The Folding Society

Brompton Product Launch 2005 - speculation

Brompton are due to hold a formal 2005 product launch event on the evening of 20th April 2005. To the best of my knowledge, they have never held such an event before, so most people are expecting some significant changes or new products. Speculation on the form this may take is largely a waste of time (though fun), as they are playing their cards close to their chest, and no one outside the employ of Brompton seems to have any definite information. We will bring you the latest news as soon as we have it, and our report on the launch event should appear on our web pages between 11:00pm on 20th and 01:00am on 21st.

In the meantime, here are some preliminary thoughts - I don't work for Brompton, so I have no firm information at all, which at least allows me to speculate quite freely!

1. What current issues might be addressed?

Overall, the Brompton is a brilliant design, and does what it is inteded for extremely well. However, if you were to ask Brompton owners what they perceive as areas for improvement in the current bikes, then the following might be mentioned:
 No doubt we all have our own personal likes and dislikes, and priorities - I would like some rather nicer brake levers as well, but that's something I can easily change myself. Others don't like the saddle, but no one saddle is going to suit everyone, and it is easy to change.

1.1 Weight

I think that first of all we should recognise that the weight quoted for the Brompton is for the complete bike - including essentials like pedals and a saddle, and of course mudguards. The weights quoted by many competitors exclude some or all of these, and once they are added, the Brompton no longer looks so heavy. Nevertheless it is still at least a couple of pounds (1Kg) over the weight we might reasonably expect, and ideally it would be nearer 4 pounds (2Kg) lighter.

1.2 Gears

For less strong riders, and those in hilly areas, the Brompton has always been rather high geared. The low gear option is preferable for most owners, but many fit an even small chainring to furthe lower the gearing. The big problem, though, is that with only 3 gears, the range is quite limited, so if you fit a ring to suit the hills, you are too low geared for the flat, and if you gear for the flat, you are too high geared for hills. Personally I find the gap between the gears is uncomfortably wide too - you pedal like a maniac, but when you change up, the knees start to creak. The 6-speed splits the gap between the gears, and adds in effect an extra half gear to the range, but the range is still quite limited, and the gear change pattern is undoubtedly not convenient for non-enthusiasts. The old 5-speed was a better solution, but the demise of Sturmey-Archer killed it, and the 6-speed was the best solution available to replace it at the time. Enthusiasts will be well aware that fitting alternative hubs to the Brompton is difficult as it has unusually narrow rear fork spacing, and most hub gears just won't fit.

1.3 Handlebar height

The rather upright and squashed riding position of the Brompton has often caused adverse comment, but it is worth adding that while it may not suit some people, it is actually not uncomfortable. The change to a longer wheelbase, since the new hinge was introduced, has certainly improved things, but one handlebar height to suit all is still less than ideal.

1.4 Mudguard clearances

Not everyone would include this, but even riding on muddy lanes, or Milton Keynes redways can cause mud to clog up under the mudguards, and stop the wheels turning. If you venture onto canal towpaths or some cycleways, this may be more of a problem. The fixing bolts can reduce the minimum clearnace point to even less than it appears from the outside.

1.5 Rear triangle retention

The ability to quickly flip the rear wheel under the bike very quickly for parking and folding is a great strength, but if you try to lift the unfolded bike, or pull it over a kerb, especially with a load on board, you will know that the bike starts folding itself in a very inconvenient way. A clip which stops this happening, but which can be released quickly and easily, is something which would be a real benefit, but is not easy to achieve effectively as an add-on.

2. The rumours

There are probably as many rumours circulating about what changes will appear as there are people doing the speculating. These are the most significant stories I have heard - I'll comment on their possible validity in the next section.

3. My guesses

I think that most of the possible changes will be new models or options, added to the existing range, rather than replacing them, especially as most (though not all) would increase the price.

I would be VERY surprised if the 20 inch wheel story proved to be true, but you never know!

The 8-speed hub is one of the longest running and most popular rumours. However, all the information I can get suggests that there are still some issues regarding the Sturmey 8-speed, and in addition the Brompton would need a special narrow version, and
Brompton do very thorough testing before introducing something new. Other makes of 8-speed have the same width problem. I'm sure Brompton are actively looking at this, and will probably introduce one sometime, but I rather doubt that it is ready yet. An announcement that it will appear later is a possibility, but I think this is doubtful as it might affect current sales.

Once before, Brompton tried to produce a light single speed, but abandoned it allegedly due to problems with the hub (surely not that difficult to get a single speed hub?). The idea might reappear though - if you have a short commute and it is not hilly, it could be attractive, and would reduce weight and price, and increase simplicity. Grafting on the 2-speed derailleur of the 6-speed would add some versatility. Sadly it seems unlikely that the ingenious Sachs duomatic 2-speed hub, with no cables and a back pedal brake, will make a reappearance.

How about a reappearance of the 5-speed, with a Sturmey-Archer hub?

On weight, I feel pretty sure that thee will be some progress. There have been rumours of titanium frames around for a while, and these seem to have gone beyond just prototypes. The effect on the price would be quite substantial though. Perhaps some limited use of titanium is more likely.

The invitiation to the launch featured a picture of 3 deer on the front, with their horns replaced by handlebars, one of which was the characteristic Brompton pattern. I don't think that the other odd shapes represent what might be available as options, but given the fact that lack of adjustment of handlebars is one of the issues with the current design, highlighting this topic on the invitation would seem to be a case of shooting oneself in the foot, unless thee is going to be some improvement here - whether by providing height adjustment or options.

I don't think that the mudguard clearance issue will be addressed (not an easy thing to do, for various reasons, and though the rear triangle hook would be relatively easy for them to implement, I think they will miss that as well.

So my prediction is:

This is all speculation - we will know the answer in less than three days time.

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Last updated: 18 April 2005