Maybe they should stop this LiFeStYlE BrAnD bullshit and go back to making bikes people love?
It must be hard to turn down free money, even if it’s powered by a fad. I imagine the people who actually make the bikes must be a bit demoralized though, knowing that their beautiful machines are now mostly destined to gather dust in rich people’s closets.
I’ve actually been looking at buying a Brompton, but it seems they don’t want to sell them? Their website is made by insane people and none of their claimed “partners” in my City seem to really exist.
It’s a weird mess. I actually considered getting a 12 speed C-line but after they refused to help me with a referral code I was given after waiting days for their useless response, I decided to buy a Priority Folder for less than half the price instead (plus it has a belt drive and IGH).
Also, Priority’s customer service has been pretty good, especially compared to Brompton.
The term “enshittified” comes to mind when I think of Brompton now.
Yeah, their website sent me to a store that had one display model and they could order it.
Later found another store that had dozens of them all folded up on cute shelves. I love mine.
My husband bought his just last year for his commute and is absolutely in love with it. I hope they pull through this.
I was totally put off by their bullshit while shopping for a folding bike. I ended up going with Priority instead: Their staff has been prompt and helpful. Also, the belt drive is great: No mess, practically no maintenance.
Cool 👍 happy you found something that’ll work for you.
The only drawback is that the hub (Nexus 8) can freeze when it gets cold enough, so I don’t really ride it in the winter.
They are cool bikes, but I don’t know if they are perfect for people around my height. One of my friends demoed one and we shrieked with laughter as his foot was hitting the front wheel and the folding rack on the back with every pedal stroke while turning. He’s got bigger feet, but average height.
That, along with the eye-watering pricetag, made it a bit of a tough sell to us as rabid bike fans. Still, the idea is good, and we were impressed at how small it folded up. It could use some slightly bigger sizes for people six feet and up. :)
