Brompton upgrades?

I've just been reading this thread
http://www.lfgss.com/thread99086.html

My girlfriend has a Brompton which I occasionally use too.

It is an old 5 speed model. So far I have upgraded the calipers to Brompton dual pivot, brake levers, grips, tyres and its had a service.

Its pretty heavy. She does not really use the highest three gears.

I was considering switching it to a 2 speed.

My questions are:
Would switching to a 2 speed save much weight or have any other advantage like is it more reliable?

What other upgrades would you reccomend? I like the look of the bromptonification clamps as they don't spin. I don't want to spend much its more of a workhorse.

Thanks for your time.

I've been riding a 2 speed for the last 4 months everyday, and more gears just seem unnecessary (for my commute). Even considering 1 speed now.

I'm riding a 2 speed, it does save quite a bit of weight. I think the acceleration->cruising gear thing works quite well, though inevitably there are gradients where neither are ideal, but that's obviously not a problem on a fg forum. Biggest issue with Bromptons IMO (and I'm splitting hairs) is the flex in the handlebars, and the 'derailleur' design, which is a bit flimsy. On an older one it may well be worth looking at chainset upgrades or brake lever upgrades. I used to have odyssey levers on one, but now have the later incarnation and the levers and chainset are pretty solid now. I am considering a tensioner/chain pusher set up from Brompfication just because the fabrication looks a bit more hard wearing.

So on a two speed is the low gear really easy? I was hoping the two gears would be like gears 1 and 2 on my 5 speed...

Personally I see it as a accelerating gear and a cruising speed: https://brompton.zendesk.com/attachments/token/cnzsh1vxxycbtz8/?name=gearing+chart.JPG

The way I would put it is that the 2 speed offers a low gear that would allow any regular cyclist up for a sweat up any hill in London, as opposed to being as low as the 1st gear on a hub gear.

I've never ridden an old 5 speed, but do know that the weight difference between the current 3 and 2 speed set ups is 550g.

I'd recommend getting some front luggage (carrier block and bag/basket). I found it made a positive difference when you don't have to cart everything around on your back.

2 speed it is then. Thanks guys.

just doing this to my 2 speed

Schmidt dynamo for full bromporn.

Schmidt dynamo along with a Rohloff rear hub for full bromporn.

Ftfy!

http://www.kinetics-online.co.uk/folding-bikes/brompton/brompton-rohloff-kit/

So cheap too.

just doing this to my 2 speed

Let me know how you get on - make sure you read the addendum at http://bromptontalk.wikispaces.com/3+Speed+Cassette

it would have been fine but I've had my wheels rebuilt and there wasn't the clearance for the derailleur so I went with single speed in the end.