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Cycling - Bromptons - Carrying them
an easier task than you'd believe
 
I have read several comments and articles recently where the authors criticise the fact that the Brompton does not have a catch to prevent the back wheel folding when they carry the bike. All I can surmise is that they do not know the easy way to carry the bike. As a happy, satisfied and regular Brompton user please allow me to enlighten you.
Front hand goes like this


Having stepped off of the left side of the bike place your left hand alongside the front section of the cross bar, just in front of the hinge. Your forefinger should be in front of the headset, hooked under the front pannier mount, if fitted. Your remaining three fingers hook under the cross bar. Your palm nestles alongside the hinge on the stem, and prevents the steering turning while the bike is being carried.
Back hand goes like this
Now reach over the bike, placing the saddle neatly into your right armpit. This steadies the bike whilst it is being carried, but is not an essential requirement for a simple lift over a short distance, such as in through the front door. With your right hand gently grasp the front right hand corner of the rack, if fitted, or the top of the right side of the rear triangle.

Now you simply lift the bike. It remains in one piece and is light and easy to carry. It does not unfold nor become unmanageable. Even if a heavy front pannier is fitted the bike is still easy to carry as the weight of the pannier is on one hand, and the bike weight is spread evenly over both hands.
A stable bike to carry

I have often, with bike loaded for a two day business trip, sprinted up a flight of railway stairs to the platform where my train is about to leave whilst carrying the bike in this way.

I would never consider fitting a clip or bungee to prevent the rear half folding, it is too convenient to be able to flip that back half under the bike whenever I stop and get off. In fact I have perfected the art of flipping the back end with overenthusiastic use of the front brake as I disembark from the saddle just before the bike comes to a halt; I doubt I will ever see that recommended by the manufacturers!

 

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