Why I Skipped the Brompton for a Bike Half the Price

I’ve spent the last few weeks in a bit of a research loop.

If you’ve ever looked into folding bikes, you know exactly where that road leads: straight to the Brompton. They are beautiful machines—compact, iconic, and holding their value incredibly well. For a while, I was certain that was the path I wanted to take.

But as I looked at my actual life here in Sóc Trăng—the roads I ride, the places I want to go—I realized the "best" bike on paper wasn’t necessarily the right bike for me.

After a lot of thought (and a few too many open browser tabs), I decided to go a different direction. I skipped the legendary British folder and ordered the Momentum iThink Expressway D Ltd 1.

Here is why this modest, "Volvo-like" bike felt like the truer choice for life in the Mekong Delta.

The Reality of the Road

I love the engineering of the 16-inch Brompton wheels. They are a miracle of packaging.

But I’ve been living in Vietnam for eight years now, and the roads here tell their own story. Between the broken concrete, the gravel paths along the canals, and the occasional surprise pothole, the terrain can be unforgiving.

I realized I wanted the stability of 20-inch wheels. They might not fold as small, but they roll over the imperfections of the road with a little more grace. I want my rides to feel steady, not twitchy.

The "Volvo" Factor

There is something appealing about a machine that feels substantial. I’ve started calling the Momentum "The Volvo."

It’s not trying to be a race car. It’s boxy, it’s grey, and it feels safe.

The deciding factor for me was the hydraulic disc brakes. In the rainy season, or when navigating chaotic traffic, I don’t want to wonder if I’ll stop in time. I want that instant, reliable feedback. It might add a little weight to the carry, but that feels like a fair trade for the peace of mind.

Travels Without Worry

There is also a subtle freedom in owning something that isn't "precious."

A Brompton is an investment piece. If I parked one outside a rural coffee shop, I think I’d spend more time watching the bike than enjoying the view.

The Momentum feels like a tool—a solid, reliable tool that I can use without constant anxiety. It fits my goal for 2026: to focus less on the gear itself, and more on where it can take me.

What’s Next?

The box is currently on its way to Sóc Trăng.

I’m looking forward to unpacking it, setting it up, and taking it on its first real journey—hopefully to Con Dao for the Tet holiday.

I’m curious to see if my logic holds up on the road. Will the larger fold be a hassle on the boat? Will the weight bother me? I’ll share the full story here once I’ve put some kilometers on it.

Hồ nước ngọt. (Freshwater Lake) Soc Trang City

The Mekong Delta is beautiful, but navigating the steep bridges and canal paths requires a bike that’s stable, not twitchy. This is my daily reality in Sóc Trăng."