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How and Why I Grocery Shop with my Brompton Folding Bike in the Suburbs
Today we'll walk through a full grocery shopping trip with my Brompton. Stay tuned to find out how all the details and why I love it!
Link to Bag:
vincita.cc/pro...
Use Coupon "BESTSIDECYCLING" for 10% off
Link to Bike:
Recently updated name to C Line
www.rei.com/pr...
Time Stamps:
Introduction - 0:00
Riding to Grocery Store - 1:36
Converting to Shopping Cart - 3:43
Grocery Shopping - 4:22
Riding Back Home - 5:50
Outro - 7:00
Пікірлер: 135
I've done this in Costco with the Omni wheels. I never felt so many eyes watching me as I shopped for regular groceries 😅
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
😂 the only tragedy at that point is with the setup in the video you'd probably only get away with two bulk sized items but I've seen people utilize the rack amazingly. I was more self conscious this trip just because I had a recording GoPro mount 🤣 but usually I just assume people are looking at me because it's so cool! 😎
@NoZenith
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling hahaha super 🥶
We wish there was a shot of how the bike rolls and is used while in the store instead of just showing the store aisles and no bike.
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
Good point! Haha I was too shy when filming this but I'll make a follow up video
This is awesome. I just recently acquired an ebike and love going grocery shopping with it. It's fun, I get to be out in the environment like a kid again and I get to use my sense of hearing and smell from all the honeysuckle along the way. It's like meditation while going to the grocery store, and might add takes away the need for me having a car. It's beautiful to have a car only as an option if one wants.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
That is awesome and totally agree. There's something great about making your commute part of the experience and the fun :)
@InfiniteTranscendence
Жыл бұрын
I hope to see you on a bike in my area Mr. Bear!
That's exactly how I do it! After shopping, arming your Brompton with the groceries and rolling away like a breeze is awesome!
Same here, that awkward distance and it’s why I just bought a Brampton. Thank you for this! Exactly what I needed and the coupon works! Thank you for that, too!
Brompton folding bikes are the best in the market. The quality of the bike and the riding comfort for urban bikers.
Love it ! I've just bought my Brompton a couple days ago and I absolute LOVE IT !
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
So glad that you're enjoying your Brompton! Such an awesome bike
Love it! My girlfriend and I get groceries by bike in Charlotte. I pull a dog trailer behind my commuter bike, and it works great. We just toss in some re-usable bags and off we roll. Weight and size capacity are more than enough. We have a very flat route from home to the grocery store, with store options at 1 mile and 1.5 miles. Keep up the good work.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! I definitely feel sort of goofy whenever I drive somewhere for only 3 minutes when we can just roll on!
Brilliant! Nice prez. again. A charming older lady demonstrated hers so proudly at NW Electric and Folding (Ballard) a few years back. And off she went, big smile!
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you again! Indeed, the Brompton and it's following are definitely a category of its own!
Cool, dont need a lock, bike wont be stolen, good idea.
OMG Thank you so much for this video!
@BestSideCycling
3 ай бұрын
You're welcome
What did you think of my trip? Is this something you would consider for your errands too? Remember to ROLL over the Like Button and Subscribe!
@matthewxcurry
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, and what brand/kind of shoes are those, please? Specialized for sport/biking or just coincidentally snappy looking? Thanks!
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
@@matthewxcurry these are the five ten Freeriders by adidas. They are flat pedals shoes and works great with my commuter bike
@sklegg
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling I’m going to get some fivetens as soon as I get my REI dividend.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
@@sklegg awesome! Enjoy :D I haven't thought about what I was going to spend mine on yet 🤣
@readyplayer2
2 жыл бұрын
I’m considering this for sure as a new Brompton owner (H6L; fenders but no rack). I also live about a mile from a supermarket. Are you happy with your choice of bag? I had been eyeing the Brompton Borough roll top bag but this looks like a nice option too.
Taking your bike into the store is a nice option. I’d love to ride to the grocery store but I’m not comfortable locking my bike up outside yet.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I feel comfortable locking it up over here on the east side but for me the kicker was the amount of time it took fiddling around with that. Being able to just roll in and out is awesome
@benwhite3227
2 жыл бұрын
I don’t have a Brompton, yet. Bike theft is a major problem in my area and locking the bike up is a hassle. Bringing the bike inside would solve all that and I wouldn’t need to load, unload and load the cart again, then unload the cart into the bike. The way the Brompton folds is awesome, especially having the chain on the inside when folded. I want a Brompton, very much!
Superb video really practical example of the Bromptons versatility .
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks and agreed! Definitely impressed by it so far
hello, I really enjoyed the video and how well you explain it, I love your walks through your city and I watch all the videos you post, I really enjoy seeing the city and the places you show us, greetings and until the next video 😊👍
If doing this you definitely need the wheel extender to give the folded Brompton more stability when wheeling/pulling it around. I would add that it is a must have addition anyway as without it the folded Brompton can on occasions topple over which is annoying and inevitably ends up with scratching something or the bike itself. I have an M6 L with an aftermarket ACE aluminium rear rack which looks far nicer than the OE one and is also much lighter. You can also attach panniers to it should you wish. Lots of carrying capacity with the front 31 litre T bag.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Great tips and points! Have you found good places to source the extender in North America? They definitely seem a lot harder to get but will look into it
@alexmorgan3435
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling Amazon. There are lots for sale on Amazon. I live in the UK so didn't need to source one in North America.
@thomask837
2 жыл бұрын
I do this without an extender. Shopping isles are level and smooth.
I'm about 1.8 miles from my grocery store, which does start to benefit a car more than a bike on time of travel, but it always felt like a waste of a drive to get groceries at the distance, which is actually why I bought a bike after years without one. I have found though with full sized grocery stores, that I've never had one upset with me bringing my bike in to use as a grocery cart(it's the same relative size as a grocery cart). Though the benefits of a Brompton still have had me interested in getting one for groceries and other trips where I don't want to bring a full-sized bike inside.
@gohumberto
Жыл бұрын
You think 1.8 miles benefits driving in a car? Jesus H Christ. I'm guessing that you are American. Literally 10 minutes door to door on a bike. By the time you've parked and walked it's quicker on the bike.
Getting my Brompton in a couple of days cannot wait !
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
Enjoy the bike!!
Nice setup!
@BestSideCycling
18 күн бұрын
It's really is great for getting groceries. My favorite activity
Thank you for the detailed explanation of the trolley-folding process. I got my brommie last friday so I'm still confused when to lower the saddle and when not.
@BestSideCycling
3 ай бұрын
Yeah, there's definitely a learning curve and little tips/tricks! Let me know if you have any questions.
Nice color. 👍 I also have a British Racing Green brommie.
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
😂 yes! One of the few times my favorite color actually shows up. Racing Green!
@lonestarlaurel
9 ай бұрын
Guess that’s 3 for three here. Luck of the draw tho’ bcz I do enjoy those fun pastel sherbet colors too.
Love that color. I want one
The Safeway is 1.3 miles away. I grab my backpack, a cup of my fav hot tea and go for a nice walk. I love riding my bike but I really enjoy the simplicity of just walking and carrying my groceries home on my back.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Fair enough! 😂 Ten minutes is sort of my normal walking distance threshold, after that it's a even more serious arms work out for me carrying groceries :P
@mcsequoia5107
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling I loved both of my Bike Fridays. I even toured on one. It was great. I wish I had a lifestyle that I could make good use of the Brompton's quick, easy and clean fold. I just really like small wheeled bikes. I'm very interested in getting a Tern, Dahon or Zizzo.
What a lovely folding bike.
This is so cool! I just got a brompton, I can't wait to try this out.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Let me know how it goes. Which model did you get?
@alexk1888
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling Wellllll since I'm a broke student I bought a Litepro knockoff 😅 It's a 6-speed with M-style handlebars and a rack. The only major difference from a Brompton is the clamping mechanism, which is slower and a bit fiddly, but overall I really like it! I had to upgrade to a Brook's saddle obviously. I've taken it on the bus and the Link a few times now, and it's so easy to store in my little Tukwila apartment. Once the weather improves a little I've got some big rides planned!
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
@@alexk1888 all good. Forgot to call it out in the video but there's definitely lots of 3 part folder alternatives. Nice, have fun!
I have got a SuperlightM6LXBrompton with a similar T-bag, and it is easy to walk round in a shop with the folded bike. I have just mounted two 10 cm easy-wheels on my extended axle with a lightweight carbon tube in the middle. ;-)
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Very nice! Love all the custom set-ups that everyone has, keep riding :)
@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188
Жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling I actually have two titanium racks, of which I have added none, as I mostly use a bag in front! But I have a Vincita padded pouch for use on my folding pedal, when folded (It is absurdly expensive though, so I won't recommend it in any way! but it do function for it purpose.)
Thanks helpful videon👍🏻🙂
I don't know about the US shops but here in the UK the supermarkets have cameras on you from the moment you enter. Some stores will not let you use your own bag to carry items to the till because we are all assumed to be shoplifters. I, hopefully, will have a Brompton in the next couple of weeks and really want to use it to shop. Fingers are crossed that my local supermarket will allow it.
@krob9145
2 жыл бұрын
I've seen someone shopping with a Brompton in store in the UK. If you do the scan and shop where available you get to scan, pay & pack your groceries in your own bag as you shop. No need to queue.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah US grocery shops have increasingly been moving to self check out and putting fees on buying bags: so using your own bags is moreorless encouraged.
@kentwydell9322
2 жыл бұрын
As an alternative to using the bike as the cart, you could carry the folded bike in or under the supermarket trolly.
@paulroberts01
2 жыл бұрын
I fold it and put the bike in a trolley.
@bromptinowner763
2 жыл бұрын
Just do it ! A bag is a bag whether its yours or the shops, i never give it a thought, they can only challenge you for stealing outside the shop, enjoy your brompton !
What a blast!!!!!!!! Warmest regards Jennie
Very nice color.
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
Haha thank you! Very Pacific north west
Nice video 👍👍👍! New Brompton owner here. Curious but haven’t got a chance to use Brompton for shopping. Someday!
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations and welcome to the club! Nice, hopefully soon you'll get the chance to try it out
The big dark side of Brompton is the frame of which is not made of alloy instead it is steel prone to rusty,
Pretty slick setup.
The best thing about a bag is that you don’t need other bags. It makes sense but i think everyone knew that, somehow.
I don’t bother folding my Brompton when I take it into the store. It’s smaller than a shopping card and is less cumbersome to walk around. Dragging it around folded is a balancing act that gets tiring.
@lonestarlaurel
9 ай бұрын
A share here …. I found changing up the wheels for added height helped a lot with easier rolling, same with adding the rear rack. The little extended axle gadget will be next for ultra rolling stability. I love my bike. No one batted an eye when I brought it into a fine dining restaurant and parked it under the table, or in Costco when I put it in the cart. lol My ortho doc and her staff were really happy to see it in their office.
In Germany not allowed to take a Brompton into a grocery store
Another great video; very helpful, thank you. Have you had the opportunity to compare the Vincita Birch to the Brompton Borough Roll Top Bag (Large) for shopping? They're about the same price here in the UK, but there's nowhere local to compare the two. Any advantages/disadvantages that you can point out? Thanks for any advice!
@BestSideCycling
9 ай бұрын
Hrmmm, at this point I'd probably recommend the Brompton Borough Roll Top Bag Large. It just has a lot more capacity than the Birch. The Birch has some niceities being a slightly compact form factor and easier to use buckle but it strikes me now as a better choice as an office commute bag. The Borough Roll Top Bag is basically just a big empty duffel bag.
I use my car for grocery and normal MTB for riding.
You got a Brompton, and from REI 🧐🤔😊🤗🙋♂️🙂
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Indeed I did 😂
I have question to shopping like you did, do you need the rear rack? or can the new T line with two wheel at back and one little one wheel on the rear fender also do this? I would love to have seen a close up shot how much clearance you have when rolling the bike in a shop, how big the wheels most be...
@BestSideCycling
4 ай бұрын
The T-Line should also work with this but to be honest nowadays I actually just roll my bike around the grocery store and no one minds.
Which country are you based in?
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
USA!
I love taking my Brompton for errands including grocery runs! Unfortunately it does get a little awkward when my wife and I take our bikes to a restaurant or smaller stores due to the extra space it takes up. Would you consider doing a video for these situations?
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a fun idea!
@AliZurix
Жыл бұрын
if people can bring bags, backpacks, luggage then why would i feel awkward bringing my folded brompton? think about it this way.
Have you ever had difficulty getting your Brompton into places such as coffee shops or restaurants? A café employee recently instructed me to leave my folded bike outside the shop, which is located in front of a bus stop near the crowded market. I didn't bring a bicycle lock, and the coffee shop didn't have a secure bicycle parking area. I'm living in Thailand. Is it OK, for example, to bring a folded bike into a Starbucks and leave it at my seat? Finally, I decided to leave the shop because I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my bike outside unattended.
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
In North America, generally no: people see it the same as if you were carrying a small luggage with you. Most stores here has enough room to let you bring it inside.
@weekdaycycling
Жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling Someone commented on my bringing my foldable to the shop, saying that its wheels were probably full of dirt and germs.
@misstubbie1313
Жыл бұрын
I live in Mexico, and I have had that issue when visiting large department stores. Maybe they don't want their floors to get dirty or maybe consider the folded bike too cumbersome or that you may knock down some exhibit. Fortunately I was carrying a U-lock on that particular occasion and left my back in a designated bike parking area in the store's parking lot with at least one security guard watching the bikes, so I did leave it. I was apprehensive about my bike the whole time so I try not to do that and bring the Brompton with me at all times.
LOL, I thought you would be riding a mamachari like the certain anime character....
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Haha, maybe if the USA had a similar biking culture to Japan where you could just leave your bike out in front of the store!
Can you add thicker knobby tires?
Nice video! Which model is your bike?
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! It's the Brompton C Line Explore Mid Folding Bike with Rack
Theirs is no way you telling me that bike is faster than a normal urban bike, I tried that bike today, it’s slow, not energy efficient at all. 10 pedal rotations equals 2-3 rotations on my 29” bike. Don’t even want start mentioning the bumpy ride you get out of that.
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
In the context video, it's faster for getting groceries because you don't have to lock or unlock the bike and can go right inside! A Brompton is clearly not as fast as a normal bike all-up as it doesn't hold as much momentum or top speed but I'm able to hold 15-16 mph on the flats with it which is plenty.
Some days you don't feel like being the centre of attention in a store, and that is enough of a deal breaker and deterrent to leave the Bromoton at home and take your other, more conventional bike.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
That's fair but at least for me I feel like if I'm rarely looked at and if anything people are just curious about other ways you can grocery shop!
@optomediainc
2 жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling Yes, the attention is generally very positive and of a curious nature, but nevertheless, sometimes you just want to be Joe Blow in the crowd. I find that it's a balance. The more sketchy the neighbourhood, the more you are inclined to take the Brompton, and that works out because usually downtown had the most sketchy neighbourhoods, but due to its busy nature, downtown also usually has the fewest Brompton gawkers too.
Great video! Where did you buy the bag? Thanks
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
vincita.cc/products/b207ax-birch-brompton-front-bag-2-0 This is the one in the video. I've come to really like my Borough Roll Top Bag too.
Hi, wondering how comfortable is the seat?
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
The default seat is workable but maybe for not so long distances (I'm more used to the road saddles). Though people often change them out for the Brooks leather ones!
@tineyamful
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, good to know.
And - what model of Brompton is this? Thank you! Jennie
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
M6R Brompton otherwise known as the CLine
Nice😂
Where did you buy it from
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
The bike from REI here in USA! The bag is online from Vincita, a Thailand based bag manufacturer.
Handyman
Your road is pretty awful !!! Makes riding with small wheels a bit uncomfortable. - I have 2 electic Bromptons & try to avoid bad roads if possible.
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that initial part is pretty bumpy: been impressed with what the Brompton has been able to handle though even with the 16" wheels.
YOUR bag is not very spacious, I like bags like the T bag and the one by Valerie and even by vincita bags are good..
@BestSideCycling
Жыл бұрын
Agreed, my new Brompton Borough bag is huge in comparison.
@kanikasingh889
Жыл бұрын
@@BestSideCycling yes they are amazing
I have a similar Brompton green one - in -one, only a C17 Cambium saddle and a bag I use Brompton Boraught!Brompton turned out to be a lousy brand, unfortunately, which abandoned its customers and supported sanctions against Russia!I am a simple doctor and not connected with the war and have no weapons! Visa and MasterCard are gone too !We remembered it !No one will use more of their cards on the territory of the Slavs
@lonestarlaurel
9 ай бұрын
Yeah, well I guess the alt to sanctions would be to just ignore that invasion, or cheer? 😮
Because you can't afford a real ebike.
I've been riding this bike for about a month kzread.infoUgkxwC0IIeIomGQVeBWg-kKJaToZkLEFIA2W and a half now and I think it's fantastic. It helps me get to work on time every day since I'm able to fit it inside of public transportation rush hour. The price is great too, people are always shocked when they ask me how much I paid for the fold up and I tell them "200". It's easy to fold and installation when it ships is insanely easy. All you have to install when the bike arrives is one foot pedal, everything else is done for you. I do recommend you carry some sort of wrench to tighten any loose screws on the handle bar and seat whenever they get a little bit loose. Other than that I think it's a fantastic bike. Easily fits in the home, can fit inside a car trunk and can even fit in subway rush hour.
I do this kind of shop all the time on my brompton, load up with stuff around the store and unload it all to pay for at the checkout, never been challenged to use store baskets only, can only buy the amount of stuff that fits in my brompton basket bag, love it !!
@BestSideCycling
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah for sure it's a great convenience and feels good not having to drive