Brompton releases Nine Streets special edition folding bike

I occasionally use a Folder (mainly for the train) and wanted a Brompton, but the supply time (few years ago) was so long that I went for a Mezzo (not available now-similar 'fold' to the Birdy); good bike and I've changed the cassette to give me lower gears.

Apart from when they're locked up securely or stored at home/office, these 'pimped' Bromptons must be tempting to thieves.  Your bike can be 'out of sight' when your on a train (luggage section); not heard of folders being nicked from a train but, even with CCTV footage, if the police can't be bothered to follow it up you're without a bike until you sort out the insurance and replace it.

Any folding bike is going to be an act of compromise. After trying many different folders I opted for a brompton 3 years ago. I ride it most days of the week through central London and have clocked up several thousand miles on it so far. I've never had any problems with the ride quality - yes it is different to a full size bike but it is better than most folding bikes I tried. That combined with the super compact and secure (something that most folders can't match) fold makes it a really good compromise.

I've certainly never had any issues with the brakes - as long as I keep an eye on the condition of the pads I've always found the braking to be very strong with good modulation. 

As for looking silly, well, we are cyclists so I think that boat sailed a long time ago. I commute in my work clothes and I actually think that the Brompton looks rather fitting with a suit and tie. Yes a nice Dutch style bike may 'complete the look better', but I couldn't store that under my desk at work or carry it up to my 4th floor flat quite so easily

I'm sure these Bromptons are all well and good, but the must-have for the folding bike enthusiast is surely the Bickerton. (Beloved of nuns and helicopter-flying playboys.)

For me fluffed, when I looked into it, and if I ever need it, say a rail commute where I couldn't take a full size, and that I could afford it, it would be a Birdy.

Though this does have a nice paint job, I kind of like the ones with the exposed braising/welding too.

Nice they included a dynamo front light, makes them OK value if you like the paintjob imo. They are twitchty, and you do have to watch where you are going, but I've never fallen off mine, and can be good fun to ride. My main issue with them is the brakes, which are kind of rubbish at stopping you quickly, although granted mine is a few years old (pads cables have been replaced though). If I was after another folder, I would probably look at one of the Tern's with disc brakes and slightly bigger wheels.

Nice fade. 

Still wont ride a Brompton though! I’m sorry to break it to you guys, anyone over 5 foot tall looks ridiculous riding one. 

Nope never been over the bars on mine.  I'd not ride into a pothole mind you.  I think the ride is a lot better than you'd expect it to be. 

I love the way bromptons fold so neatly ... by far the best folding bike available in that regard.

The way they ride though ... truely horrible.

If nothing else, given the british roads, there must be numerous brompton owners who have gone over the bars due to the tiny wheels disappearing into what on a normal bike would be an unpleasant but 'ridable' pot-hole.

I did that the last time I rode a Brompton - that was 15 years ago and I've never been over the bars before that or since on any of the vast array of bikes I've ridden (including other folders).