Rare Old Beast: a Very Early Brompton

Brompton folding bikes have remained virtually unchanged since they entered into production in the late 1980s. But before that happened, there was a small pilot run and the machines from this early batch were just a tad different. Only several hundred of these were made. Two of those recently ended up passing through Harris Cyclery on their way to the Brompton museum. And one of those I had the opportunity to photograph and ride. Pictured here is the 358th Brompton ever produced. Red and black 3-speed with upright handlebars, dynamo lighting, rear rack and fenders.





The most striking difference between the Brompton we know today and this early model is the "humpback" frame construction. As the Brompton history page explains it, "this feature had come about for the simple reason that standard pipe-bending tools could not produce the gentle radius desired. Change would only come with expensive retooling." By the time the bikes went into full production, the capital investment required for this had been secured and the bend of the main tube became more elegant.





Other differences are more subtle. For instance, the handlebars are welded(?) to the stem.






Here is a close-up. I take it this means the early handlebars were steel.






Likewise, the rear carrier is welded to the rear triangle.





Like so.






The bike comes with a wide, sprungplastic Brooks saddle.






Fitted onto a set-forward seatpost.






The dynamo lighting functions via a bottle generator on the rear wheel. The rear fender has a special cut-out to accommodate it.






The cable routing is interesting.






If I understand this correctly, it appears that several cables are gathered into the same housing and secured to the frame and stem at various points to facilitate the fold?






Here it is passing over the bottom bracket.





The fold itself is mostly identical. Same process, with similar bolts on the frame and stem as on the current production model.






Only the pedal fold is different.





Levers are involved; it is more complicated and bulky than the current snap-fold.






Finally, it looks to me as if the frame construction itself is different in places - the way the tubes are joined.The other differences are mainly in the components. The retro lights. The fender stay attachment. There is no front block system, and instead some of the early models were fitted with front racks. Brompton experts will no doubt notice a myriad of other differences that I haven't picked up on. As far as weight, the bicycle felt a bit heavier to pick up than current production models built up with equivalent specs, but not by much.




I rode the older bicycle carefully and briefly - not wanting to ruin its pristine condition (it had barely been ridden by the previous owner). The first thing I noticed was that there was much less room in the "cockpit" compared to my own Brompton; it felt a bit cramped. The difference seemed too great to be explained by the older bike's saddle being more forward; it seemed that the frame itself was shorter. Later I asked about this at Harris and was told it was indeed the case. Unfortunately I had no time to measure the two bikes, but it appears that when they got rid of the bend in the main tube, they also lengthened it.





However, the front-end handling of the older bike felt very similar, if not identical to modern Bromptons. Overall, riding it felt like riding an older and more upright version of the same bike.Reading Brompton's history and hearing about it firsthand from those in the know, it is striking how little the bicycle has been tweaked since its initial development. Aside from straightening out the bend after the pilot production run, they've mostly just worked on getting the weight down a bit and improving the components. The fold and the handling have remained the same.






For locals who'd like to see the pair of early Bromptons, they will remain on temporary display at Harris Cyclery until September. Many thanks for the opportunity to photograph and ride the #358! You can view more close-ups of ithere, and Elton Pope-Lance has photographed both bicycles here.

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates

We missed another get together with good food and good people in order to get out and do some sight seeing yesterday. It was the warmest day for some days to come, and I was getting very stir crazy!



We headed down to a neat place south of us. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter estates in Ft Myers, Florida. Their homes were on the same piece of land and Edison had a lab there also. We've been here a few times before, but we had not seen all of the museum yet. It had the usual cool Edison inventions that I enjoyed seeing. I think the first two pictures were my favorite things to see this visit:



and a picture of Helen Keller and her autograph which reads: To Mr. Edison Not loudness but Love sounds in your ear my friend. Helen Keller

For those that don't know, he was almost completely deaf.



Some of his inventions:





I love all of the cars on display there:



My very favorite thing here by far though is the Banyan tree. All of this is the same tree, and I didn't begin to capture all of it because it was raining by the time I took these shots:





Living the life in chilly Florida!

Update from GRIP

I'm behind with posting but with good reason. Yesterday's classes were Intense. Yes, with a capital "I" and they were also Interesting, Informative and Mentally Exhausting.



I was up late last night (as were most other classmates in the Advanced Research Methods with Tom Jones). In addition to a full day of classes yesterday (please go read Chris Staats' post about yesterday's classes and wish him a belated happy Anniversary while you're there) we had a homework assignment. We had no idea how hard it was going to be, but that look of glee on Dr. Jones' face when he gave us the 8-page handout should have been a clue!



I do enjoy a challenge but this was something else. There were abstracts of 16 tax lists, 3 census records, 12 deeds, 4 wills, 2 guardian records, 2 marriage records, and a Revolutionary War Pension affidavit that we had to review, analyze, and try to determine the father of a man from 5 other men with the same surname!



But before tackling the homework I decided to attend the presentation by Rick Sayre on Pennsylvania Research, which was good but he quite a bit of time on Pittsburgh records. I would have liked to have heard more about statewide records.



After returning from the presentation, I spent 4 hours working on the homework assignment. At that point, I still hadn't reached a conclusion but my head was hurting and my eyes were burning so I turned in for the night. Less than half an hour later an idea popped into my dull brain and I "had" to get up and work on the problem before I lost my train of thought. Yes, the answer had come to me. A short time later I was back in bed sound asleep. I didn't even hear the storm that came through that many were talking about today.



I worked on the problem for another hour (consolidating my thoughts and trying to come up with some idea of how to "defend" my conclusion) before heading off to class. Dr. Jones went through the list of possible fathers, one at a time, asking those who thought it was a particular man to raise their hand. When he got to "William" the hands of about 2/3 of the class shot up. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach since he wasn't my choice! When the name of the one I had chosen came up only 3 of us raised our hands.



A minute or so later, Dr. Jones announced that there were 3 "A" students in the class! I had gotten it right! To say that I was ecstatic is an understatement... So, I'm giving myself a little pat on the back and tooting my own horn a bit too. I must say, it felt awesome.



It's been another full exhausting and enlightening day, and we're almost caught up with the syllabus. Tomorrow is the last day with only half a day of classes. It's been an amazing experience and I am so glad that I was able to come.



I'm sure that Chris will be blogging about today's classes as will classmates Shelley Bishop at A Sense of Family and Christy Webb at the Geeky Texan. Also Denise Levenick, the Family Curator, has also been blogging about the Intermediate class she is taking.



This will likely be the last post from GRIP... I've got to get busy on the homework for tomorrow...

Bradgate Park to Beacon Hill and back via Ulverscroft Priory

With Harry. Weather a bit grey to begin with, fine drizzle, then muggy, then cleared. Great views but hazy. Muddy in woodland. Just over 10 miles (with our detour!) Just over 1000 feet of climbing - not all at once.



I hope it's crystalline in clarity next time I do this walk!



We parked at Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford, and after a kick-start cup of coffee, went through the main gate to the drive, took a path immediately to the left and headed up hill towards Tyburn Copse. From the right hand side of this copse the obelisk monument to the dead of the two World Wars is visible directly north.

Onward and upward to the memorial obelisk - a hazy, misty start to the walk.

Misty landscape behind Harry

And more mist behind 'big boots'!

We followed the path to the right of the copse and up to Old John, the tankard-shaped 18th century folly at the highest point of the park.

Scaling the heights

There's a toposcope here which claims views as far as Nottingham Castle and Burrough Hill. On a clear day . . .

We left Old John and walked downhill to the north-west corner of the park.

Downhill from Old John

We continued past the toilets, downhill and through the car park, to a road junction. We took Benscliffe Road for a couple of hundred yards, before turning right along a footpath waymarked 'Leicestershire Round'. This goes downhill through Rough Hill Wood, then continues on to a magnificent golf course. The path is clearly marked as it crosses several fairways.

A fine crop of crab apples

The sweep of the greensward

I hope the ducks manage to dodge the golf balls

After the golf course, the path is quite clear as it goes over a field and on to a track. The track joins a road where we turned right and walked downhill toward Woodhouse Eaves.

There are two possible routes from here - I think we chose the one where it's easier to wander off track.



We took the first footpath off to the left. It leads up and along the edge of two fields, before cutting diagonally across a grassy meadow. By one of the hedges I spotted my first serious blackberry pickers of the season. The path comes out at a road and this is where we made our unintended diversion. I blame lack of looking at the map, and being distracted by an obvious gate and continuation of the path just opposite.



We visited the Broombriggs Farm trail, which is well supplied with benches and decent views to the east - and cattle.

Wot? No kitchen sink? Snack break at Broombriggs.

We returned to the entrance and turned along the road (left this time). At the T-junction with beacon Road we crossed the road and a track to join the wide path which leads gradually to the summit.

Trig point on Beacon Hill - great views all round

Another peak conquered

forget the car park 100 yards down hill!

Radcliffe power station in the distance?

Cattle grazing near the summit

Blooming heather adds to the moorland feeling

We went downhill to the car park, and turned right, past the toilet block. The gravelled path forks left and heads downhill through the woods. When we reached a rusty charcoal burner

we walked round behind it and took a narrow short path which comes out at a crossroads.



We crossed over and took the road towards Copt Oak. A few too many cars, but it's a short distance. After 300 hundred yards we turned into a lane just before a wood. There's a remote-operated gate for cars, but a path for walkers at the edge.

When the wooded area ends, the path forks off to the right and heads south-west along the edge of several fields. When we reached Ulverscroft Lodge Farm, we turned left along the path which joins a drive leading past Ulverscroft Pond to the remains of Ulverscroft Priory, with its moat and fishponds.







The drive continues until it reaches a road junction. Here we crossed over into Ulverscroft Lane. This was pleasant walking, as it is quiet and shaded by trees. Continue past the wonderfully named Polly Botts Lane.







After around three-quarters of a mile, there is a footpath sign for Newtown Linford. The path leaves the road on the right hand side, then you take the left hand fork across a field just after a stile. It was very muddy in places, especially through the woods, but easy to follow.



The only slightly tricky part, is just after you pass a ruined building to the left. Here you have to turn left and very soon go over a footbridge then head for Newtown Linford which can be seen ahead. This is an exceptionally attractive, well-kept village. We walked through, past the pubs and back to Bradgate Park and a large pot of tea with cake.







Thanks to James Rhodes and Walking Britain for info about this walk

Tech Bindings? AKA "Dynafit bindings?"

This blog post should really be called, "tech bindings for dummies". Much of what is quoted below is info I have filtered from Wildsnow, Teton Gravity and the posters there. I have also read and reread the Dynafit manuals on the various versions of their bindings that I own and use on a regular basis.



But it has been only recently that I ever took the Dynafit style bindings seriously for anything but touring. Now they are the only style of binding I am usingskiing. Differing models tomatch my perceivedneeds and gear. I could be wrong on some of the details and others might well have a different experience or opinion. Please let me know if you see something wrong ( which is why I have been looking for info) or want to add to the info. Ski stuff is mind boggling these days. This is written simply as part of the process toeducate me. If it helps other climber/skiers to figure out a new winter boot/binding combo even better.



Brian's blog is a greatlook at some of the tech bindings available currently. Well worth the read.



http://www.getstrongergolonger.com/journal//1/20/light-and-fast-bindings.html





I'll focus on bindings I actually use on my small quiver of skis. Weight listed is ONE binding, not a pair.



Dynafit TLT Speed 335 grams







Dynafit TLT Speed w/ B&D top plates 269 grams











Dynafit TLT VERTICAL ST 402grams (no brake)







Dynafit Low Tech Race 124g with no screws (factory says 117 g)







La Sportiva RT 175 grams







So what does all those grams mean? On my Hi5 skis the difference between the La Sportiva RT binding and the Dynafit TLT Vertical? it is aSEVEN OZ.per foot! Thechoice of the heavier TLT Vertical *might* be OK on a 188cm fat ski like the Hi5 that will see limited time with me pushing them up hill, (much as I love them going down) but it would not be a good choice imo on a shorter, lighter mountaineering ski used on technical ground going up and down..







So not all bindings are created equal.



The RT retails for: $749.95

*5-10 RV not DIN range 175 grams (no brake weight)



The TLT Vertical retails for: $478.95 (price includes a ski brake)

*5-10 RV not DIN range 402grams (no brake weight)



Dynafit TLT Speed is the "original". Now a classic, time tested and still as good as any of them imo. At 335 grams each, still a light weight compared to traditional down hill bindings. But heavy compared toa 135 gram race binding. But what binding isn't? The Speed also hasall the *release options* that many prefer.



Say what? Release options? Like, some have a release option and some don't? Well, yes, now that you ask. Some have a release option very similar toa typical downhillDIN rated ski binding and SOME DON'T!



That doesn't sound good does it?!



Some where on the Vallee Blancheor atGrand Montets last winter after a second pre-lease from having snow and ice on my boot soles,my partner that day said, "you need to lock your bindings." "Just pull up the toe piece lever."



It would have been better to just stop and clean off my boot in retrospect, which I did do. Buteven better would toactually know how Dynafit style bindings shouldwork!



Hint..??!! Locking the toes gives you something like a number of 17 DIN on the toe release of the tech style bindings.



This isan important tech tip for all these bindings, by Mtn. Guide Mike Bromberg, from his web site:



"I regularly will lock my toe pieces a few clicks to insure that the pins are properly seated in the tech fittings. Once I’m confident that they are properly engaged/ice free, I push the lever back down to ski mode. I’m confident that nearly 100% of pre-release issues involving tech bindings are related to inattention during this step, and this is a simple way to verify proper attachment. This process has been much easier with the PLUM guide’s and I’m finding that I rarely have to bend down to help facilitate this process."



More of Mike's Plum Guide binding review and a link to his website at teh bottom of this blog post.





There is an optionto shed some of the weight from the Dynafit Speed by pulling off the original climbing plate and addinga pair of B&D Ski Gear top plates. Elevators are 86g per pair (3oz), plates 20g (.7oz)pair.

That will drop around66 grams per pair or 2.3 ounces. It all adds up when you start counting ounces. But it will also eliminateyour high touring position. Make sure your boots are up to the task before you make that change.



The real light weight in the bunch of bindings that I own isthe Dynafit is the Low Tech Race Auto. This binding is self locking,,,so you get something clsoe toa 7 DIN in the heel release and a 17 DIN in the toe. But I also keep them on short skis. I use them on two skis, a pair of 162cm and 167 cm skis. Skis that I always ski in control and in places I'd rather not drop a ski for any reason. At 124 gramsperbinding or right at 8.75 oz. per pair (screws not included). Both sets of my mountaineering ski with the Low Tech Race bindingscome in under6 lb total. Worth the trade off for me so far. No brakes of course. But I do use leashes if I am not running brakes.



"■Lou December 16th, 9:21 pm

"a ton of people in EU tour on this stuff. It’s very popular, especially in social groups where racing and super fitness are practiced. I’ve tried touring on some lightweight rigs and really don’t like the lack of ski brakes, but it seems a lot of people don’t care one way or the other about brakes. Most of those folks are such good skiers they rarely fall and hardly ever release from a ski. Lot’s of them ski with the toes locked. It’s actually gotten pretty crazy. Reminds me of telemarking at its peak in North America, e.g., all sorts of innovation, and who cares about safety release or ski brakes? Yeah, safety lateral release is over rated.

BTW, remember that with a locked “tech” type binding you can still release vertically at the heel, so perhaps that mitigates some of the risk of skiing with the toe locked"



http://www.wildsnow.com/2275/dynafit-tech-bindings-review/



"■Euro Rob December 17th, 4:15 am

"Apart from what Lou said about the race-style touring that’s increasingly common over here in Yurp (good skiers, lightweight gear and humans) it probably also makes a difference that virtually everyone with race bindings is on 150-164cm skis. They don’t get tangled as easily as longer ones when falling, so the risk of injuries is lower. Also people don’t go hucking cliffs with those sticks."



Here is another comment on the short ski issue more to the point:

http://www.vermontskisafety.com/vsropski2.php



"Opinion: Skiier/Rider Issues

Subject: Skiboards and other skis without release bindings.

Any ski, short or long, without a release system is potentially dangerous.



A current practice with the potential to dramatically increase the incidence of lower leg injuries is the proliferation of short skis with non-releasable bindings. A study we presented earlier this year demonstrated that lower leg injuries were four times more likely when using such products, than with conventional rental equipment incorporating releasable bindings. Since short skis are also available in combination with releasable bindings, there seems to be no reason to sell or rent such a product. Any ski, short or long, without a release system should be considered potentially dangerous and should not be sold or rented without both parties recognizing the increased risk of lower leg injury associated with its use."



*Carl Ettlinger - Adjunct Asst. Professor, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, and President, Vermont Safety Research, Underhill Ctr., VT 05490

**Dr. Jasper Shealy - Professor, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623



And is my own experience?

I have pre-leased from the Speeds set on really light weight settings. Not paying attention tomy boots soles was the issues. Both easily solved. No need to lock the toes if the binding is correctly adjusted and your boot soles and binding boot holes clean.



Now that I am paying attention to both settings and boot soles I have NOT had a pre-lease in the TLT, Speed, Raceor the RT. But I can also count on one hand the number of falls I took in . Not that I am such a good skierbut that I make every effort to ski in control.



The current Low Tech Race?I have been able to ski mysteepest lines to date and had the most fun skiing and touring, ever, on the low techbindings. I have also been doingsome limited side hill and lift skiing on the Low Tech Race bindingas well as touring. But that isn't a recommended use of that binding. And no question a titanium heel piece,bolt/springs, have no business being used there. It is simply a waste of good technology/titanium. Better used on JUSTrace day imo. At least till I get the steel replacement springs. But then how do you knowifyour bindings are reliable. Catch 22 for me.Steel is a better option there on my ski. I am no fly weight at 200# fullykitted out in ski gear. No pre-leases from any of these bindings, But all four styles of the bindings have come off when required. Even the Low Tech Race. Admittedly the Race release was a little on the "nervous side". Nervous because I was glad they DID release!



A interesting observation for me aboutusing race gear. If you are to take advantage of race technology you have to mimic much of the current race mind set. The LowTech race has no "flat" setting on the heel. You are either locked in for skiing or you have a mid height elevator lifting your heel. Nothing in-between. Seems like a engineering/design mistake to me not to have both a flat and a bump above for steeper skinning.Plum race binding heels are the same or a very similar set up BTW. So everyone but me seems to have the magic numbers on this.A little researchshows World Cup racers skating the flats....so it begins to make sense. Once I started skating and herringboning mild inclines I didn't notice the need for a "flat boot" as much. But with no down side or added weight involved to make a flat bootpossible on the Low Tech Race I still call that one a design flaw. Boot/foot angle not with standing. I'm likelyto use the same gear on Denali (Low tech race binding, TLT5 and a 167cm Hidden Peak ski) and I can't easily envisionskating any where betweenthe air stripand 11,000 feet. So I would really likea flat boot some times. But the point is, if you want to use the lightest and generally most efficient gear,be it clothing, ski, bindings or poles be prepared to make adjustments in your technique and maybe learn new skills as well. Fair trade...most of the time.....I think.



One thing that might make a difference that is not likely a race technique from what I have seen on videos. With a low tech you'll want to stay in control and NOT fall. Easier said than done. But if you choose a binding without full release values something to put in the back of your mind before it bites you, hard.



Now that I know what a "locked toe" means I admit to being a little nervous myself. But it is a road you'll likely not turn around on once you have carried and skied on a low tech binding. The weight saving and simplicity are addictive.



Luckily there are several new bindings, the RT and Plum's offerings, that will give youfull release values and a light weight binding as well. So you can choose what is important to you. I admit to finally balkingat the prices. The lightest low tech bindingsdid end upon some ofmy own gear. But they are quiver skis. The quiver allows me to choose what I ski and whatbinding I spend the most time going up hill on. Low techs work there. But hard for me not to I prefer a full lease binding now that the weights are coming down to rival the low techs. Plum in particular seems to have done the tech bindings at a new level of quality that hadn't been seen. More on the Plum bindingsin the links below.





Three ofthe quiver with bindings that I think match my use of the ski.



I can't think of a sportwhere you pay this kind of $/per oz. ratio. Even pro level road bike parts don't compare. Race car partsand custom firearms aren't even in thatkind of price range.



But if the TLT5 Performance boot is any example the race technology will eventually filter down to everyoneand the consumer prices will drop as they do.



Although I have not skied on this binding yet,they are wellworth a critical look if you are in the market.



Plum, the company, the bindings and order info here:



http://www.fixation-plum.com/catalogue-fixations.php?lang=en





More on the Plum Race bindings here:

http://skitheory.blogspot.com//12/plum-race-135-145-185-bindings.html







More on the Plum Guide by Guide Mike Broomberg here:

http://www.mikebromberg.com/plum-guide-binding-review/







Here is a guy known for cranking his bindings to "full lock mode* and always being incontrol :)DIN of 12 ya think?

"GLEN PLAKE skiis the PLUM "Guide"!





Photo courtesy of Glenn Plank and the Plum web site.

Recent visitors

Red phase American Toad, Bufo americanus, in the garden.


Please stay and eat some bugs.


A nice webpage that includes info on how to differentiate similar species by cranial ridge patterns.


Cool red dragonfly: Carolina Saddlebags, Tramea carolina. Thanks again Giff Beaton.


A turtle I haven't identified yet. But now I see why they call it a turtleneck.


She was in a hurry to get somewhere.


Unwelcome visitor. One of the neighbor's cows, again. Tremendous painintherearus.