Much to my relief, Clarice survived her ‘surgery‘ at Portapedal Bike.
She now has a new rear rack, which I had installed because I wanted to my grocery shopping experience to be more streamlined. I was informed that a rear rack plus two more easy wheels would add stability and less rolling resistance while rolling her in cart mode.
In addition to the rack, she also has a black leather Selle An-atomica Saddle! I had planned for this saddle to go on the Bridgestone MB-3, but since Clarice came into my life, that project has gone on a bit of a hiatus due to a re-alignment of funding. It made sense to put this saddle on the Brompton, at least in the meantime, as it is provides for a more consistent and comfortable riding experience between Belle and Clarice.
Therefore, after the surgery, I took her back to Trader Joe’s to test the waters…
On one occasion, I only added a couple of items into the exterior mesh pockets of the Brompton T-bag.
However, because my heavy laptop was inside, the bicycle had a tendency to tip, in spite of having a rack. You can see my foot in in the photograph, helping to stabilize the load.
On another occasion, when the T-bag did not have the laptop, she was able to hold a fair amount of groceries out any signs of tipping. Naturally, there is a limit to how much the Brompton can handle, even with a rear rack, before it gives way to gravity, but I am glad I made the upgrade, as the overall stability and ease of rolling has been well worth the investment.
To counteract the tendancy towards tipping, try folding the steering column and pulling by the handle of the T-Bag.
I’ll try that – Thanks for the tip!
I like that you’ve put a Selle An-Atomica on your Brompton; you don’t see that too often. I plan to do the same when my Brompton arrives.
I too have never seen another Brompton with a Selle An-Atomica! Perhaps we can start a trend.
Would you say it is more comfortable on Belle or Clarice?
Both are ideally suited for different types of riding. Belle is a country bike that I can ride for miles and miles, while Clarice is a great city bike / commuter with the small turn radius to easily handle sidewalks, and the like. In terms of overall comfort, I’d say Belle, but if I added convenience into the equation, Clarice would win.
Nice! I plan to pay Portapedal a visit during my next trip to the Valley – hopefully in a few weeks. How are you enjoying your Brompton? Have you taken it on MARTA?
Oh my gosh – I LOVE my Brompton. Clarice has granted me a whole new level of freedom while I am in Arizona. Not to mention, I do not feel guilty for not hitting the gym while travelling!
I have not taken her yet on MARTA; she came back to Atlanta with me for only a couple of weekends, but I didn’t ride her too much, as I have Belle to cover my needs.