Two Brompton bikes in the cali?

[Palm]

Someone who has a good idea of how to get along with two Brompton bikes on the trip. Without hanging on the bike rack or remove the bed extension with mattress. The bikes are not small enough to slip in under the bed extension nor is above the mattress the best place. We have ruled out the place behind the right chair it works on shorter trips. We believe that they will make it difficult on a more extended trip an it rules out a quick cup of tea or coffee at the roadside.

 

[MattBW]

@SimonB is your man for that question

 

[Amarillo]

Someone who has a good idea of how to get along with two Brompton bikes on the trip. Without hanging on the bike rack or remove the bed extension with mattress. The bikes are not small enough to slip in under the bed extension nor is above the mattress the best place. We have ruled out the place behind the right chair it works on shorter trips. We believe that they will make it difficult on a more extended trip an it rules out a quick cup of tea or coffee at the roadside.

We hauled two Bromptons around Europe for a year. They went in a low fold on the rack.

This kept the vehicle under 2m. We have bags for both Bromptons, so they could be stowed fully folded behind the driver's seat. They can also go under the Beach's multiflex.


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[Hotel California]

I carry 2. Bromptons on the rear metal shelf ( they don't go with us on every trip) , usual only one comes allong .
We don't have a matrass on the shelf and just place them on there standing folded up in normal position.
They do take up a lot of space , a tow bar storagebox would be ideal .

 

[trailtrotters]

We take two in the bags on all our trips in same location as HC but standing upright on top of the padded shelf (right hand side). We have a webbed strap to hold them together for extra stability and have luggage packed to the left of them which stops any movement. Really easy to get them in and out and we are very pleased we bought them. We have a strong but flexible piece of black plastic sheeting across the shelf to keep it clean.

 

[CDinFrance]

For interest, we have a Bike Friday folding tandem which fits nicely on the floor between seats. In a bag of course. Thinking of also getting a new electric Brompton...

 

[RichardH]

We used to take full sized bikes on a rear carrier, but now always travel with our two Bromptons in their travel bags, upright on the back shelf. That still leaves plenty enough storage for us even on long trips and it’s an easier option. It helps that we always sleep upstairs.

 

[Borris]

We have two brand new Bromptons which we've used twice to date. Unfortunately, we've tried two different saddles so far but still haven't found anything remotely comfortable. The Bromton ones are instruments of torture! Other than the seat issue and the price, these bikes are brilliant for using with a Cali. They are very well made and easy to use.

Anyway, when we have taken them away in our Cali they get packed in their carrying bags and travel in the rear compartment behind the front seats. I don't like the usual external rear door bike rack solution for aesthetic and security reasons. So the compact Bromton bike is ideal for our needs.

 

[Jay586]

I have a Gazelle Dutch bike, totally unsuitable for a van, but the most comfortable saddle ever...maybe go dutch, Borris?

 

[California Dreamin]

We go for two on the back carrier at half mast so we can fly under the 2m restricted sanef tag channels on the French tolls at 30kph.

 

[trailtrotters]

Our Brompton riding experience has greatly improved since we invested £3 each in padded seat covers from a Pound shop.

 

[California Dreamin]

Brooks B17 Special.

 

[Borris]

Since I'm nearly sixty five and no longer built like a racing snake (not that I ever was), I've been thinking about procuring two of these Brooks beauties:



Remember these?......designed in an era when comfort came before aesthetics. Yes, I know it's the sort of thing you'd have found on a 1950's butchers bike but we being products of the 1950s, I think they will suit us very well indeed. The only question now is will they fit on the Brompton saddle post.

 

[Amarillo]

Since I'm nearly sixty five and no longer built like a racing snake (not that I ever was), I've been thinking about procuring two of these Brooks beauties:

View attachment 35723

Remember these?......designed in an era when comfort came before aesthetics. Yes, I know it's the sort of thing you'd have found on a 1950's butchers bike but we being products of the 1950s, I think they will suit us very well indeed. The only question now is will they fit on the Brompton saddle post.

Yes.

I have an unsprung Brooks saddle on my Brompton. It took about five years to break in.


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[Paulro]

We have 2. Keep them on the rear shelf covered in £2.99 seemingly purpose built bags from ikea. I have a brooks b17 and my partner a nice padded female seat from decathlon. I did 90 mins earlier today, no problem.

 

[Borris]

Yes.

I have an unsprung Brooks saddle on my Brompton. It took about five years to break in.


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Hmm, unfortuntely I don't think my bum will put up with five years of torture!

 

[Rocoloco]

Mine Brooks is sprung, and excellent and is a sweet ride. Highly Recommended! Your bum will be pleased

 

[capt kirk]

Our Brompton riding experience has greatly improved since we invested £3 each in padded seat covers from a Pound shop.

you were done

 

[Borris]

you were done

I should say so. At a 300% mark up that's outrageous!

 

[motacyclist]

Since I'm nearly sixty five and no longer built like a racing snake (not that I ever was), I've been thinking about procuring two of these Brooks beauties:

View attachment 35723

Remember these?......designed in an era when comfort came before aesthetics. Yes, I know it's the sort of thing you'd have found on a 1950's butchers bike but we being products of the 1950s, I think they will suit us very well indeed. The only question now is will they fit on the Brompton saddle post.

£129? Do you get a bike included?

 

[Borris]

£129? Do you get a bike included?

Regrettably not. However better that than the standard offering which is almost as comfortable as dinner with Vlad the Empaler.

 

[Amarillo]

Regrettably not. However better that than the standard offering which is almost as comfortable as dinner with Vlad the Empaler.

We visited his home in April.

Although less than inviting from the outside, it was comfortable and snug inside.

And to bring this back on-topic, we cycled there from “Vampire Camping”, four of us on two Bromptons.

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[SimonB]

How do the children's seats fit on Tom? We much preferred the cross bar seats on a conventional bike to the seat on the rear carrier. When the child is in between your arms they can talk to you and we thought they were warmer too. At the back our son got bored and eventually broke off a stick from a tree we passed and stuck it in the spokes to see what would happen.
Simon

 

[Borris]

We visited his home in April.

Although less than inviting from the outside, it was comfortable and snug inside.

And to bring this back on-topic, we cycled there from “Vampire Camping”, four of us on two Bromptons.

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Fabulous and your post suggests that you turned down the stake dinner!

"Vampire camping" sounds interesting. Does that all that Vlad, vampire, Dracula stuff plays a big part in the local tourist economy?

What are the boys sitting on?

Great photos.

 

[Amarillo]

How do the children's seats fit on Tom? We much preferred the cross bar seats on a conventional bike to the seat on the rear carrier. When the child is in between your arms they can talk to you and we thought they were warmer too. At the back our son got bored and eventually broke off a stick from a tree we passed and stuck it in the spokes to see what would happen.
Simon

The Brompton fold is a little awkward with the child seat, but it works.




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