tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9971763389054484822024-02-08T11:53:34.990+00:00cycling in heelstraveling in style on a Brompton bikeGrace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-7386131566051337332020-11-01T21:01:00.003+00:002020-11-01T21:05:43.592+00:00Bike shops - Velorution - Marylebone<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwwic0O02eE/X58iiQYfQNI/AAAAAAAAFXc/NVy50nzbQcEnR_zlSgokmc4BYeWb3zMJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_4845.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwwic0O02eE/X58iiQYfQNI/AAAAAAAAFXc/NVy50nzbQcEnR_zlSgokmc4BYeWb3zMJACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_4845.jpg"/></a></div>It has been a long long time since I used to nip in and out of various bike shops in London and some have gone or just moved premises. I used to make many trips to Velorution back in the day but before I took my long break from the Brompton Velorution came under new ownership and started stocking very expensive sport bikes and these did not include Bromptons. However Velorution has expanded and there are now three shops in London. Because they stock Carradice Brompton bags online I thought I would make a trip to the Marylebone branch. (I have just checked and they now only carry the Carradice Stockport bag which I already have.)
Verdict. Hmmm
Not super friendly and but not unfriendly. Lots of bikes but few Bromptons and not much in the way of accessories. I guess because Brompton Junction is ten minutes away they will not stock a lot of Bromptons or accessories for the Brompton. They did not have the Carradice Brompton bag I wanted but offered to order it which I can do myself. I was looking for small rechargeable lights which they did not have. I will not be going back. Not because the shop was terrible, they just don’t have anything for me. I will pop into the Hackney and Islington branches in I am in those areas to see if there is a difference.
Velorution - Marylebone 75-77 Great Portland Street, London W11 7LR
Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-81967264876771426972020-10-16T19:47:00.003+01:002020-10-16T19:54:42.841+01:00The Carradice Stockport can carry everything. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqB2mMMlaC8/X4nsWzAYTYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/WRtTPymAvLct-RIuGRuHOHOti18dhrR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_4719.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqB2mMMlaC8/X4nsWzAYTYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/WRtTPymAvLct-RIuGRuHOHOti18dhrR6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_4719.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPMgitNfE98/X4nsWylsPqI/AAAAAAAAFVc/IehcOKUkWlQMw46Olc28vu4eRwathl7OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_4722.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPMgitNfE98/X4nsWylsPqI/AAAAAAAAFVc/IehcOKUkWlQMw46Olc28vu4eRwathl7OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/IMG_4722.jpg"/></a></div>Tried out the new bag I got this week. It is fabulous. I am packing my stuff, the lock, lunch from Marks and Spencer and a handheld steamer in a box I brought from Argos.
Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-43199886401642931782020-10-14T18:02:00.003+01:002020-10-14T18:12:31.510+01:00Carradice Stockport<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilL7bitqCCA/X4cwmvd58RI/AAAAAAAAFUg/Wm9b2YhIiss5EAOqjSuIjdH4_aaAUsp7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Carradice%2BStockport%2Bmirror.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilL7bitqCCA/X4cwmvd58RI/AAAAAAAAFUg/Wm9b2YhIiss5EAOqjSuIjdH4_aaAUsp7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Carradice%2BStockport%2Bmirror.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLqXikyd9Mo/X4cwm6SD60I/AAAAAAAAFUo/8Q62ZTA-EtQUTpFAfXgKel9vkfKOaR5HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Carradice%2BStockport%2BTable.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLqXikyd9Mo/X4cwm6SD60I/AAAAAAAAFUo/8Q62ZTA-EtQUTpFAfXgKel9vkfKOaR5HACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Carradice%2BStockport%2BTable.jpg"/></a></div>
Today I renewed my research for a new bag for the Brompton. I had planned to start cycling after I got the Brompton serviced in May but I knew that I wanted a new bag. I was told by someone in Brompton Junction that new bags would be coming so I waited. I don’t think they did or if they did I don’t see a difference.
I still have and use my old Brompton roll top bag, but it is too big and bulky. I have also never liked the fact that it did not have an contrasting colour interior lining which I complained about to Brompton years ago. I also still have an old Brompton zip top bag which is too small and frankly a bit dull.
I do have a messenger bag a Bagaboo which I got back in the day when everyone used messenger bags and they came in many colours and sizes. My Bagaboo is still good and can carry everything but sadly I cannot carry it on my back any more. I have problems with my lower spine.
I was at the point of settling for the black Brompton messenger bag in black. Functional but dull. I decided to Google for other bags by other companies having just recalled that other companies, other than Ortilieb did make bags for Brompton. I completely forgot about Carradice and they are still going strong and have a number of lovely affordable Brompton bags.
I brought the Carradice Stockport today at Compton Cycles in Catford for £140. I also wanted to buy the City Folder but they only had red and I didn’t want two red bags. The colour has lifted my spirits already and I can’t wait to get out to use it. It has a slightly smaller capacity of 16 litres to the Bagaboo which was more than enough anyway. It has a good wide strap which is very important when you have to carry it and I love the tartan lining. Nearly forgot. It comes with a seperate bag for a lap top. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-10158057967301765152020-10-13T08:14:00.007+01:002020-10-13T08:37:21.315+01:00Back on the bike<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qlb-vmCFA0M/X4VYA6EVV3I/AAAAAAAAFS4/hbMIwDPnWzQSpVAIUncdnChoQKETMTrwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_4696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qlb-vmCFA0M/X4VYA6EVV3I/AAAAAAAAFS4/hbMIwDPnWzQSpVAIUncdnChoQKETMTrwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w620-h620/IMG_4696.jpg" width="620" /></a></div></div><br />I got out the Brompton today. The last week has brought 20 mph limits and bus lanes across major roads and everyone is sitting in traffic. I was angry not because of the idea but because I am only in the car because of the pandemic. Prior to March 24th, I took public transport just about everywhere. I don’t want to get back onto public transport particularly as we are now at the start of the second wave in infections. So it is the bike for local journeys, except for the weekly shop when I will use the car and for longer journeys for now.
I forgot to check tyres before I left and they were soft. I took the train to Charlton and then cycled around to the shops to return a coat. Discovered that the BP garage does not have a tyre pump.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-32625810926041377602020-05-26T15:45:00.001+01:002020-05-26T15:45:17.081+01:00Can't believe it has been five years!<div>
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It has been years since was on the Brompton and as I no intention of getting on a bus or tube train right now I need to get back on to travel around Central London. </div>
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Although the tyres were flat a quick pump brought them back to life. Everything seems to be working but I did book a service at Brompton Junction to be on the safe side. Like I said it has been a couple years. </div>
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Cycling from Charing Cross was surreal. Barely any people or traffic. I would happily cycle more if the roads were like this. Getting back on the bike made me realise how much I had missed it. </div>
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Decided to wear shorts and cowboy boots by Kick. Got these boots as a Christmas present a while ago and have now decided to wear them. </div>
Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-12566250970587411082015-07-09T23:12:00.001+01:002015-07-09T23:13:52.242+01:00Tube Strike - No brakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have not been on the Brompton for months. Reason why? Mixture of reasons that I am still working out. I was tired, really tired and I was worried I would have an accident. I also think I lost some of my road confidence.<br />
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But today's tube strike and the need to be in the centre of London forced me to get back on the bike. <br />
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Discovered how much I had missed cycling in town and there were so many cyclists. Lots of brave souls took to the using the hire bikes. <br />
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That was the good bit. Now the bad news. Discovered that my brakes had stopped working. They eventually seized. I went to the nearest bike shop which was <a href="http://www.cyclesurgery.com/store-holborn/content/fcp-content" target="_blank">Cycle Surgery</a> in Holborn. But they couldn't see me because they were fully booked with repairs. They were kind enough to ring around to their other stores but they also couldn't see me. Then I remembered I was close to <a href="https://bromptonjunction.com/store/london/" target="_blank">Brompton Junction</a> in Covent Garden and I got them to look up the number for me and I called and they said come over.<br />
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My Brompton was fixed in 10 minutes and I only had to pay for a new brake cable which was £10.50! I was given a cup of coffee while I waited and looked at bags. They have lost the cafe which was down stairs but they are now able to do servicing something they were unable to offer when they first opened and the website says this is £100. <br />
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<br />Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-27520082986722427072014-08-23T11:58:00.001+01:002014-09-30T08:38:52.494+01:00The Brompton got a service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I completely forgot to service the Brompton last August. Well I remembered in October and by then I thought I would wait until the New Year and then I forgot again until this month.
My Brompton is 6 years old and still holding up very well. The paint has gone in a couple tiny areas but everything is still ok. I got the service done at <a href="http://www.comptoncycles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Compton Cycles</a> in Catford, South London where I bought the Brompton. They still have the widest choice of Bromptons in South London for a non-chain outlet.
The cost of the service was £109 and it was done in a day. Which I thought was very good as I had to replace a broken chain mudguard; the rear mud guard which had fallen off somewhere and the elastic straps on the back rack (I am amazed these lasted 6 years).
I was shown a carry handle for the Brompton made by <a href="http://www.offyerbike.com/" target="_blank">Off yer Bike</a>. (Forgot to take a photo.) Cost is about £40 but it looks like it is worth the money as you can carry the Brompton from the middle and not the seat which is awkward at times especially going up and down stairs. This is going on my Christmas list. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-4484258352315616982014-06-17T22:51:00.001+01:002014-06-17T22:58:46.709+01:00New Clarks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been enjoying the early summer and the extended daylight hours. It was still bright at 8.50pm when I was cycling back to London Bridge Station.
I got these shoes yesterday from <a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clarks</a>. Very comfy on the bike and off. I like the orange laces but you also get a pair of brown laces if the orange is a little too bright. I got the same pair of shoes in Black but I am still thinking about whether to keep them.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-10787233865832302802014-02-12T23:15:00.001+00:002014-02-12T23:18:37.635+00:00Wet February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It rains most days, but it is the sudden gusts of wind that is keeping me off the Brompton. I managed to use it on Monday but decided on using the Trek today to get to the station and then use the train. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-4789698790190555882014-02-02T23:22:00.001+00:002014-02-02T23:36:23.503+00:00Parking at The British Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unlike <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/cycle-parking-at-tate-modern.html" target="_blank">the Tate</a> you still cannot leave a folded bike in the cloakroom at <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/facilities.aspx" target="_blank">The British Museum</a> so I had to carry my lock on Saturday. I found out that the same applies to The <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/visiting/visitor-information/" target="_blank">V&A Museum</a>. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-51148506829741669682014-01-26T17:09:00.001+00:002014-01-26T17:22:52.422+00:00Brompton Junction - Covent Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just to show how far out of the loop I have been this past year I was not aware that <a href="http://brompton.com/" target="_blank">Brompton</a> had been opening up stores across the world until I ran past the London branch of <a href="http://bromptonjunction.com/london/#photo-0" target="_blank">Brompton Junction</a> on Long Acre in Covent Garden. What is especially nice about the store is the little canteen downstairs where you can have tea and cake. You can buy a Brompton, various accessories and of course get helpful advice. I did ask about getting the Brompton serviced here but they only offer a full factory service, which is quite expensive but they do general repairs. The area is very well served by other bike shops like <a href="http://www.cyclesurgery.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Surgery</a> and <a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/" target="_blank">Evans Cycles </a>so if I was going to get the bike serviced in Central London I would shop around. I am still happy with the service I get from <a href="http://www.comptoncycles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Compton Cycles</a> where I got my Brompton.<br />
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I will definitely be going back to Brompton Junction for tea, sandwich and cake.<br />
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Whenever I see a collection of Brompton frames I just think of sweets like Skittles or Smarties.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-55196359115273151982014-01-22T14:06:00.001+00:002014-01-24T22:34:24.074+00:00Bright Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently bought the <a href="http://brompton.com/our-bikes/accessories-explorer/part/31/battery-lighting-set-complete" target="_blank">Brompton LED rear light</a> but only got around to putting it this week. While I knew I had to remove the rear reflector this was not a simple as I had expected because of trying to get around the carrier rack to screw the reflector off and then get the light on. Managed it in the end but nearly gave up until I found that I did have a tiny wrench in my tool tray which meant I could tighten the nut on the rack.<br />
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The rear light comes with a battery inside so it was ready to go. I will have to go back to <a href="http://brompton.com/dealers/5110/brompton-junction-london?location=990" target="_blank">Brompton Junction</a> where I got the light to get them to show me how to replace the batteries as I could not see how the back opened. The downside is that I will have to again go through the hassle of unscrewing the light off and then on again.<br />
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I have also bought the <a href="http://www.lezyne.com/en/" target="_blank">Lezyne</a> Zecto Drive lights. This are USB rechargeable and were £45 for the pair from <a href="http://www.evanscycles.com/" target="_blank">Evan Cycles</a> in their sale. You can buy them separately. The beams are powerful and I like that I can wrap them easily around the post and handle bar. The other advantage for me is that I can transfer the same light to my Trek bike. If you are buying the pair open up the package in the shop as I discovered that the pack only had one holder strap and I had to go back to Evans to get another. I still use my <a href="http://www.electronlights.co.uk/lights/backupz" target="_blank">Electron Backupz</a> lights as well. This are tiny but bright lights that I usually just leave on the Brompton. I even forget they are there until I turn them on. Still have the <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/little-lights.html" target="_blank">‘cheapo’ lights</a> I bought in <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/cheap-lights.html" target="_blank">Clas Ohlson</a> a few years ago. They are still going strong and I have not had to replace the batteries for over a year.<br />
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Why so many lights? I don’t use a reflector vest. I do have a reflector belt that I occasionally use when I remember but vests, belts and gloves are the things I then to leave behind on a train.<br />
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Additional info:<br />
You can buy the Brompton LED lights separately but they are advertised as a pair on the website. I struggled to find the link in the first place. As much as I love Brompton their website has always been poor. It is difficult to navigate and the pages are always slow to load. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-4032125153156825212013-11-17T22:35:00.001+00:002013-11-17T22:41:10.543+00:00Going to the shops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Took the Brompton to Oxford Street yesterday to return a couple items. It has been so long since I have cycled in the West End on a weekend that I forgot my rules. 1. Don’t cycle on Saturdays in the centre of town. 2. Don’t shop on a weekend five weeks before Christmas. It was crazy. I also forgot that there is no place to lock a bike Oxford Street. I managed to lock the bike on a handrail outside Marks & Spencer, but had to take it with me inside Debenhams. I got the refunds and then straight home, by tube. I found pedestrians wandering into the road more dangerous than taxis and buses.<br />
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I wore my new ankle boots that are from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/" target="_blank">John Lewis</a> and they passed the Brompton pedal test.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-50176518746060470692013-10-01T07:59:00.000+01:002013-10-01T08:00:43.984+01:00Hurrah! It's Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I confess that I did very little cycling this summer. It was a lovely summer but just too hot for me to pedal around in. I didn’t use the Brompton for weeks. I sometimes used the Trek bike to get to the station where I left it and just used the train. There were days when I walked and used buses. We have a great public transport system in London and if you use smart phone apps to tell you when buses and trains are arriving you can usually have a seamless journey.<br />
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My Brompton got dust on it. It hasn’t even had the August Service. I forgot. Still it is Autumn and I am back using it. I have had to get out the bike lights because the sun now sets around 6.30. Autumn is the best time to cycle, not too hot, not yet cold.<br />
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I am back in boots because I have finally found new boots I like after a three year search. I can finally put my Office boots out to pasture. They did so well through the crazy extreme weather we had over the past few years.
I wanted a pair of brown boots and after much deliberation between a pair from Clarks and a pair by Steve Madden from Dune I found these in Matalan of all places. I have never brought shoes from this discount shop before but they are fabulously comfortable, well made and only £50, two thirds less than the other pairs.
I have teamed them up with my bag from New Look. I am not using my <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/bagaboo.html" target="_blank">Bagaboo bike bag</a> yet because it is big and I end up carrying too much stuff. Small light messenger and cross body bags are thin on the ground at the moment. <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/folding-bag-for-folding-bike.html" target="_blank">Muj</a>i used to have a great range but have pulled them this year.<br />
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Now I need to book that service with Comptons.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-52723394116670541872013-07-18T23:28:00.001+01:002013-07-18T23:28:07.554+01:00Burning on the bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is too hot to cycle and I have restricted my journeys to very short runs. <a href="http://www.sheridesabike.com/2013/07/the-uberhood-be-cool-stay-dry-and-keep.html" target="_blank">This</a> is what I need to get around.
Wearing my new cheap and cheerful sandals from <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/" target="_blank">H&M</a>. They won’t last but they will do for the couple weeks of warm weather we will have.
Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-40223027523412400862013-07-14T08:34:00.000+01:002013-07-14T08:35:11.898+01:00Other people's Bromptons - the cheap one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was at the print making studio yesterday on a <a href="http://linesandspace.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/printmaking-photolithography.html" target="_blank">photolithography</a> workshop. Three Brompton owners were present and discussing the difficulties of managing hills when you are traveling in North or South London. The classic Red Brompton seen above was purchased in Amsterdam for £250, second hand. Bargain. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-7788904043769566342013-06-20T21:39:00.001+01:002013-06-20T21:41:30.493+01:00Buying a Brompton - Step 2 - It's all about the handlebars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was thinking about getting a S model (the model with the handlebars that are T shaped). I liked the look of the handlebars but spraining my ankle made me reconsider this option. When my ankle was still sore I had to rely on being able to push the Brompton along using the Eazy wheels and I realised that doing this would be more difficult if I lost the height I currently have with my Brompton. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-30850602172252833282013-06-03T10:16:00.001+01:002013-06-03T10:21:46.167+01:00Other people's Bromptons, other people's shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spotted these quirky crackled leather Brogues and Black 3 speed Brompton yesterday at Atlantis Art Materials shop in Spittlefields. I haven’t worn my <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/sensible-shoes.html" target="_blank">tan Brogues</a> all year, because of the bad weather. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-67938559460459434652013-04-03T22:28:00.001+01:002013-04-03T22:35:45.554+01:00Back on the bike <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My sprained ankle is almost healed. I can cycle and I don’t feel sore compared to when I walk. My biggest problem is carrying the bike up and down stairs as I am still a little worried about keeping my balance. The sprained ankle has made be think about what kind of Brompton I would next buy. Already I know I don’t want to give up the <a href="http://www.brompton.co.uk/our-bikes/bike-explorer/part/104/eazy-wheels" target="_blank">Eazy Wheels</a>. I also noticed that I can carry my Brompton for a longer distance than I thought even with a sore ankle.
Our weird weather continues. Lots of bright sun but bitterly cold. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-43861396053085398442013-04-01T17:55:00.001+01:002013-04-01T18:01:53.544+01:00Buying a Brompton - Step 1 Go the website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As it has been five years since I brought my Brompton and I am thinking about getting another I thought I would do the research and see what is different.
I went to the <a href="http://www.brompton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Brompton</a> website. It has changed and it is better but it still takes a little work to find out about the Bikes and what you can get. The information is there but you have to look for it and know what you are looking at. There is a lot of jumping back and forth on web pages when you are looking for information. Not sure why Brompton has not sorted out having a page that allows you to compare the basic specs of all the models at once. Complicated but not impossible.
I like the brochure. If you are new to the Brompton or just trying to get an update the brochure does list everything in one place. It doesn't give you information about the weight of the various parts. For that you have to go back to the main site. When I was first looking at the Brompton 6 years ago I downloaded the brochure from the website, printed it off and read it on my commute to work.
What has improved on the website is finding a Brompton supplier and the site gives information as to whether the supplier is trained by Brompton. They didn’t have this information before, they had a list of suppliers but not the training which can make a difference if you are worried about this. I originally brought my Brompton from <a href="http://www.comptoncycles.co.uk/" target="_blank">Compton Cycles</a> and they still tick all the boxes in having a large range of ‘off the peg’ Bromptons which mine was and they can order for you as they have a good relationship with the Brompton factory, they are friendly and know about the bike. But the downside for me this time around is that they don’t yet offer an interest free credit scheme and I know that my Brompton will not be cheap. The other issue is that my usual travel routes are going into the central London and I thought it may be easier this time around getting a bike from one of the shops that I usually pass on my various routes. But for me the most important thing is having a good relationship with a bike shop.
I know I have had a Brompton for a long time but I still don’t remember the logic of the names of the different models. I look at the handlebars and I ask myself why is the T shape bike called S, why is the U shape bike called M and why is the W shaped bike called P? I know that the H bike is a taller version of the M but it still looks like a U. I know it is related to what they do, but that is how they look to me. I think Brompton should give them proper names but I guess letters makes the bike more teckie sounding and must be good for the market.
Tips:
1. Go to the website and play around. You will get lost but you will find interesting things about the bike and the Brompton community.
2. Look at the brochure. This brings everything together in an accessible way.
3. Find your nearest supplier on the website.
Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-22902069751640536872013-03-26T23:09:00.001+00:002013-03-28T19:42:39.619+00:00Ankle Boots - Dune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The weather is still so dull, and cold in London. No one can believe it that April starts this weekend and we are expecting more, yes more cold weather.
There has been a rash of unexpected bargains in shoe departments and I have brought another pair, of ankle boots this time from <a href="http://www.dune.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dune</a>, although I am not sure if these are shoe boots. With this weather it will be boots, boots and more boots until the summer.
I have not brought shoes from Dune before. Not one of the usual shoe shops that I visit. But they have now just gone into the top five. Although I will wait again until the sale before making another visit. These black suede boots have been waterproofed. They come with a thin rubber sole which give them a very good grip on the bike pedals and a bounce when I walk.
The day after I took this photo last Thursday I sprained my ankle while coming down stairs. So I will be off the bikes for a couple weeks while I heal. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-2383163311273828022013-03-15T07:40:00.001+00:002013-03-15T07:50:47.300+00:00Ankle Boots - Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have fallen in love with ankle boots. I especially love the boots that I can wear with a dress or with pants. The weather is still cold, very cold and I am tired of wearing long boots all the time. I was in <a href="http://www.gap.co.uk/" target="_blank">GAP</a> this week because I had a discount voucher and I saw this boots on sale for £40. Bargain. They are fine on the Brompton pedals but I will get a rubber sole put on for a better grip.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-68421848434682214592013-02-08T14:00:00.001+00:002013-02-08T14:28:56.167+00:00Happy Fifth Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can’t believe it. I have been cycling on my Brompton for five years! Here are my favourite posts from when I was just starting out. The one thing that has changed is the weather as when I got the Brompton in 2008 it was mostly a warm and dry early Spring.<br />
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<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-am-going-to-die.html" target="_blank">The first day</a><br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/02/first-time-for-brompton-in-west-end.html" target="_blank">The first time in the West End</a>.<br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-am-so-unfit.html" target="_blank">Feeling sore all over.</a> <br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/03/taking-lessons.html" target="_blank">Bike lessons</a>.<br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/03/messenger-bags.html" target="_blank">First messenger bag</a>. <a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/03/messenger-bags.html"></a><br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/05/shopping-from-bike.html" target="_blank">Shopping by bike</a>.<br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/06/basket-for-my-brompton.html" target="_blank">Brompton basket</a>.<br />
<a href="http://cyclinginheels.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-passed.html" target="_blank">Passing the cycling proficiency test</a>. <br />
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The Brompton has held up very well. There are now some small chips in the paint work on the forks but given the run of bad weather (snow, rain, road grit for frost) and the little attention I give the bike it not surprising. Despite the small wheels it can take small potholes which again were unavoidable in London due to the endless road works we have had over the past five years. I have only had to replace the old style foam seat which split after a year. Not fit for purpose in my view and the new one is much much better. And I got rid of the original dynamo lights which were temperamental and wore out the rear tyre. I hear that the new lights are better but for me not really worth the extra cost. Best of all in five years I have only had one flat tyre to deal with. <br />
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It was a big expense at the time but truly worth it.Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-68459875558017741152013-02-06T17:03:00.001+00:002013-02-06T17:09:46.005+00:00The shoes that got away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beuHZ6Fx1qI/URKNsGGg-LI/AAAAAAAACd8/04RkvlZl2CQ/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beuHZ6Fx1qI/URKNsGGg-LI/AAAAAAAACd8/04RkvlZl2CQ/s400/IMG_4927.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I have been looking at shoes in the sales and I would have brought both of these had they been in my size. The grey suede shoes were in <a href="http://www.clarks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clarks</a> and the black suede shoes were in <a href="http://www.newlook.com/" target="_blank">New Look</a>. Both were just one size too small and I am beyond buying shoes in the hope they will stretch. Ah well. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-997176338905448482.post-70304152573219955732013-02-05T13:59:00.001+00:002013-02-05T14:03:57.908+00:00Stiff hinge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Brompton has a stiff hinge and a stiff hinge clamp. I am hoping it just needs a little oil but I will be getting advice from <a href="http://www.cyclesurgery.com/" target="_blank">Cycle Surgery</a> when I next peddle by. Grace Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203945608015967201noreply@blogger.com4