that you were speedy to say the least!! What have you done since then in terms of cycling and fitness that has allowed you get third place at the Brompton World Championships last year and winner this year?

Since then I've just cycled more. I'm not a member of a gym, and I don't do much other exercise. I just like setting myself challenges. I joined a local cycling club and went on some rides with them, but I have to say I tend to ride by myself, which probably doesn't help me get much faster or become a better cyclist.  I also tried my hand at a few races and added some extra miles to my commute by doing laps of Richmond Park, as well as rides out to Box Hill. Oh, I also bought a turbo trainer.

4) When I said hello to you on the grid you were very modest about another podium position. Did you have a game plan for this race?

I did have a game plan!! I genuinely wanted to win. I realised the Goodwood circuit would be very open and windy, so I decided to form a team with two others: My husband and his brother, Jack. I thought team time trialling was ideal for the course, not that any of us had ever team time trialled before. It also helped with providing me with extra motivation and the occasional respite. This was because half-way round the course I was actually going to give up, so I told the others to go on without me. Jack then said to me that it was only 25 minutes of pain, and to just get on with it... so I did, mainly because I suddenly felt bad for making them take part on my behalf - they were pushing very hard themselves.

There were a number of times before and during the race that I doubted that I could win because Julia Shaw is an exceptional Time Trialist, and there were some other very fast ladies out there. I knew I had the legs, but for me it’s all about getting into the right mindset, because I’ll shoot myself down and tell myself I can’t do it, when I know I can, so will just give up. If it wasn’t for Jack and Jordan telling me that I could do it, I might have slowed down.

5) You won the Brompton World Championships with a Brompton Dock hire bike. What were the reasons behind you not using your own bike?

I actually won using my friend's 3 speed Brompton, Jordan used the hire bike and Jack used my S2L. The reason we did this was because Jack can ride at a much higher cadence than me, and I'm more suited to pushing bigger gears, so I took the 3 speed. It just seemed the right choice.

6) Did you do anything to the hire bike to get it ready for the race?

We lowered the handlebars and changed to a firm suspension block for the day. We changed one of the tyres to a Kojak, but that's only because 20 minutes before the start of the race Jordan had a blow-out.  That was slightly worrying!  

7) I think it is great that someone might hire and use the bike you one the Brompton World Championships on. Surely the company behind it should gift the bike to you?

We hired the bike through Brompton Dock. It wasn't technically the winning bike, so I didn't ask for a freebie.

8) I really liked the Goodwood circuit and put in a much better performance that last year at Blenheim. Which circuit do you prefer and why?

Goodwood is a very open course, which makes it quite windy. Whereas Blenheim gives you respite as it has a relatively lengthy descent but the ascent beforehand isn't easy, especially the second time round. I think both are great courses, but I'm probably more suited to a flat course, like Goodwood.

9) What advice would you give to those of us who are already thinking about 2014?

If you're in it to win it, or if you’re just after good time, then my advice is to cycle around 100 miles per week.  Incorporate interval and hill training and learn to spin and push hard. Do a few long rides, and learn to stay ahead of the roadies!! From what I've heard, I think the BWC is going to be much more tactical this year, so forming a team is a great idea providing you do it safely and practice safely beforehand. Otherwise, just go and enjoy the atmosphere, as well as the free G & T!

10) How often do you cycle and do you have other bikes apart from your Brompton?

I'm a commuter cyclist so I currently cycle twice a day five times a week, nine miles each way. 

Apart from my Brompton(s) I have two road bikes. One is my commuter bike that I bought in 2012, the other I bought last August as a gift to myself for winning the 2013 BWC. I’ve actually only ridden my new reoad bike once as I’m saving it for the Summer months... if I’m able to get out...

11) Talking of bikes what do you think of the Brompton you won? Will you use it to defend your title next year?

The Brompton that I won is a 6 speed, so feels a much more relaxing ride in comparison to my sprinty 2 speed. I feel like it's bit of a trophy, so have only ridden it a couple of times. I'd probably use a 3 speed to compete in the BWC as that suits my riding style much better, but I won't be taking part this year as I'm expecting a baby in May/June. Plus, I've already dreamt that I'd lose, whereas the past two years I only dreamt that I'd win!

12) Your husband also took part in the Brompton World Championships and obtained a very good position. Does he own a Brompton and is there a heathy rivalry between you?

No he doesn't have a Brompton, but he does use mine when he needs to. Like me, he's just a commuter cyclist and does relatively little else cycling-wise so we don't often ride together. He has a very competitive nature, but we're not particularly competitive with each other. I do remember years ago he used to tell me to go faster all the time whenever we did ride together. Nowadays he’s a bit more complimentary.

13) When riding one of my Brompton bikes on my daily commute I make a point of trying to overtake as many bikes as possible. What are your thoughts on this?

Check out the SCR (Silly Commuting Racing) thread on the Bike Radar forum and you'll see it's a popular game (ahem *sport*) to take part in. I really enjoy chasing and riding with some very fast guys on my commute (safely). I'm going to miss it very much.

14) Cycling in London can be tough going. What do you think could/should be done to make cycling safer and a genuine alternative to the car or public transport?

I think cyclists and drivers should have more training on road hazards and dangers and how to avoid them. I often find cyclists a bigger hazard than vehicles much of the time. Often cyclists just pull out in front of you without shoulder checking just as you're about to head past them. That said, I also have drivers pulling out right in front of me, although I'm going much faster than they probably realise. Motorists overtaking me only to turn left 10 yards or so later is also a common hazard. People just don't think. New infrastructure isn't going to come about tomorrow; we have to learn to get around safely together today.

15) Brompton users can be an eccentric bunch with many having a strange obsession with certain colours for example. What are your thoughts on Bromptonians?

Ha ha! I can't think who you're talking about Mr. Orange Brompton ;)?!? I think Bromptonians are great, and it's a great way to show off your more colourful side, especially in London where everything can seem a little grey at times. I used to ride in the same colour green jacket as my Brompton, and people often commented that it made them smile whenever they saw my 'coordinated' outfit.

A very big thank you to Issy for answering these questions. I wish Issy and her husband all the best for their new arrival in the summer and who knows we might see Issy competing at another Brompton World Championships in the future!

As for me, I am going to try an not only get a game plan for the 2014 BWC but take inspiration from Jack's words, that it is only 25 minutes of pain and get on with it! In my case the pain might be there but it might well last a little more than 25 minutes!! 

What a team!

I get to Interview the Adventurer Alastair Humphreys

I first heard of Alastair Humphreys a few years ago when I was in the travel section of the famous 'Foyles' bookshop in Charring Cross Road.  I was looking for a book that might provide a few interesting locations in London and I picked up a book with a silhouette of a guy on a bike. The book was 'Moods of Future Joys.' I could not put this book down and less than 24 hours later I was back at another bookshop buying part two 'Thunder and Sunshine.' The books retell his trials and tribulations of cycling around the world. 

Since cycling around the world Alastair has walked across India, rowed the Atlantic and become a successful author and motivational speaker. His idea of having a 'Microadventure'   is very appealing to me. This is where you finish work and for example cycle to the coast, sleep and eat under the stars, to return in time for work the next day. 

I asked Alastair a few questions and he very kindly found the time in his busy schedule to answer them. I list my questions and Alastair's responses below. 

1) After cycling around the world do you still like cycling? If you do explain why.

I didn't ride for a while but now I do. I love its variety - zipping round London, getting into the wild on a Mountain Bike and tearing up the miles on a road bike are all such different experiences

2) What sort of bike did you take with you for that journey and do you still have it?

Steel Specialized Rockhopper. I got through 3 bikes and I have the final incarnation still. It's broken and dusty in a garage.

3) Cycling around the world must have been a huge commitment in terms of time and finances. How did you cope? How much planning went into it?

It cost £7000. I lived as cheap as I could for 4 years - sleeping wild, eating the cheapest food. It was a stressful extra aspect to the trip, but one that taught me a lot and for which i am retrospectively grateful.

I daydreamed for much longer than I planned. A few months planning is ample for any cycle journey - it's not rocket science.

4) In your book 'Moods for Future Joys' you said that you left behind your girlfriend. Can you explain how you were driven to make this decision. 

It was a selfish decision but I knew that if I did not go then I would regret it later in life. I had to see the bigger picture than immediate, now happiness. It was selfish, but I think it was right.

 

5) Cycling around the world took a long time. How did you maintain relationship with family / friends while you were out on he road?

Email and occasional phone calls. The good thing about friends and family is that they are still there, unchanged, however long you go away for. 

6) I love your idea of having a micro adventure. Can you explain what they are, what was your first micro adventure and why we should follow your lead and go on them ourselves?

See www.microadventures.org for this answer. My first main one was walking a lap of the M25

 7) I love your YouTube video featuring you and a friend travelling the length of the Shetland Islands on a Brompton and inflatable boat and must have watched it four or fives times. What was the background to this trip and is it as invigorating as it looks to go on a trip like this?

I have wanted to go there for years (explanation to Muckle Flugga / cricket on my blog post about it). I wanted to try to make my trip there more adventurous than mere tourism. And I was intrigued by the versatility of both Bromptons and packrafts.

8) When you were cycling around the world did you have a plan to write books about your adventures upon your return?

Yes - I dreamed of this, and hoped only that one day I might be able to pay for my trip through my book. That was the limit of the ambition.

9) What was your scariest moment when cycling around the world?

Pedalling away from my front door. Dodging Bosnian drivers. Getting held up at gunpoint in Siberia. And a strange man in his pants in Mozambique who was eager to get into bed with me….

10) Of all the countries you visited on your travels which was your favourite and why? Was there anywhere you were not particularly fond of?

India - for the colour and the people. Iceland - for the absence of people and the gorgeous landscapes. Ethiopia is the only country I have not felt very welcome but it was a beautiful, fascinating country.

11) Cycling around the for the best part of four was an incredible achievement. When you had finally completed were you able to return to a normal life?

Sort of. On the one hand it is very easy to slip back into normal life. On the other hand Pandora's box has been opened and nothing will be the same again...

12) You now do a great deal of work as a motivational speaker. What path lead you to this? What do you enjoy this or being out on adventures?

I began doing it via speaking at schools which I found very rewarding. I do enjoy it - it is satisfying and it pays the bills. But I'd have to say i prefer being out on adventure!

13) What sort of Brompton do you own and how often do you get to use it?

A 6 speed bright green one. I use it intermittently. 

14) Why do you think that people are so enthusiastic about their Brompton folding bicycle?

I love how easily they fold. I like showing it off to people! They are quirky, you are part of a cult club: it's fun!

15) I would love to see more micro adventure videos on YouTube. Do you have any plans for a dedicated channel for such videos?

I've got a Facebook page for it now and I'm trying to make as many videos as I can.

16) If you could give one piece of advice for the readers of my blog and myself what would it be?

Try a microadventure! Leave work at 5pm, head out of town, sleep on a hill, and be back at work by 9 again. It might prove to be an epiphany… (unless it rains in which case you'll just curse me!)

A very big thank you to Alastair and please check out his website where you will be able to find out lots more about what he gets up to.

Alastair's Website

Interview with Rachael Elliot - Double Brompton World Champion!

Hot on the heels of my interview with Michael 'Dr Hutch' Hutchinson I interview Rachael Elliot - Brompton World Champion for 2010 and 2011.

Rachael almost certainly needs no introduction and many of us who have attended the Brompton World Championships might have seen her go past us in a blur. In fact at the 2011 BWC my youngest daughter was meant to be watching out for me but one of Rachael's supporters told her to watch out for this lady who was faster than most of the men. My daughter did and I was a sideshow for the rest of that day!

This has been the interview I have wanted more than most and is my favourite so far. Below are my questions with Rachael's responses.

1 What sort of Brompton bikes do you own? (Colour, gearing, handlebar type…)

I have three Bromptons:

The original: An M3L steel Brompton in baby pink (purchased in 2005).
The racing Brompton: An M6L-X titanium Brompton in claret (won in BWC 2010)
The museum item: An M6L limited edition steel Brompton with bespoke artwork by Vic Lee. I can’t bear to use this one (won in BWC 2011).

2 As a double Brompton World Champion you quite rightly won two of your Brompton bikes but what made you originally buy a Brompton?

As a commuter, I used to use two bikes at both ends of my commute. When the bicycle I used for the London-end of my commute was stolen from Paddington (it had three locks on it and was worth less than £100, for goodness sake). I made the decision to buy a folding bike. Being in the tube behind the one that was bombed at Edgware Road and hearing the explosion expediated the decision to get off the tube completely.

3 How does the Brompton World Championships compare with other cycling events you have participated in?

As a time trialler, I am used to sidling up into a layby with a secretly named course code, being pushed off at a pre-assigned start time, hurtling down a road as fast as you can, retiring to the tiniest village hall to see your result pinned to a wall and spending the next two hours discussing how if the wind had been around 2 degrees more to the north, you’d have definitely have ridden three seconds faster. And, of course, the person who you normally beat but was victorious on this occasion must have had a lighter headwind on the way out.

The Brompton World Championship puts an end to this analicity, and is pure fun. It’s definitely the highlight of my year, but also probably the most competitive event I take part in.

4 I have taken part in two Brompton World Championships with the belief that I might win. What advice would you give to the many Bromptonians out there who are going to enter the Brompton World Championships or other events like the IG Nocturne Folding Bike Race?

Always believe you might win. Someone has to. The best advice is not to prep your bike too much. I always ride it as I would on my commute (OK, maybe I don’t usually wear shorts quite that short). Standard trainers, mudguards. It’s what I’m used to.

5 Before a Brompton World Championships how do you prep your bike?

I make sure the gears change ok and the tyres are pumped to the max PSI + 20. The secret is in the safety pins in the suit.

6 Unfortunately, you weren’t able to defend your double Brompton World Championships titles in 2012. Why was this?

I had a serious accident whilst marshalling at a club time trial. I blacked out on the bike and crashed, shattering my wrist completely. This was Jubilee weekend and I have barely cycled outside since. The turbo trainer has been my best friend.

7 Who is your all time favourite cyclist and why?

Got to love Tommy Voeckler. He climbs the French cols with a true Brompton World Championship Race Face.

8 If you were the Prime Minister / Mayor of London for the day what would you do to make cycling safer?

I’d convince my electorate to elect me for the next 10 years. This is how long it will take to change cycling. More people need to cycle in order to make a change come about; we need a critical mass of cyclists.

9 When cycling / commuting on your bicycle what makes you angry?

Red light jumpers and cyclists who flout the law. Until cyclists change, how can we expect road users to take us, as a body, seriously?

10 Chopper, Grifter, BMX or other? Explain why.

Something with stabilisers. I’m only good in a straight line.

11 What is your personal proudest moment in cycling terms?

Has to be my 2011 BWC victory. Finishing “top 5 in the national 50” holds no credibility amongst colleagues; winning a folding bike race clearly means you’re heading for the next Olympics.
Most recently though, it was riding my bike outside for the first time after breaking my wrist.

12 On rare occasions (usually ascending a hill just after traffic lights) I sometimes overtake a road bike on my Brompton. Do you ever try to do the same?

I view any other bike on the road as competition. The more lycra and carbon on display, the more burning my desire to kill.

13 What is your favourite cycling route? Why do you like it?

I love the challenge of Alpe d’Huez, and have climbed it on both my road bike and my Brompton. That was a sight to behold.

More locally, there are some beautiful routes around my home town of Newbury – I have a favourite local route which lasts about two hours and is perfect in every way.

14 Will you be defending your Brompton World Championship title and going for a third win in 2013?

That goes without saying.



A very big thank you to Rachael for answering my questions and I am sure that you would all agree with me when I say that I hope that she is able to attend the Brompton World Championships this year and win for a third time.

I get to Interview 'Dr Hutch' - Michael Hutchinson, Double Brompton World Champion

To many Bromptonians reading this blog Michael Hutchinson, 'Dr Hutch' (due to his PhD in International Human Rights law) needs no introduction. He is a double Brompton World Champion - 2011, 2012. He also represented Britain and Northern Ireland at many events including the Commonwealth Games.

There are of course many other strings to his bow. As a writer and journalist his column in 'Cycling Weekly' is very popular and frequently brings a smile to my face. A published author, his book 'The Hour' won Best New Writer at the 2007 British Sports Book Awards.

I asked Michael a few questions and very kindly in the middle of all the other things he must be busy doing, he agreed to answer them. Below are my questions and Michael's responses.

1 What sort of Brompton bikes do you own? (Colour, gearing, handlebar type…)

I've got a black S2lx, a black and white S2l, and the S6l with the custom Vic Lee paint job that was the prize for BWC in 2011. I do 80% of my riding on the S2lx.

2 As a double Brompton World Champion you quite rightly won two of your Brompton bikes but what made you originally buy a Brompton?

Actually I won the first one I owned. Brompton offered it as a prize at road bike event at the first Bike Blenhein. The only one I've ever bought was a red and green S2l for my partner.

3 How does the Brompton World Championships compare with other cycling events you have participated in?

It's pretty different -- most events are a bit more formal, but normally a lot smaller in terms of rider numbers. There's a much greater variety of rider -- some BWC competitors are there for a different kind of a day out, some are deadly serious, and there are any number of different approaches in between. BWC is quite a lot more fun than most events.

4 I have taken part in two Brompton World Championships with the belief that I might win. What advice would you give to the many Bromptonians out there who are going to enter the Brompton World Championships or other events like the IG Nocturne Folding Bike Race?

I don't really prepare specially, I just use the fitness I have from my other racing. If you want to take any sort of race seriously, I suppose it would mainly be about getting out and getting the training done, and making sure you do at least some fast riding on the Brompton.

5 Before a Brompton World Championships how do you prep your bike?

I clean it. I take the mudguards off, but i do that during the summer anyway. I don't want to prepare the bike specially, because I like that I'm using exactly the same standard Brompton that I ride round London.

6 How did you make the jump from the legal profession to being a writer?

It was via being a pro cyclist for a few years. I didn't plan to give up law, I always intended to go back after a few seasons of racing, but while I was racing I found I was quite regularly asked to do bits for magazines. Then I wrote a book called The Hour, which did pretty well, and that drew me into full time writing.

7 Who is your all time favourite cyclist and why?

I really don't think I would want to pick out any one individual I know so many people who put so much into cycling.

8 If you were the Prime Minister / Mayor of London for the day what would you do to make cycling safer?

Safety on a bike has a lot to do with the attitudes of other road users, which it's hard to 'fix'. A start, though, would be to sort out a lot of dreadful junctions that are just designed on the assumption that bike riders either don't exist, or will be happy to spend five minutes walking 50m round the junction.

9 When cycling / commuting on your bicycle what makes you angry?

Drivers who push past inches from your elbow when they can already see a red light 100m up the road. There are a fair number of bike riders who always push to the front when you're waiting at the lights who are't much better!

10 What is your personal proudest moment in cycling terms?

Not sure I've ever really done anything remarkable enough that I'd go around being proud of it. I'm glad that as a rider during the early 2000s I managed to find a niche where I could compete clean, so I don't have much to be ashamed of either.

11 On rare occasions (usually ascending a hill just after traffic lights) I sometimes overtake a road bike on my Brompton. Do you ever try to do the same?

Continually. I almost never ride anywhere in London without passing the odd road bike.

12 What is your favourite cycling route? Why do you like it?

I'm very fond of a route from my parents' house that goes through the Mourne Mountains in County Down. It's very bleak, especially in winter, and there are roads with almost no traffic whatsoever.

13 Your book, ‘The Hour’ is a brilliant read. What was the story behind you writing it?

Simply that I had made an attempt on the world record for the greatest distance covered in an hour. After it was over, it simply occurred to me that there was a story to be told about what went into making that sort of attempt happen, and some great stories about previous attempts that I'd come across in old magazines, or that people had told me. Full-time riding still left a fair amount of evening free, so I decided I'd write the book to see what happened.

14 Will you be defending your Brompton World Championship title and going for a third successive win in 2013? (I have to warn you, I am already in training).

I don't know where it's going to be yet, or when. If it's somewhere reasonably easy to get to, and doesn't clash with any other events I'm committed to, I'll be there.


A very big thank you to Michael for taking the time to answer my questions. I found his answers of great interest but mildly fearful of the answer to the last question. With a new Titanium Orange Brompton on the way, I really did think that 2013 would be my year. I think I had better hit the open road and start training in earnest! (Three months earlier than planned)!


'The Hour' is a great read and can be purchased as a paperback or via Kindle.

Interview with Peter from NYCeWheels.

Bert in front of NYCeWheels

If you have ever considered buying a Brompton bike and gone for the bespoke option, you might have come across the NYCeWheels colour configure tool please click here which allows you to play around with the many colour options you can choose from.

You might have logged on to YouTube and seen Peter from NYCeWheels going through the various options when thinking about getting a Brompton in their excellent videos. You might also have seen the yellow NYCeWheels Brompton bikes on videos where prospective buyers or the curious can go on a free tour to test out a Brompton. You might even have seen the video where Peter of NYCeWheels takes his Brompton out and about in New York when it is snowing.

NYCeWheels is a great bike shop and perhaps the sort of shop you would like to have near you. The YouTube videos, blogs, Twitter feeds and FaceBook page are all very popular here in the UK and from the readers of my blog, I know that they are also popular in the rest of Europe, the USA, the Far East and Australia.

I have travelled to many countries over the years but I have not been to the USA. One of the places I have always wanted (and will one day visit) is New York. There seems to be a few parallels with London  and apart from all the tourist attractions New York has to offer, a visit to NYCeWheels would be high on my list of places to see. For those of you like me who cannot jet across to New York, I thought the next best thing would be to ask them a few questions. Peter at NYCeWheels kindly answered a some of my questions and his responses are listed below.

1 You stock lots of Brompton bikes. What is your most popular colour, gearing and handlebar type?

We stock at least one of every combination of handlebar, gearing and E/L/R configuration. The colors are a bit limited for some of the less common combinations as we tend to stick with black. Our most popular model is the M3L and we stock that in many colors and at the moment we have 150 of those in stock in various color combinations. Our most popular color is black by default because most folks want a low profile bike that's less expensive. When people do choose colors they tend to pick one for the main frame and keep the extremeties black. In that case our most popular colors are Racing Green/Black, Red/Black and Arctic Blue/Black. I'm sure Cobalt and Orange will be popular colors this year as they are , along with black and white, the colors which require no surcharge. Raw Lacquer is our personal shop favorite. Bert - NYCeWheels owner, Roberto - shipping manager and I all ride Raw Lacquer bikes. Also one of our long time sales guys Mark has one as well.

2 Do any of the staff at NYCeWheels own Brompton bikes? If so what type do they have?

Guess I partially answered that above but hey… I own an S2L Raw Lacquer that used to me an M6L. I converted it after Roberto - shipping manager - got his S2L Raw Lacquer titanium. Bert - owner - has an S1E Raw Lacquer with an Electric Motor on it and Cory - accounting has an M3L Arctic Blue/Black with an electric motor on it. Some of our previous staff have owned Bromptons as well - Mark in sales had an S2L Raw Lacquer and Shoi in shipping had an M3L Flamingo Pink. As a between the lines footnote to that question: none of us own any other brand of folding bicycle.

3 What reaction do you get from New Yorkers when they see a small wheeled, folding British made bike?

Most folks don't think British unless they know something about Brompton bikes already. Usually they ask us if we invented them - usually just after unfolding or folding them in a flash. The small wheels are a pretty common site these days what with Dahon, Tern, Citzen, Greenzone, and every other 20 inch wheel folding brand offering a slew of small wheel folders. What still grabs people about the Brompton is the way the rear wheel swings under and the slightly odd shaped M and H handlebars - not to mention the P type.

Most folks also jump to asking about the price and with a Brompton it can be a little awkward to tell a stranger you're riding a $1500 folding bicycle. I usually tell them pretty soon they'll be paying that for a years worth of Subway rides without any of the fresh air, scenery, or exercise.

4 What is the most number of Brompton bikes you have sold in one week, month, year?

Can't give out exact overall sales numbers but we have had record days of selling around 14. Yearly and monthly we sell about 3x more than the next best selling manufacturer and that 2nd place is already a huge number of bicycles. Let's put it this way, Brompton can't produce them fast enough for us to sell them.

5 How safe is it to cycle in New York?

Pretty safe I'd say. I've been riding here for 6 years and the number of bike lanes has sky rocketed in that time. Drivers are pretty aware but I've still had my share of close calls. I think the key in any city is to ride defensively and only go as fast as you are confident you can predict what will happen in front of you. That experience is invaluable. I think as long as you take it slow, cautious, and are aware of what’s happening around you everything should be fine. That said, there's always the risk of someone who just rented a car and hasn’t driven in years. Still, I'm not going to lock myself at home and watch Premium Rush on repeat with a bucket of ice cream all day long!

6 Have you had any famous customers who have bought Brompton bikes? Are you able to name them?

We've had a few. I sold two H3Ls in Black to a certain star of Bowfinger and The Jerk. Seemed like he prefered a bit of incognito though, so I wont mention his name.

7 You regularly hold Brompton tours of New York. How popular are they and how did they come about?

Jack's first tour. Looks like fun doesn't it.

The tours were very popular last year with more than half of them completely booked. We're running the same series starting in March 2013 and you can sign up here: http://blog.nycewheels.com/freetours/

We run these tours to give folks a chance to test out a Brompton on a longer ride, so Brompton owners with friends in town can show their guests the fun of riding one, and just for the sheer spectical of 10 yellow Brompton bicycles parading around New York City! And when it comes down to sheer business, it all points back to NYCeWheels and helps promote our walk in business.

8 The NYCeWheels videos on YouTube and via your website are excellent. Whose idea was it to make them? How long do they take to make?

Bert has been making YouTube videos since 2006 but the channel really starting heating up in October of 2010. At that time Bert decided to commit a serious chunk of my time to planning, scripting, and producing video reviews on the products we really cared about. That Brompton video review please click here kicked off a new way of connecting with customers and offering in-depth professional information to customers in an entertaining way.

The production goes like this: plan, shoot, edit, upload, promote. Bert and I work pretty closely on every aspect and always work to make each video better than the last. Our style is not salesy, it's probably almost the opposite. We give viewers a look at each bicycles' features without any mention of competitors, price, deals, or any fluff. We want them to be informative, entertaining, and professional, while creating a personal connection between customers and the reviewer.

The main videos on bicycles take about 1 or 2 hrs to plan, 6-8 hrs to shoot, 4-6 hrs to edit, and 3-5 hrs to promote. Don't tell Bert though, he likes to think we get it done in 10hrs start to finish. :)

9 Are there any Brompton/folding bike events in New York? If so, can you explain more about them?

There's our tours, Steve Huang (from BFold) runs the super popular Brommie Yummie please click here, the Folds Up bike ride from Transportation Alternatives please click here and…. that's it as far as I know.

10 What is the history of NYCeWheels? How long as it been in existence, who owns it…?

Bert has been at the helm of NYCeWheels since 2001. We used to sell electric scooters and electric bikes strictly. Then we moved into folding bicycles. Now we are primarily folding bicycles and kick scooters. Seems like we are moving towards specialzing mostly in those last two products.

11 Have any of the staff at NYCeWheels ever visited the Brompton factory or competed at a Brompton World Champiosnhips?

Bert has been to both but he is the only one.

12 What would you like Brompton to do to make their already good bikes even better?

It seems nitpicky to criticize such an amazing and well evolved design but there are a few small details: brake calipers with a release lever to remove/install wheels with inflated tires, a metal chain guard would be cool, ergonmic grips as stock… all small things really.

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A very big thank you to NYCeWheels and especially to Peter for answering all my questions. I think it is quite telling that so many members of staff own Brompton bikes and the responses to my questions certainly make interesting reading.

If you liked this blog post or have have been to NYCeWheels, please leave a comment. Hopefully in the future there will be more blogs relating to New York and NYCeWheels, so keep coming back.

You can click on the link below which will take you the NYCeWheels website which is the hub for all the good stuff they do.

http://www.nycewheels.com