I’ve owned a Brompton folding bike since 2003 and take it wherever I can. It’s travelled on the train to various meetings across the UK and in France, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. Most recently I cycled on my Brompton from Oxford to Cambridge, a round trip of 160 miles, to attend a summer school.
The Brompton is by far the most expensive bike I’ve ever purchased, and the cheapest bike I’ve ever owned – it gains in value every year. I estimate that I’ve saved in excess £2000 in avoided taxi fares, cheaper hotels rates, etc, sadly mostly to the benefit of funding agencies. But most importantly there is nothing like the freedom that a Brompton brings when in a new place, as well as the welcome opportunity for some exercise to work off conference meals and drinks.