Brompton Bicycle

This book provides an excellent review of the history of the Brompton, plus it offers tips on using and maintaining the Brompton, and it provides details on how the Brompton is made. Therein lies the difference between 'any-old' mass-manufactured folder, and the Brompton.The Brompton is hand-manufactured to customer specifications. I like that. In addition, the book also provides pictures to back up the details.If you are a collector of folders, this book provides Brompton Frame Serial Numbers in the Appendix, providing a range of frame numbers, and approximate date of manufacture -- very very helpful. In another portion of the Appendix, it gives you Profit and Sales Figures from 1987 forward.Given our global economy, and the deterioration of our environment, added to increased fuel costs, I'm betting Brompton's sales begin to sky-rocket shortly. Too bad it isn't listed on the New York Stock Exchange -- because it would probably be another winner like Amazon.comOwning a Brompton, and having tried other, lesser folders, I speak from experience when I say this is a luxury machine, well worth its price.Through reading this book, you come to understand why that quality IS STILL IN the Brompton -- and it is nice to know that the term 'quality workmanship' and 'repeat customer business' and 'ethical treatment of customers' are terms that still mean something, to some companies. (See page 107, 2nd edition).Nice work on the author's part. An excellent topic -- Bromptons!

This is a good companion for any Brompton owner or those just curious. I learned a lot about the technical details and history.It would be remiss to not point out how ineffectively it is organizationed. Some of the chapters feels like an afterthought with little regard to aforementioned. Many of the sections have the same title and go over essentially the same thing. While skimming through the book I'd find a paragraph title that was similar to a previous chapter and thus it made for an awkward read. Nevertheless I enjoyed it despite its awkwardness.

Bromptons Are the BestIf you have a Brompton (folding bicycle), you need this book. Not only does it present the captivating evolution and dedication that resulted in the UK’s singular bicycle major manufacturer, but it also includes technical information that makes ownership of a Brompton more enjoyable. The maintenance section alone is worth twice the price. A labor of love by the author.LMW 3-24-17

As a Brompton owner, I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it really exceeded any expectations I had had. As other reviewers have said, the author may have a bit of a pro-Brompton bias, but let's remember what the book is called. People who own Bromptons probably don't want to read about how wonderful the Bike Friday Tikit is and why they should buy it.The book has a surprising amount of hard data in it, beautifully accentuated by large photos on practically every single page. I do come from a scientific background, and some may find the technical data in the book to be a bit much, but I'd wager that if you don't care about the specs then you can just ignore that part of the writing and not lose that much of the crux of the book.The small section on maintenance should probably be supplemented with the Brompton's factory manual, but it's really helpful for advanced DIY servicing.Is this book for everyone? Probably not, but I think even non-Brompton owners could enjoy reading it; especially if they like bikes or stories of the most unlikely success. For being British, Ritchie had a distinctly American flavor to his story.

good historyup to quite recentHope Brexit doesn't tank their exports

Most likely if you're buying this book, you're already a Brompton bike owner. This book is a short but excellent companion for the bike, detailing the history of the folded bike as well as some useful information on maintaining the bike. Highly recommended if you're interested in this foldable mechanical marvel.

If you're a Brompton person like I am, this is a must have read.

Good product

A great book for Brompton enthusiasts. Loved reading about the history of the company and the bike.But it’s riddled with publishing issues. Different font colours and sizes in the body text from paraphraph to paragraph. On page 74 it even has repeated text. The print just seems such low quality.What is a really good book feels cheapened by poor publishing issues. A shame really.

If like me you own one of these amazing machines (or thinking of buying one, then this is a “must read” book. Crammed full of information; only criticism is it could really do with bringing up to date with a new addition. Worth buying none the less!

The book is fine if you are into learning about the Brompton as a concept and the whole history of several other folding bikes. The technical session though isn’t so great. I was expecting a book on all technical aspects of the Brompton, perhaps an in-depth journey through replacing and modifying the bike but sadly this isn’t it. My fault really I got tricked by the cover! However there is not doubt about the autho knowledge of the Brompton.

I am a bit of a Brompton nut and have been using one to commute for many years. This is a great (and the only) book about the history of the bikes. Full of interesting history and useful info about the bike and how to keep it serviced and running well. The illustrations aren't great and some of the adverts from the past show that though Brompton has always made a great bike some of their advertising ideas were not as smart as they might have been. Really enjoyed it.

If you love your Brommie and if you are thinking of buying this book you must, then this is the book for you. The interesting and absorbing tale of how single minded individuals with grit and determination can produce something of such quality and relevance it becomes a global icon. As London and major cities around the world go bike mad, then more people will surely come to value the ultimate in cheap, healthy and fun personal transport.