Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2.2, 1/50 sec, ISO6400 “PIVRING Backpack” Cedar Park, 2022
I mentioned in a previous post that I picked up a PIVRING backpack from IKEA. It was only $4! The reason I bought it is because it’s the perfect size for putting on the M style handlebars on my Brompton folding bike. I am using it to pick up the mail from our mailbox. The mailbox is a few hundred meters from our house so it’s a quick, but fun little ride.
One thing I noticed about the Brompton is that it is much easier to handle while off the bike as compared to regular bicycles. Maneuvering it out the front door is easy because the small front wheel tends not to sway side-to-side like larger wheels. And the step-through frame makes it easy to stand over it while I put the mail into the bag. It’s really convenient!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/2200 sec, ISO32 “Cloud Blue Brompton” Cedar Park, 2022
Today I went to IKEA to buy a couple of Dimpa bags. These particular bags are the perfect size for putting a Brompton folding bike into. They cost only $7 so are a popular choice for Brompton owners to use when traveling. There are plenty of videos about using them, so if you are interested, check them out! I also picked up a Pivring backpack (only $4!) to loop around the handlebars. It’s a cheap alternative to a bag that fits on the Brompton front carrier block, which are generally pricey.
After that, I went for a ride around the neighborhood. I still need to find the optimal seating position, but I am getting closer! The Brompton is such a fun bicycle to ride. Oh, I also need to decide on a good name for it to go along with Sophie, Rossa, and the recently stolen (😢) Mango. I am leaning towards “Piplup” which is the name of a cute blue pokémon.
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/55 sec, ISO500 “Dimpa Bags” Cedar Park, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/105 sec, ISO2000 “Folded Bike” Cedar Park, 2022
Today I received a Brompton C Line Explore folding bicycle. I’ve had my eye on a folding bike for a long time now, and when the C Line series went on sale recently, I jumped at the chance and ordered one from the Brompton website. It took only a few days to deliver via FedEx, nicely packaged and almost fully assembled. You can see in the photo above just how compact the Brompton is when folded. I pretty much just needed to attach the seat, unfold, and go for a ride!
Speaking of the seat, the C Line includes a black Brooks C17 Cambium seat, which is very nice. But I wanted to use my Brooks B17 from Sophie on the Brompton, so I made the switcheroo. (The black Cambium looks pretty sharp on the Peugeot, btw)
Next, I went to the elementary school parking lot so I could make initial adjustments to the seat and handlebar position. I also got used to the 6-speed shifting system, which worried me at first because the hub makes clicking noises even when pedaling (in most gears). I thought it might be defective, but a quick Google search told me that this sound is normal for that kind of hub. Whew!
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/240 sec, ISO32 “Cloud Blue” Cedar Park, 2022
After the seat and handlebar adjustment, I grabbed my helmet and headed for the hike and bike trail. The Brompton is so fun to ride! It’s unlike “regular” bicycles in that the wheels are much smaller, so the steering feels a bit twitchy, but I got used to it quickly. The tires are pumped up to 80 psi (maximum of 110 psi) so it rolls quite fast – much faster than I was expecting! But unlike my road bike, Sophie, the Brompton’s step-through design makes it very easy to get on and off of, so it feels like a super-convenient way to get around.
I only rode about 15 km, but I can tell this is the start of a lifelong love affair. 😄
Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/60 sec, ISO200 “Packaging” Cedar Park, 2022
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