Brompton Bike Service - Penny Farthing Cycles

Brompton Mini Overhaul

I noticed my tyre was a little soft the other day so asked Ciaran to put some air in it for me. Two days after this when I went to cycle  it was back a little soft which led me to believe that I had a slow puncture. I was heading to work, so I returned home and switched my bike out for Ciaran's.

Ciaran then dropped my bike in for repair to Penny Farthing Cycles on Camden Street while I was in work, 

It was timely to get it to the shop as it was well overdue a service. 

Later in the day the shop called to ok the additional parts that were needed to be changed. New back brakes were needed along with a new chain. I ok'd these parts and then asked if they had a standard size seat post in stock. They said they would check and would install if they did. After all of that, they said the bike would be ready for pick up any time after 5.30pm.

Penny Farthing Cycles seem to do most repairs and services on the same day as drop off which is fantastic, They are also conveniently located on Camden Street, along with friendly staff. Given that they are official Brompton Suppliers & Servicers, I highly reccomend this shop!

So, when I arrived later to collect my bike, the mechanic advised that he did have a standard size post but it was black rather than metal like the extended one that was currently on my bike. The reason I wanted to switch out the post was because when travelling with my Brompton I have to take my saddle off in order to fit it in the travel case because I have the longer length post. The extended post came as standard on my bike when I bought it, but I really didn't need it because I never put the post up to its full length. I guess if I gave a loan of my bike to a taller person they would enjoy the extra length, but for me it is unnecessary.  So given the option of switching to a standard size post in black, I jumped at it.

And guess what?! It looks great!

I nearly think it looks like a special edition black Brompton and I feel like it has really upgraded the look of my Brompton. 

Of course it is about the usability too and it is so convenient to pull the post up to the top height and not have to readjust down. The mechanic also changed the postion of my saddle and this has also improved the rideability. It feels great to cycle on it, and for a 50 Euro part it is like a new bike!!

Here's a close up of the new pole. 

I was given the old post to take home so I will hold on to that. I could possibly put it up for sale on Done Deal or the like, but it also could come in handy if for some reason a taller person took a lend of my bike and I could put the older taller metal post on to the bike for this time.

In case you were wondering what my bike looked like with the metal post, here's a pic of me on it back in Malaga sometime in 2020 or 2021.

Let me know which you think looks better!