No other bicycle is as convenient.
And you have been taking snaps of actual users in the streets of London, haven't you?
Kaneko: Anyway, there were a lot of people riding around. I was surprised at that.
When I look at the photos, I feel that they are really loved by men and women of all ages.
Kaneko: There were people wearing suits and riding Bromptons to work, and people of all styles.
It is not so common in Japan to see so many different people riding the same bicycle.
Kaneko: There are sporty riders and casual riders, and because the bicycle itself is truly traditional, it fits in with any style. I think that bicycles are really a tool for riding.
Kaneko: This person is Danny, who runs a tailor shop in London, and he told us that his expensive road bike had been stolen before. And on the day he bought it and rode it for the first time.
That's a disaster...
Kaneko: Then he learned that folding bicycles were available, and he got a Brompton. Danny said that the bike is "good enough for riding around town," and that he only needs an expensive competition bike for weekend races.
Kaneko: You also said that London is a fast-moving city, and these compact bicycles are useful. Anyway, the Brompton has become a practical means of transportation. During the week, he rides his Brompton, and on weekends he rides his road bike or car. This saves money, and he has no trouble going to restaurants or taking the bus.
This woman is also very nice.
Kaneko: She is Alicia, who works at Danny's store. It appears that she is Timothy Everest's daughter.
Kaneko: She said she loves the Brompton because of its compact size, clever engineering, and reliability. She said that they remind her of the BMX she used to ride as a child, and that they are casual and playful. She also said that such mentality matches her style. Anyway, it's a flexible bike. The low crossbar makes it easy to ride even with a three-piece tailored suit, and there are no restrictions anyway.
Alicia says her commute is long, but she still rides her "Brompton" to London every morning. I was impressed when she said, "If I get tired, I can just fold it up and get on the train.
This man is wearing a blue Brompton with denim.
Kaneko: This is Max, another staff member who works at Danny's store.
Kaneko: The reason he likes the Brompton is that it folds up into a compact size. He said he can keep it in his small apartment or under his desk at work, and that it helps prevent theft. He also said that it is easy to ride and can go anywhere.
Have you seen many people riding Bromptons on the streets of London?
Kaneko: Anyway, I thought that they are very much in tune with local life. There is no commonality among the riders. I think that's the great thing about the Brompton. From our point of view, we tend to think that Bromptons are cool, stylish, and chosen by people who are particular about their style, but in London, everyone is riding a Brompton. That's impossible, isn't it?
Yes, that is true.
Kaneko: I think the bike really fits London in every aspect. It fits in with the cityscape, and I think it has something to do with the spirit of the city. It makes you feel that it is something that could only have been born in this country. I think people admire that kind of thing.
The practical aspects of the car are that it is nimble, compact, and theft-resistant, and it has the solid quality to back it up. I feel this is why people in London love them so much, and I think it applies to life in Tokyo as well.
Kaneko: Yes, that's right. I realized that I was not mistaken in my usage. It was good to be able to confirm that. In Japan, people don't store bicycles indoors when they are away from home. You leave your bicycle outside, put a chain on it, and if it gets stolen, there is nothing you can do about it. That is the norm. That is why I felt that Brompton has potential in Japan.
Mr. Kaneko once rode his "Brompton" to another interview and asked, "Can I leave this here? I was impressed that he asked, "Can I put this here? That's a new gesture that comes from riding this bike, isn't it?
Kaneko: I'll even bring it to a restaurant (laughs). (Laughs.) "Excuse me, please let me put it in the corner. I think these bicycles are also considerate to the town in the sense that they don't block the streets. If this trend spreads, it will become more commonplace to place bicycles in stores. It would be nice if that happened. That's why I want to spread more awareness.
I feel that a different lifestyle will emerge.
Kaneko: Yes, I think so. I think it will expand my range of activities and enrich my life. If it rains, you can take a cab. If you are tired, you can take a train or bus. You can play with bicycles in any way you want, so I really want everyone to ride one. There is no other vehicle as convenient as a bicycle.
