www.theblisspages.com - bike
www.theblisspages.com - bike
I really like my Marin Rocky Ridge 2002 mountain bike, but travelling with it on trains is difficult: they are so unreliable that when they finally arrive, they can be too crowded to get my bike on; occasionally they are slam-door (with a guard's van), but most of the time they are sliding-door trains with limited provision for bikes.
As it's got so difficult to travel with my bike, I decided to buy a folding cycle.
Having researched folders and had a test ride, I decided on a Brompton C6 bicycle. It folds easily, and rides well.
I regretted not choosing the 12% gear reduction option, and recommend you seriously think about this unless you live in a really flat area. I bought a new chainwheel (44-tooth instead of the standard 50-tooth). It costs only £9 at time of purchase, but ordering it after I got the bike cost me £38 including labour. It was worth it though. The bike is much better to ride. Hills, if not a pleasure, are now at least possible!
Other than that, my reactions are very positive. The bike is a pleasure to ride and even I can fold it in fifteen seconds. I usually wheel it into the lift at work and by the time I hit the fifth floor, it's folded and ready to carry into my office and slide under my desk.
april 2005
I accidentally left my Brompton Touring Pannier on the train, with a silver mudguard and black waterproof anorak and trousers inside. I tried the Thameslink (tel:020 7620 5141) and Southern (08451 272 920) lost properties, and both London Bridge and Charing Cross stations. I even rang Gatwick (0208 666 6902), South-Eastern (0845 000 22 22) and tried to ring Railtrack lost property. I was unable to find any phone number or even verify the existence of a Railtrack lost property service. Another advantage of rail privatisation - NOT.
Update: My insurance policy didn't cover me for property outside the home. The bag cost £70, the replacement mudguard £30-70 and the waterproofs another £45, so it was an expensive lapse of concentration.
march 2006
I can scarcely believe it, but I did it again. I left it on the train as I got off and didn't realise until I got home. This time, as well as all my waterproofs, I had my blood pressure monitor, which I need to take my readings every day. I went to the Victoria lost property office on several occasions and finally retrieved it after two weeks on the 6 April. It seems that since privatisation, they no longer send back lost articles on the train, but instead use vans to retrieve them.
For comprehensive information, and hints and tips, look at the Brompton FAQ and the Folding Society.
updated Thu 06 Apr '06 give feedback...
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: © Mike Bliss 2009