Yup the principal of a sacrificial part that wears first ,is easily spotted and changeable is a sign of good engineering

Never change man! Not enough straight talking people about these days Love the channel

I definitely love the simplicity and the effectiveness of the Brompton clamp system. Emphasis on simplicity.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

The simpler the better😀👍

@ed0078

3 жыл бұрын

I agree

@noleo

2 жыл бұрын

The British steam engine is very simple but I would prefer the modern V6 engine. This bike is too expensive to rip off the customers for the past 40 years with the same old design . The design could have improved a little with the same strength and better engineering. See kzread.info/dash/bejne/kaOAq61piKS0ktI.html

@filmalpha2002

Жыл бұрын

@@noleo I dont see how that Btwin is a improvement😂

@noleo

Жыл бұрын

@@filmalpha2002 Don't see it as a cheap Btwin but watch it carefully from 0:10 to 0:20. It is a far better design with just a flip and turn 90° to unlock as compared to Brompton with a screwing action. Imagine you are screwing round and round in order to lock a Rolls-Royce door. :( Another crude design is the Brompton symmetrical C clamp, it could turn freely to misalign with the frame but the Btwin C clamp won't with just a simple engineering. :)

Thanks Brian for an excellent analysis of the original Brompton clamp design. I replaced both of them with LITEPROBIKE for over a year now. One of the clamp fall apart the other day when I was tightening the clamp to the frame. The top turning part separates from the screw that attached to the frame. The screw stripped apart from the clamp and there is no way to keep it lock tight, thus cannot ride the bike. Lucky I was very close to home and now I have changed both clamps back to the original Brompton clamps. Yes the color coordination with the LITEPROBIKE clamps dress up the bike nicely but it introduces safety issues that I will definitely avoid. Cheers.

@ibikeunfolded

2 жыл бұрын

I've heard horror stories that's why I made the video😬😀 thanks for watching.👍

@dallaslauridsen1397

Жыл бұрын

The old Raleigh Twenty clamp was the strongest frame clamp for folding bikes and also no failure points as it was a top tube clamp that would hold even if clamp bolt was unscrewed

@dallaslauridsen1397

Жыл бұрын

Thx for sharing your knowledge of Bromphton I would love to get one but ca N’t afford it 😂

I totally agree and would not replace safety relevant parts. I just added the EZ clamp spring so that the clamp does turn around. It makes the folding more convenient.

@davidclark1152

3 жыл бұрын

Great video Brian - Thilo, I've been thinking of buying the EZ Clamp spring as looks like a great idea; do you think it is robust enough to last?

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

The EZ clamp spring is ok, however, just keep in mind that it takes up space in the clamp “GAP” that I was talking about in the video. The clamp is meant to wear and once it bottoms out you will tighten the clamp and it won't hold the frame together securely. Having the EZ clamp spring in the gap just ensures the clamp bottoms out sooner. Just something to keep in mind👍😀

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

@@GyrobotCoUk thanks for the info. The design I saw did, so it’s nice to see that there is one that’s better designed.

@thilonotz9991

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidclark1152 I use it since 9 months and it looks still good. I don't understand Brian's last comment, maybe when the clamp wears out I will understand... I only have the Brompton for a year.

@leejohnmitchell

3 жыл бұрын

The EZ Clamp spring thing doesn't take up space in the gap at all. Been using them on both mine and my wife's bike without issue!

" the simpler, the better". That's all

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

👍

Have you not seen the little widget thing that keeps the Brompton latch from spinning? Just a little plastic thing that keeps the plate from spinning as you spin the bolt. Made all the difference to me. One-handed clamping.

@andrewpeternavarrete1227

2 жыл бұрын

I put a small spring I bought from a motorcycle shop, and it works perfectly.🙂

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you are happy with my competitor’s EZ spring clamp! (Though I recommend my own SpedDial kits for reasons I’ve explained elsewhere on this thread.

After folding, screw the clamp in against the frame in order to not inadvertently bend the extended bolt during transport and storage. (Tip from Freedom Folding bikes). Another great video! 👍

Nicely thought through and explained! The other major advantage of the Brompton hinge is that the clamping mechanism never needs adjusting. It is effectively adjusted by the user every time they fold/unfold the bike. Other hinge designs lose adjustment over time as they wear or get dirty. Once they are loose they damage the frame.

Now I finally understand why the clamp wears out: to protect the brompton main frame! It's genius...

Another great and informative video Brian. Thanks for showing me yet another reason why I made the right decision to go Brompton. Have fun. Stay safe.

My motto is, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Why do people want to reinvent the wheel.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

🤷‍♂️ I agree. The wheel is already a perfect design why redesign it.

A brilliant and straight to the point video. Some people buy the fancy clamp just for the looks, not necessarily for the simplicity of rotating it. Safety is the most important factor in the clamp. I wouldn’t want to have the clamp break thus causing an accident whilst riding.

Thanks for a great video, Brian. I checked my Brompton's clamps after watching and they were starting to wear, so appreciate the safety reminder. Cheers!

Thanks Bryan! I’m sold on your explanation! Take care!👍

Yes the standard clamp is functional, however it could be improved by making 1 side minutly longer to stop it from spinning. Also add a spring.

@BrianRonald

3 жыл бұрын

I use a set of these.

@ThomasBomb45

Жыл бұрын

Ez clamp springs, 3d printed and cheap!

Oh, thanks for that final advice on leaning the bike to make it true!

Good old school simple/practical engineered parts made to last, in a World full on endless gadgets/bling, it really is a refreshing change, long live low tech simple to work on bicycles in all their many forms....

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.😀👍. I believe in the K.I.S.S. Principle. Keep-it-simple-stupid.😀

That was very interesting. And timely. I was going to order new clamps at the end of the month. Thanks for making this video!

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Order the factory clamps and you will be fine😀

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

I disagree with Brian’s analysis for reasons I’ve stated on this thread. I recommend my own SpedDial kits, but you might prefer my competitor’s EZ clamp springs.

There’s a 3d printed spring you can screw the stock clamp through that makes them a lot less annoying to use, without adding complexity. I’m using them they’re great! I’d print you a set if you were nearer

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Unusually I just use the trick I mentioned at the end of the video and have had no problems. THANKS FOR THE THOUGHT😀👍

@bytesabre

3 жыл бұрын

@@ibikeunfolded yeah if I tried it I’d probably somehow lose my balance and fall over I’m not that coordinated :D

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

3-D printers enabled the inventor to manufacture them without investing in tooling, but it also invites counterfeits. Even if the inventor of EZ clamp springs has patented them, he can’t sue thousands of individuals for $20 each.

@ThomasBomb45

Жыл бұрын

@@stephanbianchi6324 Okay, and? Who cares

Hi ! Any idea why Brompton still doesn't provide wheel extender and larger wheels rolling when folded ?

@athomenotavailable

6 ай бұрын

Maybe they get a cut of profits from the 3rd party providers of wheel extenders and larger wheels.

Awesome video. You're completely right about that. No reason to over engineer the Brompton. It is a classic design foldie built to last.

Wise video. I'll probably switch back to the official Brompton clamps, and carry the Aliexpress ones as spares.

I kept the original clamp but changed the bolt , ok the new bolt is titanium, but I greased the bolt thread and frame thread often. One of the new bolts has extra screw to stop the bolt comming totaly off accidentally. Ps Great video and thanks.

Interesting video, thanks Brian. The beauty of the Brompton design is that you don't have to keep adjusting the clamp. My old folder is a Taiwanese Raleigh (also real steel) which has the more common toggle type of clamp. When I rode it daily I had to adjust both the frame and handlebar clamps every 3 months. It wasn't a safety thing, it was just detectable play and I hate any vehicle I own to be out of adjustment. Engineering trivia: 1. A 3/16" steel pin in simple shear takes over 2000 pounds to break it. 2. Lightweight alloys, particularly aluminium (or aluminum in the USA) suffer from metal fatigue. This means it eventually cracks and if the cracks go undetected you get sudden failure. This is why aircraft have their airframes crack tested on every major service: and why my son's last commuter bike suddenly became instant trash. I own four bikes and they all have steel frames. Even the lightweight ones have Reynolds steel tubing.

Awesome video Brian. Your talking points are bang on. Another thing to bring to your attention is that if you were to look down the "U" channel, you'll notice that the sides are not perfectly flat from one end to the other. This is not a fault but just goes to show the perfection of Brompton and their R&D team. The ends tend to "dimple" inwards to apply more clamping pressure at the frame hinges top and bottom part. Absolute genius. Bottom line, I too would never consider changing the stock clamp.

Please folks stick with the stock Brompton STEEL hinge bolts, have had two aluminium bolts shear off. Well said Brian !! Do not switch out the original bolts, you will in the end realise the stock bolt is the most reliable and the safest option.

Thanks Brian. I 💯 agree with all your points. I too would not swap out the factory clamps or bolt for the same reasons. You are right, down to the threaded bolt, the metals and strength of the metals are dialled in very specifically. You'll notice an 8.8 on the head of the bolt. That's a high tensile strength rating designed for automotive use. That is it can withstand 800 Mega-Pascal before it fails with a nominal 'recommended' rating at 80% of that limit. Ease of replacement of the part was also my concern with 3rd party clamps.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly. The ones made by the factory are the best in my opinion.😁

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

My SpedDial clamp kits are superior to the originals in function. They do come with slightly longer 8.8 bolts.

Thanks for another great video. ALWAYS enjoy watching. Look forward to seeing your next video Mark from Maryland

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it😀👍

Very convincing - one of the wonders of the Brompton - strong and effective.

It's funny that someone would ask "why doesn't Brompton innovate?" Brompton already has. And they've refined the design over something like 40 years.

You make a good point about the piece being sacrificial. If you were to make it from a stronger metal, the weakest part of the mechanism then becomes the bolt. Many people don't understand how bolts work. When you tighten up a bolt against a female thread, you are actually stretching the bolt by a very tiny amount every time you use it. With time, this leads to work-hardening of the metal and it will eventually fail. And if the bolt fails, you are in BIG trouble (but it will probably happen so fast that you will wake up in hospital with no recollection of it). Much better to have a softer piece that you can inspect visibly pretty much every time you use the bike.

The wear is between the metal interfaces that are susceptible to load and rubbing, so the frame-frame joint ends wears. If you always keep your clamp tight, then the frame-frame joint ends wears much slower. The wear on the clamp is much lesser because the load is much lesser on the interface between joint and clamp, but it will bend slowly over time and open up, faster if you tighten it more. That's why 3rd party manufacturers improved it by making it stronger.

Very instructive. I like your engineer‘s view at the topic.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I just want to say it would be vary easy to make a design that’s faster but more likely to break but it’s still easy to replace Without it being like the quick release where when it breaks you’re not gonna find parts and your bikes done

Well done for explaining this to cyclist , the only thing that has failed ie got loose over time wear and tare. Is the aluminum clamp that holds the bike stem and frame together. But that was easy to get on line from Brompton. Good Video . All the best Will .

what about the official Brompton "aluminium-hinge-clamp-and-rear-frame-clip-set" which is available as an aftermarket upgrade set. That seems like a nice way to upgrade your clamps to nicer ones and still maintain structural integrity.

Enumerating points of failure is meaningless if the chances of failure are small & I contend they are very small with the evolved modern folding loch mech. A locking mechanism that can be completely removed from the bicycle is one that can be lost. I'm not saying the Brompton mech is bad - its strong and simple and bolts are easy to replace. But it is pre-historic and modern folding clamp designs are undisputably superior in terms of reliability, ease and speed of use and safety, dang it. The Brompton is 1950's design. Its 2022 now, and engineering has come a long way. Aluminium is a wonderful material and we do amazing things with it. Steel has wonderful qualities too but the best place for chrome steel is in the fork, not the whole frame where the strength and weight advantages of aluminium offer so much.

I have added a wheel and a bolt with a stop in the end, which won't unscrew. And lightweight clamps from carbon. The one wheel wasn't fixed, so I used Locktite.

I really don't see why current brompton hinge clamps should be something wrong, for me it's more like we're leaving such a stressful give-me-that-right-now kind of life. Remember, the true reason behind most of accidents and disfunctions is to try to do everything faster than before. Keep calm and use things properly.

I realised straight away that the Brompton clamp system was carefully designed to self-compensate for wear, and clearly indicate when wear had reached the point of requiring replacement parts. This kind of thoughtfulness certainly builds confidence in the Brompton brand.... and confidence in the people who build 'em.

Excellent video!! It's why people can unfold and fold their bikes faster than any other folding bike. It is like when you have trained yourself to play an instrument - one you get the muscle memory you can do it FAST!! And you are TOTLALLY correct - they are actually designed to have to be replaced every 3000 miles or so. I also totally agree DO NOT get 3rd party clamps either!! It is why no one should buy a knock off Brompton "looking" either, say made out of aluminium - those are going to be a death trap!!

Mi comentario es en español. Tienes razón, tuve una bicicleta plegable parecida a la del vídeo y si tenia fallas en su plegado, incluso en 2 ocasiones estuve a punto de tener un grave accidente. La brompton tiene un mecanismo sencillo y mucho mejor, ya que es más factible que se rompan los cierres o el tornillo, que la parte interna del cuadro. Felicitaciones por tu vídeo!!

A really excellent video THANKYOU !!!

Those quick vertical latch found on the Columbia and other unknown Chinese brands are better and most importantly, "reliable" than all your bikes. No offense.

@ibikeunfolded

2 жыл бұрын

I would have to test that😀

I never had any issues with the stock clamps. Yes, initially, it took some effort to get used to it but all it took was a couple of rides. I can probably do it blindfolded now. The simpler it is, the better.

Good video! If it ain't broken don't fix it! Hugs yes I am old school.

@ibikeunfolded

2 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly👍😀

@Squirrel200

2 жыл бұрын

I have the Zizzo forte and love it!!!!!

I never never thought about it in that way,AMAZING Brian,thanks.

I had no idea I'd find a video about clamps so interesting!

There are plenty of aftermarket Brompton clamps. Some are excellent and are worthy upgrades.

Well explained Brian. Simplicity is king on the Brompton.

the tern or dahon type mechanism has spare parts available. it may completely trash the frame only if some structures on the frame is broken.

"Brommie Bashers" get on my nervous. Keep Safe!!

Excellent analysis Brian. Right on target. Thank you.

Year 8 and my Bromtpon clamp has been problem free 🙂

Do not replace brompton clamps with aftermarket clamps since they are not made to same specs. Ti parts clamp does not clamp correctly according to Brompton NYC they recommend removing aftermarket clamps for safety.

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

My SpedDial clamp kits are made in the USA and equivalent in strength to OEM, but easier to use.

nice visuals, very informative!

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!😀

Well said! Good old common sense. There are people who need to watch this video, but they won't because they always think they know better or/and just can't think seriously about anything.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

ThAnk you, I appreciate it.👍

I do plan on replacing my clamps, and yeah for vanity reasons. I’ve got a black s6L and I’ll get black Brompton clamps to replace the Ali ones. I wouldn’t trust anything structural from after market sellers. Saddle, grips, a rack if I fancy one yes, but structural, I’m sticking with OEM parts. I’m an engineer and I trust that the engineers at Brompton have got it right, so I ain’t gonna try and fix non existent problems. Thanks for the vid Brian 👍

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

You might find my SpedDials superior to OEM clamps. You could also add my competitor’s EZ clamp springs to the OEM, adding convenience to reliability.

I don't like plastic, but it should be there.

Great advice Brian, old clamps best, mine on since new 1998!, thanks Major from hot uk (at the moment!)

Nice one Brian. Just a question. Recently my clamps have started to stick in place. So normally when you unscrew the bolt, the clamp comes away, but recently been sticking so have to pull on it to release it. Not sure if anyone has had the same thing? Don’t think it’s a major issue but worth mentioning. Recently replaced the clamps at 6k km and same thing with the new clamp. They are Brompton ones as well. Stay safe! 👍😀

@nicholascoupland9944

3 жыл бұрын

A smear of grease on the inside "wings" of the clamp should do the trick!

@CycleEveryday

3 жыл бұрын

@@nicholascoupland9944 thanks Nicholas. Have been doing when giving it a clean, but just wondered if anyone else had noticed the same?

@andrewpeternavarrete1227

2 жыл бұрын

Do not tighten it too much, just finger tight will do. Also, put a bit of grease on the frame hinge.

@CycleEveryday

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrewpeternavarrete1227 I never really over tighten it. I have been putting a little bit of oil on it, but just wondered if anyone else had been experiencing the same. I do quite a few miles on it. Replaced the hinge clamps a few months ago which solved it, but started again now. 👍

@stephanbianchi6324

2 жыл бұрын

Grease or wax should do. Springs also work. Brian’s critique of aftermarket clamps I’d flawed, by the way. My SpedDial kits, for instance, are made in the USA of certified components. My competitor’s EZ clamp springs should also help solve your problem.

Im with you. Safety is paramount .

Well said. If it’s not broke, ya don’t FIX it!

Thanks Brian, very honest and insightful advice here

I am sorry how much is to pay for chp3 brand new? Thank you in advance😊

I agree with you all the way. Nothing but the best, BROMPTON ❤️

Preach, this man tells it as it is, no BS

Just curious, do you have any sources for the claim that Brompton spent decades refining the metallurgy and shape, etc. of the clamp?

Simple is safety. BUT; From what I've seen, Bromtons are not as tough as you and others on KZread claim. You've had problems with your bike, parts that should not go bad, HAVE gone bad. Bottom bracket, seat posts, rear drive hub, broken frame, no they are not as solid as I once believed. The clamps seem bombproof, but, the bike isn't.

My Brompton frame latched unlocked on me after riding 6 miles .. at 14 miles an hour I landed on my head… while wearing my helmet I’m quite sure I locked my bike. Lots of cuts, bruises, stitches and pain. I’m still here by the grace of God.

... Hate to disagree here but as far as i can tell the frame is, by far, the main bearing component.. the screw and the cap merely keep the frame together... Many times that i didn't fasten them properly... The risk that third party parts fail or even damage the frame is, the least, manageable...

Hi Brian I've been watching your channel for a while, great video and very topical for me. I have a Brompton B75 and a Gocycle GX. Love my B75 but I use my Gocycle more as it's my main commuter bike. I took it for it's first annual service in December and they found the main pin holding the handlebar latch only had a couple of millimetres left in it and was about to fail. I had to wait weeks for a new pin and with in a week of getting back on the road the handlebar latch started to rattle again. It's gone back to get sorted again but I've lost confidence in the Gocycle because of this and a few other durability issues. I love my B75 but because I've got a lot of hill's on my commute I've bought a new Brompton Electric 2021 6 speed and when the Gocycle gets fixed it's getting sold

I don't understand the urgency to fasten the clamps. I don't rush with mine and it still only takes seconds to tighten the clamp up.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

I know right😀

Extend it further what would you be prepared to replace?

Nice thought process. Question on overall longevity -I use my Bromptons less than you, but if I had to guess more than the average user. I ride for recreation. And on a busy month, I can put in ~450 miles a month. I wonder how long will the main parts that I can’t maintain on a Brompton last? Thanks.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully they will last many years into the future👍😀

@tc-mc2ns

3 жыл бұрын

thanks

An excellent video which all Brompton owners definitely should watch for the very well made points. However. As a 100% Brompton fan I wish that they could re-evaluate some of the other design features, for example the suspension block. Automobiles use spring suspension and there is a leaf spring product for the Brompton. IMHO when correctly designed and made of the correct materials, it is a far superior solution. BTW this doesn't include anything sold on Aliexpress.

I have a Dahon matrix whit jacklock system 😬

@ibikeunfolded

2 жыл бұрын

Nice😀👍

Was speeding on a folder similar to what you presented at 2:10, hit a speed bump, then the stem collapsed on its own. I guess the force was enough for the small catch to fail. Had a sore shoulder for a month and a half. No bones broken, thank God, but the helmet was smashed.

@ladyl4581

3 жыл бұрын

Similar thing happened to me landed on my head, stitches, cuts and bruises etc at 14 miles an hour I’m sure I secured it properly.

@carltongadgettmannprice352

10 ай бұрын

Bumps should be avoided on folding bikes as much as possible especially on aluminum frame models.

@enricoflor3601

10 ай бұрын

Hi@@carltongadgettmannprice352 , I doubt if what I described above will happen on my Brompton because the clamps are designed robustly. Now, if your bottomline is that folders are not designed to take stresses riding through speed bumps, then my bottom line is that this folder I rode on was not designed correctly to address the needs of your everyday urban mobility.

Very good points raised.

You made some good points, thank you

You know why the aluminum frames are so thick in terms of wall thickness and tube diameter? It's to reduce flexing. Any flexing on aluminum contributes to fatigue and eventual failure. Steel and titanium can theoretically last forever if not flexed into the plastic region.

Well thought out.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Thank you great advice 😊

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching😀👍

This iss clampingfantastic 😬

I take on board what you saying about weak points on Tern clamps, but after checking clamp mine it has the same marks as yours. It's not the alloy that's damaged, it's just paint. Do you not think reputable companies such as Tern and Dahon do stress and safety tests on their bikes, especially the joints and clamps? Brompton are not infallible. Just look at their gear shifters.

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

Well one would hope. Tern is a reputable company and I am sure they do all kinds of test. I just think that there are more failure points(more to go wrong) with their clamping design. You are right....the Brompton shifters suck😀

@daveadriffield7296

3 жыл бұрын

@@ibikeunfolded I fully agree with you on the Tern clamp failure points; it's evident to see once you illustrated it. Happy cycling.

Totaly agree with you 👍

Thanks for the sharing.

if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

I believe Andrew Ritchie got the idea from the early 70's Dawes Kingpin folding bike.

This does play like a Brompton sales video. It seems like it is a Brompton or nothing regardless of the product. Lots of worst case, doom mongering scenarios brought up for those idiots that do not hand over ALOT of cash to Brompton. Brompton is crude and way too expensive and their parts fail, often. For me, it's the weight to cost ratio.I would be open to alternatives.

And it’s cheap, I work for an engineering firm.

Is it safe to use helicopter tape on the frame where the clamp is attached (?)

I agree

@ibikeunfolded

3 жыл бұрын

👍

For testing....I can think of project farm and maybe Sam pilgrim lol

I love my broomie for simplicity design

Brompton is just good old British common sense, in Brompton we trust. 🇬🇧

@live-to-ride

3 жыл бұрын

Up until 18 months ago I would have agreed. Not any more, common sense is rare.

So I genuinely agree with all the points you've made , but I think the reason people say brompton doesn't innovate is because of their fundamental failiers as a company towards there customer base and the lack of options they provide ( despite people constantly requesting) like refusing to make bikes for taller , heavier riders, 20" wheels , voiding warranty for making modifications they refuse to do, making an awful ebike conversion(don't put the battery in the bag i wanna put my stuff in) the list genuinely goes on and not for lack of quality being available from 3rd parties, anything from belt drives to rear triangles that can suport larger hybrid tires, everything falls on deaf ears with them. If they made it we would buy it !!! Regardless of them refusing to move manufacturing abroad to reduce cost to consumer.

Do you still have this bike?

@ibikeunfolded

Жыл бұрын

Yes I do😁

@ARlELATOM

Жыл бұрын

@@ibikeunfolded Oh cool! I guess it’s only taken out on special occasions 😎

@ibikeunfolded

Жыл бұрын

@@ARlELATOM no, I haven’t had time to upgrade the gearing like I did on my other Brompton, but mostly I need to get a telescoping seat post for it as it doesn’t fit me right with the standard post.

Looking forward to the CHPT 3 video.