If you’re legs are strong enough, a Brompton is bike enough
　West London proverb
　

If you are new to the Brompton you may be wondering, Is it fast? While you can certainly buy faster and lighter bikes, the Brompton is plenty fast provided you heed the following four tips for getting the most out of it.

First off, sort out your position on the bike. With no handlebar height adjustment there are few things to change - saddle height, saddle position (forward or back) and saddle angle. Easy enough even if it does need a little experimentation.

Next, and perhaps least expected, allow your body to adjust to the new bike and riding position. This can take some weeks. The geometry of the Brompton is different from a regular bike and seems particularly suited to pushing hard while seated rather than getting out of the saddle when a burst of speed is needed. If you are not used to this position and style of riding, your leg muscles (or guns in cycling jargon) will need to time to develop. Don’t worry, no need for reps down the gym - your body will respond naturally to your new bike. Once it has, you should find the acceleration you achieve while seated is, errr, quite noticeable.

Thirdly, don’t be afraid of riding your Brommie hard. It’s not going to break. Get out of the saddle when you need to and feel how the Brompton responds when you do push it.

Finally, embrace the Brompton for what it is. Used to clipless or toe clips? Then explore the freedom afforded by the Brompton’s unadorned pedals. Stop without looking for somewhere to lean, track stand without clip-out anxiety and move quickly from a standing start to then piling on the acceleration while the roadie behind you is still listening out for a click. And, if you are riding a six speed Brompton, take full advantage of the super power that is the Brompton Double Shift to move up or down gears way more quickly than any conventional bike.

You’ll soon be at home on your Brompton and riding fast. To keep it that way, stay healthy (a germ induced cold will slow you far more than a folding bike), look after your guns and enjoy the finest brazed steel that London has to offer.

Fast enough for me! My Brompton commute is as quick as one on my clipless Bianchi and a lot more fun. YMWLV (Your Mileage Will Literally Vary).