Brompton 44 tooth chainring

Brompton 44T Chainring

I have always found it difficult to pedal my Brompton on steep inclines even if I use the "granny gear" (Gear #1). I know it really boils down to the biker and not the bike, but humor me, will 'ya?

I learned that one possible reason for my "weakness" in cycling uphills is that my chainring could be too big--hence, harder for me to pedal. The stock chainring that came with my M6L was 50T. 

During commutes and bike tours, I usually use Gear #4. That's my normal gear. I interchange this with Gear #3 if there is a slight incline. When there is a hill to climb I shift to Gears #2 and #1. I rarely--RARELY, shift to Gears #5 and #6. I mean I get to use them only when I go downhill, but I really don't see the need to because I accelarate anyway.

So at the end of the day, I only use 4 out of my bike's 6 gears.

Hence my search for a smaller chainring!

I found out that some Brompton riders in my bike group had 44T chainrings and they use ALL 6 gears!

Now, that's what I want! A Brompton 44 Tooth Chainring, to make my life easier.

Anyhow, I was lucky to have a conversation with fellow Tikloper, Claro Alcantara, in Pagudpud last October because I found out that he was buying a Brompton from Flying Ball in Hongkong. I asked if he can order a 44T chainring for me together with his bike, and he gladly obliged.  

After a few weeks of waiting, my new chainring arrived! (Thanks so much, Manong Claro! Appreciate it!) It cost HK$500 (or about PhP 3,000.00).

I am so excited to use my new 44t chainring! Will have Mang Nestor of Tryon mount it on Brommie Skywalker this weekend!

With the conversion, I plan to be able to use Gears #5 and #6 as my normal gears and then have Gears 1, 2, 3 and 4 help me in climbing uphills.