Originally Posted by
FolderBeholder
In my opinion what separates the Brompton from nearly all other mainstream folders....it’s part of the “X-factor” in their design: that the handlebars require NO adjusting to fold or after unfolding.
All designs have compromises of some sort. The one-size-fits-most Brompton frame combined with the non-adjustable handlebars yields some degree of rider adapting to the bike rather than the other way around. Then, to keep the fold flat with those non-adjustable handlebars, Brompton must place the brake levers directly beneath the handgrips
rather than at the ergonomically better angle nearly every other bicycle manufacturer in the world uses
My BikeFriday tikit doesn't require adjusting the saddle or handlebars to fold/unfold. That bike's compromise is a relatively large fold (particularly for a 16" bike).
Lots of choices in the market; pick the compromise that works for you.