My announcement to the family at large that I was buying a bicycle was greeted with a mixture of awe, disbelief and unsuppressed laughter. You see I had not actually seriously been on a bicycle for over 40 years! As the mirth subsided the information that this particular bike was a folding ... Read review
Advantages: Power assistance on hills Disadvantages: Relatively heavy, you still have to pedal
My announcement to the family at large that I was buying a bicycle was greeted with a mixture of awe, disbelief and unsuppressed laughter. You see I had not actually seriously been on a bicycle for over 40 years! As the mirth subsided the information that this particular bike was a folding model and assisted by electric power only served to add visions of motability scooters and zimmer frames, rekindling the laughter!!
The folding ... ...Coventry. I had carefully researched the market looking for a powered bike that could be folded and that was within my budget of £500. The actual cost of this bike was actually £450. Now this might seem quite expensive until you realise that I wanted a bike that not only folded but had powered assistance and the threshold price for both these two components is at least £300 in each case. So, £450 versus a £600 expectation did not seem too bad. more
My announcement to the family at large that I was buying a bicycle was greeted with a mixture of awe, disbelief and unsuppressed laughter. You see I had not actually seriously been on a bicycle for over 40 years! As the mirth subsided the information that this particular bike was a folding model and assisted by electric power only served to add visions of motability scooters and zimmer frames, rekindling the laughter!!
The folding bike I had chosen is the Electrobike from ASBikes in Coventry. I had carefully researched the market looking for a powered bike that could be folded and that was within my budget of £500. The actual cost of this bike was actually £450. Now this might seem quite expensive until you realise that I wanted a bike that not only folded but had powered assistance and the threshold price for both these two components is at least £300 in each case. So, £450 versus a £600 expectation did not seem too bad.
Why, you may ask did I want a powered cycle. Well, the notion of cycling may be freedom and romance to some, but where I live is a series of steep and unforgiving hills. With creaking limbs and lack of puff, believe me any assistance is appreciated. I carefully researched the specialist websites and this budget option I discovered seemed to tick all the boxes, so I ordered one.
When the package arrived, it was frankly huge, dutifully taken in by a neighbour, but none the less exciting. We tore off the packaging to reveal a bright shiny machine inside. There was an instruction book, but forever dive in then think late we set about putting the 'origami' back into the shape of a bicycle.
Actually it's not too difficult, and once practised takes less than 45 seconds to assemble from folded. One simple large butterfly type nut holds the handlebars in place, and a flexible tommy bar type screw holds the back wheel onto the frame. Once set for an individual rider the saddle and handlebars height do not need to be adjusted or moved to actually fold the bike. However unfolding the pedals was a different matter, and no mention of the 'trick' is in the instruction booklet. I pushed, pulled, twisted and even tried to will the pedals into a horizontal position. 10 minutes of frustration later, I suddenly noticed a large plastic plunger (so large it just looked like a moulding in the design of the pedal) and eureka the pedal clicked snugly into place. Again I don't usually bother to fold the pedals up parallel to the cranks, since the space saved is relatively immaterial.
The powerhouse for the bike is within the hub of the back wheel as are its rear wheel brakes. The front brake is your standard rubber block against the wheel rim. The brakes are effective. A six speed Shimano gear shift is standard, and with the power assistance I have yet to find a hill which I cannot eventually pedal to the top, at least in this area. Its certainly not an off road bike and a bit more suspension than the two basic springs in the saddle would be nice.
There is a simple push button on /off switch on the handlebars to command power assistance as and when you need it. Legislation, and the fact that such machines are not subject to a vehicle tax, means that the maximum speed obtainable under power is 15mph. Obviously you can easily exceed this when going downhill or on the flat using both power and pedalling. There is actually not enough oomph in the motor to propel the bike and rider without pedalling on the flat, unless you are very lightweight.
The battery for this contraption sits behind the saddle post, and has a locking mechanism and an on/off switch together with a charge indicator. Typically if run flat it takes about 4 hours to fully recharge this Ni/Cd battery. This is the only problem I have experienced with the bike, which fortunately comes with 1 years guarantee. The24v mains charger supplied is designed to cut out when the battery reaches its full charge. Mine started to not do this, remaining on charge with the battery just getting warmer and warmer. ASBikes were very prompt in testing out the charger and the battery itself to identify the source of the problem, then supplier me with a new charger. No problems with the service then, only disadvantage is having to pack and post back the unwieldy battery and then wait for its return.
I mentioned the instruction booklet earlier. It is not very thorough, and quite vague in places. It has clearly been translated from probably Chinese into English and some of the phrases make hilarious reading……I quote:
"Check the fastness part if they are flexible so as to the accidence in the course of driving." And "When the lights go out one by one, it indicates that the amount of electricity is drawing few. You should charge it timely."
For the more technically minded here is the basic specification of the bike:
Distributors: ASBikes, Coventry Frame: Aluminium Alloy 20" spoked wheels Front Vee brakes, rear hub brakes Mudguards Rear carrier Reflectors Folding pedals Battery Ni-Mh 24V 8.5AH Charge Time 4 hours Range 30-35 km on pedal assistance Weight 17kg plus 4 kg battery Motor 180w brushless Top Speed 15mph
The battery is easily removed to make the bike lighter, so if folding to put into the back of the car this is what I prefer to do. This is not bike for cycling purists, nor is it a toy, but can be very useful for a daily commute, or parking free outside of town, then cycling the last little bit, or simply to keep fit on those frequent top up shopping trips.
Advantages: Almost "full sized bike" rideability. Less likely to get stolen if stored indoors instead of in shed! Disadvantages: Small wheels go down holes further = harder ride. Expensive unless you MUST have a folder.
...few days of buying my Brompton L3, and nearly five years and several thousand miles later, I stand by everything I said then. It's a fine and useful machine as long as you don't think it's got any off-road capabilities. Half a mile in a ploughed field convinced me of this - for one thing the pedals are too near the ground to escape furrows! The purpose of this revision is to alert potential buyers to the fact that not only was the L3 up-rated to ... ...I've been riding a new Brompton L3 for the past few days, and it fills all of these criteria some of the time, or is it some of these criteria all of the time? I'm not quite sure yet.
At "a round of drinks" under £500 (now £560 with 6 gears), it's not the cheapest bike I ever owned, that's for sure, but its ability to fold up into its own shopping bag is what sold it to me ultimately.
So what's it like to ride? Well, apart from the fact that its ...
BNibbles 16.03.2002 (27.07.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Brompton L3 Bicycle
Advantages: Very easy to fold and good to ride Disadvantages: Not fantastic at off road
I have a Brompton L3 that is now approx 3 ½ years old. I use it everyday to commute to work - I cycle to the station, fold it up and take on the train and then cycle the other end about 1 ½ miles to work.
I love the bike and although it was expensive I think it has been good value for money considering how often I have used it.
It folds up easily and quickly and so many people are amazed when they see it folding. I have found that it is so small ... ...managed to fall off my Brompton in this situation. I have taken it along rougher surfaces, such as the canal towpath and it was ok, although again, you need to be careful as the tyres don't grip to the paths all that well.
Plus points:
• Really easily to fold up and very compact when folded. Easily fits in the boot of a car (I have found it will fit in the boot of a Ford Ka with a little juggling)
• Distinctive looking
• Made in ...
claire47 01.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Brompton L3 Bicycle
I bought Brompton bike three years ago and since then I've been using it regularly to commute to work. Part of my journey is by train and by having a foldable bike it saves me a lot of money on the tube ticket and also means I don't have to go on the "meat wagon" aka the tube. It keeps me fit and gives me the opportunity to explore new areas of London which I probably wouldn't venture in without this practical device. The bike cost £470 but considering ... ...think it is definitely worth the money. If you use it regularly it can also save you subscribing to gym membership as it will keep you fit. I am not sure of the exact weight but can reassure you it is easily carried. It takes 10 - 20 seconds to fold or unfold it. Furthermore there are no parts sticking out while folded so there's no danger your clothes will get trapped.
My only criticism would be that the accessories for it are quite pricey and ...
monkeykong1 03.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Brompton L3 Bicycle
Advantages: the ability to fold up Disadvantages: not able to go offroad due to no suspension
I really like the brompton l3 bicycle and how it has the capability to fold up into a smaller bicycle that is able to be carried around to wherever you need, and does not need to be locked up. The ride is very smooth along flat roads which do not have any obstacles, but once these begin to appear, like off road, or bad road surfaces, the ride becomes very horrible. The seat sort of digs into the leg area, and there is so much vibration. The other ...
Mamegordon 06.12.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Brompton L3 Bicycle
