Download Brompton Bicycle Owner`s manual

SECTION C: USING THE BROMPTON.
1. Tyre pressures:
BROMPTON high-pressure:
Recommended
Maximum
Record (C-type, see note):
Recommended
Maximum
FRONT 60 – 80 psi
100 psi
50 – 70 psi
75 psi
REAR
70 - 90 psi
100 psi
60 – 70 psi
75 psi
(Note: on the Raleigh Record tyres it is safe, because of the rim profile on the Brompton, to use
75 psi max. instead of the 55 psi marked on the tyre.)
The most appropriate pressure depends on your weight and
preference. On rough roads, it's obviously more comfortable if
you keep the pressures near the lower end of the ranges.
However, for minimum pedalling effort, use the higher
pressures.
With lower tyre pressures, the pedalling effort rapidly increases,
and the risk of punctures is higher: KEEP YOUR TYRES WELL
INFLATED.
A car-type valve is used, allowing various methods of inflation.
The Brompton HP pump is well suited, and can be kept on the
rear frame. You can also use a standard car foot- or hand-pump,
or an air line: with compressed air, say at a garage, the
pressure in the tyre will rise very quickly: so let the air enter in
short bursts, checking the pressure all the time. If you use a
standard bike pump with a flexible connector, you have to
unscrew the connector very swiftly to avoid air loss.
2. Gears:
Two gear systems are used on Bromptons, derailleur (left hand trigger) and hub gears (right hand
trigger). To keep things simple, follow two rules for changing gear:
a) when moving, keep pedalling, but take the pressure off the pedals while making the change,
and
b) when stationary, avoid using the left hand trigger, and for the right hand trigger, back pedal a
little to allow the new ratio to engage (if, when pulling