What Modifications Did I Make?

1. Handlebar Grips

   The original grips were glued on and became loose over time, so I replaced them with new, more secure ones.

2. Bell

   Safety first! I added a bell to alert pedestrians and other cyclists.

3. CNC Mount Base for Action Cameras

   Installed at the center of the handlebar, it’s perfect for mounting my DJI OSMO Pocket 1 or a phone holder.

4. Front Bottle Bag from Decathlon Riverside

   A convenient spot for a water bottle and small items.

5. Front Light

   Mounted just above the front wheel to illuminate the path without blinding anyone.

6. Soft Saddle from Decathlon

   For a more comfortable ride.

7. Four Universal Easy Wheels

   These make the bike easier to push when folded. The set of four cost me 100 SGD.

8. Taillight

   For visibility and safety during night rides.

9. Front Bag

   Provides additional storage space for essentials.

10. Anti-Loose Accessory

    Helps keep components tight and secure.

    

11. Tool Set

    Essential for on-the-go repairs and adjustments.

    

Why Did I Choose These Modifications?

I experimented with mounting accessories on the handlebar, like the bottle holder and front light, but it made the handlebar too crowded and unstable. For instance, the bottle holder wasn’t secure when attached to the handlebar. I decided to utilize existing mounts, such as the taillight bracket, to streamline the setup.

The additional accessories are intended to make the bike even easier to push when folded. It’s already convenient, but I thought, why not enhance it further?

Areas for Improvement

• Anti-Loose Accessory: It’s not working as well as I’d hoped and might need to be replaced.

• Front Bag Straps: They’re a bit long, and I’m concerned they could get caught in the front wheel. I might need to shorten them.

Cost Breakdown

Most accessories cost between 5–50 SGD, except for the universal wheels, which were 100 SGD for all four. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I needed all four wheels—maybe two would have sufficed—but I ultimately decided to get all four for better stability.

Anything Else?

I can’t think of anything else at the moment. If you have any suggestions or feedback, I’d love to hear them!

Tips for Buying Accessories in Singapore

• Decathlon: A great place to find affordable accessories, and they have a 365-day return policy!

• Shopee: Good for finding unique or hard-to-find items.

• Taobao: Offers a wide range of accessories, but shipping can be expensive. You can ask a friend in China to help you buy and ship the items to Singapore.

I don’t recommend buying from bike shops in Singapore, as they tend to be more expensive—about twice the price.

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know or discuss!

Key Features

• Compact Size: The trifold design results in a very small folded size.
• Lightweight: Weighing between 10 to 11 kg, making them easy to carry.
• Easy Transportation: Suitable for air travel, and can be taken on public transport like MRT and buses.
• Thin Tires: Facilitates easy movement and efficient riding.
• Front Bracket: Allows for quick changes of front bags.
• Popularity: Highly popular in Singapore.
• Non-standard Accessories: May require specific accessories due to unique design.

My bike is a Brompton clone, and I’ll share some insights on the various brands and models available.

Brompton Bikes

Brompton is the original brand offering high-quality trifold bikes.

• Price Range: Approximately 10,000 RMB to 40,000 RMB, with common models around 15,000 RMB.
• Models:
  • C Line: Features 3-speed internal hub gears.
  • P Line: Equipped with 4-speed external shift gears.

Brompton Clone Brands

For those seeking more affordable options, several brands offer Brompton-like bikes ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 RMB.

Aceoffix

• Gears: Available in 3 or 5-speed external shift gears.
• Frame Material: Options of steel or aluminum frames.
• Compatibility: Standard size compatible with Brompton accessories.

Cran

• Gears: Offers 7 or 9-speed external shift gears.
• Sizes:
  • 7-Speed: Standard size.
  • 9-Speed: Non-standard size.
• Frame Material: Primarily steel; aluminum frames may have stability issues.

3Sixty

• One of the earliest Brompton clones.
• Features internal shift gears.

Yubu (鱼布)

• Custom assembled by a Brompton enthusiast in Hangzhou.
• Gears: 3-speed external shift gears.
• Reputation: Known for high quality and reliability.

Dagger

• A new entrant in the market.
• Price: Offers bikes at 3,700 RMB with features comparable to higher-priced models (>5,000 RMB).
• Value: High cost-performance ratio.

Choosing the Right Bike

• Avoid Internal Shift Gears: While reliable, they add weight to the bike.
• Optimal Gears: 3 or 5-speed external gears are stable and sufficient for most needs.
• Portability Concerns: 9-speed models might be less convenient for transportation due to size.
• Standard Size Preference: Ensures compatibility with standard transfer cases and accessories.
• Pedals: Consider non-foldable pedals with quick-release options for convenience.

Essential Accessories

• Lighting: Front and rear lights are mandatory by law in Singapore.
• Additional Gear:
  • Bottle Bracket
  • Bell
  • Phone Bracket
  • Helmet
  • Front and Rear Lights
• Bag: A Brompton two-strap bag for carrying essentials.

Riding Tips

• UV Protection: Use sun cream or wear sun-protective clothing.
• Saddle Upgrade:

  • Wide Saddle: For rides longer than 1 hour. 90 degrees is ideal for the saddle angle.

    

  • Thin Saddle: Suitable for shorter rides. 60 degrees is ideal for the saddle angle.

    

• Accessory Shopping: Most accessories can be found at stores like Decathlon, though some items may require sourcing elsewhere due to sizing.

Note: While many accessories are readily available at retailers like Decathlon, certain items like helmets may have limited sizing options.