I have thoroughly enjoyed my client-site bike commute on my new Brompton folding bicycle–truly, a refreshing start and end to an otherwise stressful day. As promised in my last post, I wanted to talk a little bit about my experience at Portapedal Bike in Tempe, Arizona.
Right as I walked in, I felt like a kid stepping into a candy store. Not only do they stock Brompton’s in a variety of colors and specifications, which appealed to my need for instant gratification, but they also stock other portable and folding brands, such as (Alex) Moulton.
I believe that these particular stainless steel models MSRP for over $14,000!
I cautiously walked around the shiny Moultons to find additional brands, such as Bike Friday (even in the tandem variety!)
I was also surprised to see Tern, a relatively new player in the folding bicycles scene, whose founders were once employed by Dahon. It is a controversial story–you should Google it when you have the chance. I like how the middle/top tube on the Tern seamlessly flows into the seat-stays. Beautifully executed.
Although there were several brands to choose from, I was dead-set on a Brompton due to the compact and elegant fold that made it airline travel friendly.
Speaking of travel, Portapedal Bike even stocked the luggage case that allows you to safely check the Brompton in as a “normal sized suitcase.” This solution essentially saves you $175+ each way in the cost of checking a full-sized bicycle, and gives you the peace of mind that your bicycle will not get dinged by the bag handlers. *Lust* I did not buy this item, but I could really use one.
Of course, they carried most of the Brompton brand bags, as well as the Carradice-for-Brompton bag (not pictured). I picked up the Brompton T-bag, which is their touring variety, as it is the most capacious of the options.
Additional accessories included tiny tires and a whole slew of Brooks items (saddles, handlebar bags, baskets, panniers, oh my!)
Lastly, I wanted to show this interesting gizmo that they carried: the RideKick. This dual purpose trailer both carries things and propels you forward with electric assist capability.
From my online research, I had some level of familiarity with most of the bicycles and accessories that they carried, but much of it, I had never encountered in person. It was a treat to finally be in the presence of such fine workmanship. Overall, I was very impressed by the high-end selection of portable bicycles and accessories.
For anyone in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area interested in not only folding and portable bicycles, but also high-end bicycle accessories, I would recommend stopping by Portapedal Bike!
Disclaimer: Portapedal Bike does not endorse this blog, and at the time of my visit/purchase, they did not know that I had a blog about bicycles. I have not received ‘kickbacks’ for writing this or any other previous post mentioning Portapedal Bike.
Sumehra, I really like your new Brompton, and the claret shade is great for your growing love of the color pink
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My FH and I are considering Bromptons for travel, as it’s so nice to have your own bike set up just for you, and not have to worry about renting/returning/bike parking, etc. We’d really like to test ride before purchasing in order to determine which options (mainly how many speeds) we prefer – also, we’re waiting for the new model to come out, which will accommodate the very tall – he’s 6’4″! Hopefully we’ll get a chance to test ride soon. Thanks for the report!
Thank you, Caroline!
I would recommend a test ride, because the brompton has a different feel from a normal-sized bicycle. It is not bad… just different. The number of gears definitely will depend on the area in which you ride, and I think you can choose ‘easier’ or ‘harder’ ratios to further customize the bike to your needs. However, if you plan on taking it on your travel adventures, then I’d plan for versatility with the 6 speed option. I think the most popular one is the 3 speed.
I actually did see the new taller H-model at Portapedal Bike, so it must be officially available to the masses! Do let me know if you buy a set… I’d love to hear your feedback.
what a fun couple of posts re brompton — enjoy your sweet new claret ride. my husband and i have been riding brommies for five years now (we have 3 between us at this point) and are utterly in LOVE with them. and i think our infectious passion for them helped inspire 4 or 5 friends & family members to get their own, too. great for bike commuting and pleasure riding…and we’ve taken them on road trips and once on a plane trip. Caroline – if you see this and if you’re in the nyc area, you should check out nycewheels on upper east side. they have a fleet of 10 taxi yellow brommies that you can try for test rides (and sometimes they organize short urban group rides for prospective customers).
Thanks. I’m hoping my dude will also be inspired to get one, and then the craze will propagate to our friends & family as well! It is such a handy little thing.
I’ve been to NYCEwheels – it is a great little shop.
Prima – thanks for the advice! I think I definitely need the 6 speed. I’m not sure whether to order it geared down or not… I’m weak and considering we’ll be traveling/use these as our vacation bikes and won’t necessarily be familiar with the terrain, I definitely think I need the 6 over the 3. Hills are totally not my forte. FH wants to simplify things and not worry about the derailleur, so he’s thinking 3 speed.
Reva – Thanks also! I’m not in NYC, but we’ve seen a bunch of NYCEwheels videos on YouTube and have built up various options using their build tool. They seem like a good bunch and we are definitely considering ordering from them. It’s really neat they do tours on Bromptons like that, must be a great way to attract customers!
There’s not a Brompton dealer anywhere near me, but I am visiting Atlanta in a couple of weeks for a conference, and am hoping to make it to Bicycle South for a test ride. I will let you know what I think!