Shhhh! Don’t tell Mike (our mechanic)

@@brilliantbikes Mike and the Mechanics - Now I've got a "Living Years" ear worm! thanks Brilliant Bikes ;-)

Thanks for the lovely comment

Thanks for the kind feedback We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoy them

Thank you so much for your nice comment and for watching.

Well, thank you 🙏

Many thanks for watching!

Oh a pair of Brompton’s is perfect! Thank you so much for watching and fir the comment, hope you keep enjoying

Thanks for watching and the great feedback on your Brompton Electric Glad you’re loving it!

@@brilliantbikes Yeah! Most people over here in northern Germany don't know about the brand. Nearly everytime i walk into a store with my Brommie stashed inside the shoppingcart i get alot of questions and weird looks :D But its so convenient to just hop on the bike instead of dealing with all the hazzle getting a parking spot and so on. I just ordered the citybag to extend my capacity. Will be here today *cheers* :D

Even here we still get odd looks And comments like ..... Do you have to pedal faster as the wheels are smaller? Oh - it folds up! ..... small!

@@brilliantbikes Haha exactly! :D

Thanks once again for the kind feedback We also only just found out - that’s why we thought we would share Thanks for the info on the Schwalbe website - we’ll check that out

@@brilliantbikes The info is under technology/FAQ > inflation pressure > correct tyre pressure

Thanks for the kind comments We’re trying to persuade mike onto the bike - he would qualify, but is a bit shy!

Thanks for that great feedback Now you made us jealous!

You might find that even on slightly uneven ground the battery latching system will fail, putting something heavy into the bag might help to keep it secure and in place, you could also try a Bungy cord pulling slightly down on the bag and secured below the bag will help, but not too tight, just to help stop the bag moving around and to prevent wear and tear on the latching system which holds the battery to the bike.

Is the ‘power change’ advice in the video a recommendation for rider safety for better control and visibility, or can you still change power whilst the bike is in motion?

@@mikexhejghdlfbrjshfjfvs3624 Yes, there is nothing physically stopping you leaning over the handlebars, one hand steering, the other hand tapping the power button to change settings. It's just that there is a high probability of looking up and seeing a truck of fence in front of you and BANG, there goes your day. Therefore, to protect Brompton from silly people suing them, they have to say "don't do it". Do it at your own discretion.

Hi Colin. This is helpful. My wife and I are presently debating whether we should choose two SuperLights or two Electric Bromptons, to be the bikes we use for shopping and touring around from our sailing yacht base, during a journey all over the place. We think we'll really appreciate the light weight of the SLs, especially when lifting in and out of our tender or within the tight confines of the boat. Easy carrying/moving in general, around town, will be handy too. However, we compare this with the wonderful power-assistance of the Electrics, which would be so very good if we're towing a ton of groceries back to the marina, or going on a long ride to see the sights or buy bits and pieces. Hmmm. We're late 50s and quite fit. Tricky decision. Do you have a 'real-world' weight for your SuperLight?

The Superlight H6L six gears = 24.78 pounds. Standard H6L six gears = 26.63 pounds. Brompton Electric H6L six gears = 31.96 pounds (38.36 pounds total with battery attached). Battery weight is 6.4 pounds. Overall: The Superlight Brompton is 1.85 lighter than the Standard Brompton. The Brompton Electric (with battery removed) is 5.33 pounds heavier than the Standard Brompton and 7.18 pounds heavier than the Superlight Brompton. The Brompton Electric (TOTAL weight with battery) is 11.73 pounds heavier than the Standard Brompton and 13.58 pounds heavier than the Superlight Brompton. Summary: assuming you remove the battery during transportation in the folded state. The 5.33 extra pounds to the base weight or the 7.18 extra pounds to the base weight might not seem like much. Bio-mechanically though there is a difference. Example, if you hold 5.33 pounds next to your belly button (close to bodies center of gravity) and start extending your arm out, you realizes very quickly the weight truly seems to multiplies. At a Brompton shop I started lifting different folded Brompton's. I was surprised how much of a difference 2 pounds made. This is with my arm extended down as it would be in the real world. Of course this is all relevant on many personal factors (required stairs, traveling, strength and endurance and how often are you planning to lift it on a daily basis, price, etc.). The bottom line is, if you're getting out there on your bicycle more because you have an Electric Brompton or if you're getting out there on your bicycle more because you have maneuverable later Brompton? Which one is going to get you out there to enjoy the beautiful world of bicycling? Hope this helps. Hope this helps!

I would say if you’re debating between electric and non-electric then get the non-electric. I love the electric but it’s a bit of a faff having to charge the battery. I got it so I could commute fast without getting sweaty and it does that very well. For every day, casual cycling I would prefer a standard Brompton unless I had a lot of hills to get up. I also feel that taking a standard Brompton into a cafe etc. is acceptable but a Brompton AND its battery, well it’s fine but having two items is literally a handful in both hands. Again, don’t get me wrong, I love the electric and fully recommend it, but there’s something pure about a non-electric. And actually, I’m considering getting a standard one as well. Especially if you might go cycling with a friend or partner, it’s a lot easier to splash out on two Standard Bromptons than it is for two electrics!

Thanks for the comment Any good dealer should offer to change from the extended (not to be confused with the telescopic) to standard seatpost for free

I asked Brompton about the rain cover for the small bag and I was assured that it was rainproof but should not be immersed. Even so, I would like to get hold of a suitable cover.

Hi taber. Lithium batteries degrade the least if they are stored with around half charge. For example, the smart lithium batteries for my drone are programmed to self discharge down from full charge to approx 3/4 charge if they are not used within four days of a full charge. So the answer to your question is: no, it is not correct to think that anything above 2 to 3 charge level is good for storing a Brompton battery. If you're going to be storing it, it's best to start that storage period with a charge status of 2 to 3. :-)

Why not use the app? Just been released!!!!! Im not so sure how reliable the change is though. Sometimes it works, other times I have to reset. Still Exciting!!!!

😀, thanks for watching

So don’t want out takes That’s why she failed the ‘real’ audition Longcross studios is where a few Hollywood blockbusters (such as Guardians of the galaxy) are filmed Thanks for watching

Thanks for watching It’s a really really good question - that we don’t know the answer to .... YET! We have just got a pair of power meter pedals - these measure how much power is required by the rider to propel the bike We’re planning (very shortly) to compare a manual Brompton vs Electric 2 speed vs Electric 6 speed to compare the effort required Hills are quite variable ... are yours big or small? (Locally we have Box Hill which is quite well known - but maybe you have another suggestion)

I was thinking along the lines of Swains Lane North London, one of the biggest hills in the metropolis. Eagerly awaiting your assessment of both bikes on hills.

We know that one - short and sharp!

My wife and I find our 6 speeds go best in top gear, full power, up hills. The motor really zooms you along as the sensors can tell your input. Only trick is to remind my wife to select lower gear for taking off again before we stop. If short trips less than 20 km return, then use full power all the time.

THEBERBSTER Sorry to hear that. I expect you can. You can also fit tyres with thicker puncture proofing inside (but they weigh more). My supplier recommended I have Marathons fitted instead of the standard Marathon Racer.

Some people add Stan’s Notubes sealant It depends upon the inner tube used (it requires a removable core in the valve of the tube) Personally we don’t particularly like it but would go for thicker Marathon tyres

Thank you for watching!

We though the same But in practice by the time you chuck the battery on / pfaff a bit (eg putting on helmet)- the times gone I guess it won’t be completely eliminated- even our Garmin power meter pedals want a few seconds each ride to calibrate as zero

Just changed my “workflow” to install the battery first. Then glasses, helmet and gloves. The bike waits on me now !

I’ve always just jumped straight on. Never had an issue apart from the very rare occasion that it gives me no power combine with very brief spurts for perhaps 30 seconds. I believe they have changed the firmware so it remembers the calibration from before and I also believe since then, another firmware has been released.

Thanks for watching and the good question A Demo Bike (demo short for demonstrated) is to keep in the shop for people to try - see if they like the Brompton Electric in this case After a period they are often sold at a discount

Thanks for watching and the kind feedback The steering shouldn’t be loose - but due to the small wheel size it can feel twitchy compared to a mountain bike for example After a short time you will get used to it

Taking your hands off the bars is not a good idea with the Brompton. It has to do with the small wheels and gyroscopes and stuff I guess.

An early BE review stated that the cranks need to rotate through something like a quarter turn before the “brain” powers up the motor. We’ve owned two BE for two years and can confirm that this is true. This is controlled by the software and may have been tweaked in this respect since the Cycling Weekly review but the impression given was that Brompton were intent that no BE would surge away in traffic by accidentally triggering of the motor power. We have two, six year old electric bikes (not Brompton) that have both surged forward without a rider when poorly adjusted. You are right to be concerned but this is not an issue with BE. However, the older bikes do therefore take off from a standing start immediately the pedal is pressed while the BE lags slightly.

No, there’s a torque and a cadence sensor. The cadence needs to sense a certain amount of revolution and the torque sensor needs to sense a certain amount of torque for more than just a bump. I believe there are also other safety measure, for instance, I went over some very loose gravel, going uphill quite slowly and I was convinced the front wheel would slip, which it did but only for a very split second but the bike sensed it and immediately reduced the power to a point it wouldn’t slip so I imagine this is the worst that would happen. Anyway, I don’t think bumping the pedal would make anything happen.

As the motor drives the front wheel, I doubt that it will increase chain wear. I suspect that the opposite would apply.

Yeah, I wouldn’t expect the chain to wear faster as it’s a front hub. Chains probably would wear more with a mid-drive where the electric power does go through the chain.

Yes it does have a USB port for charging It’s at the top of the battery on the front- a bit fiddly to get to (the bag has a small hole in it marked with the usb symbol to guide you)

@@brilliantbikes thank you fore your support

You’re right the app is now the way to change! Thanks for watching!

We hope you're laughing in a good way ! Thanks for watching

Yup you are correct. It’s meant to be the recommended pressure with 110 as the highest for these tyres. 65 in the minimum.

Yes it’s possible to fit a rack - and quite popular for Brompton Electric owners You are spot on - the reason that Brompton don’t offer it as an option is that the motor does turn it into a bit of a see saw / teeter totter So not as stable as a non electric Brompton with a rack

I find my rack really useful on my BE. And yes it is more prone to fall over when fully folded if it’s on a slope on the motor side, or train wobbling. Something to be careful of when choosing where to park it. With handlebars up (shopping trolley mode) the Electric is stable.

One tip which I offer from bitter experience. If you try to personalise your BE, say with anything titanium/lightweight, e.g. seat post saddle etc, the tendency to tip over gets worse as it is less of a counterbalance to the motor. I've resorted to fitting a third party telescopic ezy wheel kit which makes it a lot better.

On my electric Brompton the front wheel touches the ground when folded and rotates as you push/pull it. I'm not sure if this is intended, but it does make the bike more stable. I wonder if it matters which way the front wheel rotates when the bike is being wheeled around.

Ken Twydell mine did this also. The supplier said it’s down to ‘tolerances’ on some bikes. My workaround has been to fit a piece of thick Velcro to the main bar above where the rear wheel touches when folded. It raises the bar and the front wheel enough to clear the ground. I did also fit Ezy Wheels but they’re not much bigger than the standard wheels fitted to the rack so if you have a rack try the Velcro method first.

Completely unacceptable! Thank you for noticing and for watching!

Not my experience. There is some assistance with the one setting. Just less than 2 - which is precisely what you would expect. There is a fourth setting - zero. this will only power your lights whilst giving zero power assistance.

I find it does give you assistance but remember it’s proportional to the effort you put it. I would see it more as a range extender, both for yourself and the battery. Yes it’s not a lot of power but I definitely can tell a difference between off and 1.

Twenty miles is very very poor range

@@gdwlaw5549 If the roads are dead flat ,or no head winds I get 2 possibly 3 more. But those ranges were when i weighed 18 stone. I have been ill, so not used the bike for 9 months. I have now had weight drop to 15 1/2 stone so should get 25 miles on flat roads. I will know when I am fit enough to start cycling again. I very much doubt that I will exceed 25 miles on a typical ride with a couple of small hills though.

Hi Johnny. Actually, I think there's a number of good technical justifications for the external, removable battery system that Brompton has designed. Number one for me is that it is easy to separate for charging. It's also easy to separate to lighten the load for carrying, say in tight confines. Lighter is easier, such as when lifting the bike out of a tender and onto a boat, in a lumpy sea. The separable battery can also be more powerful than a hub battery, more easily upgraded and more easily dealt with in case of warranty problems. Plugging in a spare battery is dead simple. There's lots of good reasons for the design Brompton have settled on. Other designs have their merits too, such as the removable battery in the Gocycle GX/GXi, though not as convenient.

@@Valden23My main issue with the Brompton electric is that they are using cheap old fashioned technology and charging a top price for it ( the bike should be £1600 , not £3000) they are milking their loyal fans, and secondly, there will be issues with the battery latching system I had a good look at it, wear and tear will cause it to fail even on smooth ground, recently they have told people not to use it on Rough ground so they know themselves they will have a problem in the future and they are preparing the ground in advance of complaints. Being able to remove the battery is an advantage but since the bike is light and portable it really doesn't compensate for the downsides. Carrying one slightly heavier bike is better than carrying two things, as anyone who owns an electric Brompton will testify, slinging a bag over your shoulder and carrying a bike is difficult, the hub battery like the one on the Zehus has a bigger range and charges more quickly and really doesn't add any noticeable extra weight to the bike. My partner sold her electric Brompton a few months ago and bought a second-hand Brompton and fitted a rear hub motor on my advice and she says it's far better, charging the rere hub motor is very simple, you just plug it into a wall socket. If you really want a dangling battery on your front fork, there are much cheaper options it's old tech, the Swytch kit is £400/£500 and is very easy to install and can be moved to your next bike, a new Brompton and Switch kit is half the price of the Brompton electric and far better in my opinion.

I have to disagree, not with everything you say but a lot of what you say is opinion. I for instance prefer to have the battery in one hand and Brompton in the other if I’m carrying it folded but in practice I just keep the bike open and wheel it as a normal bike so you have the choice to have it all as one or not. Yes there are options for third party add ons and I’ve tried a nano kit. It was pretty poor, didn’t give me as much power or speed and was a pretty inelegant solution. I’m sure the Swytch system is probably better however. But, you don’t get the integrated or auto lights, it’s never going to be as neat, you might have to modify your forks and you might void your warranty. I’ve found the Brompton system to be very intelligent and always gives me the power I expect. Not all of us have power available where we store a bike so having it easily removable is a big plus in my opinion. You are perfectly correct that the battery mount doesn’t seem that durable but then we’re protected by consumer law as well as warranties. I haven’t had an issue with it yet. Lastly, don’t forget the whole ecosystem around Brompton, it has a ton of first and third party accessories which definitely can’t be said for other brands, not to mention anything slightly obscure. Anyway, it seems the Brompton isn’t for you and I have to say the electric Hummingbird looks very appealing.

@@oliverpolden In order to make a comparison you would have to have had used both the rear hub motor and the front hub motor, in my opinion, having used both there is no comparison, the rear hub with integrated battery is better, the tech is more advanced with apps and handlebar controller. Brompton could have taken this technology and made it even better if they wanted to. Brompton is very good at making money, they are very good at marketing, they have sold the old tech front hub motor for double what it's worth, you have to admire the brass neck of it and the brilliant marketing.

@@johhny711 no I haven’t used a rear hub motor. But you haven’t said in exactly what way the rear hub with integrated battery is better. In my opinion it’s worse because you potentially have premature ageing of the battery due to the heat from the motor. In what way could Brompton have made it better? Granted and as I said, the mount is a bit wobbly but so far it’s lasted fine for me. They have recently released firmware and their new app which connects to your bike via Bluetooth but I’m yet to try it. Anyway, it’s clear you’re not a Brompton person and that’s fine. I’d be glad to hear of any ebikes that fold as compact as a Brompton.

Hi Reg - amused by your comment, and you are so right in my view! It did not take me long with my M6L Brompton to discover that 100 psi front and back was a recipe for a bone shaking, teeth gritting, experience through the handlebars in particular. So, and as with my other bikes, I have reduced pressure at the front, and all is well - I run 65-70 psi front, 95-100 psi rear for 80 kg weight, and a 9 litre bag on the front carrier block with about 2 kg in it. Interestingly, if I pump the rear to 110 psi and the front to 100 psi, the bike feels really fast, which leaves me wondering if 75% of the science behind the more expensive tyres which are supposedly faster is in the high tyre pressures they recommend! Anyway, air costs nothing, and the standard Marathon Racer tyres are cheap, so if I want fast, I can just add more air with my track pump before the ride. And not be afraid of part worn tyres either, they must be faster surely. :-)

It was a recommendation from Brompton - yes - that has been fixed by a firmware update since we made this video (in fact it wasn't long after)

Oh no! That’s a whoopsie! Thanks for watching!

It was - it's been fixed in a later firmware update :-)

I’ve always ignored that anyway and agree it would be a deal breaker but it’s never really caused me any issues.

Thanks for watching. I was in my gentle weekend ride gear - good for popping to the coffee shop. :) What’s usual in the US?

@@brilliantbikes Silk/Spandex even on small bikes(strange). Your outfit, more appropriate for casual window shopping on Rodeo Dr. LA w/close lady friends. CUTE!!!