Brompton Bicycles has backed a proposed new law designed to ensure only safe e-bike batteries come to market.
The London-headquartered folding bike maker has formally backed a Ten Minute Rule Bill drafted by charity Electrical Safety First which is expected to be tabled by Yvonne Fovargue MP in the coming weeks.
The manufacturer, which produces around 100,000 bikes every year, and is the first and biggest company of its type to support the proposed new regulations for e-bike batteries.
Brompton now joins 45 other organisations also backing the calls for new rules, including the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and the Childrens Burns Trust.
The Bill will seek to introduce third party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to reduce the risk of dangerous batteries entering the market and subsequently, people’s homes.
At present, manufacturers can self-declare their batteries are safe prior to selling them to the public.
If introduced, the regulation would see e-bikes, e-scooter and their batteries added to an existing list of products which are already subject to third party certification, including fireworks and heavy machinery.
“The future for electric bikes is bright” – Brompton Bicycles
Will Butler-Adams, CEO at Brompton Bicycle, said: “We need to get more people on bikes, it’s good for your health and good for our planet, and above all else it makes us happy.
“Electric bikes are allowing more people to enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling, but unfortunately there are a number of serious incidents coming from unregulated e-bikes and conversion kits that could jeopardise this momentum and put people off getting back on a bike.
“If we can ensure that all electric bikes follow the same stringent testing and checks as our own, then the future for electric bikes is bright, and we can bring back cycling for generations to come.”
Story continues
Brompton Bicycle’s latest accounts for the year to March 31, 2023, are currently overdue to be filed with Companies House.
For the 12 months to March 31, 2022, the company posted a turnover of £106.8m and Pre-tax profits of £73m.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, added: “The support for our Bill by Brompton Bicycle demonstrates how reputable manufacturers want to protect shoppers and their industry from the bad operators in this space who may be producing substandard batteries. We are very pleased to have their support.
“Our Bill will better protect the public, protect good businesses and weed out bad operators producing dangerous batteries that put people’s lives at risk. We urge the government to adopt our Bill when it is tabled.”
It’s time for episode 75 of the road.cc Podcast, a two-parter that is as chalk and cheese as we’ve ever recorded in cycling terms… but that’s how we like it!
Listen to the road.cc Podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen to the road.cc Podcast on Spotify Listen to the road.cc Podcast on Amazon Music
The gloriously retro ‘Go Bag a Bickerton’ tv ad: dated even for 1983 according to Mark Bickerton himself
Part 1 is all about folding bikes, and more specifically a fascinating chat with Mark Bickerton, whose father Harry invented arguably the first properly practical, lightweight folding bike in the early 1970s. By the early ’80s the Bickerton Portable was a big British success story, boosted by a certain charming low-budget TV ad that became embedded into the public consciousness for various reasons (listen to find out why).
While Bickerton isn’t the folding force it once was and Brompton has long been the biggest British brand in portable cycles, the Bickerton name and bikes are still going strong, with Mark also now the main man in the UK behind the very popular urban bike brand Tern. The chat with road.cc editor Jack covers a brief history of Bickerton and folding bikes in general, what’s going on with Bickerton and Tern today, and Mark’s take on these turbulent times for the bike industry.
(Credit: Ryan Mallon)
In part two, Ryan and Dan delve behind the scenes at last week’s Paris-Roubaix, where Ryan was lucky enough to stand at the roadside as Lotte Kopecky, Marianne Vos, and Pfeiffer Georgi thundered over the brutal cobbles of the Carrefour de l’Arbre, watch Mathieu van der Poel receive a hero’s welcome in the Roubaix velodrome, and hitch a bumpy, often ferociously fast ride in the Grenke-Auto Eder team car during a dramatic junior edition of the Hell of the North.
Up for discussion is whether the world champ Van der Poel’s domination of the cobbled classics – and the blunt force with which he carries out his winning steam – is ‘boring’, where the Dutch phenom now stands in classic racing’s all-time hierarchy, British star Georgi’s hopes for the future, and the thrills and spills of watching a monument from the team car.
During his time in northern France, Ryan also caught up with 18-year-old Yorkshire-raised Irish rider Patrick Casey, who was making his debut at the Junior Paris-Roubaix for the Grenke-Auto Eder team, Bora-Hansgroghe’s development squad.
A product of the inaugural Red Bull Junior Brothers online scouting programme last year, Casey’s path to the pro ranks is somewhat different than other riders from these shores in the past, but the lessons he’s already learned during his time in Europe – such as the folly of turning up with two right-hand track mitts to the hardest race of the year – are steadfastly old school…
The road.cc Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, and if you have an Alexa you can just tell it to play the road.cc Podcast. It’s also embedded further up the page, so you can just press play.
At the time of broadcast, our listeners can also get a free Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo 2. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code ROADCC at checkout to get yours.
Brompton Bicycles has backed a proposed new law designed to ensure only safe e-bike batteries come to market.
The London-headquartered folding bike maker has formally backed a Ten Minute Rule Bill drafted by charity Electrical Safety First which is expected to be tabled by Yvonne Fovargue MP in the coming weeks.
The manufacturer, which produces around 100,000 bikes every year, and is the first and biggest company of its type to support the proposed new regulations for e-bike batteries.
Brompton now joins 45 other organisations also backing the calls for new rules, including the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and the Childrens Burns Trust.
The Bill will seek to introduce third party certification for e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries to reduce the risk of dangerous batteries entering the market and subsequently, people’s homes.
At present, manufacturers can self-declare their batteries are safe prior to selling them to the public.
If introduced, the regulation would see e-bikes, e-scooter and their batteries added to an existing list of products which are already subject to third party certification, including fireworks and heavy machinery.
“The future for electric bikes is bright” – Brompton Bicycles
Will Butler-Adams, CEO at Brompton Bicycle, said: “We need to get more people on bikes, it’s good for your health and good for our planet, and above all else it makes us happy.
“Electric bikes are allowing more people to enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling, but unfortunately there are a number of serious incidents coming from unregulated e-bikes and conversion kits that could jeopardise this momentum and put people off getting back on a bike.
“If we can ensure that all electric bikes follow the same stringent testing and checks as our own, then the future for electric bikes is bright, and we can bring back cycling for generations to come.”
Brompton Bicycle’s latest accounts for the year to March 31, 2023, are currently overdue to be filed with Companies House.
For the 12 months to March 31, 2022, the company posted a turnover of £106.8m and Pre-tax profits of £73m.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, added: “The support for our Bill by Brompton Bicycle demonstrates how reputable manufacturers want to protect shoppers and their industry from the bad operators in this space who may be producing substandard batteries. We are very pleased to have their support.
“Our Bill will better protect the public, protect good businesses and weed out bad operators producing dangerous batteries that put people’s lives at risk. We urge the government to adopt our Bill when it is tabled.”
Read more
Franco Manca creates hundreds of jobs after opening string of new restaurants
Transporting mountain bikes never seems to be as easy as it should be. Various frame shapes and wheel sizes have caused many headaches and scratched paint throughout design iterations, but mounting the bike vertically eliminates a few of those concerns.
Rad Racks adds a twist to the growing popularity of basket-style racks that only contact the bike’s tires. Two hinges fold the mast in half and also rotate the basket to tuck well out of the way. Building a rack that folded out of the way to access truck beds and hatchbacks prompted the design. When fully lowered, the rack also doubles as a workstation too. Replaceable strap systems lock bikes with 20-29” wheels (up to 3.5” tires) into place to ensure no components are damaged.
Rad 4 Details
• Articulating basket and mast pivot points • Frame-contactless loading • Carries 20-29″ x 3″ tires • 2″ hitch insert • Anti-rattle hitch pin • Max bike weight: 23 kg (50 lb) per basket • Weight: 33 kg (73 lb) • Price: $1,149.00 CAD • radracks.ca
The Canadian-built Rad 4 retails for $1,149 CAD and comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, plus a 1-year warranty. The price includes all the necessary straps and an anti-rattle hitch pin. Shipping is available within North America for just under $100 or you can pick it up yourself from their office. ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION
Our test rack was handed off pre-assembled, but bolting it together doesn’t seem over-complicated. All of the bolts use Teflon-coated nuts for added security and the metal is finished with a 3-stage powder coat. A ratchet set, or better yet, an impact wrench would save you time and straining your wrist, though. Rad Racks will assemble the product for $25 if you wish to pick it up locally.
The Rad4 offers three setback angles; vertical, reclined, and one that is slightly forward to give the most ground clearance. There is only one height option for the main mast but there are multiple bolt holes to set the length away from the vehicle hitch mount.
LOADING & UNLOADING
Watching riders try to figure out how to load their bikes on a foreign rack for the first time is always entertaining. The same rings true for the strap system of the Rad4. Luckily, placing the front wheel in the basket is an obvious first move on the Rad4.
First, you’ll want to load the bikes from left to right, starting with the shorter bikes to reduce any handlebar interference. I never experience any issues, even with road and BMX bikes in combination with MTBs.
If you only have one or two bikes, keeping the weight centered will reduce the strain on the rack and the movement of the bikes. Likewise, e-bikes should be placed in the center positions, remembering that each basket has a load limit of 23 kg (50lb).
I found the fastest method always started with leaving the straps in their dummy position. Next, I’d release the ski strap in the basket, add some slack to the tie-down, unhook the fabric eyelet and let it hang. This way, you have two hands free to feed the strap through the spokes. Then, load the bike in the basket, loop the straps through each wheel, rotate the cranks to the two o’clock position, and finish by tightening down the hook on the pedals.
Cinching down a bike without pedals or a chain (make sure to clock the cranks in the six o’clock position) isn’t an issue.
All of the rules and loading instructions can be found in their online user guide.
BIKE RETENTION
Wheel baskets are an excellent solution for carrying a bike without damaging any precious surfaces. The ones on the Rad Rack are angled, which I believe adds some stability to the handlebars rocking back and forth in the basket versus some homemade versions I’ve seen that keep the wheel vertical.
However, the bikes still wiggle side to side through huge potholes and water bars. Thankfully, the straps and spacing on the Rad4 lock the bikes in without ever contacting each other.
SECURITY
No bike is ever totally safe, even with heavy-duty locks and the same goes for a bike rack itself. Even though you can get a locking hitch pin, the Rad4 could be removed from the square receiver bar if you removed two bolts. Although it’s not a common occurrence, I have heard of this happening before (on another similar style rack).
As far as locking the bike to the rack itself, there is an eyelet cut into the steel frame near the middle of the mast (next to the bottle opener).
DURABILITY
During the review, none of the straps showed any signs of wear and all of the bolts stayed tight. Despite all of the pivot points and plenty of rough roads, none of the pivot points produced any play or creaks.
The paint has also held up to a decent amount of wet weather, cringeworthy salted roads, and lots of bushwhacking.
COMPARISON
We’d be foolish not to compare the Rad Racks Rad4 to another locally made product, the classic North Shore Racks 4-bike carrier. The two racks go about transporting bikes in a similar orientation, but use different capturing points. Both racks fold in half when not in use and lower to allow access to the trunk/bed space.
As quick and convenient as the NSR-4 is, there are a few downsides I’ve experienced versus the Rad4. First, is the wear that the fork cradle can induce over time, or unexpectedly. Secondly, depending on the fork lengths and head tube widths, sometimes a brake caliper can contact the adjacent fork lower. The NSR-4 also requires a separate adaptor to carry a road bike due to the fork cradle design.
The most detrimental downside to the NSR-4 is that the bike can be pushed out of the cradle if the rear wheel contacts the ground (yes, I know it’s not advised to drive off-road with either rack, but we are talking about “mountain” biking). Adding a ski strap to the cradle can reduce this, but the Rad4 does offer two points to capture the bike, the front wheel and the pedal. No bikes were lost or ever damaged with the Rad4.
I won’t get into ground clearance because that totally depends on the geometry of each individual bike and where you have the rack positioned in the hitch.
The Rad4 is heavier than the NSR-4 (23 kg) and bulkier, even when folded twice. The tie-down straps are also specifically made for Rad Racks, and although you can purchase replacements, you won’t find one in a hardware store.
It’s also a few hundred bucks more than the NSR-4. For the price of the Rad2 two-bike carrier, you could purchase an NSR-4.
If you compare apples to apples, the VelociRAX 412 is over $100 CAD more costly though. The only added benefit to that non-folding rack is the hydraulic strut to ease the lowering process.
Pros
+ Bike cannot be pushed out of rack if rear wheel contacts the ground + Rack does not contact frame or fork (no bike-on-bike contact either) + Folds out of the way when not in use + Fits 20-29” wheels, including road bikes
Cons
– Straps to secure rear wheel are not intuitive – Bulky and heavy to install and remove – Custom straps might leave you in a pinch if lost
Pinkbike’s Take
There are plenty of options out there for bike racks these days, but having one more that brings versatility and security at no detriment to your bike’s paint is welcomed. The Rad4 is a bit more complicated due to the abundance of straps, but when the loading process is learned they add peace of mind, even through the bumpiest of roads. —Matt Beer
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — For over four decades, folding bike pioneer DAHON has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Its high-quality folding bikes are at the heart and mind of bike riders around the world.
To find out which folding bike does it all the best for most commuter riders and utilitarian users, the New York Times has conducted a survey on 13 popular models from 9 manufacturers, with 85+ hours of research and rigorous testing on the aspects of user experience, comfort of riding, ease of folding, and bike weight.
At last, the well-designed DAHON Mariner D8 stood out with all those aspects, combining good riding experience, high-quality components, and a reasonable price, topping the chart of “New York Times’ Best Folding Bikes”.
The design inspiration of DAHON Mariner D8 originates from the sailing concept. The super anti-rust surface of its parts is suitable for high-salt and high-humidity environments. Marine D8 can be stored on board a yacht or a boat for a long time before the rider goes for a comfortable ride on the island.
Upon folding, Mariner D8 can be stored in the trunk of a car or a recreation vehicle. Whether carrying on the bus or in the subway, commuters can easily carry it around in the hustle and bustle of the city. Mariner D8 can easily meet the travel needs of cyclists. It can be described as an “all-rounded chariot”.
The New York Times notes that “the Mariner D8 rides comfortably, smoothing over bumps and shifting fluidly up and down hills; it folds and unfolds quickly and locks securely in both modes; the design also addresses practical concerns”. It comes with fenders to keep mud from splashing in the rain; the front bag can be installed on the frame, and the rear frame can carry and hang items.
Well-known bicycle magazines such as Canadian Cycling Magazine and Momentum Mag coined DAHON Mariner D8 as the best choice for green commuting and leisure travel.
“Good value for money with perfect craft design” is the true feeling of most riders who have experienced DAHON folding bikes.
To make the single-beam folding bike stronger, more stable and faster, the Founder and CEO Dr. David Hon led the R&D team on a rigorous research to develop a patent of “Folding Bike Frame with Reinforced Cable at the Down Tube”, giving birth to the DELTEC cable nowadays.
With DELTEC cable installed on a single-beam folding bike, a stable triangular structure is formed at the frame, which greatly increases the service life and load capacity of the overall frame structure. At the same time, the longitudinal rigidity of the whole vehicle is increased by 15%-35%, and the force of pedaling is effectively converted into propulsion, reducing energy loss and being faster than other vehicles.
In the future, DAHON will continue to innovate folding bikes’ design and actively promote green and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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While moving your body makes your mind and body feel awesome, hitting the (overly crowded!) gym or investing in pricey workout classes aren’t. If you’re looking for an easy way to stay in shape, consider this at-home bike that folds up!
The YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike makes at-home fitness possible, and it’s now on sale for only $119.97 (reg. $199).
This two-wheeled throne boasts an LCD display to hypnotically track the minutes of your life you’re spending cycling in the same spot. See real-time data like time, speed, and the exact number of calories you’ve burned. Heart rate sensor? You bet. ‘Cause getting that heart rate up is what it’s all about.
Worried about comfort? Fear not! The ultra-soft seat is like sitting on a cloud, making it easier to go full throttle. And anti-slip pedals also keep you locked in so you can fully focus on the burn. There’s also a convenient device holder to prop up your smartphone and stream that one playlist that always makes you go hard or binge your favorite show so you can zone out and let the workout minutes fly by.
Enjoy an at-home aerobic exercise with this bike.
Make this compact, easy-to-store YOSUDA Folding Exercise Bike yours for only $119.97 for a limited time!
Rotors: Shimano Front wheel 180mm / Rear wheel 160mm.
Pedals: Rockbros
Handlebar : MTB riser handlebar
Adjustable stem: Satori – adjust your sitting angle up to 90 degrees.
Grips: Silicon comfort
MID DRIVE MOTOR SPECS
Mid drive 250W for fat bike (100mm BB )
Torque : 85nM.
Test Certification: ROHS / CE
IP: X5 ( Can resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray)
Salt spray standard: 96
BATTERY :
48v 14.5aH (696wH)
Average range 50km.
Samsung 35 E (3500mAh per cell)
Charger : 54v/3A. With internal cooling fan . South African plug for easy plug in to all wall plugs.
Charge battery in 3.5 ~ 4 hours.
EXTRAS:
A Small Thumb Throttle is installed on the handlebar . Since this is a pedal assist e-bike , a throttle is not a must. However many customers have told us that it is helpful when taking off from a stationary position at a stop street , traffic light or on a very steep hill for instant momentum. E-bike Pedal-assist requires a half or a full revolution pedal by the rider before it is activated. A throttle however gives instant momentum instead of delayed power assist which is what someone may need in certain situations.
100% Money-Back Guarantee.
Cancel your order you up to 7 days After you receive Your order.
Chilled Squirrel has been building and servicing electric bikes in South Africa since 2014.We appreciate our environment and enjoy giving back.
With GreenPop we plant a Tree for you for Every Bike to E-bike Conversion.
And we send you a Certificate with the Tree Co-ordinates.
Celebrating Creators, Innovators and Global Love.
Looking Cool without really trying.
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JOIN US ON AN ELECTRIC BIKE ADVENTURE OF A LIFE TIME.
The Schwalbe One 365 is marketed as a tyre for all seasons – a big boast, not to mention a big ask given the conditions that can present and the bases it must cover. Aside from grip, durability, and ride quality, an all-seasons tyre should also be able to resist flats. I’m pleased to report Schwalbe has largely aced the brief. Some minor limitations became apparent on wet, muddy lanes, but no worse than experienced with other four-seasons middleweight rubber.
For more options for riding faster and further with fewer punctures, check out our guide to the best road bike tyres.
The One 365 replaces Schwalbe’s training and commuting tyre, the Durano DD, and for the most part its specification is what I’d expect for this genre of training/winter rubber: a 67tpi casing suggesting a hardwearing carcass, and Schwalbe’s Addix 4-Season compound.
Beneath the casing, Schwalbe’s RaceGuard puncture-repelling technology covers the centre strip and comprises a two-layer nylon fabric. It’s not as dependable as belts running bead to bead, but theoretically defends against flats without adding undue weight or a stodgy ride.
Their sidewalls also feature subtle retro-reflective detailing for night-time safety, and work well enough.
Schwalbe cites a recommended load of 70kg apiece. On paper at least, this might suggest 140kg – plenty of scope for bigger riders and lightweight touring – though Schwalbe actually suggests a maximum of 116kg spread across both tyres is the safest bet.
The tyres also have an E-25 rating for e-bikes, which broadly speaking means leisurely commutes or recreational rides on smooth surfaces.
Fitting
I managed to mount our 28mm tyres with a single lever, and that was only necessary when coaxing the final stubborn 20% home.
In use
From the outset, I was struck by their speed and relative compliance – even at their maximum (115psi) they never felt harsh or skittish. Judicious experimentation suggested between 100 and 105psi was the best fit for me – plenty of go while taking the sting out of washboard tarmac and cornering dependably, particularly in the wet.
Training rubber has come a long way in recent years, in my experience, and though these are by no means a race tyre, they’re quick off the mark – when snatching away at the lights or suddenly meeting a sharp incline, for instance.
On waterlogged roads they held their line well, positively leach-like at 105psi around some notoriously greasy S-bends, and I also pushed them to 28mph on some very wet descents.
On a few very cold, icy mornings I was relieved to find they bit impeccably – no pregnant pauses. Dropping the pressure to 90 boosted psychological reassurance without any discernible impact upon rolling resistance. (For context, I’d experienced a momentary loss of traction along the same stretch with a beefy 32mm commuter model run at 70psi.)
They’ve been ultra dependable at roundabouts and easily flicked around the usual hazards. As with any tyre, a bit of caution is called for across wet ironwork, especially when the temperature has hit zero, but the One 365s have supplied reliable feedback.
The wrong type of mud…
While their performance on wet, slippery stuff has generally been excellent, I did notice some loss of traction along a few freshly muddied roads when persistent rain was thrown into the mix. But thanks to the tyres’ reliable feedback I never went rubber up, even when running them at the higher pressures, and their loss of traction wasn’t any worse than I’ve experienced with Maxxis Re-Fuse or Vittoria Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 tyres. Nonetheless, burlier, 700g+ fare such as Kenda’s Kwick Journey KS Plus have more bite and a definite edge in these conditions.
Puncture resistance & durability
The nigh-on slick tread helps prevent flints and similar nasties lodging and working their way inside, and while puncture-repelling prowess can fade with use, 450 miles in and I’ve had zero flats – reassuring given I’ve ridden through a fair bit of slimy stuff while farmers have been pruning hedges – though whether this will be the case 1,800 miles down the line is difficult to say. (I’d gone 2,500 miles on some Maxxis Re-Fuses before they started succumbing.)
> Puncture prevention 101: learn how to swerve flats with these 11 top tricks
I ran Schwalbe’s Marathon GT 365 – admittedly a completely different genre of tyre – for several years puncture free, though even that succumbed to a flint that cut through the casing and belt.
Anyway, so far so good, and there’s no sign of premature wear, no nicks or cuts in the One 365s’ casings – and I’ve resisted my default temptation to brush the casings down between rides or after blasting through a medley of small sharps.
Value
While £51.99 apiece is hardly cheap, there are pricier options out there.
Pirelli’s Cinturato road tyres have bead-to-bead puncture protection boosted by a nylon breaker. Stu had positive experiences with the Cinturato Velo TLR Reflective, although found them a little tricky to fit. They’re £66.99 each.
Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons feature reinforced sidewalls and a bead-to-bead puncture-repelling belt, and Michelin’s Power All Season is another model reckoned to offer good grip in all conditions, with an aramid puncture-repelling belt that claims to offer greater protection to the shoulder area. Both are around £8 more than the Schwalbe.
Continental’s Grand Prix 4 Season is also more – £65.95 – though Continental does make much of the puncture and cut-repelling properties: “A double Vectran™ Breaker belt under the tread raises the puncture and cut protection to the highest level available on the market. Featuring a total of five plies beneath the tread, plus a sixth Duraskin layer.” And if you want tubeless ready, its Grand Prix 5000 AS TR is £84.95…
The One 365s also out-do cheaper options in my experience on performance and durability.
The Maxxis Re-Fuse tyres I’ve mentioned are £37.99. The 32mm models are 408g apiece, but their ride quality, at least when running butyl tubes, is less compliant than the Schwalbes.
Vittoria’s Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 is another model pitched at four-season duties, employing a graphene part supposedly improving longevity. They’re £44.99 each, but I’ve found their ride quality a little less supple than the Schwalbes, and though they’re generally resistant to flats, their puncture resistance waned with use.
Conclusion
Overall, I’ve been impressed by the Schwalbe One 365’s blend of speed, agility and comfort. Their puncture resistance and general reliability have inspired confidence, and whether this will wane with mileage is yet to be seen.
Verdict
Quick, compliant and seemingly dependable training tyre for most conditions
If you’re thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
Make and model: Schwalbe One 365 Folding Bike Tyre
Size tested: 28-622 700×28
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Schwalbe says:
“The all-season road bike tire
Replaces training and commuting tire Durano DD
Newly developed with even more focus on riding dynamics and safety in all seasons
Plenty of grip even at low temperatures, good rolling resistance at all temperatures
Black reflective strip as a visual highlight and for additional safety in road traffic
Attention does not conform to ECE-R88 regulation
New wide sizes”
It’s a reliable lightweight training tyre with scope for lightweight/weekend touring.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Schwalbe:
Size: ETRTO 28-622
Type: Folding
Compound: Addix 4season
Version: RaceGuard
Seal: Tube
Weight: 320 g
Pressure: 6.0-8.0 Bar (85-115 psi)
Maximum load: 70 kg
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Seem very solid, especially given the weight.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Impressive across the board, although I experienced some minor loss of traction along unexpectedly muddy lanes.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
No punctures, cuts, or similar damage over the test period.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
Seem more dependable than weight might suggest.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
8/10
Ride quality is surprisingly compliant, even at the higher end of the pressure range.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
£52 is hardly cheap but performance across the board has impressed me. There are pricier, too.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They tyres have impressed me with their balance of agility, speed, compliance, and reliability. Wet and generally slippery conditions have defined the test period and aside from some Paris-Roubaix type mud, they’ve inspired complete confidence. No cuts or similar damage, and no punctures to date. Whether that will wane over time remains to be seen, especially in the context of the puncture-repelling belt, which only runs along the centre not bead to bead.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Engaging, compliant ride, seemingly without trade-off in terms of puncture resistance.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing stands out, especially given their intended purpose.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
While £51.99 apiece is hardly cheap, there are pricier options out there: Pirelli’s Cinturato road tyres have bead-to-bead puncture protection boosted by a nylon breaker. Stu had positive experiences with the Cinturato Velo TLR Reflective, although found them a little tricky to fit. They’re £66.99 each.
Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons feature reinforced sidewalls and a bead-to-bead puncture-repelling belt, and Michelin’s Power All Season is another model reckoned to offer good grip in all conditions, with an aramid puncture-repelling belt that claims to offer greater protection to the shoulder area. Both are around £8 more than the Schwalbes.
Continental’s Grand Prix 4 Season is also more – £65.95 – and if you want tubeless ready, its Grand Prix 5000 AS TR is £84.95…
The One 365s also out-do cheaper options in my experience on performance and durability. The Maxxis Re-Fuse tyres I mention in the review are £37.99 (size 32mm, 408g), but their ride quality, at least when running butyl tubes, is more direct than the Schwalbes.
Vittoria’s Rubino Pro Graphene 2.0 is another model pitched at four-season duties, employing a graphene part supposedly improving longevity. They’re £44.99 each, but I’ve found their ride quality a little less supple than the Schwalbes, and though they’re generally resistant to flats, their puncture resistance waned with use.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Certainly worth a look.
Use this box to explain your overall score
They’re very good: quick, yet seemingly dependable tyres for training or faster winter riding, though the weight limit may not suit everyone.
Age: 50 Height: 1m 81cm Weight: 70kg
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
It’s taken four years of reviewing bicycles to bite the bullet and test a Brompton. I know what took me so long. I live in a suburb of Manchester with a vegan organic supermarket and a cafe which offers a “hummus of the day”. I spend my summers in Birkenstocks. I really like granola. If I were to ride a Brompton, I’d have to start voting Tory to prove I’m not a leftwing robot programmed to live the Guardian brand.
I had only been to Salford and back before I realised the Brompton was the first bike I’ve tested that I would buy. It makes a mockery of every other folder I’ve ridden (your Dahons, Kansis, Terns) by compacting into the neatest, cleanest, most portable, stashable package on the market. It’s not an intuitive fold. You need to learn it, and not mess with the order. But once you’ve got the origami moves, it can be assembled in under 30 seconds: the litmus test for any bike-plus-train commuter. Mine had Brompton’s new, patent-protected Saddle Height Insert, which sets the desired height of the seat post when the bike is unfolded.
I was doing a workshop at Thornhill Community Academy, as seen on Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire, and thought it would be good to take the Brompton on the train to Dewsbury. I’d have been wary in rush hour: though Bromptons are allowed on as luggage, they take up more space than a carry-on suitcase and are never welcomed by a full carriage. But I didn’t need to be there until noon and Google Maps told me it was only three miles from the station. However, Google Maps didn’t warn me Thornhill is at the top of a laughably steep road. Unwilling to turn up drenched in sweat, I had to push, though the lowest of the three gears could have got me to the top if vanity wasn’t in play.
As soon as the bell rang, we were off to the pub. I thought I’d ride and the teachers would walk, forgetting they can’t drink within a three-mile radius of their school unless they want to be served by alumni. So the headmaster, Mr Mitchell, slung the Brompton in his car boot and we went off to Wakefield for a few pints of Black Sheep. It’s perfect for such occasions, or those days when you need to take your car for its MOT and have errands to run while it’s done.
The steering feels very feathery at first, and I wobbled on a right-hand arm signal. But given the wheels are so small, it’s remarkably fast: I was overtaken by at least one Brompton on the 120-mile Dunwich Dynamo ride. Yes, they are twice as expensive as many competitors. But they barely depreciate and, crucially, they are better than the rest. Oh dear. I think I’m going to get one.
Brompton M3R: in numbers
Price From £955 Folded dimensions 585mm x 545mm x 270mm Weight 11.5kg Frame Steel Wheels 16in
