Product Showcase

  1. Chains for Brompton Folding Bikes

    Servicing bikes is taken very seriously at Perennial Cycle. Brompton Bikes are a big part of our service department. It's only natural that we would offer the best chains that you can install on your Brompton Folding Bike to make it shift quickly and run smoothly.

    While the stock (OEM) chain is functional in a gets-the-job-done kind of way, the chain is the heart of your bike's transmission and thus a great component to upgrade to help you get the most out of your bike. Being that the Brompton chain is a basic OEM chain, we feel pretty strongly that it doesn't match the quality of your amazing Brompton Folding Bicycle.
    Below are 3 choices that we like a lot:

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    Connex 8sX by Wipperman
    The Connex 8sX is the best. Hands down.
    Manufactured in Germany using the best tech available. The stainless steel plates with nickel inner links make this a weather-proof chain that is highly wear resistant. Expect an extra 40% life from the 8sX as well as improved shifting. The included Connex Link is known to be the most dependable quick link available.
    This is not an inexpensive chain, but it is a great value.

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    Connex 808 by Wipperman
    The Connex 808 is a full nickel chain (both inner and outer plates). It can handle the weather better than most chains on the market. Also the chain plate design is the same as the 8sX, so shifting will be smooth and quick. The Connex Link (included) is legendary for being extremely dependable.
    Though the 808 is not manufactured in Germany, it is quality tested prior to packaging in Hagen, Germany.

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    SRAM PC 850 Powerchain II
    The SRAM PC 850 is the best chain that you can buy for under $20. Uses SRAM's Powerchain II technology and comes with a SRAM Powerlink for tool-less installation. A clear step up from the Brompton OEM chain, yet keeping things very economic.

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    The length of the chain is determined by the gearing on your bike. The chart below is what we use to get the chain length correct for each Brompton we're working on.
    If you need help working out which length chain you need, feel free to give us a call: 612-827-8000

    If you buy a chain and you choose the number of links you want it to be, we'll measure it and send you the chain as requested along with the quick link. This way you would not need a chain tool on your end.
    BTW: If you are going on a trip or tour, having a spare connecting link could end up saving the day. Find the connecting links with the chains.

    Extra Details: If your chain needs replacing, we'd expect you to also need to replace the sprocket(s) on the rear wheel. These are available HERE. Replacing your chain and sprockets is a simple way to keep your shifting smooth and your drivetrain running quietly.

    Extra Extra Details: Older Bromptons used 1/8" chains, instead of the current 3/32". We don't expect to put any 1/8" chains on Bromptons. The current sprockets available are for 3/32" chains, so if you currently have an 1/8" chain, we'd be replacing the chain and sprocket with 3/32" sprocket and 3/32" chain.

  2. Buzz for B&W's B3 (BIG BIKE BAG)

    I have been a fan of cycling bags for as long as I've been into bikes. A bike shifts from a toy to a tool as soon as you fit a bag to it. High quality bags that are feature rich are common and we stock a massive assortment at Perennial Cycle. Mind you, B&W's B3 is not like any of the other bags in the shop. A bike bag with pannier hooks AND a handle, rollerblade wheels and the ability to roll around like a suitcase... amazing!

    B&W is a German manufacturer of cases for taking bikes, wheels, toolkits, etc all over the world.
    The B3 is their first bag designed to mount onto a bike and they transferred designs of their amazing cases for flight right into the B3 Bike Pannier.

    The pannier hooks are compatible with rather massive range of rack tubing diameters (1/4" - 5/8"). Using the pannier hook adjustment lock you can custom fit the hook to your rack. This way the bag won't end up rattling on the rack.
    While the pannier hooks snap on the rack tightly, there's also a nifty locking hook that you can flip to prevent the bag from launching no matter what your riding style.

    This bag has a lot of nice features (beyond the rollers w/handle).
    - The rubberized fabric with nylon interior is 100% WATERPROOF.
    - The rolltop design makes sure that no water will get in, no matter hard the rain is coming down.
    - The compression strap helps keep your items from shifting, even when there's not a lot in the bag.
    - Reflective lettering on the back as well as on the side of the bag improve visibility at night.
    - Over 2,000 cu.in. of capacity (and if you really want to fill it up, you can open up the rolltop and get nearly 3,000 cu.in. in!
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    Stop by the shop and see how it fits on your bike. I'm pretty confident that you'll like it (a lot!). It is definitely designed to carry a lot, yet not break your back getting it into your office. It's also clear that is designed and manufactured to last for years of regular use.

    QUICK LINKS:
    - B&W B3 (Big Bike Bag)
    - Bike Bags (full Selection)
    - B & W Brompton Case

  3. Arkel's Signature Series adds BB Handlebar Bag

    Arkel has been designing and handcrafting bike bags in Canada for over 20 years. ALL of their bags are built to last tens of thousands of miles of use. Arkel has been a favorite brand here at Perennial Cycle for over 15 years. The Signature Series is an example of why we love their product.

    Arkel’s newest addition to their Signature Series, the BB Handlebar Bag, offers cyclists a compelling option for those looking to ride with just the essentials.

    Made with high-quality 1000 denier Cordura, waterproof liner, and fully taped seams, the BB Handlebar Bag is ready for any adventure you can throw at it.

    At 4 L (244 cu in), the BB Handlebar Bag can carry anything from compact cameras and windbreakers to wallets, mini U Locks, battery packs and snacks for the road.

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    Here at Perennial Cycle, we’ve been experimenting with this bag’s potential as a Brompton Handlebar bag. We've found it to be a nice match even when folded!

    Paired up with a Fidlock Magnetic closure, this bag makes packing and unpacking a breeze.

    The BB Handlebar Bag comes equipped with velcro loops on the bag for easy attachment (which also makes for easy transfers between Brompton folding bikes) as well as a removable shoulder strap for transitioning from the saddle to the cafe! The BB Handlebar Bag comes in the classic Arkel colors (black, olive, and copper) which blend in perfectly with Arkel’s other entries in the Signature Series. 

  4. Carradice Kicks it New School

    Just when I thought I knew a company so well, they surprise me. I've been working with Carradice for over 20 years and Carradice has been making classic, long-wearing and extremely weatherproof bags for over 80 years. Yet until the new Lightweight Audax Saddlebag came out, there had not been a cordura bag in the lineup.

    Carradice Lightweight Audax Saddlebag
    Waterproof cordura with bright, contrasting liner and nylon buckles and loops.
    Modernized, yet true to the brand in that these are very long lasting bags that are up to keeping your stuff dry in extreme weather.

    The Lightweight Audax has similar dimensions and weight as the Originals Barley Saddlebag, though the Audax is 35% lighter weight.
    The picture shows an Audax on a Bagman Sport QR bag support (by Carradice).

    We consider Carradice the original bike camping brand. For over 80 years Carradice has been hand making bicycle bags in the UK. They have a range of bags to suit a wide variety of uses, but at the core of ALL of their bag designs is being durability and weatherproof.

    Carradice Lightweight Audax Saddlebag

    The new Audax Saddlebag is selling very well and while Carradice initially brought it to market as a limited edition, they have determined that there is great demand for a lighter and slightly less expensive Carradice saddlebag.

    Lightweight Audax & Barley
    Lightweight Audax on the left and Originals Barley on the right

    Quick Links:
    Carradice Sadddlebags
    Carradice Lightweight Audax Saddlebag
    Carradice Bagman Saddlebag Supports