FS: Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad short V1 made in USA frame & fork (ratty)

Hello you pedal pushing lot,

Launchpadboi sells the launchpad... and ceases to be a Launchpadboi?

Growing interest in randonneuring, gravel riding and bikepacking (read: crust bikes and blue lug instagram) is forcing this most likely regrettable sale. It's also slightly too small for me. I was planning to convert this into a gravel bike by stretching the rear triangle to 135mm and adding a disc tab, but then some more interesting rim brake projects came about. A brand new set of Stans Grail mk3 rims in 24/28 can be supplied with it if this is of interest for the buyer.

I'm the original and only owner. The frameset was purchased directly from BMW in May 2010 and shipped by Darren Lee. I can't find the full receipt stating the frame number but it was one of the first ever (hand)made (in Brooklyn). It then lived as my daily rider for ten years, going through three different wheel set phases.

The condition isn't exactly mint, which I've tried to show in the photos below. Besides the surface rust all over, the battle scars include a blowtorched upper seat tube and an angle grinder mark on the top tube. Some agree these add character to it, most probably don't. None of the damage is structural however, and the tiny hole on the top tube scratch is highly patchable if necessary. Threads and dropouts are all fine.

It was initially ordered without the clearcoat for the trendy rust look, but they made a mistake at the finishing stage and clearcoated it anyway. I then consciously tried to recreate the look by riding it and eventually succeeded in it. Again, I believe nothing a sandblast can't sort out. Please refer to the photos.

The full specs can be found here.

HT angle - 72.5
ST angle - 72
CS length - 15.75"
BB drop - -2.40"
TT length (actual) - 21"
ST length (c-to-t) - 16.25"

Rear spacing - 120mm
Steerer - 1 1/8"
Bottom bracket - don't unfortunately remember whether it's a Euro or a mid, but I had Profile BMX cranks on it if that helps.

Let me know if you need further measurements.

Pricing is a bit difficult as there's only a few references. Given the increased collectability and steel becoming real again vs. the condition, I think £400 (was £450, then £425) is fair. I'll probably be told if that's off.

Located in N1 ready for a new home. Collection preferred and prioritised but posting not totally out of question depending on interest.

Photos:

Cheers!
*sob

Hey you ship?

450 quid for a rusted fixie frame and fork

rusted fixie frame and fork

Dont forget the giant slice in the top tube.

hey, yes i can consider that. please pm me your location.

Ship to sweden? And do you have any pics of it built up?

yes sweden is doable if there’s no takers locally. i’ll pm you a photo.

Ship to us?

i’ve pm’d you regarding this.

You have to consider this is redistributive pricing, people buying these now are clearly 30 something techies looking for a slice of culture they missed out on during, I dunno, posting on Reddit and playing halo

All the original buyers would rather a gravel bike now

reduction bump, now £425.

so Rat!

Only a Brooklyn would have a hole from an angle grinder and still look solid

Trouble is, i missed out on it at the time cos It was cheaper to browse reddit & play xbox and build a fixed beaters around old road frames.

A Brooklyn was way out of my £££ league at the time.

last drop before ebay.

now on ebay.

couldnt sell it here for £425, but eBay it and add "A rare opportunity to acquire a small part of cycling history has arisen." and £600 seems reasonable.

congratulations on revealing yourself as the user offering a fiver for it lol

Ha, not me!