Brompton Bike Advice

[Skipper J]

Hi,
I have read the previous posts about folding bikes, and am planning to test-ride a Brompton soon. I wonder how they hold up to salt air. The titanium models look best for that, but they are very expensive. These do offer very light weight, which would make them easier to lower into a dinghy. But the carbon forks on the Ceratech, plus the high price, give me pause. Thanks for any observations anyone can share.

Skipper J

 

[Benny17441]

Even the best bikes will have components that will rust near seawater. Add salt content in the air and sand near shore and they will require frequent maintenance to keep them in good working order. Get a ZIZZO for around $300 and save yourself some serious money. The Brompton has 16" wheels where others have 20" but they all pack adequately for boats.

 

[Phil]

I live on the North Shore of Oahu and have many bikes in my garage. The key to reducing salt air induced rust and degradation is to spray down a bike with fresh water after every ride then dry it off. Do your best to store the bike out of the salt air. Once the chain is adequately dry lubricate it. I've been using Rock n Roll Gold chain lube on all my bikes for years and it works great. On a boat I would recommend covering the bike with an old bed sheet or similar while in storage. Bikes that I don't ride very often I wash off once per month and more often during winter months when the surf is big and the winds turn on shore. If you want a real bike and have the space on your boat look at the Ritchey Break-Away. There are several similar designs from other awesome bike builders as well.

Ritchey Break-Away: A Bike of Two Halves / Ritchey Logic

ritcheylogic.com

 

[Bob S]

I have a pair of Dahon Mariners that have held up surprisingly well for six seasons. They are bagged when stored in the lazarette

 

[Skipper J]

Hi Benny, Phil and Bob,

I appreciate your responses. It sounds like a steel bike can indeed survive life near saltwater if it's covered and cleaned. I did test-ride two Bromptons recently, the G-line and the C-LIne. The former is so heavy (website says 33 lbs) that I'd worry about dropping it overboard during a transfer to the dinghy. The latter feels quite light and steered better than I expected. If I get that, maybe I should get yellow in case it goes in the drink!

I'll continue to read about ZIZZO and Dahon. I had not heard of Ritchey, but it sounds good too. I have been thrilled to see the new sport of bike-rafting emerge, where paddlers carry a bike on the nose of a raft. Wish I were 20 years younger! Thanks for the real-world feedback.

 

[peterwynndavies]

Usability is key to your decision. The Brompton has small wheels but folds up smaller. The titanium is much lighter but at a cost. The Brompton will have a much higher residual value.

 

[GeorgeC]

Skipper J.....The Brompton is an expensive bike and I would always be concerned of someone taking it every time I would get off it to visit a store or a restaurant. We have two Dahons that we have been using on our 30 O'Day as well as when we are camping for the past 28 years. We have had no problems with them other than replacing tires. They are not the quality of the Brompton but if someone takes a Dahon, it won't hurt your wallet as much as a Brompton.

 

[Skipper J]

Hi George, Good point. Not everywhere will people be used to one's rolling it through the shop or bringing it in to eat. Most Brompton bikes use proprietary parts, too, which would be harder to source in some locales, and more expensive.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Skipper J.....The Brompton is an expensive bike and I would always be concerned of someone taking it every time I would get off it to visit a store or a restaurant. We have two Dahons that we have been using on our 30 O'Day as well as when we are camping for the past 28 years. We have had no problems with them other than replacing tires. They are not the quality of the Brompton but if someone takes a Dahon, it won't hurt your wallet as much as a Brompton.

Where do you find space for 2 folding bikes in a 30-footer?

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Where are you planning to cruise? What type of boat?
I think you should ask yourself how much you’ll actually use it. Years ago we carried 2 Dahons in southern New England and barely used them. When we wanted to stretch our legs off the boat we got considerably more “exercise per-hour” on foot than on wheels, interacted with people more and got a better feel for a place. When we needed provisioning, we could usually find it near enough to the harbor or we’d need a ride back with our provisions anyway (making bikes impractical). A taxi or ride share is generally available (but there have been times when it wasn’t). Marinas are pricey and we’d generally anchor out, but they often have courtesy cars, and we could get laundry done. Then there are the crazy drivers and distracted drivers on cell phones… in the US and in the Bahamas the lack of sidewalks and rough narrow roads make biking less fun and very unsafe. Considering how many important things are vying for the limited space aboard, is it worth it? We stopped carrying bikes even though we have the space.
Edit - what is MUCH more useful is a folding garden wagon for carrying laundry and provisions. If you’re going to the islands you’ll generally find provisions within a mile or two of settlements. Don’t cheap out - a sturdy one is needed considering the rough roads and paths. Something like this Amazon.com

 

[dLj]

Where are you planning to cruise? What type of boat?
I think you should ask yourself how much you’ll actually use it. Years ago we carried 2 Dahons in southern New England and barely used them. When we wanted to stretch our legs off the boat we got considerably more “exercise per-hour” on foot than on wheels, interacted with people more and got a better feel for a place. When we needed provisioning, we could usually find it near enough to the harbor or we’d need a ride back with our provisions anyway (making bikes impractical). A taxi or ride share is generally available (but there have been times when it wasn’t). Marinas are pricey and we’d generally anchor out, but they often have courtesy cars, and we could get laundry done. Then there are the crazy drivers and distracted drivers on cell phones… in the US and in the Bahamas the lack of sidewalks and rough narrow roads make biking less fun and very unsafe. Considering how many important things are vying for the limited space aboard, is it worth it? We stopped carrying bikes even though we have the space.
Edit - what is MUCH more useful is a folding garden wagon for carrying laundry and provisions. If you’re going to the islands you’ll generally find provisions within a mile or two of settlements. Don’t cheap out - a sturdy one is needed considering the rough roads and paths. Something like this Amazon.com

This is a great perspective. And asks questions that you should think about.

From another perspective, when I was sailing in Europe, I found having a bicycle to be indispensable. I was in a port on the Algarve that the marina was so large, having a bicycle was fantastic. It would take close to 15 minutes to walk from one side of the marina to the other. Another few minutes to get to the nearest business area. Then I also had to find parts and some tools, that I did on a bicycle and could cover miles in not a lot of time and find what I needed. Having a bicycle made it so much easier to get around and find things, go to restaurants, etc.

I just got back from sailing in Nova Scotia. I wish I'd had a bicycle. I was on someone else's boat and did not have a bicycle. It would have been really handy in several ports where we were. They certainly do take up space, and you do need to think about where you plan to sail and if you will use it enough to justify the space it requires.

dj

 

[Benny17441]

Where do you find space for 2 folding bikes in a 30-footer?

We usually carry just one; merely used for grocery and boat parts runs.

 

[Benny17441]

Hi George, Good point. Not everywhere will people be used to one's rolling it through the shop or bringing it in to eat. Most Brompton bikes use proprietary parts, too, which would be harder to source in some locales, and more expensive.

That is a very important point, finding Brompton parts in most locations may prove futile. Try even finding a 16" tire while 20" are readily available. Don't wear a Tuxedo to play hoops.