The function of a Brompton boils down to shorter distance, personal transport in all weathers. They are built to last and can withstand the rigours of daily use where the user typically rides them to a station, gets on a train, rides to place of work the other end and store it somewhere at work. I know many Brompton users who have done this - with no maintenance whatsoever - for two+ years and their Brompton is still as reliable as ever.
Like many of the people I have mentioned on this blog over the years, I suppose I am not a typical Brompton user insofar as I cycle much longer distances, all year round and in often terrible weather. Despite this I can be prone to recoiling in terror at the prospect of the smallest bead of rainwater touching the paintwork of my beloved Brompton bicycles.
I don't actually mind the rain at all. I have my parents to blame for that - especially my mum. She took the view that rain should not stop you from doing anything and as such whenever it rained she would always be off out somewhere visiting her favourite haunts of SW7, SW1 and W1. Rides of 60 - 70 miles, even where it is raining when I have set off and predictions say it will do so for the entire millage, have not out me off.
None of this has stopped me from the strong desire to keep my Brompton bicycles free of even the slightest precipitation! After a ride when it has rained I clean my Brompton and in my mind make things better again.
Now the strange thing is that I have a Condor road bike that is rather lovely and cost much more than my Brompton but riding it does not bring about the same reaction? Am I alone in this? Do you suffer the same affliction with your Brompton?
Keep safe people!
Friday, 1 May 2020
Thursday, 30 April 2020
Subsidy to encourage this Orange Brompton to cycle after lockdown!
Imagine a world in which the government actively encourages people to cycle after the lockdown to keep pollution levels down. France is.
A proposed scheme would see the French government, everyone would be eligible for bike repairs of up to 50 Euros and the funding would include paying for cycle training. At a local government level they will be encouraged to introduce new bike lanes.
This all sounds wonderful and I will be watching with interest to see what comes of it. It would be great if here in the UK something along these lines could eventually be introduced too.
With reports that London's transport system may find it difficult to deal with the increased demand - especially on the tube network - if it it likely social distancing needs to be maintained, I know how I would be getting around! It will be one of two Orange Brompton bicycles, I can tell you!!!
A proposed scheme would see the French government, everyone would be eligible for bike repairs of up to 50 Euros and the funding would include paying for cycle training. At a local government level they will be encouraged to introduce new bike lanes.
This all sounds wonderful and I will be watching with interest to see what comes of it. It would be great if here in the UK something along these lines could eventually be introduced too.
With reports that London's transport system may find it difficult to deal with the increased demand - especially on the tube network - if it it likely social distancing needs to be maintained, I know how I would be getting around! It will be one of two Orange Brompton bicycles, I can tell you!!!
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Cycling during lockdown - be as prepared as a Brompton user!
One of the positive things I have seen during the 'C' word lockdown has been the increase in cyclists on the streets of London - many of which are on brand new bicycles. However, a little froward planning might be needed for those new to cycling.
Yesterday evening, when it had stopped raining for what seemed like the entire day, I was out for my daily exercise. My route was a quick circular journey of almost 15 miles. I didn't want to head out for any longer as various apps had predicted it to rain.
About 5 miles in I saw a couple at the roadside both with brand new bicycles but the obvious fact they had stopped due to a puncture. From the look on their faces they looked in a little difficulty, so from the other side of the road I shouted out to see if they needed any help.
It was the gentleman's bicycle that had a front wheel puncture to his spankingly new Boardman road bike but if anything the rear looked low as well. Asking if they had any tools etc.., the obvious reply came back that they didn't. I wasn't going to go any closer to them or their bicycle so I asked if they were close to home. They weren't 100% of that either as they had not taken a phone! I offered to ring someone for them but this proved fruitless as they didn't know by memory any phone numbers. (I am not sure I would remember any either). Getting their postcode and tapping it into google maps, they were just over 8 miles from home...ouch! I broke this to them as gently as I could and wished them well.
I continued my cycling and when I had just about reached the 12 mile mark, the heavens opened. Grabbing a lightweight waterproof from my Mini-O Bag and putting it on I thought about those two unfortunate people. I pretty certain they didn't have any!
Yesterday evening, when it had stopped raining for what seemed like the entire day, I was out for my daily exercise. My route was a quick circular journey of almost 15 miles. I didn't want to head out for any longer as various apps had predicted it to rain.
About 5 miles in I saw a couple at the roadside both with brand new bicycles but the obvious fact they had stopped due to a puncture. From the look on their faces they looked in a little difficulty, so from the other side of the road I shouted out to see if they needed any help.
It was the gentleman's bicycle that had a front wheel puncture to his spankingly new Boardman road bike but if anything the rear looked low as well. Asking if they had any tools etc.., the obvious reply came back that they didn't. I wasn't going to go any closer to them or their bicycle so I asked if they were close to home. They weren't 100% of that either as they had not taken a phone! I offered to ring someone for them but this proved fruitless as they didn't know by memory any phone numbers. (I am not sure I would remember any either). Getting their postcode and tapping it into google maps, they were just over 8 miles from home...ouch! I broke this to them as gently as I could and wished them well.
I continued my cycling and when I had just about reached the 12 mile mark, the heavens opened. Grabbing a lightweight waterproof from my Mini-O Bag and putting it on I thought about those two unfortunate people. I pretty certain they didn't have any!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)