VIDEO: How To Speak Brompton

It's been quite some time since Brompton hit the Philippine/South East Asian market already (probably 3-4 years), but if you're late on the boat, this video will explain the different letters and numbers that make up the Brompton models. You'll understand what S, M, P, H, E, R, L, 1, 2, 3, and 6 each mean.

Happy viewing!

VIDEO: A Day in the Life of a Brompton Owner

Video: BUC QC 2016

Here is the official video of the Brompton Urban Challenge - Quezon City 2016. It was made by Memoris Lensworks.

Brompton Urban Challenge - Quezon City 2016

Last 29 May 2016, Brompton Philippines organized the the first Brompton Urban Challenge (or BUC) in South East Asia. BUC is Brompton’s version of an alleycat race, where teams of four Bromptoneers bike around town on a treasure hunt doing all sorts of challenges and taking photos of objects or landmarks (it’s like a local Amazing Race on folding bikes).

B-Tols getting ready for the race.

The event was held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. A total of 18 teams showed up at A/S Parking Lot, 7am that Sunday for what was going to be a morning of adventure and excitement. I joined BUC-QC 2016 with three of my Brompton riding friends, Dr. Arman Lee, Eugene Buenaventura, and Larry Ronquillo. We called ourselves the B-Tols (a play on the name Beatles with B standing for Brompton and 'tols' as a shortcut for utol—never mind, it’s a corny name).

Anyway, the lead marshal of the event, Brian Rivera, called us in at 7:15am to explain to us the mechanics of the race. He then gave all teams the race cards containing the instructions, clues and challenges. Arman, Eugene, Larry and I reviewed the race card and planned out our route. The race started precisely at 7:30am.

Our chosen first task was to ride on a UP IKOT jeepney. Eugene did this task. 

I split from the group and dropped by the International Center to do another challenge. I had to count the number of flagpoles at the IC. 14. 

I then caught up with my teammates at the UP Shopping Center. Our third task was to find as many Brompton stickers around the SC. It was so difficult. The stickers were so small. It was going to take us forever if we stayed, so we decided to go on to the next task, which was to look for a Brompton item at the Bahay ng Alumni. 

We found a Brompton book in the display case of Art Cafe. We took a group photo and hurriedly left.

dOur fifth task was to go to the Carillon and take another group photo in front of it. It was just across the Bahay ng Alumni, so we were done in minutes.

We then proceeded to Quezon Hall where the Oblation statue was situated. We did three tasks there.

We took a track stand photo in front of the statue, we taught a stranger how to fold and unfold a Brompton, and we crammed our Brompton bikes in a tiny e-tricycle. 

From Quezon Hall, we biked around the UP oval to the Sunken Garden. We carried our bikes to the center and posed for another group photo. This time in front of the UP standees.

Team B-Tols then rushed back to the A/S Parking Lot. Our final task was to answer trivia questions about Brompton the company. Silly me, I didn’t read the instructions thoroughly. It said to log on to a blog for the answers. Instead, we searched for the answers using Google. After we filled it up, we biked straight to the finish line.

Doc Arman, Eugene, Larry, and yours truly.

We were the first one in! We clocked in at 52:58.

However, when the checkers reviewed our race card, they penalized us an extra 5 minutes for the wrong answer as to the number of Brompton stickers in SC, and another 5 minutes for not following instructions on the trivia questions. So our official time was 1:02:58.

I was so nervous. I thought for sure I cost the team the win.

While we waited for the others, we refreshed ourselves with drinks from Pocari Sweat and Gold Leaf Tea. We also got our loot bags, which contained a BUC-QC 2016 dri-fit shirt, a cotton shirt, a Camelbak water bottle, Edlee arm socks, some drinks, and bread. Not bad! Not bad at all! (The registration fee was PhP600/member)

Brompton slowest race

Brompton Philippines also organized other contests such as fastest folder, fastest one armed folder, a relay race, and a slowest race. 

At around 11 the organizers announced the winners from fifth to first place. Believe it or not, 10 minute penalty notwithstanding, Team B-Tols won the first Brompton Urban Challenge in the Philippines!!!

First prize were Suunto Ambit 3 Sport HR watches for each of us!!! How awesome is that?!?!

Photo courtesy of Brompton Philippines

Thank you Brompton Philippines, Suunto, Pocari Sweat, Gold Leaf, Edlee Designs, other sponsors, Brompton Club of the Philippines and BUC-QC 2016 volunteers! I had a blast! Can’t wait for next year’s BUC!!!

O Tukso Layuan Mo Ako

Oh my God, Brompton just launched its newest luggage collection. I'm such a sucker for Brompton products. I first got a folding basket. Then when the T-Bag became available, I snagged that one too. Later, I picked me up one of them Mini-O Bags. 

And now this! A new line of Brompton luggage!!!

They have a new line called 'Modern'. There's a tote bag, a roll top shoulder bag, a regular shoulder bag, and a saddle pouch. Of these, I fell in love with the brown waxed cotton roll top shoulder bag (shown above). It retails for £100 (or PhP6,650.00).

Brompton kept their 'Classic' line, but made minor improvements, and introduced new color trims and finishes. They also still have their 'Premium' line, but I didn't even care to browse them because they're all prohibitively expensive!

I'm really setting my sights on that brown waxed cotton roll top shoulder bag. Damn you, Will Butler Adams!

VIDEO: Brompton Urban Challenge Rotterdam 2015

I like this new video because it showcases that part of the world more famous for its use of city bikes--The Netherlands. The language is Dutch so I didn't understand a single word, but the views of the City of Rotterdam were astonishing. I look forward to bike my Brompton there.

VIDEO: Fake Brompton

Strida and Brompton Folding Bikes and FAKES from Mark Sanders on Vimeo.

This video, taken from a BBC program, shares Andrew Ritchie's unsuccessful story of establishing a Brompton Asian manufacturing facility (much like Vespa's in Vietnam) and how it morphed into a legal battle over the Brompton patent.

VIDEO: The New Brompton Black Edition

I haven't done upgrades to my Brompton in a long time. For Brompton users here in the Philippines, the rage is all about replacing stock parts with titanium counterparts--everything and anything to make the bike lighter. From seat posts to handle bars to hinge clamps. I have to confess, I haven't installed a single titanium replacement on my Brompton. Yes, I like it to be lighter, but I find the parts and accessories too expensive for my blood. May be next time. 

Anyway, back in London, Brompton unveiled its new Black Edition folding bike. If you prefer a one time big time upgrade from your standard Brompton, may be this is the upgrade for you! 

Using the Gears in your 6 speed Brompton

I remember when I first used my M6L I couldn't figure out how the gears worked. It was weird and confusing. Glad that Brompton came out with this basic tutorial on how to change gears on a 6 speed Brompton.

Brompton Saddle Height Insert

I use a permanent marker to fix the height of my saddle, but the marking gets erased and I eventually have to guess the correct height. With this new insert from Brompton, you won't have to worry pulling up your saddle as it will lock at the correct height.

Brompton Urban Challenge in London

We should organize something like this in the Philippines. Best place siguro would be Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

It's back! The 2nd Manila Folding Bike Festival is on June 21, 2014!

The 2nd Manila Folding Bike Festival will be held next month (June 21, 2014) at Tiendesitas Mall, Pasig, Metro Manila. If you are new to folding bikes or are interested on buying one, then this is the perfect activity for you. You can meet other folding bike enthusiasts and join a club. You can also see the different kinds of folding bikes out there. I know some bike shops who sell folding bikes will have their own booths there, and you can buy from them directly.

There will also be a bike contest. If you want to enter your folding bike, here are the rules:

1. Participant is allowed to enter a maximum of five (5) bikes.

2. The categories are:

• Best 12" wheel size folding bike
• Best 14" wheel size folding bike
• Best 16" wheel size folding bike
• Best 18" wheel size folding bike
• Best 20" wheel size folding bike
• Best 24" or 26" wheel size folding bike
• Best Off-size folding bike
• Best Brompton folding bike

3. Early registration fee is P250.00 per bike, until June 16, 2014. On-site registration on the day of the event is P300.00 per bike.

Deposit payment to:
Account Name: Jose Ma. Kanlapan
Account No.: 380172577

4. Email a copy of the deposit slip as proof of payment to foldingbikepilipinas@gmail.com along with the following details: 

• Name
• Address
• Contact numbers
• Bike Category
• Bike brand
• Bike model
• Bike color
• Year manufactured

5. In the alternative, you can click on this link to register on-line.

6. Bring your bike to Tiendesitas on June 21, 2014, at 8:00am, and look for event organizers from FBP. Bring your deposit slip and one government issued ID.

Winners will win prizes. I don't know what they are yet, but I'll update this entry when I find out. This activity is organized by our friends from Folding Bike Pilipinas (FBP).

For those of you  who are curious, the first folding bike fair was held back in 2012 at The Collective in Makati City. 

See you in Tiendesitas! Save the date! June 21, 2014!

Boy, has BCP grown!

Photo by Al Castillo

We started out with less than a dozen members back in September 2011. Today, less than three years later, Brompton Club of the Philippines has reached more than 200 members!

With Tonette and Stephen.

Last April 12, 2014, the club organized a meet and greet at Bonifacio Global City and a whopping 100 members were able to attend. That's a lot of Bromptons. The sudden surge in membership is attributable to the opening of dealerships in the country this year. I think we'll reach 300 by the end of 2014, if not earlier.

Meet and greets are great because I get a chance to get back in touch with friends and get introduced to new ones. And it's cool to meet a new member who bought a Brompton and joined the club because of this blog. May katuturan din pala yung pagsulat ko dito. Hehehe. 

This April Meet and Greet was made even better because this time, self-trained Brompton experts like Lucio Binalla here, got to share their knowledge and teach new members how to maintain their bikes, and particularly on this photo, how to change the challenging rear tire.

Here's to more members, more meet and greets, and more rides! Hopefully, if we reach a dlarge enough membership, we can pressure local governments and private establishments to recognize folding bikes as legitimate forms of transportation, and protect our rights as commuters. Onto 300!

Brompton Game Bag

I'm a sucker for anything Brompton. I have the Brompton Took Kit. For bags, I started with the Brompton Folding Basket. Then I traded that for a Brompton T Bag. Later on, I also got myself the Brompton Ortleib Mini-O Bag. So when Brompton came out with the Game Bag recently, it got me excited. And who wouldn't be? It's a nice looking bag that attaches to my front carrier block!

But the price. Naman! US$400! Sure, it's hand-made, using quality materials, in England, but come on! That's the price of a decent Dahon folding bike already. $200 pwede pa sana.

I'm a Brompton fan, but the Game Bag is too rich for my blood. 

Brompton is finally coming to the Philippines

After years of having to travel abroad just to procure Brompton parts and accessories, the UK-made folding bicycle is finally coming to the Philippines! The guys at Buzzwheel Marketing Corp. recently snagged the local distributorship and will soon supply the following bike dealers with Bromptons, spare parts and accessories:

Quezon City:
Iron Bike
Cool stuff 168

Makati:
BPM
Bike Town Cyclery

Pasay:
Paulinas (Cartimar)
Paulinas (MOA) [coming soon]

Alabang:
Grantrail Cycle

Marikina:
John Wilkie

For more information, visit the company's FB page at www.facebook.com/bromptonphilippines.

Hay salamat, di na kelangan pumunta pa ng Hong Kong o Singapore para bumili ng spare parts, bags, saddles, carriers, fenders at iba pang accessories.

Road to BWC 2014

The road to the Brompton World Championship 2014 (July 26, Goodwood Motor Circuit) starts now. National championships will be held at Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and USA.

I've owned a Brompton for years now, but have not been able to attend the BWC in the UK due to work and studies, plus it's too far from the Philippines. I wish the BWC will be taken around the world just like the Olympics. Given that the bike has already attained global status, other places can host the BWC. Like, for example, next year's BWC could be in Europe, the following year it could be in Asia. Isn't it eventually going to get boring if the BWC is held in the same country every year?

BCP 2nd Anniversary

BCP in Intramuros, Manila.

Brompton Club of the Philippines (BCP) recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary last September 7, 2013. And my, has the club grown! From merely 11 members back in 2011, BCP now has more than 100 members! It's 10 times the size it was 2 years ago!

I was lucky to be in Manila when the group celebrated this momentous occasion. I took out Brommie Skywalker from its case (haven't ridden it in months), inflated the tires, and took it for a spin around the neighborhood before going to Mall of Asia.

Look at all those Bromptons! Can you find Brommie Skywalker?

We assembled at SM MOA that Saturday morning. When those of us who could make it were complete (I counted 42 attendees), we biked south and headed for Intramuros.

We passed Macapagal Ave., through the CCP complex, then to the Baywalk along Roxas Blvd. Thank God, the weather cooperated that day.

Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of the members. I do have a photo of the Bromptons. :)

We stopped in front of Kilometer 0 at Luneta Park for a group photo op. It was unfortunate that they were repairing the Rizal monument. the group photo would have been better taken there. From the park, BCP proceeded to Intramuros. We stopped in front of the Manila Cathedral for another group photo. And then for another one at the Presidents' Gallery on Sta. Lucia Street before we headed back to the ASEANA complex for lunch.

Here I am with Brommie Skywalker in front of the Pres. Marcos bronze tablet.

It's so nice to see the Brompton community grow bigger in the Philippines. Other than making new friends, when there's more of us riding these folding bikes, it increases the chances for us to be acknowledged on the streets and accepted in establishments. I hope that by this time next year, there will be twice as much, if not more.

Mabuhay ang BCP! May our tribe increase!

Video: Vincita B-132B Brompton Transport Bag

Here in South East Asia, we're lucky to have Vincita in Thailand to produce an affordable alternative to Brompton's more expensive B-bag Soft Travel Case. Check out my product review of the B-132B Transport Bag from last year. 

Here is Vincita's new video featuring their soft travel case for the Brompton. Visit the company's website at www.vincita.co.th for international orders.

Video: Brompton World Championship 2013

Well, another year has gone by, and again I miss the Brompton World Championship. This time due to on-going studies here in New Zealand. So today, we have no choice but to settle with watching this video of BWC 2013.

Hopefully, next year I will be able to participate!

Brompton Toolkit

This entry is delayed by more than four months since I got the Brompton Toolkit early this year. My apologies for this late post.

The Brompton Toolkit

In the past I carried my tools in the nylon saddle bag which came with the Brompton cover. As convenient as it is, the saddle bag did not fit well with the elegant design of a folded Brompton. To be honest, that bag was ugly.

So I was delighted when Brompton announce that it was coming out with a toolkit that fit inside the bike's main frame. How awesome was that?! So, just for the sake of having a toolkit concealable within the bike, I had to get one. Never mind if dozens of users complained about the flimsiness of the tire levers, nothing was going to stop me from owning this work of art.

As luck would have it a fellow BCP member bought extra from the U.S. He raffled them off in one of our rides last February. Unfortunately, I did not win the right to buy it. But fortunately, one of the winners noticed my disappointment and he offered his place. (Thanks, Eric!) I bought it for PhP 4,000 (approx. US$95.00). Nycewheels sells it for US$79.00.

The toolkit comes with the basic tools a cyclist needs: patches, sand paper, and a ratchet handle with phillips & flat head screwdrivers, as well as allen wrenches. I've used the screwdriver to install my rear light and the allen wrench to adjust my Brooks saddle.

The ratchet handle doubles as a socket wrench. Useful when you want to unscrew a wheel nut.

Finally, the toolkit comes with tire levers. Now I haven't had a flat since I bought the toolkit so I haven't used them, but there are reports and complaints that these levers are easily breakable. In fact according to Nycewheels, Brompton acknowledge this flaw and has suspended the sale of the toolkit until the company can strengthen the design of the tire lever. Anyway, the tire levers looked flimsy from the get-go. I wouldn't have used them if I had to. 

I still like the toolkit. I get to use the wrenches and the screwdrivers, so it's still useful to me. Plus, the design! It's beautiful! I don't regret buying this.