Brompton Updates

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/105 sec, ISO2500
“50T” Cedar Park, 2023

My next major update for Piplup is an 44-tooth chainring. The bicycle’s standard configuration comes with a 50-tooth chainring which is a little too high for me. In other words, the gearing isn’t low enough to provide a comfortable “granny gear” for climbing hills, and the common 44T switch should help with that.

I ordered the black chainring, so the silver ring part just inside the black chain-guard ring in the photo will change. I really like the look of the “black edition” Bromptons, so I am going that route with the new components, which include the chainring, fenders, and rear rack. FYI, the 2023 Bromptons have an option for black edition, but it costs more than the silver version. I would have liked to go that route, but I can’t complain since I bought my Brompton during the 20%-off sale.

Afternoon Ride

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/8, 1/750 sec, ISO320
“Piplup” Cedar Park, 2023

I went for another ride with Piplup today. I love my Brompton bicycle so much! I’ve been getting more and more excited about doing a bicycle tour, and I’ve put some dates on my calendar, but I’m traveling quite a bit this year, so I might not be able to squeeze it in until next year.

Well, at least I can ride locally, which is a lot of fun.

First Ride with the New Rack

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2400 sec, ISO32
“Piplup at the Lake” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I took Piplup, with her new rear rack, to the lake at the YMCA. I had to adjust the chain (from yesterday’s post) to get the shifting to work correctly, and it took a bit of figuring out, but now that I know how to do it, it seems pretty simple.

Anyways, I really like the black rear rack and black fender. Now I want to replace the silver front fender with a black one. But that’s not urgent. I’ll keep my eyes open for a sale.

I didn’t mention it in yesterday’s post, but the reason I bought a rear rack is because I am planning on doing some bicycle touring with Piplup, and the rear rack is essential for allowing a backpack to be fitted on the bike. And I’ve put my first bike tour on the calendar! It’s still a few months away, but I am looking forward to it.

Bicycle Work

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/10 sec, ISO400
“Shifting Chain” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I installed a rear rack to my Brompton bicycle. It was a little more difficult than I was expecting, but only because the fender placement wasn’t specified in the instructions. If you don’t position the edge of the fender on top of the frame triangle, it will rub against the tire. Luckily, I recalled that the old fender (which had to be swapped with the rack’s fender) was positioned that way, so I did the same with my new fender

Anyways, the photo above shows the little shifting chain that connects to the internal hub. I wanted to document the correct adjustment position. The installation of the rear rack involves removing the rear wheel so there are several steps that are required and it is good to do them for the first time in the comfort of home, rather than out on the road fixing a flat. Now that I’ve done it, it will be easy to change a tire or fix a flat in case I need to!

Broken Mirror

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/105 sec, ISO1600
“Broken Mirror” Cedar Park, 2023

Yesterday, I spent some time fitting a mirror to the handlebars on Piplup. I was so happy with my work, and it was very convenient on the afternoon ride. However, today the bike fell over right on the mirror and it broke. 🥲 What a bummer! Less than a day of use before I ruined it…