Easyti- any thoughts on the complete bikes?
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Easyti- any thoughts on the complete bikes?
I've been thinking a lot about Raxel's titanium build for his wife.
Since I'm not all that handy, I was thinking of buying one of those ebay prebuilt easyti- Brompton clones.
Any thoughts on those bikes?
Since I'm not all that handy, I was thinking of buying one of those ebay prebuilt easyti- Brompton clones.
Any thoughts on those bikes?
#2
Up to now, I have experienced several titanium Brompton clones but to be honest, none of them is satisfactory.
There are two main problems.
One is stiffness. As long as it is Titanium, the "clone" of the main frame is definitely softer than the original steel frame. This brings an annoying bouncy and flexible ride. Recently, some clone frames start to use thicker tube (2mm), but still not much is improved. I can leave with titanium clone front fork and rear triangle, but really don't recommend titanium main frame and stem tube. As I know, even the Brompton factory has tried to make a full titanium version of the classic frame, but they failed. I think stiffness could be one of the reasons. That's also why now the T-line has a significantly different main frame design,
The other is machining accuracy. When the clones make copy and paste, there are always too many mistakes and tolerances, which often take place at the rear triangle joint, seat post clamp, caliper mounting holes, and so on. Any of these small defects could bring you big disappointment.
So my suggestion is no. Please consider enlarging your budget and order the T-line.
There are two main problems.
One is stiffness. As long as it is Titanium, the "clone" of the main frame is definitely softer than the original steel frame. This brings an annoying bouncy and flexible ride. Recently, some clone frames start to use thicker tube (2mm), but still not much is improved. I can leave with titanium clone front fork and rear triangle, but really don't recommend titanium main frame and stem tube. As I know, even the Brompton factory has tried to make a full titanium version of the classic frame, but they failed. I think stiffness could be one of the reasons. That's also why now the T-line has a significantly different main frame design,
The other is machining accuracy. When the clones make copy and paste, there are always too many mistakes and tolerances, which often take place at the rear triangle joint, seat post clamp, caliper mounting holes, and so on. Any of these small defects could bring you big disappointment.
So my suggestion is no. Please consider enlarging your budget and order the T-line.
#3
Full Member
Thread Starter
Much appreciated, GTA!
The ti Brompton was just one option I'm considering. Others include a Bike Friday Pakit (belt drive,ultralight, with Brompton carrier machined in place), Gocycle (not sure about proprietary parts and batteries), the possible Origami Swift (if it happens), or a Term BYB (with Brompton block).
We'll see how it goes. My fiance feels my Brompton (with Brooks saddle) is most comfortable. However, I feel that it's really lossy and inefficient with the rear hub wheel.
The ti Brompton was just one option I'm considering. Others include a Bike Friday Pakit (belt drive,ultralight, with Brompton carrier machined in place), Gocycle (not sure about proprietary parts and batteries), the possible Origami Swift (if it happens), or a Term BYB (with Brompton block).
We'll see how it goes. My fiance feels my Brompton (with Brooks saddle) is most comfortable. However, I feel that it's really lossy and inefficient with the rear hub wheel.
#5
Palmer
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As a mechanical device, the three-speed hub is arguably the most efficient multi-speed drivetrain.
https://www.ihpva.org/HParchive/PDF/hp52-2001.pdf
https://www.ihpva.org/HParchive/PDF/hp52-2001.pdf
#6
Schwinnasaur
As a mechanical device, the three-speed hub is arguably the most efficient multi-speed drivetrain.
https://www.ihpva.org/HParchive/PDF/hp52-2001.pdf
https://www.ihpva.org/HParchive/PDF/hp52-2001.pdf
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#7
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Over the last couple of years, we've all gotten familiar with friends and people whose company we enjoy who reject the results of instrumented tests and well-reasoned arguments out of hand, so that's cool.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
Over the last couple of years, we've all gotten familiar with friends and people whose company we enjoy who reject the results of instrumented tests and well-reasoned arguments out of hand, so that's cool.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
Much appreciated. Maybe my hub isn't well maintained?
#9
Schwinnasaur
Over the last couple of years, we've all gotten familiar with friends and people whose company we enjoy who reject the results of instrumented tests and well-reasoned arguments out of hand, so that's cool.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
I referenced a test by Dr. Chet Kyle and Frank Berto (who you will remember wrote a technical column for Bicycling magazine for ~25 years and authored The Dancing Chain) on the efficiency of bicycle gear trains for the International Human Powered Vehicle Association newsletter. If anyone else is having the trouble Schwinnsta did pulling it up, Google International Human Power Vehicle Association, click on 'Archives' and then choose 'HP52'. The report begins on page 3.
One facet the test overlooked that would pertain to (most) folding bike riders is the lack of data on 11T, 10T and 9T derailleur gear cogs. As the efficiency of derailleur gear drivetrains begins to drop off ever more precipitously when using cogs smaller than 14/15T, this really handicaps derailleur gear drivetrains used on small wheel bikes.
#11
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Much appreciated, GTA!
The ti Brompton was just one option I'm considering. Others include a Bike Friday Pakit (belt drive,ultralight, with Brompton carrier machined in place), Gocycle (not sure about proprietary parts and batteries), the possible Origami Swift (if it happens), or a Term BYB (with Brompton block).
We'll see how it goes. My fiance feels my Brompton (with Brooks saddle) is most comfortable. However, I feel that it's really lossy and inefficient with the rear hub wheel.
The ti Brompton was just one option I'm considering. Others include a Bike Friday Pakit (belt drive,ultralight, with Brompton carrier machined in place), Gocycle (not sure about proprietary parts and batteries), the possible Origami Swift (if it happens), or a Term BYB (with Brompton block).
We'll see how it goes. My fiance feels my Brompton (with Brooks saddle) is most comfortable. However, I feel that it's really lossy and inefficient with the rear hub wheel.
Not sure where you'd try a gocycle, though. Brompton is not one size fits all, it's one size fits "most" - I wasn't one of the "most". For ride quality, I'd suggest either the pakiT or the Origami Swift/original Swift. Fold=brompton/birdy.
#12
Senior Member
I don't agree with this latest statement: yes, for the fold, Brompton and Birdy are close (Brompton is still smaller) but on ride quality, the Birdy is much better than the Brompton and as good as a fast folding bike with the advantage to allow light gravel ride when equipped with 50mm wide tires.
#13
Schwinnasaur
I don't agree with this latest statement: yes, for the fold, Brompton and Birdy are close (Brompton is still smaller) but on ride quality, the Birdy is much better than the Brompton and as good as a fast folding bike with the advantage to allow light gravel ride when equipped with 50mm wide tires.
My guess, at best, the Birdy can be is 10% faster than a Brompton and for practicality it would be hard to beat a Brompton. It folds small enough to put in a suitcase without disassembly. It folds into shopping cart mode and be taken into stores. I don't have to leave an expensive bike locked outside supermarket. I stopped riding full size bikes, because the Brompton, while slower, was so much more practical.
#14
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I don't agree with this latest statement: yes, for the fold, Brompton and Birdy are close (Brompton is still smaller) but on ride quality, the Birdy is much better than the Brompton and as good as a fast folding bike with the advantage to allow light gravel ride when equipped with 50mm wide tires.
#15
Senior Member
And the Birdy can be a 20" folder because the Birdy frame accept 20" wheels as mounted on the Birdy R20 11SP.
And I can also compare with the Moulton since I have two Moulton, A Jubilee and a Speed, the Speed being the lightest and fastest Moulton.
Last edited by Jipe; 04-03-22 at 03:48 PM.
#16
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I do not agree with you, the Birdy with derailleur or Rohloff (not the poor Nexus 8 version) is as fast as the fastest 20" folder if you mount the same fast tire on it. If you look at being fast, the most important part is the tires.
And the Birdy can be a 20" folder because the Birdy frame accept 20" wheels as mounted on the Birdy R20 11SP.
And I can also compare with the Moulton since I have two Moulton, A Jubilee and a Speed, the Speed being the lightest and fastest Moulton.
And the Birdy can be a 20" folder because the Birdy frame accept 20" wheels as mounted on the Birdy R20 11SP.
And I can also compare with the Moulton since I have two Moulton, A Jubilee and a Speed, the Speed being the lightest and fastest Moulton.
#17
Senior Member
Indeed, I agree with you, ride quality is very important and this is the other advantage of the Birdy wrt. the Brompton: the Brompton feel a little twitchy the first time you use it while the Birdy is perfectly stable and behave like a big wheel bike. Its part of the higher efficiency of the Birdy.
About the Brompton titanium clones, I agree with GTA: these aren't a good solution because its not possible to just swap steel tubes for titanium tubes without changing anything to the frame design, the new T-line with its frame fully re-designed for titanium should be much better.
About the Brompton titanium clones, I agree with GTA: these aren't a good solution because its not possible to just swap steel tubes for titanium tubes without changing anything to the frame design, the new T-line with its frame fully re-designed for titanium should be much better.
#18
Senior Member
That will make it easier for people to help you narrow down on the bikes
But this question seems to be only asking about how a Brompton with 3rd party Ti parts will be like. (in which case GTA already gave the most relevant answer to it )