Brompton owners

I probably won't replace them for a while yet while I save up and decide which clamps to go for, but I will keep you in mind when I do.

Brompton shifter longevity/ lifespan.
My 3 speed shifter is sticking a bit on return to 2nd gear.
It's approximately 3 months old, had a look inside it and it seems OK.
On it's way out already?
Any advice?

25% of new bikes arrived with dead shifters.

Have replaced far too many this year; brompton agree there is an issue but don’t have a solution.

I replace the shifter and cable; Brompton then send replacement parts and labour credit.

Do you stock these? I've not been that impressed with my Schwalbes seem more puncture prone than GP4000s I used to have on my old commuter and anything that makes it more fun/responsive to ride is a +

I'd put a replacement suspension/dampner block high up the list for stiffer ride, the Matumura Kohki Scrowave one would compliment that colour scheme @Rhobbs sells them in his shop

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-small/continental-contact-urban-tyre-with-reflex-16-x-135-inch-35349/

My 3 speed shifter is sticking a bit on return to 2nd gear.

It's approximately 3 months old, had a look inside it and it seems OK.
On it's way out already?
Any advice?

Switch to a lever-type shifter; fitted in the correct place on the handlebar the action is ergonomic. SA manufacture a variety of them. I have been using the same SACHS/SRAM Torpedo shifter since 2002, which works fine with SA 3-speed hubs. A replica of the SACHS shifter is available from SJS Cycles.

Basically replace it with an old school friction shifter.
Thanks, it wouldn’t have crossed my mind to do that!

Sunrace m90 is my go to for the 2 speed and a sturmey sls30, can run then under bar just about for more ergonomic feel

That is top on my list. I'm use to riding a road bike, so will be nice to get a stiffer ride and improve the efficiency of each pedal. A lot of wants, just need to focus on the needs at the moment.

I do have to say. I knew brompton used these parts, but considering the high price Bromptons are, for obvious reasons that we all are aware of. I am surprised by the high use of plastics. For example. Plastic seat post clamp, plastic handlebar catcher, Plastic and badly cut mud guards etc.

Bend the lever down, as if to snap it away from the shifter body. I found this normally sorts it. (Don’t be afraid to bend it too hard, they’re remarkably tough)

Basically replace it with an old school friction shifter.
Thanks, it wouldn’t have crossed my mind to do that!

The SA and SACHS/SRAM 3-speed shifters, are properly indexed for the 3-speed SA hub. Purely friction shifters can be used, according to the Sheldon Brown technical website, but then you have to memorise the orientation of the shifter when selecting the middle gear --- apparently, it was when it pointed at his navel...

Hi...I am new to this so I apologize in advance if this is a silly question...why is the Matumura Kohki Scrowave Suspension Spring better than the standard Brompton suspension block?

Stiffer, offers a plusher feel, the rubber one is just an elastomer, matu makes the bike feel completely different

Sorry to push you on this but 'plusher' usually means more comfortable...I take it that is what you mean? You say the Mary makes the bike completely different...Again could you be more specific...Again thanks for your comments and advice.

The Brompton is more spongey and suspension like, the other is stiffer and makes the bike more responsive as there’s less flex in the rear end

So more 'traditional' bike like?

Yes, power through pedals = forward movement!

Is it not Force through pedals= forward movement? However my physics O level was in 1972!

dont overthink...

you pedal the bike goes, with the stock suspension a lot of movement in the suspension reduces this power transfer

Ahh...that makes sense and I can visualize that idea ...thank you...I will get one and it will look rather snazzy too.

There's overthinking, and there's underthinking.

I stuggle to imagine a suspension system with zero damping giving a plush ride, Moulton knew more than anyone about suspension and used 'just an elastomer'.

I agree that replacing stock with a stiff / solid suspension block can improve the bike for some use cases, but don't think a spring is a great solution.

internal damper on those, I favour the kuosac blocks at £20 though tbh. A lot of the matu spring appeal is the aesthetic.

No internal damper on a moulton. Damping is by spring, rubber thing and friction while on the rear just rubber.

Or the cheap skates just put a jubilee clip round the standard block and tighten till the desired stiffness ;)

Don’t swear at me, got to look somewhat neat!