Yesterday I had to take the Brompton to the Borough of Merton. This involved taking the bike to East Croydon station and then catching the tram out to Merton. Two stops into the trip all passengers were asked to get off because of vandalism (egg throwing) on the tram which now had to be clean. This incident happened before I got on but no one had told the driver. While we all waiting on the platform for the next tram, an elderly man called out ‘that’s a Brompton’. He then proceeded to tell me and the other waiting passengers about the Brompton and his memories of the first model. He said it was called a Brompton Superior, because it was a superior ride. (I have tried to find out any early names for Bromptons, but no luck so far.)
On the tram he told me that he was 87 years old and that he still used a bike when he could. He said that he had been cycling for 80 years and had two custom bikes (one racing and one for training) that were now over 20 years old. He said that he kept cycling because of his legs and his theory that if he ‘didn’t use them he would loose them’. The only thing he didn’t do was cycle in the rain because of the quality of the road surfaces and not having any mudguards.
I was impressed.
Comments
If you want to find out more about the origins of the Brompton there is a book called The Brompton Bicycle by David Henshaw, I think.
If you search on Amazon or equivalent I'm sure you'll find the book/author. I have the book and not only does it tell you how the Brompton started but it also has a whole heap of information on how to look after your Brompton and servicing tips etc. Very useful!
Thanks for keeping the blog up to date and I look forward to reading some more of your exploits in the future.
Most of the people who approach me about my Brompton ask 'So how much was that?'. Others have go out of the seats on the train to see you unfold it.
I see Andrew Ritchie (Brompton designer) is giving a talk on the Brompton in London on the 1st September.
Its so nice the way bromptons spark conversation. certainly not a low profile bike. I have a friend with a Strida who is quite shy and that seems to be the worst one (in his eyes) for causing comment!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and for your comments.
The way you write about your Brompton is very stimulating. And you look very elegant on the bike.
I'll read all your posts !