Page last changed August 3, 2003

Taking a Brompton aboard motorised transport

Ensure your luggage is not considered a bicycle...

• Carl Etnier, Oct 1999:
  Good suggestion for most circumstances. It would not have fooled the people at the security checkpoint (metal detector, X-ray machine) last night, however.
• De Clarke, Oct 1999:
  I found that the people with the x ray machines didn't seem to care about the bicycle transit fees. Only the people at the luggage weighing counter were obsessed with charging more for bikes.
  My brommie (encased) was x rayed at the ag inspection station at Hilo and I thought "Oh no, they will tell the cargo handlers that it's a bike!" But all they wanted to know was whether there were any fruits and vegetables in the case. They labelled it "no produce," waved me on, and the checked luggage desk remained happily ignorant of the satanic velocipedal monster lurking within :-)
• Mark Maier, Oct 1999:
  Covering the bike and denying that it is a bicycle at all helped once I had a confrontation with a German train conductor, about 5 years ago. Note that this was a train where bicycles were not allowed in the first place and if they would have been allowed I should have payed for an extra ticket. The principle used is that every object that is recognizeable as a bicycle is a bicycle and has to be treated as a bicycle.
  My Brompton was sitting on the seat opposite of me, covered with a large blue garbage bag (lacking the 'official' Brompton cover) with only the saddle sticking out. The conductor came to check the tickets and asked whose bicycle this was and I said it's mine but it is not a bicycle. - Yes, it is a bicycle! - How do you know, you can only see a blue bag and a saddle? - This is a bicycle!! - It could be a folded hometrainer, for example. - But I say it's a bicycle!!! - [...]
  He ended up getting very red in the face, not being able to prove it is a bicycle and of course not being allowed to open the package for proof. Eventually he left the compartment without having me thrown off the train and without having fined me for not having paid for the 'bicycle'...
  I must admit it did hurt denying my Brompton was a bicycle, as to me personally it is more than just a plain bicycle... I'd assume with a better cover that does not leave the saddle sticking out you should not have to go that far.
• DRMLyons, Oct 1999:
  As has been mentioned before on this list -COVER IT UP - then if asked say it is bicycle spares, an exercise machine, sewing machine, orthopaedic therapy machine, sado-masochist pleasure unit..... or whatever. The stranger explanation you give for it the less likely you will be questioned! As to covering it up, the cheapest and smallest folding is a black plastic bin bag.
• Chris Newport, Oct 1999:
  Maybe for long journeys where there's a risk of being challenged about 'being in possession of a bicycle' you could take the wheels off.
  Then you're just transporting bicycle PARTS. Surely *that's* not illegal anywhere?

Can we sit on a folded Brompton?

• Andrew Mackay - The red flash round London's roundabouts, Mar 1998:
  I've now sat on the cross bar of my folder Brompton for 4 and a half years! I think that only people who are quite slim can do so. Especially if you have a block mounted for the Brompton front pannier. Sitting on the cross bar does not seen to stop folding or damage the bike as far as I'm concerned. Occasionally if I put my weight more on the top of the front wheel I have later to bend down the metal hook on the front mud guard but this has been fine and appears not yet to have fatigued. It is rather like sitting on a moving garden gate in the train. There are usually no proper seats available so I perch on the cross bar and smerk at the standing comuters. My Brommie has made commuting quite enjoyable since there are a regular group of cyclists exchanging route maps, tips and sharing newspapers.
  Brompton could not advertise the "sitting option" because it will not suit all bottoms.
  Once, when I did have a seat I also had to turf an erant bike-sitter off my Brompton.
  I saw a Brompton near Charing Cross station (London) with a very handsome nautical rope bound all the way round the cross bar which might make sitting more padded. =
• David Henshaw, Mar 98:
  In my experience, it's perfectly safe (and quite comfortable) to sit on the frame tube. Turn the saddle sideways and relock it to give yourself more room. Then (very important this) make sure the saddle stem is right down. If your weight goes down through the stem to the ground, the roller wheels will not take any weight. If they do, they will almost certainly break, unless you're quite light. I have never done the bike any harm with the stem right down. Brompton wisely don't make any comment about sitting on the folded bike, but it's very useful on a crowded train, and it means you're effectively giving a seat to someone else. (Why don't they provide seats for everybody?) If you DON'T sit on the bike, there's a chance that someone larger will, which is even worse.
• Rob Cope, Aug 1998:
  you can, so long as you let the seatpost right down so it, not the pulley wheels take the weight. Otherwise, you'll bend/break the pulley wheel axles (though these have been strengthened of late)
• Custfold@aol.com, Sep 1998:
  I use the Brompton as a seat, but not in the folded state. On trains - if the train is crowded, fold down the handlebars and rest the bike against the partition - sit on the main tube and use seatpost as a backrest. My larger bars will act as a stand with the front wheel turned, so I can sit down almost anywhere. If you are small/feeling sociable you might even get 2 on the crossbar, and since the bike carries you riding in this mode it should carry the same load sitting down.
• S.P. Klein Bog, Sep 1998:
  I found that when using the brompton as a seat the attachment points for the little wheels around the luggage carrier will bend over time. On my Brompton (1994 T5) one of these points finally cracked and would have broken off eventually. The bike would not stand upright when folded anymore. The entire rear frame was replaced at no cost by Fiets A Parts, the Brompton importer for Holland three years after I bought the bike.
• Custfold, Sep 1998:
  Watch the likes of Ryanair and cheapo airlines though - I was charged twice for the B - once as a bike and then as excess baggage and the company then said they only charged for one or the other but refused to refund either charge - the UK air users council were a bit toothless in getting any result - and I suspect the chummy first name terms with the airline person meant they had regular exchanges.

A Brompton in a bus

• Custfold, Nov 1998:
  We can supply a shock cord elastic which can be fixed under the gear changer on the 'bars. With the rear triangle strap, one hooks the end of the shock cord onto the buckle of the strap and this holds the handlebars as an insurance over the clip slipping off - it can also be stretched around a stanchion. Alternatively T type owners can use one of the carrier elastics
• David Hansen, Nov 1998:
  The best way to carry a Brompton on a bus is to put it in the luggage rack sideways, ie facing across the bus, with the bike resting against the bulkhead at the front of the rack.
  With the bike like this it is pressed against the bulkhead when the bus stops and doesn't go anywhere. Acceleration isn't as fierce so it shouldn't fall over. When the bus corners the bike is pressed against the bus side or the guard rail of the luggage rack. The better buses have deep luggage racks with higher guard rails than the older ones, where luggage carrying was not considered so well. The only sort of new bus with poor luggage carrying facilities are the low floor ones strangely.

A Brompton in front of a bus

A Brompton in the trunk of a car

• Ruud H.G. van Tol, Apr 1998:
  Some remarks about Dimensions:
  I use my Brompton mainly to go to Hertz to pick up a car. A nice ride from my house through the Vondelpark, about 5 minutes.
  The only cars so far that the Brompton doesn't fit in nicely:
  • Fiat CinqueCento
  • Ford Ka
• Bob Gelman, Oct 1998:
  Neither [Brompton nor Birdy] fits easily in the truck (boot) (a/k/a "rear glove compartment") of my Miata.
  • David Edge, Oct 1998:
    A 'Miata' is some kind of motor car, I imagine. The nearest word in my dictionary is 'miasma': an infectious or noxious vapour, from Greek miaino 'pollute'.

Legal matter - is it still a bicycle?

• Bob Gelman, Feb 2000:
  Many auto insurance policies here in the US have an exclusion for stolen bicycles; e.g., when you have theft coverage you are insured for the loss of your car and/or its contents, but bicycles are excluded (sometimes you can get them covered for additional money, in a "rider" to the original policy). Since folded bikes may be put "out of sight" and stored in a locked trunk (boot), I wonder if one could successfully argue (personally, I'm doubtful about this) that the bicycle insurance exclusion doesn't apply to a folder hidden away in a locked trunk. The hidden folder would seem to present no more risk to the insurance company than any other item (unlike bikes attached to various OUTSIDE parts of the car). Indeed, the folder would be LESS of a risk than any item casually left on the seat of a vehicle (these ARE insured) and in full view of the world thru the windows of the car.

Don't lose your bits

The problem

• Custfold, Sep 1998:
  It can happen in air travel mostly - the clamp plate bolt can be extended just enough to fit a thin nyloc nut and still have enough travel - we sell kits of a longer bolt and a thin nut - Alternatively just tighten the clamp up across the clamping face when travelling.
• Phil Gough, Oct 1998:
  [...] the clamps vibrate out easily when carried in a motor vehicle. I nearly lost one in the boot of a taxi.
• David Cox, Oct 1998:
  I've had one clamp loosen itself and come off while left side down in the boot of a car. I usually tighten them now just in case.
• David Dodson, Oct 1998:
  I lost a clamp whilst hitch-hiking with my Brompton lying on its side in a car boot. A replacement costs ± £5. I'll adopt the 90° idea to reduce screwing/unscrewing.
• Mr Bob Imrie, Oct 1998:
  I used to think the clamps wouldn't come out, (even though we once lost one on a Cresswell folding trike) but got my trusty T5 out of the car yesterday and one of the clamps was lying on the boot floor. So I'm sure you should check occasionally to make sure you don't unscrew the clamps further than the absolute minimum to release the hinge. I'm sure they would be a relatively expensive spare part to buy!
• Peter Amey, Oct 1998:
  I only do this when the bike is laid down on its side; it is not necessary when it is upright.

The cure

• Custfold, Oct 1997:
  Brompton Tips as in A2B p.23 issue 2
  There is a simpler solution to the tip for retaining clamp plate bolts (not technically a pinch bolt as it doesn't pull two faces directly together) - don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, although in 8 years I've never lost one. The solution is to buy a longer M8 bolt, and fit a THIN M8 locknut (the bolt will tap out of the moulded wing (c.f nut) plate). [...] Do however occasionally check the clamp plate ends, and internal corners for cracking, and the 'fit' of the clamp to ensure that there is a small gap always between the frame and inside face (with the hole in it). Replace clamp if cracked (I usually have some).
• Custfold, Nov 1997:
  Well I've made some up - should really charge around £2, but if I buy sensible quantities it can work at £1.80 + £0.70 p&p or stout envelope with stamps for 70gm.
  The plate just clears the clamp lugs, and the whole seats down with the nut on the bolt - a special length for the purpose.
• Custfold, Oct 1998:
  The OEM bolt is just long enough to allow the clamp plate to clear the seatings, I have made bolts 5mm longer (not in standard R series size progression) and fit ''thin" Nyloc (tm) nuts which just fit without fouling anything details Box 15174 Glasgow G4 9LW
• David Low, Sep 2002:
  I'll do that I thought. I bought two longer bolts and some lock nuts. First problem was that the unthreaded portion of the bolt prevented the clamp being tightened. Had I had a die I could have cut the thread down a bit, but did not have a die. I then bought two screws to replace the bolts (screws being threaded all the way up to the head). I cut down the locknuts to make thinner nuts and fitted the clamps. All seemed fine.
  It wasn't fine. First trip out was only to the post box. I got there but when setting off again the clamp on the handlebar assembly came lose, the bars went forward and I was tipped onto the road. Aarrgg. (I'm not sure about the spelling of that word but I knew how to say it at the time.)
  After recovering I examined the clamp and discovered my mistake. I had not realised that the end of the longer screw was pressing hard against the back of the hinge casting and preventing the clamp from closing correctly. It looked closed but it was still loose enough to be pushed off the shoulders of the hinge plates when pressure was applied. Aarrgg. I shortened the screw and it is now fine. If you make this modification make sure you don't make the same mistake.

Another bit not to loose

If you have lost it or you want a second one to protect the world from the other wheel nut, try... R.Hainsworth, Aug 2002:
[...] the plastic screw top from one of those 1 liter tetrapack cartons which are used for orange juice and similar. The carton is the one with a "gabled" top, ie. /\ with a screw cap one of the "roof pitches" and the screw cap fits the B wheel nuts perfectly when properly trimmed.
A further advantage is that the top comes in a different colour according to cartons contents so an approximate match or psychadelica can be achieved for the discerning B owner.

Bromptons on commercial air flights

Testimonials

• Channell Wasson:
  To Mexico I will go on a Boeing 737 and the bike fits nicely in the overhead on that airliner.
• Mark James:
  Went to frieburg with bike had to go in hold [...] Bike would have been absolutely ok if bar ends hadnt bashed chain ring it was in plastic bag No couldn't put in hand luggage that was BAirways
• Pierre Virlogeux:
  I don't have any experience with my Brompton by plane, but I take it with me in the TGV ( Train a Grande Vitesse ) franch high speed train from Toulouse to Paris. I lock it on the luggage rack near the door of the train and it is O K. Generalally People look at me when I fold my Brompton on the plattform and they think that it is a good idea. Sometimrd I take it also in the nuses or in the underground in Toulouse. The underground employe says that it is forbidden to take a bike but when I fold it he says O K !
• Arnold Brown, Oct 97:
  I've taken mine to the south pacific from Canada. I made a lightweight plywood box, painted it black and treated it just like a suitcase. This way I don't worry about it sitting around in the airport etc. I don't believe you can expect to put your bike in the over bin it's just too big--that is unless you always fly first class and board early.
  It's worth the effort to bring on a trip. My wife first laughed at the idea, now she wants one of her own.
• Richard Lighton, Nov 1998:
  Technically (i.e. according to the rules) at least for international travel a Brompton is too big for carry-on luggage.
• Lucas Fletcher, Mar 1999:
  I know of a man who has regularly gotten his Brompton into the overhead lockers in a plane. It never worked for me, but sometimes the flight crew is harried enough to not notice a bike being carried on, and they will put it into their own private cubby. Otherwise it will have to go into the cargo hold. Channell sells hard and soft cases for the bike. I've had good luck handing the bike to the airline people and asking them to put it in one of the huge plastic bags they keep around, to slap "fragile" stickers all over it, and to hand-carry it to the plane. It does count as an item of luggage but so far nobody has asked for extra money.
• M. J. Zimmers, Mar 1999:
  I would recommend a hard case for packing your Brompton. If this is not an option, consider lining a soft case with a product that is sold for camping sleeping bag padding (sorry, I don't know the name of it). It is a closed cell, tough foam about 5/8" thick and is available at any camping store or REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) http://www.rei.com/index.html. It provides additional, but not complete, protection.
• David Cox, Mar 1999:
  I've flown my Brompton several times in its soft bag but with generous amounts of pipe insulator wrapped around bits that need protecting and held in place with parcel tape. I stick bits around the folding pedal, brake levers, front hinge (otherwise it pokes through the bag) both clamp bolts and anything else that seems to stick out or might rub. This has so far worked well, although the airline knows it is a bike and sometimes charged me extra. No real harm has come to the bike - the roller wheel stubs got a bit flattened over the years.
  I also put a luggage strap around the bag to give something to tie labels to and to hold the whole package together.
• Valerie Zuver, Mar 1999:
  I recently flew a recumbent bike on Delta airlines in the U.S. Their policy is bikes may be checked as part of a customer's free baggage allowance if presented in a box less than 62 linear inches (length+width+height).
  They specifically address bicycles in their luggage FAQ, but do not mention anything about letting air out of tires. I wonder whether the airline does not know to request this, or it's unnecessary.
  We found a functional (not beautiful) 29-inch Samsonite hard-shell suitcase at a thrift shop for USD $8. It holds a folding bike perfectly.
  A tip I learned from Hugh Kerns, builder of Peregrine Bicycle Works folding bikes (http://www.pbwbikes.com): use sections of old innertubes as protective boots on protruding parts of the bike.
• Ostlers, Mar 1999:
  I'm an L3 owner since December. I'd like to share some experience and post some questions and comments.
  Last week I finally had an opportunity to use the bike for one of the reasons I bought it: ground transportation during a business trip.
  I flew Southwest Airlines and was able to board with the bike in Albuquerque and San Jose, and stow it in the overhead bins. LAX was another story. After getting to the head of a very long, several minute, security- checkpoint line, I found that the converyor belt that moves carry-on luggage through the scanner was augmented in front by a piece of plexiglass with a rectangular cutout corresponding, presumably, to the maximum width-heigth dimensions for carry-ons. The L3 wouldn't go through in any orientation. I was sent to the Southwest counter to check the bike; then I waited the line at security, again.
  The only noticable ill effect of going through the checked baggage gauntlet was the front fender rubbing on the tire. This was fixed by bending it back towards its original position.
  1. some airlines offer to check the bike in as a 'special item' or some such. In my experience this is at best of no value and at worst can actually increase the likelihood of damage. Baggage handling is probably not the world's most stimulating job and there appear to be some ways in which the work can be made more fun: on the many occasions I've watched them from inside the plane, it looks as if they take especial pleasure in handling with extra severity anything described as delicate or 'special' (friends who had temporary jobs with the post office always told me the same applied there to any letters or parcels marked 'handle with care')
  2. anything stuffed between the folding sections is of some help - I use newspaper and that seems to do the trick, although it is always a surprise when there is no apparent damage afterwards, even if it's just the chain being knocked off
  3. after carrying out (2), the aim I'm sure is to strap the bag as tightly as possible and a couple of good luggage straps are fairly effective
  4. both Ryanair and SAS carried the bike free on a couple of occasions and subsequently tried to charge me. I insisted that had been told by someone in the company that there would be no charge. This was not strictly correct, I admit, but they were also less than truthful when they told me that there had been a 'recent change of policy'. Anyone tells you that, it's almost certainly not true and, like me, if you stand your ground you will eventually succeed and not be charged. This is because they can't afford to waste too much time with the queue growing behind.
• Stephen Casey, Mar 1999:
  On a recent trip from Oakland airport to San Diego (a one hour flight) my brompton, which was checked in as "fragile", arrived like it had just been given to the primates at the San Diego zoo. I couldn't believe how it could come out looking worse than others which had absolutely no markings. Fortunately the bicycle survived.
  On the return trip I decided to hang out and watch as they offloaded the baggage. I called one of the stewardesses over to witness what I was seeing-3 baggage handling gorillas tossing the bag around. They clearly read the 4 "fragile" stickers and also noted the tag which read "bicycle" and were amusing themselves at how light and lofty it was. Perhaps a good selling point for the Brompton but a nervous sight for an owner. I'm writing SWA, since I do quite a bit of flying with my Brompton. I have brought it on as carry on in the past, but would like to be able to check it in on occassion and feel secure that they will treat it with care. My letter offers a suggestion: a handwritten letter from someone high up that should this article not arrive unscathed at its destination, all people responsible will be similarly "booted" out of the airline!
• Stuart Quick, Mar 1999:
  I've taken my Brompton to the US twice. The first time I had it packed using the standard Brompton cover with rag around the bicycle's extremities to prevent chafe. It survived with no damage whatsoever. It was checked in to the oversize baggage counter - the guys there seemed genuinely interested in the novelty of the bike and I think they took some extra care. Virgin Atlantic were even kind enough to find a safe spot for it in the cabin.
  The second time I was doing a round trip to Hawaii - I took extra care (because of the distance) by packing it into a heavily padded cardboard box. Once again, it was checked into the oversize baggage counters. During the trip, it amassed 18 fragile stickers from Hawaiian, United, and Virgin airlines - even the baggage handler wrote 'Please handle with care' on the box. The result was that between San Francisco and London it must of been dropped from a significant height, buckling the rear frame and splitting the 1/4 inch tubing. Virgin have told me they are going to pay for the new rear triangle and hinge pin (73 pounds in total). We shall see...
  I probably won't be using fragile stickers again.
• Custfold, Apr 1999:
  In conversation with European Cycle Mfrs Assoc Chief Exec (based in Paris) he noted that many cumbersomes are now shrink wrapped instead of those clumsy big boxes of tri-wall cardboard. The results have been amazing
  Less loss of parts (once shrink wrap is cut any reclosing is obvious tampering)
  Less damage to bikes (it is obviously a bike so handlers stand it on its wheels, don't stack it horizontally, or stand on the box, or put the box under a pile of other things)
  finally the shrink wrap can be punched through to hang the bikes up on meat hooks.
  I send bikie racks in similar fashion making it obvious that the object is tubular steel frame and thus not suitable for standing on/stacking.
  Best way IMHO for flying with Brompton is to use one of those shrink wrap your baggage franchises like that I saw in Seattle, but which was annoyingly shut just when I really could have used it. Other alternative is to ask for Wheelchair bag - a tough HD poly bag which American Airlines (or was it Untidied Airlines) used for my bike on one trip - brilliant as all parts contained and staff can see exactly what is inside.
  Still I can imagine a cartoon for A2B - "Folding bike-do not fold"
• Custfold, Apr 1999:
  Montreal - home to Bicycle Bob, and Claire Morissette of le Monde a Bicyclette who first encountered the Brompton in 1990 - so they know what it is.
  Some airlines offer a HD clear polythene wheelchair sack (Untidied Airlines did for me) which envelops the bike whilst making it obvious what is inside.
  Also in Montreal is Velo Quebec who manage Tour de l'Ile (du Montreal) M. Jean Prevost was in Graz last week for Velo City.
  Travel on Metro and much of PT is possible with bikes due to efforts of le Monde who took on fluffy Hippos, and ironing boards, and have a portable 25m bike lane, and kit to bring Moses and children of Israel to part the waters of any river crossing obstructing your cycle route.
  Worst problem in winter with Brompton was the 5 foot high mounded snow between footway and roadway following clearance of these, oh and riding through 3-5" of snow.
  In '92 I got better value flight to Toronto and hitch hiked to Montreal (8 hours) alternatives being bus or train (VIA Rail is not very clever though as they have trains with no carry-on bag facilities at all unless you are really bolshi - they instead insisted on pre travel check-in and sent baggage in trucks by road!)
• O'Reilly, Peter, Apr 1999:
  There is an excellent website located below which provides pretty comprehensive information concerning traveling with bikes on planes. It provides informal reviews of travelers experiences with many different airlines, Euro/Asian/N. American, etc. http://www.gfonline.org/BikeAccess/welcome.htm
• Channell Wasson, May 1999:
  Try it on Boeings. Their overhead compartments are a bit deeper that the MD80's. Remove seat and clamping bolts to make package smaller. Use the Brompton nylon cover or the back pack for brompton. I've always been able to get it in. One time on return from England BOAC took it away at airplane door. Nevertheless, the Brompton arrived in good shape. Good luck,
• PHolden960, May 1999:
  Air CAnada ahs pretty strict carry-on req's, but will allow in the overhead a folded suit bag 22" x 22 1/2" x 9", so-o-o-o ...
• Jim McLaughlin, Aug 1999:
  I have checked my T5 in both the Samsonite and the cloth cover on different occassions. No trouble either way although once the airline made me sign a waiver when it was in the cloth.
• Andrew Mackay, Oct 1999:
  I flew over [UK to USA] on Virgin Atlantic with the Brompton in the brompton bag. I said it was "bicycle parts" at the check-in and the luggage men carried it by hand ( on a trolley ) on and off the airoplane. Despite this one of the knobs to screw tight the joints got slightly bent but I was able to be fully mobile in San Francisco and what a joy the city was.
• Jim McLaughlin, Oct 1999:
  Last weekend I took my T5 on the airlines within its Samsonite. With all of the enhancements I have added, it was a bit tighter fitting it into the case than last time. (Alas, these days I am fitting tighter into my bike shorts too.) I had to change the SPD pedals back to folding pedals and remove the trailer hitch. But I left on the fancy roler blade wheels. I noticed a small crack in one corner of the Samsonite after the trip and I'm wondering if I shouldn't have temporarily removed one of the skate wheels to make it fit in the case better. They are easy to take off and on.
• Schollaert Ulric, Oct 1999:
  I have recently taken a B onboard a small Boeing (737-500). This was the second time, but here the airplane was apparently the smallest Boeing and I was first told that the B would not fit in the bins above the seats. I asked to try at my own risks, and found out that the bins are just as perfect for a B as in other 737s. I have thus flown my B with Sabena and with Jetair/Sobelair. The B is bigger than the standard accepted hand luggage, but when asked I insist that the bike is fragile and that I prefer giving away all my other luggage. The best is to register all other luggage and to keep only the B as hand luggage. You also must be among the first people in the airplane, otherwise you will spend time negociating space in the luggage bins with other passengers.
• De Clarke, Nov 1999:
  Based on my recent travel experiences in the US I would never, ever try taking a Brom in the cabin. Cabin locker space is small, the Brom is heavy and large: hard to get it down the narrow aisle, let alone heft it up into the plastic OH bin. The airlines staff are (with some reason) usually pretty short of patience with people trying to carry on stuff that exceeds the posted limits, which a folded Brom certainly does. I wouldn't try it in the States.
• Tom Vogt, Nov 1999:
  Regarding the Brompton and carry-on restrictions. I know that these restrictions have become more stringent in the past year but I've flown three times from San Francisco to London with the Brompton safely stowed in the window-side (larger) overhead bins. After removing the seat and right pedal there was no problem with the size. However, the bicycle did exceed the weight restriction. It's a hit-or-miss thing. If it's a lightly-loaded flight with few passengers I doubt there's be much problem--but one never knows how crowded a flight will be.
• alex mumzhiu, Nov 1999:
  I like to travel to remote places and I have found that the cheapest way to travel is as a freelance air courier. I always take my folding bicycle as carry-on luggage, because couriers are not allowed to check a luggage. I have not encountered any problems taking the bicycle on an airplane, however if the flight is full, the airline personnel do not allow the bike in the cabin and they put it in the luggage compartment at no charge. Since 1994, I have traveled in this manner from New York City (where most of courier trips depart) to Paris, Zurich, Stockholm, Rome, Copenhagen, Madrid, Mexico City, San-Paulo Buenos-Ires, Tel-Aviv, Bangkok and Tokyo. I have recently switched from Dahon to Brompton. A Dahon is 3 lbs. more heavy and 5 inches longer then Brompton, but its width is about 2-3 inches less. These 2-3 inches may be critical. A Dahon fits into the overhead compartments of airplanes, and I did not try my Brompton yet. The most restrictive airline is North-West. Airline.
• Aircarl1, Jun 2000:
  Technically, a Brompton would fit in the overhead on most widebody aircraft i.e.; 747, L 1011, DC-10, 777,. A lot of the narrow body aircraft are being retrofitted with new deeper overhead bins to fit "rollaboard" suitcases side by side. The problem is those dumb little templates on the X-ray machines at airport security. I hate those things Even a "legal" carryon thats a little overpacked has trouble getting through. I am curious though if the wheels, fenders and seat post were removed and put through separately, if the Brompton could somehow be squeezed through the X-ray machine. That would be an interesting project to make a carry-on Brompton!
• Ian Charles, Jun 2000:
  Dimensions are not the problem: if you've travelled anywhere outside the USA in the last few months (I can't speak for everywhere, but I've been throughout Europe, Australia & New Zealand), you'll have leaned it's the WEIGHT which is the real issue today, more so than dimensions. Very few check-ins anywhere outside the US these days allow one to carry on luggage without weighing it first - and anything over 7 kilos may present a problem (I'm assuming the majority of Brompton riders are not in a position to travel business class).
• Matt Hayworth, 00 13:49:06:
  Airport security at many U.S. airports has taken to putting metal guards over the fronts of x-ray machines that won't let anything past that exceeds the limit. The cutout looks like this:

  
       ---------
  
       -       -
  
       -       -
  
  ------       -------
  
  -                  -
  
  -                  -
  

  Your item needs to fit going through the tall way (not too tall) or by laying it down flat. No Brompton would fit through, as far as I know.
• Timothy Williams, Sep 2001:
  I recently flew with Buzz from Stansted to Murcia. The lady at the check in desk saw the wheel of my B and asked whether the bag contained a bike. I said it did and she wanted to charge me extra. Fortunately the Buzz lady in Linate, Milan didn't have such an eagle eye and given that I hadn't paid on the first leg of my journey, Buzz in Stansted waived the surcharge. This is the first time that I have ever been asked to pay for a bike on a plane.
• See Taking a Brompton aboard motorised transport - Packaging a Brompton - coping with evil baggage handlers.

In the cargo, do I need to let some of the air out of my tyres to prevent them from bursting?

• M. J. Zimmers, Mar 1999:
  Cargo holds are pressurized and temperature controlled on Douglas & Boeing jets and presumably on most others, although I have no firsthand experience with the others, tire pressure should not generally be a problem. However do be aware that "pressurized" does not mean that sea level pressure is maintained, more likely is a cabin altitude of about 6000' - 8000', this figure varying somewhat for each type of aircraft.
• Valerie Zuver, Mar 1999:
  I recently flew a recumbent bike on Delta airlines in the U.S. [...]
  They specifically address bicycles in their luggage FAQ, but do not mention anything about letting air out of tires.
• Channell Wasson, Mar 1999:
  Don't worry about about the tire pressure if you are using 75 psi
• Custfold, Mar 1999:
  A cylinder is strongest means of making a pressurised container - short -for the purists - of using a perfect sphere (as demonstrated daily by raindrops & bubbles)
  Thus aircraft are flying tubes, but with the caveat that a sudden drop in pressure - which is why you have those masks - could cause a shock reaction in your tyres <pop>. Other things going into the hold are equivalent to tyres, but I cannot think of any just now.

Packaging a Brompton - coping with evil baggage handlers

• David Cox, Oct 1998:
  If you put the Brompton in the soft bag and protect it a bit with polystryene pipe insulator (otherwise sharp bits wear through the bag). It seems to travel OK although you might invoke extra charges.
  • David Edge, Nov 1998:
    This is what we did with reasonable success. The padding was our clothes for the holiday in carrier bags and the soft bags were actually the bags we also use to disguise cumbersomes.
• Len Rubin, Nov 1998:
  My companion and I have traveled with two Bromptons in their slip covers as well as two custom extra large front carrier bags and two rear quick-release-seatpost-racks w/rack trunks, all transported through the airports and rail stations on two ultralight, instantly collapsible ClickCarts (folds and expands like a folding umbrella, and sold through the Sharper Image catalogue.) We put all of it in the overhead bins with no trouble, other than removing the saddle and pedal prior to boarding, so as to gracefully fit them in the bins without struggle.
  This was on transAtlantic flights (United, I believe). I have not tried this domestically, as I usually take budget flights with smaller carriers, and they are much tougher with the size restrictions (the bikes would clearly fit the overhead bins, but they won't get past aggressive airline personnel and those infernal go/no-go fixtures!)
• David Edge, Nov 1998:
  The last time I was on an aeroplane (Brussel-East Midlands), they were taking attache cases and big coats from the passengers to put in the hold as they climbed aboard. The compartments would have taken a large woolen scarf or a small handbag.
  An HS-146 I seem to recall.
• Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604, May 1999:
  What I did was get a cardboard box that the bike is originally shipped in, boxed it up in that, and flattened it at the other end. I was able to leave it at the hotel in London where I normally stay, since I started and ended my trip there, but if you have a rental car, it'd fit in that reasonably.
• David Cox, May 1999:
  I have taken the Brompton to USA, Canada, Cyprus, Rhodes, Italy, Germany on a variety of airlines charter and scheduled. I put it in its soft bag with some pipe insulator taped to protruding bits (mainly to protect bag) and a luggage strap to keep it together and provide something to tie lable to. There is no way that European carriers will welcome a Brompton as carry on luggage - they dont even like trolley bags or 11 lbs of designer carry on bag. It has been in the hold with no problems each time. Some airlines just take it eg. Lufthansa scheduled, others ask what it is and sometimes ask me to take it to the fragile luggage bay, one US carrier wanted me to sign something to say they could damage it at will (but they didnt!) one probably Airtours said it was "out of guage luggage" and charged an extra £20, another charged as for a bike, skis, surf board but as we were well over our luggage allowance this was cheaper than paying by extra weight anyway. I used to warn airlines in advance but now just turn up. The Brompton thus packed seems to go through the conveyor belt systems without difficulty.
• Stein Somers, April 2002:
  A close affiliate of the Brompton company, Simon Koorn, advises not to cover a Brompton on flights with the standard cover. Tie it together to prevent it from falling open, or put it in a hard case.
• Ian Charles, Sep 2002:
  [Andrew Ritchie and Ian at Cycleshow 2002 in London] briefly discussed transport of Bromptons by air. Ritchie told me he always puts his bike upside down in the standard bag so that it is very clearly exposed as a bicycle and trusts that the handlers will take care of it. He has only once incurred any damage carrying it that way.
• If you have a folding pedal, be aware of Spotlight on pedals - The Brompton folding pedal folding too far.
• Investements: Taking a Brompton aboard motorised transport - Suitcases to serve and protect a Brompton, Taking a Brompton aboard motorised transport - Inflatable Cases?, Taking a Brompton aboard motorised transport - Floating cases

Suitcases to serve and protect a Brompton

• Channell Wasson:
  The Samsonite case used for the Brompton is known as the Large Pig. It is the largest piggy-bag that Samsonite offers I am told. It measures 22 5/8"x11.5"x24". We sell it presently for $189.
• Channell Wasson:
  The new Samsonite Epsilon suitcase for the Brompton arrived today. It is not as "hard-backed" as the Samsonite Piggy Back, but it provides good protection. It is somewhat larger than the Piggy Back so there is a bit more room inside for other items you might travel with. The new case has four wheels and allows two ways for pulling or rolling it around. A very convcenient arrangement! It is quite attractive and modern Itallian looking. The price for now is $131 versus $189 for the Samsonite Piggy Back.
• Channell Wasson, Jul 1998:
  Both L & T models will fit into our Samsonite Epsilon case. L's and T's will also fit into the Samsonite "Large Pig" case, but it's a very tight fit. We prefer the Epsilon--a bit larger and cheaper and modern looking ($156).Both cases have wheels and pull-along handles. Unfortunately Samsonite has discontinued the favored Eplsilon. Some are still around in stores, but we have an ample supply.
• Steven M. Scharf, Mar 1998:
  There are several hard side suitcases that will fit a folded Brompton.
  For instance see the Samsonite Epsilon series at: http://www.tagintl.com/samepsilon.html
  The model 488111060 is perfect with enough width to add some foam padding and enough extra space for accessories. Model 488111071 would also be fine with a bit less space left over, but that type does roll a bit easier.
  Their more expensive Silhouette line also has some cases that would be fine, see: http://www.tagintl.com/samsiloette.html
  A folded 3 speed with a folding pedal is about 22.2" x 21.5" 10.6"
  The problem you always have is what do you do with the case when you arrive at the airport and want to ride the bike away. The bike friday lets their case convert to a trailer which is one solution.
  Storing a suitcase at the airport at the baggage check gets expensive; on a two week trip to the U.S. it would often be cheaper to throw the case away and buy a new one when you leave unless you have someone to keep it for you!
  Worse is when you don't want to leave from the same place you arrive. Often the best solution is a soft carry bag that you roll up and carry with you for when you want to carry the bike on a train or bus, and when you're ready to leave go to a box store and buy a very strong cardboard box and pad the inside with newspaper, clothes, etc. A high strength box (such as a Tharco TW339 30x24x12) doublewall costs about $US 7 retail from the manufacturer, and box stores probably mark it up about 100% to $14.
  I checked my Brompton in its original box as luggage from Taiwan, heavily padded with newspaper, clothing, etc. No worse for wear. The hardside suitcase plastic sides are flexible as well so you need to pad it well even in the hardside cases.
• Channell Wasson, Mar 1998:
  We have a kit made by BicycleRevolution that converts the hard case to a trailer.
• Doug Faunt, Jul 1998:
  My T model fits in the Samsonite case I got from Channell. It's tight, but it goes. I do have the extended seat post, which makes it more convenient, but not by much.
• Richard Pearson, Oct 1998:
  There is an equivalent Samsomnite Epsilon (PiggyBack) to the one Channel stocks available in the UK but I haven't checked it to seeiff the bike fits. There is also a Carlton Semi Hard Case which should fit, but you need to work out what to do we the suitcase when you get there. I got a Navigator Soft Sided (Hard Framed) 26 inch Case from Makro (only GBP 25) with the idea of packing my clothes around the bikr but I still haven't quitee sorted the practicalities yet. An acquantance of mine built a dismantleable bike which he does this with ( in a standard large suitcase.
• David Cox, Oct 1998:
  Bike Friday travel case is really a standard case with some fitments. It is too small for a Brompton. There is a Samsonite case that takes the Brompton Channell Wasson stocks it in California - I've not seen anything suitable in downtown Birmingham luggage shops
• O'Flynn, David D, Oct 1998:
  Cases of several makes and models were considered, but only one case available (in stock or from catalogue dimensions) fitted the bike fully :

  
  Samsonite Epsilon 450 Series Oyster 2 , Model 45A-079 (Express 79) (the Epsilon Oyster 79cm for short)
  Outer extreme Dims 79 x 62 x 30 cm
  2 wheels (unidirectional, of course)
  Retail price @ 10/98 = GBP109.00
  Weight empty : 5.8kg

  Comments : This polypropelene case is large & expensive, but gives a strong and flexible shell for the bike, without any bike dismantling required to fit inside. Additionally, there is interior space available for bike accessories or other items (anyone for clothes?). The downside is that it only has the 2 wheels, requiring the case front-end to be lifted slightly to move the case. I hate carrying/lifting loads when I can avoid it, so I asked the shop guy if they had any spare wheels of a sort that could be fixed onto the front-end of the case. Its turns out that one of the 360degree-swivelling wheels which Samsonite use in their 500 series cases can be screwed onto the front a little off-centre (hinge bulge prevents centering). There is not enough space to fit 2 of these wheels, but a pair of smaller wheels should be available elsewhere ... The single wheel was trialled with doublesided tape - it worked very well, except for sharp, fast right turns, where the case lost balance and tipped slightly, but did not fall beyond the front lower right corner touching ground. So, this is an effective modification, which cost me nothing extra, other that the time to secure the 3rd wheel to the case. My black pearl fittingly has its oyster! As all these types of cases have rounded corners, the outer extreme sizes above are deceptive, applying to the centre of the case dimensions only. The corners are therefore somewhat smaller. However, the flexibility of the casing means that the material can deform slightly easily, enabling the L3 and L5 to fit. (The T models, with rear carrier rack, may not fit. Not having one or its exact dims, I can not be sure.)
• Tom Bennett, Aug 1999:
  I bought one hard suitcase, but when it arrived, I realized that the damn thing weighs almost as much as the bike. What a monstrosity! I kept it, but decided to try another method with my wife's bike. With that one, I bought a large canvas suitcase, totally collapsable. I put the Brompton in the middle of it, with a pad around it and surrounded by clothes --(this was my one use for a Brompton cover), and sent it with regular airline luggage. Both bikes arrived in Paris in fine shape. The canvas suitcase was stored inside the Samsonite. For the Samsonite, I rented a small warehouse to store it. (Well, perhaps I exaggerate, but I'm glad I was staying in one place, cause that monster wouldn't fit into any Euro car rental I can afford.) Next year, I'll buy another collapsable suitcase
• De Clarke, Aug 1999:
  I improvised: made a large sack out of tough cloth, and an inner sack made of 1/4in neoprene. The resulting bundle (once the bike was inside) was ugly as sin, tough to carry, but quite sturdy. The real fun began at baggage check.
  The bundle was irregular enough that I went to the odd-size counter. Ahead of me in line were two bike racers with high-tech performance machines in cardboard bike boxes. One of them looked at my weird bundle curiously and when I revealed that it was a bike, he kindly handed me a chit from United Airlines for free bike carriage. "If they find out it's a bike," he said, "they'll charge you $50. Our club gets these slips from the airlines so we don't have to pay it." I thanked him dutifully, but felt that I surely wouldn't need the slip since the brommie package was clearly not bike-sized or bike-shaped.
  So, after patiently waiting amid the bedlam, I arrive at the counter. "What is *that*"?" says the weary representative of United, who has had a rough day already even though it is 8am. "Well," I say, "Umm, well it's a sort of bicycle." "No!" she says and I unwrap it enough to show.
  After getting over her surprise, she frowns. "All bikes have to go in a bike box," she says. And she proceeds to haul out one of those huge flat boxes. "But it's folded up," I say, "and if it were unfolded it wouldn't fit in your bike box. And it's much smaller and actually safer in its folded state." "Well," she says, "if you won't put it in a bike box then we won't be liable for anything that happens to it."
  "It's in a quarter-inch of neoprene," I say, "and if you will be nice and plastic-baggy it and put Fragile tags on it, I think it will be just fine." So, to her credit, she double-bags the ugly bundle in plastic, tapes it up with official UA tape, and puts Fragile stickers all over the increasingly disreputable package -- ignoring her co-worker at the next counter, who keeps asking "What is *that*?" as she passes to and from the conveyor belt.
  Returning to the counter, she tells me firmly, "I'm sorry, but now that I know it's a bicycle I have to charge you $50, that's the rule for bicycles." My disbelieving and wounded expression doesn't work a bit, so with belated gratitude I present the slip my recent acquaintance had handed me, and this gets my brommie aboard the aircraft without the extra $50 fee.
  Needless to say, as soon as I get a chance I call CM Wasson and wail that I really need a luggage-looking case so as to escape this persecution on the way home! And we make arrangements; he ships me a case Fed Ex (to Hawaii, ouch, but it will save me $50).
  I will check the case at the normal luggage counter, not breathe a word to ANYONE about what is inside it, and hope that whoever runs the x-ray machine doesn't snitch to the baggage clerk that it looks like some kind of bike. Sheesh.
• Jerry Kaidor, Aug 1999:
  [...] the original packing box [...] is just a sturdy cardboard box that Brompton ships them in. It looks like - a box. I seem to remember it being 25" by 25" by 12"- something like that.
  I bought two Bromptons in England. The bike dealer was kind enough to give me a roll of that super-strong plastic packing tape. I taped the boxes together to form one large box. Went through the system, no trouble at all. Until we got to U.S. Customs, where they jumped at me aggressively "What's THAT?!?" I explained, showed the agent the customs form ( with two declared bicycles ). Moved on in the Customs line. Then, when we got to the head of the line, a second customs agent jumped at me: What's THAT?!? I was glad to know that the flow of illicit Bromptons onto our sacred soil was being properly regulated. :-)
• De Clarke, Aug 1999:
  I do have that box, but it was even harder to carry than the ugly sack -- what I don't have is those handy straps+molded-handle that can be used to turn any cardboard box into something you can carry.
• Steven M. Scharf, Aug 1999:
  What I was thinking of is something like the Brompton zippered carrying bag (comes with the Taiwan Brompton) but two inches bigger in each dimension with pockets on all six sides that you insert inflatable bags from Sealed Air corporation. You need the pockets so the sharp edges of the bike don't puncture the bags.
• Jim McLaughlin, Aug 1999:
  Though I usually use Channell's Samsonite case on the airlines, I have checked it at the regular baggae counter in nothing but the standard fabric cover that the T5 comes with. Nobody seemed to care what it was there. Maybe going over the water makes them fussy?
• Ian Charles, Sep 2002:
  On the Airnimal web site they have a photo of a Brompton folded in the case. It's a very snug fit which would allow only a small amount of space for anything else (but on the other hand a tight fit is good from the point of view of stopping the bike rolling around inside). The only component which needs to be removed is the saddle, and to make that a quicker and simpler operation I fitted the saddle adapter pin which enables the fitting of a q/r clamp. One of the Airnimal designers, who knows the B well, says he thinks the bike can just be squeezed in without doing this, but I can't manage it. I bought the case because it was exactly half the price of the German one which doesn't require the saddle to be removed.
  So far, I've found the case to be better suited to the B than to the Airnimal itself - to get it into the case involves removal of both wheels, handlebar, at least one pedal etc - fine for a trip where the bike is going to be assembled and used for an extended period at the other end but not the most convenient if it was having to be frequently packed and unpacked.

Suitcases that turn into trailers

• Lucas Fletcher, Feb 1999:
  [Channell Wasson's trailerized suit case] is something new: a Bike Friday type of arrangement. I tried something similar several years ago, using a freebie USAF container that was really too big, on parts (wheels, axles, towbar and hitch) purchased from BicycleR Evolution (Ian Scholz). I got as far as a friend's near London, then parked it in his stable, relying on the Brompton-supplied soft cover the rest of the way, including overnight bus to Paris. It might have been easier with a smaller container. This one was 24x24x20 and I guess the ideal size would be 24x24x12. A trailer is quite a lot to haul around. For luggage I ended up using a stiff-bottomed duffel cross-ways on the rack of my T5 -- back far enough to avoid my heels. For the plane ride, I never did find an overhead that would take the bike, even with saddle removed. I managed with checking in the bike, in its soft cover, and the airline people put it in a huge plastic bag plastered with Fragile stickers, and babied it for no extra charge. I could have used the backpack, perhaps, because the T5 is a lot to carry in and out of subways.
• Channell Wasson, Apr 1999:
  Last week I flew to Baja, Mexico. I took my Brompton in the Samsonite Epsilon suitcase. The hard case was equiped with our prototype pending trailer conversion mechanism which we will soon offer for sale. NOTE: This is not a Brompton product and will be sold only to buyers who agree to take it on at their own risk. i.e. Caveat Emptor. The main truck for the trailer is permanently bolted to the outside of the case, but it is fairly inconspicuous. The wheels and other trailer fittings go inside the case with the bike. The 12" wheels with neumatic tires must be deflated to fit into the case. They are reflated quickly with the Brompton pump when needed. The suitcase has smaller wheels for floor transport and a retracting handle which allows easy transport through an airport to the check-in counter. The standard looking suitcase was checked as luggage with no questions or even curiosity from the airline counter personel. On arrival at San Jose del Cabo in Mexico my luggage was retrieved and wheeled to the front of the airline terminal where the trailer was easily assembled and the bike unfolded with much supervision by a happy interested crowd that gathered around. Finally I put my other luggage in the trailer/suitcase and rode off to the cheers of the many people standing nearby as they waited for tour buses. It was a beautiful sunny warm day and my 20 mile ride through the beautiful, quiet but very hilly Mexican country was an inspiring bit of fun. Eventually darkness convinced me to pack up the Brompton and finish my journey by hitchhiking. The suitcase looked small and lonely on the roadside, but what an interesting load it holds! Two good rides with locals took me the rest of the way home. There were some long hills on the ride-- and several good pumps to get up them, but the 25 mph down hill coasts were great! I was very pleased with our trailer design and its performance. It pulled easily and tracked well and on line with the Brompton. The flexible hitch to the bike worked especially well. This was the first time out with the trailer set up. Now I'm looking forward to another longer trip, but maybe not so many hills!!!
• Stuart Quick, May 2000:
  I've just made some fairly heavy runs with Channell's trailer so its probably a good time to describe it. For those that haven't seen it, it consists of the samsonite suitcase and a frame made out of square tube. All the metal is stainless steel except the small clamp onto the seat post, which is galvanized steel. The suitcase has an extendable handle and strap that allows you to hang other luggage on it whilst walking it along with one hand.
  There are two stub axles with wheels, and 3 pieces of tubing which snap together fairly quickly. For collapsibility you can remove the wheels from the stub axles by some heavy duty sprung pins. As a general point, the whole frame is quite heavy duty. I have moved some heavy loads with it in the last couple of days without any problems at all.
  The frame components use expanding 'bullet' joints on each single end of a tube which align and snap in to holes on the other end. The joints are very solid, and can be disconnected fairly easily, though the springs are quite strong. It takes about two minutes (at the most) to pull the whole frame apart. From a packed state, it takes about 15 minutes to unpack everything and cycle away. Its much less if you don't have many accessories strapped to the bike (handlebar ends, U lock, saddle (telescopic seatpost), mirrors, saddle bag, tools, lights, computer, bottle, sony walkman!...). With all these extras I cannot fit the trailer wheels in the case with the bike, so I put them in the front pannier and tie this to the suitcase using the strap. In any case it saves deflating them...
  The trailer attaches to the bike via a tow hitch/clamp (+pin) around the seat post. If you leave this attachment on when you are not using the trailer, you can use its quick release clamp to slide it up the seat post when folding.
  The ride is great. As I said, I have to keep reminding myself that its there. I wouldn't recommend anyone towing loads without the front brakes being updated though :-) With loads, its probably a bit hairy otherwise...

The traveller's dilemma

1. Bike Friday travel case (I don't think the Brompton fits)
2. Bykaboose trailer (How small does it fold? How do I transport that?)
3. Cardboard disposable packing case. (One came wrapped round my bike when it was delivered, but what do I do on the way back?. Do airlines provide on-the spot packing? Are these really robust enough to stand up to passenger airline baggage handling with a very high probability of the bike being instantly rideable on arrival?)
4. Some way of attaching a (now loaded with other stuff) case that held the Brompton to the Brompton.

• Stephen W. Butler, Oct 1998:
  My answer is the Bykaboose trailer. On the airplane Eeyore (bike) is in the Brompton hard suitcase along with front carry bag, tools, soft cover, spare parts and etc. My clothes, toiletries and folded Bykaboose are in a large soft suitcase. At destination airport; Eeyore and Bykaboose are assembled, personal items and folded soft suitcase are put inside the hard suitcase and the hard suitcase fits inside the trailer. Soooo clever. As I peddle away from the airport I feel compelled to let out a resounding Tarzan yell.
• Carl J. Grillmair, Oct 1998:
  I just got myself a Bike Friday and the trailer attachment (extremely minimal compared to bykaboose or any other trailer - just 3 cro-mo bars and two wheels). It works by having 3 predrilled holes in the Samsonite suitcase into which the trailer bars are bolted. I don't see any reason why you couldn't do this with the Brompton suitcase. If memory serves, the trailer kit is $169US, though you could check the web page above. Note, however, that the bike-side trailer hitch screws into a special fitting brazed onto the BF's right-hand-side chainstay. You'd presumably have to come up with some other way of mounting the trailer hitch, using c-clamps or something...
• Bob Gelman, Oct 1998:
  Could one simply check the hard case in to be stored at the airport for use on returning to the airport for departure? Or, perhaps more risky, could one remove the bike from the hard case, close the empty hard case, and leave the case "unclaimed" at baggage arrival. The airline would then, hopefully, store the hard case as "unclaimed baggage" (hopefully leaving it at the airport rather than some "long term off airport premises storage place") allowing you to reclaim it and use it for your return flight when you come back to the airport.
  Things were so much more simple back in the 60s. You could just ride your bike from the terminal out to the plane and hand it up (unboxed !) to a guy in the baggage hold of the plane. They even managed to not damage the bike in transit in this "unguarded" condition!
• Steven M. Scharf, Oct 1998:
  Leaving the suitcase at the baggage check would be uneconomical. It would be cheaper to throw the suitcase away and buy a new one if the trip was longer than ten days or so (depending on how much you pay for the suitcase and how much the daily cost for baggage is).
  It might work to leave it as unclaimed baggage. I remember forgetting a stroller at SFO and going back two days later and it was still out in the baggage claim area for anyone to take. The airline doesn't necessarily take unclaimed baggage into their little office there.
• Bas Klein Bog, Oct 1998:
  After landing, unpack, and send the hard case poste restante to the nearest postoffice. They will keep it for you indefinitely.
  Another benefit of this way of storing your hard case; you can send the case to any airport, poste restante, within cyclable distance. You don't have to come back to the same airport again.
  As for costs, that is entirely another problem.
• See also Trailers - Trailer reviews

Inflatable Cases?

• Steven M. Scharf, Apr 1998:
  I recently received computer equipment shipped with inflatable pouches by Sealed Air Corporation for padding. The pouches are re-usable and are inflatable with a soda straw.
  Combining these pouches with a soft bag would be sufficient padding. Compartments sewn into the inside of the bag could hold these air pouches. The bag would have to have dimensions a bit greater on each side to accomodate these.
• Bob Gelman, May 1999:
  The thought occurred to me the other day that something might be made from the inflatable "lounge floaters" that one uses in swimming pools. These are rectangular approximately shoulder width and body length. They are made of vinyl, cheap, and light. The idea would be to fold it (lengthwise) in half, with the folded bike inside. If one of these were enclosed in a protective nylon sheath (to prevent puncture of the inflated floater), it could be wrapped around a bike and secured with straps, perhaps providing full protection. It could be deflated and easily packed. Another piece of "pool equipment" that might be used, if required, around the circumference of the folded floater (on the 3 "open" sides besides the side of the fold) would be a foam jousting stick (perhaps 5-6 ft long, 4-5 inches in diameter) that is sold for kids to bat each other with in the pool.

Floating cases

• Custfold, Oct 1998:
  The York 80 will fit the Brompton frame, and the front panel removes to allow loading - it is bright yellow, watertight (the 80 refers to the 80 lb which it has in bouyancy when dumped into water).
  The handles moulded onto the unit will aid handling - it fits (sans frame) into the maximum carry-on box (just) and can be supplied with rucksack straps to carry it when off the bike - the width/length is just right to take 2 stacks of A4 sheets which will take the load to maximum capacity.
  I'd import these but for small quantity penalties, and high volume for low weight which would whack the freight costs up.

The Brompton Folding Bicycle FAQ - please comment