I had the same question. I know of some bike travelers who put some lube in dropper bottles (the kind that is normally used for eye medicine), which are handy to apply small amounts and don't weight too much. Great video as always!

Grazie Ciro! As far as cleaning and lubricating while on tour it is a little more challenging than when you are at home and can have access to product to degrease the chain etc. Like I say in the video I find that if I leave with a clean and well lubricated chain all I need are usually a few drops of oil here and there especially if I ride in bad condition with rain. Bear in mind that my trips are usually up to 3 weeks. I usually carry a 150ml lube bottle which I pack with the bike when I travel on a plane and if I need a rug I use a ziplock bag so that I can store it inside without messing up things...

@@francoisvillemot2558 Merci beaucoup! Great tip with the dropper bottles. I normally buy the smallest bottle I can find and carry it along with me but that can save a few grams :)

@@BromptonTraveler Prego! What brands of lube and degreaser do you find best? as your bike is sparkling after 15,000 kms!

@@cirodirosa6752 Nothing special about products and I don't think brands make a huge difference here. What makes a difference is keeping the bike in good order according to the use you make of it. Unlike the majority of people that use Brompton for commuting to work etc, I use mine mostly for tours so all I need is give it a good clean when I get back. When the bike is serviced before I leave on a tour of course it is also given a good clean. Thanks.

Hi Laurel, I have managed in the last 3 years to keep my original rack straight! If something goes pear shape I will give a different one a try! Sorry for the delay :)

Many thanks! Definitely an amateur Brompton mechanic here while it seems you know your stuff! Thanks for the advice and those knipex pliers will be something I will look into as well as brake adjustment tip... Cheers!

Thanks! I am not that skilled on maintenance but touring with them made me want to learn the basic maintenance of those things that can go wrong with Brompton when touring. The good thing about them is that they are really simple bikes and not much can go wrong after all! :) Cheers

Alexander Rössler thanks Alexander. Nut of rear rubber spring near seat post? I never had one fail...but good to know? Mudguard and rear rack do fail... as they are too close to the wheel. Cheers

​@@BromptonTraveler It tends to loosen itself. I should re-tighten the screws on my Brompton more frequently I guess.

@@Alex-kr7zr use threadlock, slthough mine has never loosened.

Thanks for your input Alex you seem to have a lot of experience on your Brompton.. On my first which was bought in 2013 and that I used up to my last trip this year I never had to change the Hub Gear. I did replace the bottom bracket half way after about 4 years or so just to be proactive and had a new set of wheels. I always service the bike before my trips, costs a little but seems to have worked well so far. Will need to check what you mean with plastic bushes getting stuck.Chain has also never been a problem. I replaced that every 2/3000 km as needed when it stretched. I wonder if not using a mudguard gets you into some issues with dirt? Would be interesting to know if your bike is newer than mine? Just received a new Brompton and although I expect the quality to still be good, one never knows... I heard on new ones the gear shifters can get stuck in hot and humid weather and to fix it you have to open the whole thing and sand them down a little! Hope I won't have to do that anytime soon :) Overall great bikes that can get you much further than they look! Cheers

@@BromptonTraveler Yes indeed great bikes. They seem to need just as much maintenance as full frame bicycles. I am very meticoulous in maintaining my bikes. I cannot stand a dirty or noisy trabsmission as it takes more energy to pedal so less efficient. I used to ride a lot of miles each week but not so much now which is good and bad, more time for other things but not quite so fit. I would clean and relube my Brompton regularly when I was using it everyday to commute to and from work. I had to as I was riding a lot of miles. Mine is a 2008, 6spd, without rack but still with rear mudguard. My first Brompton was stolen in central London despite me using a heavy Kryptonite D-lock to secure it. I really loved that one a 2004 6spd model. Andrew Ritchie who invented the Brompton should be knighted as he was a genius. It is the best thing I have ever bought so useful. I just love it. I wish I now have more opportunity to use it. My main bike now is still an IHG but a Rohloff hub with Gates belt drive which gives a pretty much maintenance free bike. No more dirty oily mess any more which needs constant maintenance. I had thought of converting my Brompton to a Rohloff hub but firstly the expense, I couldnt really justify it. I already have two Rohloff hubs but secondly it would compromise the simplistic design and also make it a little heavier. Kinetics in Glasgow do the conversion but it's not cheap! They fit a new rear triangle to accommodate the Rohloff hub. They can also convert the Brompton to disc brakes. But for me long distance touring is better done on a full frame bike as larger wheels roll more easily and make the ride more comfortable plus you can ride faster, harder, further and carry more. The Brompton is briiliant but it's really an urban bike, smooth roads, but watch out for potholes though. On a Brompton they can be very dangerous because of the smaller wheels. I am so pleased I found your channel as you not only ride a Brompton but you are also a very good presenter and your content and production is excellent. The recent film of you riding in Chile and Patagonia is the best cycle vlog I've seen perhaps except for Iohan Gueorguiev's films - Ride The World Series in which he cycles from Alaska to Patagonia but by fatbike and canoe. I recommend his films if you have not seen them. Many tbanks again.

Sorry guy I am not sure what you mean. The rear triangle is the key to the folding system on a Brompton and as such it is used all the times. There is a very strong pin at the pivot point and it is something that with normal use one doesn't have to replace for many, many years. As part of a service check of these bikes, if there is more play than there should be mechanic will recommend a replace. If I missed your point apologies but just have a look through at the part you are concerned about and if I do anything wrong that could damage my bike please do say! Thanks

@@BromptonTraveler It sounds like you understood my question okay. I was just wondering (especially since I am an over 200lb person) what kind of weight limit that “very strong pin” has. Has anyone you know of every broken it, either by their own weight or with the help of rough roads adding stress to that critical point?

@@pentacleman1000 Brompton advertises a max weight including any luggage you might carry of 240lbs so you'll be fine.

@@BromptonTraveler Okay, well I was asking for more than just my own weight concerns. I was curious if you have ever heard of anyone breaking that pin, either because they exceeded that 240lb limit, or for any other reason? I’ve watched a few videos of people touring long distances with lots of luggage attached to every possible part of the bike. It’s possible that none of them approached 200lbs in their own weight and would be able to carry 40-60lb of stuff if they only weigh 180lb or less. But many of them looked pretty weighty nonetheless. I don’t have big plans for touring, I was just curious.

@@pentacleman1000 I have never heard of such failure. I think most people who tour with them would bear in mind the recommended max weight even though manufacturers must be rather cautious in those figures.

Many thanks!

Thank you so much Douglas. Congratulations on your Brompton rides I hope to do the same when I retire! A bicycle so easy to carry is the best way to discover cities and places in general. I use the standard M type and add the Ergon GP2 grips. The handle part of the grips needs to be shortened to fit on the Brompton but I have always asked my bike shop to fit it and they were happy to do that. I have used Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon plus and to be honest I have never found too much difference. I keep them pumped hard and I haven't had many issues with flat tyres using either. I have never tried solid non pneumatic tyres, have you? I heard they might be slightly slower with more resistance? If that is true I rather fix the odd time I have a flat tyre and roll more easily. I live in the UK but down south. Scotland is a place I want to visit ASAP as I have seen stunning pictures and heard of the amazing landscapes. While in Patagonia often people compared the views there to the one in Scotland. I would like to cycle the North Coast 500 route and a bit of the Hebrides for sure. Main drawback seems to be those nasty midges you have! Any recommendations on time and best routes? Thanks a lot!

Hello again Mr Brompton Traveller In response to your reply I will get the Brompton shop to fit the Ergon GP2 Grips I wanted to order non pneumatic tyres on my new Brompton but the shop said they strongly advised that I tried and tested these tyres before ordering them for my new bike. Following your comments I ordered Marathon Plus. I am carefully and frequently on grit road and I’ve never had a puncture on the Marathon Tyres but won’t do the mileage that compares with you. I have an acquaintance much older than me who planned to cycle Patagonia this year and on looking for information on KZfaq, I found you. Last year she cycled in Bulgaria where she encountered the longest continuous downhill route in the world. Are you aware of this route? Re Scotland, whilst assisting my friend with his business I needed to to travel all the North West Coast and up to Orkney every year for seven years in spring time when the snow still laced the mountains I know the North 500 well and a much else besides. Is there a way I can get information to you and not use a public messenger. I was unsuccessful in trying Brompton Traveller.com I value your experience . Douglas

@@douglasmowat4837 Thanks Dougles would love to get good tips on Scotland if you go to my blog www.bromptontraveler.com on the right column you will find a contact form. You can paste your message there and I get an email which includes your email too. Cheers!

speaking of the front block, third party made cnc aluminums seems be a good option to carry around as spares, since those are lighter and take less volume, but then there are worries about overloading or on bad terrains causing it to bend. on the other hand plastic parts exposing to sunlight definitely get more and more brittle, such a dilemma

Thanks for pointing out about weight of T-Bag and issues with fatigue. What I was referring to here, is the need to limit damages that stop your tour. For most people it is not easy to have the expertise to check parts and assess whether they are fatigued or not, I am certainly one of them. That is the reason why I like to be proactive with my Brompton and unless I have a spare parts I can carry, I more or less follow the advice that Brompton gives on replacements as well as advice I get when I service the bike. Chain stretches are checked when you service the bike or as you point out can be done with measurement tools. Important here is to have a clue that they need to be checked and maintained before you leave on your trip. When you tour you have to assume that spare parts or a Brompton retailer are not likely to be close by. Would you have any experience with alternatives to Brompton rear racks? I had a couple of those slightly damaged by flights so far... Thanks

Brompton Traveler There is a full-sized Titanium rare rack made by H&H. The maker claims it can load up to 30Kg in comparison to official's 10kg (well i load about 15-20Kgs on the official rare rack most of time, so those weight limit claims don't really mean much) .I am not a big fan of reducing the body weight so I have never tried those titanium replacements before. Perhaps I will give it a try after getting the replacement for my hinge clamp, which always gets in the way when I want to unsnap my front rack in the folded stats...

Rezo Greywords Yes I have seen those H&H titanium racks. Only a little expensive to buy before having some recommendations as to how useful and sturdy they are for touring. Cheers

Brompton Traveler I am planning on circulating Shikoku (about 1000km in total) this Autumn, I will see if I have enough budget to get one of those racks beforehand and test its durability in that trip. Your videos are very helpful, actually you are the one that encouraged me into traveling with Brompton overseas :) I am still making improvements to my gears and set-ups, hopefully I will be able to share those too in the near future.

Celso Sakamoto thanks for the questions. Yes you need 6 speed -12%. Otherwise I use a stock Brompton with no other modifications. The only add on I have is 2 Ergon GP2 grips on the handlebar to give me some extra hand positions which is good when you tour and spend many hours on the bike.

Most kind, many thanks! I believe I have collected parts of the manual together from material I have found online. If yours adds to the information or even has the same info but with better resolution as you say I could of course use that instead if allowed it? If you wouldn't mind getting in touch via the form you will find on my blog right hand column ( www.bromptontraveler.com ) I can reply with my personal email. Thanks!

@@BromptonTraveler Hi Giannni. I sent my email address through your blog almost immediately after you asked me to (now more than 2 months ago). Since then, heard nothing from you. Did you receive my message????

@@Muddy283 Sorry, I don't recall getting a message but I might have missed it? I have found a recent pdf Brompton manual if that was the reason to write. I need to swap it with the link of the other one yet! Many thanks.

@@BromptonTraveler Have a look at it as a webpage (Dropbox link): www.dropbox.com/s/9bbifyl8uzi1c1o/Brompton%20Owner%20Manual%202002%20Sram%206%263%20Spd%20-%20rev.%202010.pdf?dl=0 It is the revised 2010 manual. It's basically your 2002 manual but updated to take account of mechanical modifications to the bike since then. Sadly, shortly after this they really began to dumb down their manuals so that they are pretty well useless - though that may have changed since. If you want me to, I can send you the original pdf file. As I say in my original post, unfortunately it's missing the parts instructions leaflets included with your manual but maybe you can find a way of appending them to it??

But maybe the recent pdf Brompton manual you discovered is better?

I guess you mean this one? www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-AWS-10-Fold-Up-Wrench/dp/B000C17IAM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=park+tools+allen+keys&qid=1587400862&sr=8-1 I have an older version but it is Park Tools. Cheers.

Myron Siragusa I have replaced both wheels after about 12000 km on my bike. Due to the circumference, rims as well as tyres will wear out a bit quicker but provided you keep them checked you shouldn’t have any more problems than on larger size bikes. I only use my Brompton for touring and have toured in some wet and muddy roads without any failures. I carry spare brake pads as they are easy to swap if needed due to bad road condition and wear. Thanks

@@BromptonTraveler Thanks! I appreciate the information, and your videos are inspiring.

Sorry Ravi this was shot using the GoPro microphone only. Since I realised sound is not clear I have edited subtitles for the video so if you turn those on it will help. Thanks

You are absolutely right. In this video I was just showing what I carry and what is mostly needed for repairs. I personally haven't found the need to get the Brompton tools as I have tools already. They are a neat solution thanks to the fitting inside the frame. Thanks

I have the Brommie tool, it's neat but expensive and can be stolen easily.

There are a couple of tools which Gianni mentions that the Brompton toolkit doesn't include: the chain removal tool, a second 10mm spanner for adjusting the brakes, the spoke key, possibly others he mentions that I have forgotten. The Brompton toolkit is a fantastic accessory that I swear by, but while it is perfect for one or maximum two/three day trips it is in no way sufficient for longer tours. It would need to be complemented. If you are interested in seeing what its contents are, just google "brompton toolkit contents" and a list of tools and bits included should appear at the top of the answers.

They are sturdy hubs. On my old Brompton I never had to service it and it was still functioning well after 16000 kilometres or so...

@@BromptonTraveler wow! That really impressed me a lots. Thanks buddy. Loved to see all your video during pandemic.

@@somewhereonearth3049 Thanks! Let's hope we can all travel again soon...

Chuck Williams sorry about this Chuck! Being a non native English speaker will make it even more challenging...I am working on the transcripts of videos so that you will be able to use subtitles soon! Best regards

Chuck I did work on the subtitles part of the video. You might be able to decipher my bad pronunciation and microphone placement with their help! Cheers.

No problems understanding you at all - but thanks for the uploaded transcript for those who have difficulty. Your videos are amazing and inspiring!

Hello Peter, the one I have on the bike now is 'the Original' but I have used Marathon plus in the past and never noticed any problems as far as the folding goes. The rear rack and particularly the fender on the Brompton rack does sit pretty snug and close to wheel but doesn't touch it unless the rack is damaged... ( see the other video about 'what can go wrong' where I talk exactly of that issue. ) Thanks!

Brompton Traveler - thanks, I’ll look that video out :- )

Cheers!

Indeed and when they do they stretch or at least that was my understanding as bike shops have a tool to measure it. Cheers

I can! So much so that I added subtitles to it as someone else commented about bad audio, more politely than you did. Cheers