Brompton owners

A good idea that would probably work. Not sure if it's a problem often enough to justify the extra weight/cost at the moment but maybe in the future if it gets that annoying.

Had my first Brompton rear puncture tonight.

I had everything I needed with me, so set about removing the wheel. I remembered reading that it was a pain in the arse, but never looked into why that was.

I was rather surprised when the mech sprang off, but managed to not lose any bits. After changing the tube I tried putting the mech back on in what seemed the only sensible way, but it didn't look right, so started again.

Turns out I was right first time, but I guess I'm used to seeing the mech when the bike's folded... Oh well, at least I know for next time.

An added bonus was that I couldn't find the pair of rubber gloves I pack for this sort of job until I was packing everything away again. So my hands were freezing and also completely black with oil and grime. My nice warm winter gloves went straight back on and are now in the wash. Spent 10 mins at Tottenham hale in the toilets trying to wash the crap off my hands with only moderate success.

All in all, a total ballache made worse by my incompetence.

PS: has anyone tried putting a Brompton 2 speed mech in the dishwasher? 🤔

Joined the gang. Might be in the process of acquiring a 58t carbon chainring...

1 Attachment

Clearcoat paint: yes or no? I rather fancy this, but it is a fair chunk more expensive, and I gather there were durability concerns in the past.

Congrats! Any other upgrade plans?

I'm still waiting on my aliexpress 58t... I think it'll help a bit with spinning out at top speed but might have to change the sprockets at the back. Think I'll end up with 60' and 80' with the 58, but as I don't really have to go up any big hills so might fit a smaller big sprocket so it's a usable gear for headwinds and slight inclines.

It looks nice, but I found it hard to justify the extra expense. Don't know about durability.

Got a set of carbon flat bars I'll probably get round to putting on. Undecided about spds.

Undecided about spds.

Giving your commute, I'd stick with the standard pedals for now to keep this bike nice and easy for riding around London.

It's refreshing to just walk with normal shoes.

How far is your commute?

I haven't tried a dishwasher, don't think I would consider it either. All that yuck going with stuff you eat off or with.

What I do is scrub as much as you can off under hot running water with a wire brush. Then in a small bucket with hot soapy water, soak the mech/tensioner over night. Next day rinse properly, dry wipe. (Optionally leave to dry for a couple of hours.) Re-lube the hinge and pulleys with some decent chain oil. Put back on the bike. I usually do that routine every six months, if it get particularly bad. Kind of like how it is right now. I go to my local hand car wash, bung the chap a couple of quid and he jet blasts the tensioner, hubs and spokes for me. This usually results in cleaning the chain, meaning it will squeek, ride it home which is like 200m. Then wipe the chain down to dry it properly, then re-apply some chain lube on the chain and mech.

Or get single sided Spd ala M534's like I have. They are heavy, you lose the pedal fold capability. But you can ride with SPDs for commutes (or longer ride.) Or just wear your trainers on the days you are hopping on and off trains.

Anyone considering a new new Brompton. Avoid for a while. QC teething issues at the new factory.

@edscoble how much do you charge just for the hinge?

Now you tell me

No more than a couple of miles either side - normal shoes make sense I think.

What kind of teething problems? Was thinking of ordering one in the next month or two if I get some expected freelance gigs...

Fair enough. First thing I did was put SPDs on mine, I'm so used to clipless pedals on the rest of my bikes it felt weird with flats.

I've not had any issues walking around stations in my sidis though, and as I'm doing about 22 miles a day by Brompton I can put up with stiff soles for the odd bit of plodding around that I do.

For the past two years I've worn Keos - normal shoes feels nice for a change. Got SPDs and shoes already so I'm sure they'll make an appearance at some point

You don't count. You'll annihilate the thing before anything starts falling off anyway!
Just keep an eye out on the nuts and bolts and tighten down the cranks and indicator before they decide to go walkies. New design for cable roller is a bit...iffy.

@Thrustvector There seems to be an issue of the new shifters getting stuck and fittings corroding at an accelerated rate. Seat masts seem to be particularly succeptible to this despite finish. Check your headset too as it's under tightened. Spoke tension could do with a bit of a hike too.

£20 hinge, £45 labour (take 30-45 minutes to do).

You be fine, just bring it in for the usual free service.

If the shop is good. They do their usual check up.

If not, ask me.

Poppycock!! 20mins and as big a hammer as you can find!

You just add time I take it?

£45 labour for 45 minutes, if the Brompton is serviced regularly, then it should take 25-30 minutes.

If however the hinge never been changed for a decade, then 45 to 60 minutes, sometime even a new frame is needed.

No extra labour added if it gone over time.

Most expensive Brompton service I have done insofar is nearly £600.

In a bit of a novelty I've got a toe clip attached to just my right brompton pedal. As I set off on my right foot I find it helps and I still have the folding left pedal. I suspect not many others go for that style though.

Hmm, ta; will bear that in mind.

So looks like I really am on the limit of the extended post with flats. Spds aren't going to decrease the pedal stack height, are they?