Cycling Magazines for the Brompton Rider

I like to think that us cyclists are all on the same team, whether roadies, mountain bikers, hybrid, folders, hipsters on fixies and any other bike type I have not mentioned. However, when visiting ones local newsagent the genre of magazine that one can purchase well and truly geared to the road bike user.

Many of these magazines offer very interesting articles that draw in the Brompton user. There are articles on nutrition, how to ascend hills, how to descend hills, how to rider faster, what to eat and what to wear. As I have stated these articles are directed at the roadie but I like to think that there is some crossover. I mean, I do all of these things and more. 

I have read about how the director of Team Sky has deliberated a great deal about marginal gains. This is where numerous small changes can collectively help to produce a greater overall result. I have recently embraced this with regards my Titanium Orange Brompton. Tyres have been changed, mudguards taken off. A new super light saddle has replaced my Brooks leather offering as it saved over 300g in weight. I have even considered changing a few bolts for titanium ones that might save a further 50g. Surely all these collective minor changes will reap rewards?

A recent article gave advice on how to tackle Alpine climbs. Mrs Orange Brompton tutted when she glanced at this and asked when I was going to take a Brompton up a mountain? I pointed out that its advice might prove useful. I then retold tales of Ditchling Beacon, that uncharted mountain on the recent Whitstable ride and a London to Oxford ride planned for later in the year as if to illustrate my point. Satisfied with my defence I continued reading 'Cycling Plus' magazine August issue which had an article titled 'Beat Every Hill.'

These cycling magazines do provide interesting reading and although I tend to take their advice with a pinch of salt they do give the Bromptonian food for thought. I will hopefully be going on a London to Brighton ride in the not too distant future and I will of course let you know how I get on with the many hills I will have to overcome. I will also tell you whether the advice offered for beating any hill works for me!

New Roles for my Two Orange Brompton Bicycles

If you are a regular reader of my humble blog offerings you will undoubtedly know that my Titanium Orange Brompton has been slowly evolving. I have made several changes and so far this includes:

1) Replacing my Brooks saddle for a Specialized road bike version with titanium rails and some 330g lighter. (This has been a great success so far. The weight saving is really noticeable and it is as comfortable as the Brooks). 

2) Brompton stock hinge clamps have been replaced with a titanium version from Brompfication. These are only marginally lighter but they do offer a much speedier fold/unfold. 

3) Front carrier block has been removed and will not go back on again. 

4) Marathons have been replaced with Kojaks. The Kojaks offer a huge weight saving an although I may not keep them on during a British winter (although my friend Mark (King of the Hill did and lived to tell the tale) I might consider it. 

5) Mudguard have been taken off although during the winter months they will almost certainly go back on. 

6) I finally replaced the stock foam grips for an Ergon lightweight version that instantly proved a great deal more comfortable. 

I have really enjoyed using my Titanium Orange Brompton and can really feel the weight reduction over my Original Orange Brompton. The titanium parts definitely provide some shock absorption and make the ride more comfortable. I do have several other changes in the pipeline for my Titanium Brompton which will further reduce its weight ever so slightly but I have come to a decision over its use...

I commute to work every day on my Brompton all year round. The only weather conditions that prevent me from cycling to work would be snow, ice or a heavy fog. The only other factor that stops me from using the Brompton is if I have to carry a particularly heavy or large load that would be impossible on a Brompton. My plan is to use my Original Orange Brompton for my daily commute and use my Titanium Orange Brompton for recreational use which represents all my Brompton club rides, weekend adventures and of course racing. (If the weather is terrible I have the option of using my Original Orange Brompton). 

This has been a decision that has almost made itself and my Titanium Orange Brompton seems to have fallen into this pattern of use quite naturally. To my mind I will look forward to using my Titanium Orange Brompton even more. I suppose is is the luxury of having more than one Brompton - one for work and one for play. Saying this commuting to and from work on a Brompton is a gleeful experience compared to other forms of transport. 

As these new roles for my Brompton bicycles takes shape I will further focus my attention on making my Titanium Orange Brompton the best bicycle I can for longer rides, racing, ascending hills and general adventures. This journey will take me some time but I will share each new development as and when they are place. 

Brompton World Championships Souvenir

Last week at the Brompton World Championships I saw several people who had preordered a Brompton cycling top. The opportunity to buy one passed me by and seeing them in the flesh as it were made me regret not buying one as they are quite stunning.

On Saturday when at Goodwood for the Sprint and Eliminator I popped in to the Brompton tent and was told that there were a few of these tops available but they weren't sure of the price. I was going to pop back later but it slipped my mind in all the racing excitement. 

After the big race on Sunday I popped to the tent again while people were tucking into their post race refreshment I remembered to pop back to the Brompton tent and asked again. There were only a few sizes left but they had one in my size and I snapped it up. 

I really like it and I can see it being put to good use - while the weather lasts. I really like the 'Team Brompton United Kingdom' on the back. This added to the Union Jack on the arm adds to my 'International' athlete status - if only in my own mind. Regardless of this it will serve as a great souvenir for a great Brompton event!