Quote from: majorhavoc on April 02, 2023, 10:09:26 AM

Quote from: tirls on April 02, 2023, 09:39:17 AMIt was on sale with 10% off and my boss will pay 25%, so for 2300€. Still a lot more money than I'd ever thought I'll spend on a bike.

But the bike is already the redundancy for our car, and I have a unicycle in redundancy for the bike, and a scooter in redundancy for the unicycle.

Tactical bugout unicycle with pdw loadout. Pictures, please!

Local law enforcement would be thrilled, I'm sure.
I could offer bow and arrow and try for mongolian style, but I've got an English longbow so that might be difficult. Water pistols?
There are videos of the Thai police force practicing on electric unicycles however. Not sure how authentic they are or if it was ever really used, but those have been going around the internet for quite some time now.

It's heeere!

It's a Brompton Electric C line in the colour bumblebee with high handlebar and 6 gears.

Specs (according to manufacturer):

• steel framed
• 6 gears
• 17.4kg (battery included)/14.5kg (without)
• 64. 5 x 56.5 x 27cm folded
• 16" wheels
• 250kWh motor
• assistance up to 25km/h (3 modes)
• 300Wh 36V battery
• up to 70km reach

It 's also freakin' adorable.

Due to the weight and its low power I was septical if it could handle the hills here. I took it on a short test ride, only 2 km but all uphill and an elevation of up to 14%.
I managed it in the lowest assist mode and 3rd gear without being too much out of breath (and my lungs are pretty useless).

Some notes so far:
The weight is quite high for such a small bike. There are lighter options available if you need less gears or are willing to pay more. For anyone not living in an area with a lot of hills the 2 gear version should be enough (lighter and cheaper).
I could reduce the weight by about 2- 4kg by exchanging components. However I like all steel as I can mend it.

Nearly all parts are non standard.
This is however a problem that most folding bikes share and was a major factor why I chose a Brompton in the end. They are worldwide available and with over 1.000.000 bikes, parts are easy to get. Both used and from small independent manufacturers. But it's still something to consider.

The gears so far seem well balanced. They are however a bit funny.
It has a 2- speed derailleur and a 3 gear hub. It takes some getting used to as it essentially means you have a gear 1 low, gear 1 high, gear 2 low,...
However I absolutely love it. Since you change hub gears while not pedalling and cassette whilst, what it means is you always have another gear option. It's brilliant.

The motor is low power and the mode needs to be changed at the battery (no throttle lever or control at the handlebar).
It is assist only (here those are called pedelecs) and only up to 25km/h. That's an advantage in my case as it has the same regulations as a regular bike. Faster ones need special insurance and a driver license.

The front wheel motor is so far brilliant. I haven't had so much fun on a bike since I was 8.
I also zoomed past a car at a junction when we were both starting at the same time.

Without the battery it drives like a regular bike. Slightly less wheel spin due to the motor weight but not noticeable once you ride it.

The small size when folded means you can take it as hand luggage on most planes and it fits in the overhead compartment on buses and trains.

The tiny wheels and suspension at the front make it slightly finicky on bumpy roads. Think 70s racing bike.
It manages fine but there are better options.

It's also so incredible expensive. If it gets me out more and makes me less dependent (we only have 1 car) it's worth it. If not, they have a great resell value.
Still a lot of money.

If the weather keeps up I'm taking it on a longer test drive tomorrow and to work next week. I'm still unsure how it'll manage the 22% elevation and a 3km long hill with over 10%.
I 've got 14 days to test drive it. But so far I love it.

Mr. tirls laughed at me when I told him I send it back if it can't manage our hill, he already caught me petting it. It needs a name!

Tirly-bird? 

I don't remember the exact weight, but I did notice that it's much lighter than most of the bikes that I've been looking at!  However, it's also much smaller than even the folding bikes on my list, so that makes sense.  Please do a full review thread for it once you've had more time riding!

Quote from: tirls on April 05, 2023, 11:35:22 AMHowever I like all steel as I can mend it.

Okay, that changes completely the mental image I have of you.  Now it's...

Quote from: NT2C on April 05, 2023, 04:53:47 PM

Quote from: tirls on April 05, 2023, 11:35:22 AMHowever I like all steel as I can mend it.

Okay, that changes completely the mental image I have of you.  Now it's...

Nothing as interesting. I can do a very ugly but somewhat functional weld.