www.biketrax.co.uk

Everything Brompton online - Delivered worldwide

All Brompton models and a wide range of spares,

always in stock Other folders by Dahon, Ridgeback,

Pashley Moulton TSR

Commuting & Touring essentials also available online: - Reflective clothing - Dynamo hubs & lights - Pannier racks & bags

11 Lochrin Place, Edinburgh EH3 9QX Tel: 0131 228 6633 E-Mail: info@biketrax.co.uk www.atob.org.uk

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A to B 75 Dec 09 A to Bm a g a z i n e

Available from selected outlets, online at www.exacteditions.com or by annual subscription on 01305 259998 or www.atob.org.uk

£13.80 (United Kingdom), £19 or US$27 (overseas airmail)

Issue 75 December 2009 A to B 40 Manor Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2AX, England

ISSN 1460-0587 . tel 01305 259998

email (editorial) atob@atob.org.uk (subscriptions & advertising) teresa@atob.org.uk . web www.atob.org.uk

Editor David Henshaw . Administration Teresa Ridout . Proof-reading Peter Henshaw

Contributors David Bird, Ron Dodd, Dave Holladay, David Henshaw

Printers Henry Ling . Next deadline 21st January 2010

Yes, those rumours were true, I really have written a book on the Brompton. Publisher Excellent Books was aiming for a Christmas release, but for various reasons it won’t quite be ready. However, if you want to send one as a Christmas present, we’re already taking orders (see details page 9), and dispatching a card on the day. Delivery of the book should be about two weeks later.

The last time I had any involvement with a book was 16 years ago.Writing and researching is trickier these days, with children of all ages under foot, nine magazines a year and all the other little trials and tribulations of daily life. But A to B had a wealth of written material and photographs, which made things easier. Unravelling the Brompton story has been a fascinating task, and I hope you find the book as interesting to read as it was to write. DAVID HENSHAW

Contents Ear to the Ground: The Mole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Book Review: Brompton Bic yc le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A to B Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A to B News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pivot Points: Brompton Spokes, Rail Crossings . . . . 20 Tested: Brompton Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Anarchist’s Corner: Cycle Mapping Update . . . . . 28 Technology: 349mm Ty r es - Reader’s Verdict! . . . . 30 Tested: Puncturesafe Ty r e Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Public Transport: End-to-End by Bus Pass! . . . . . . 34 Infrastructure: Bike/Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 A to B Smalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

www.atob.org.uk

COVER: Cover illustration from ‘The Brompton Bicycle’ - Diana Powell

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A to B 75 Dec 09