'I wish all cyclists were as polite as you!'

Since owning a Brompton - getting on for 10 years - I have used it as part of my daily commute. I stopped doing this for well over a year and drove instead - for reasons I won't bore you with. For the last few months I have taken to using my Brompton exclusively to get to and from work. Using the Brompton for my daily commute has highlighted once more how much I love these little bikes. I feel better as a result. 

As I have been leaving for work more or less at the same time each morning, one feature of my daily commute is that quite often I seem to see the same faces behind the wheels of cars or on bicycles. I have to report that some of the faces on the car drivers, even with less traffic, is far from happy looking. 

On the road I alway try and be as courteous as possible. One driver I seem to see almost every day at a set of traffic lights (the ones that seem to take an age to get the traffic through) today rolled down his window and said, 'I wish all cyclists were as polite as you!' I said thank you and told him that people who ride Brompton bicycles are definitely the most polite cyclists!

So, don't let me down people. If you are a Brompton user out and about on your beloved Brompton, wherever you are in the world, don't let the side down!!

Stay safe out there people!!

I have got it all wrong with Brompton!!

Over the last few years I have bemoaned the steady release from Brompton of various 'Special Editions' despite the fact I have one - in the form of an Orange, Black Special Edition! I have even gone as far as mention the fact that Brompton has not embraced innovations like disc brakes for example. When I write a blog entry I normally make a few notes on paper beforehand using one of my favourite fountain pens - a Montblanc 149 - and it was when I looked down at this very pen, I knew I had got it all wrong with Brompton.

The '149' is pretty much the most iconic pen Montblanc make bar none. Introduced almost 70 years ago there have been almost no changes to its classic looks. It is a large pen with a large gold nib and for decades this classic black and gold pen has been instantly recognisable.

The classic black and gold

Not that long ago Montblanc released a Platinum Line version where the gold bits were replaced with a platinum coating. It was this pen that I was using when it dawned on me I had got it all wrong.

Oooooh! Look at the platinum version - it's different!!

The only real thing Montblanc can do to make their pens slightly different is to offer them in slightly different colours.  Some of these are 'Special Editions' only available for a limited period of time. Do you see where I am going with this?

The '149' is a design classic from an iconic brand. It is a pen design that doesn't really need fixing. There are dozens of pens that have the look of the '149' mainly for the fact, that for many, it is bordering on perfection. Could the same be said of the Brompton?

Well, this argument is strong. The Brompton has become over the years an icon in terms of design and the ways it looks. Like the '149' it has been tweaked a little here and there but the original concept still plays a huge part. 

The Brompton is recognisable by many and when out on a group ride with a bunch of other people on their Brompton bikes, I have heard pedestrians say, 'look at all those Brompton bikes!' I have never heard the same said of people on Trek, Specialized, Canyon, or Colnago bicycles!

When out on one of my Brompton bicycles whether it be for my daily commute, Friday night adventure or clocking up some serious miles I do not think to myself that I wish I had disc brakes, more gears... I don't. I just happily cycle along knowing that when I reach the train back to London from a night ride to the coast, I love the convenience of being able to fold and carry on. 

Like the '149' what could Brompton do to make their bicycle better for me personally? It is a question that if I really give some pause for thought I come up with very little.

So, I have to admit - for me at least - I think I have got it all wrong with Brompton.  Bring out all the  'Special Editions' you like. You won't find me questioning it again!

Stay safe out there people!

Car free London for the discerning Brompton user

There has been a great deal of talk recently about some parts of London becoming car free. Whether or not this happens only time will tell. There are however a few very nice stretches devoid of everything of the four wheeled variety.

My all time favourite has to be The Mall. This runs from near Trafalgar Square all the way to Buckingham Place. Normally only at the weekend and then usually a Sunday, you can gave a lovely saunter up The Mall and see if anyone is on the balcony peeking out.

This was part of the Brompton World Championships route for a few years and really is an iconic part of London. Well worth a visit to have what is normally a very busy road to yourself. Also rather good for a stroll.

Keep safe out there people!!