Hi everyone,
First-time owner and poster here. I could really use some help from the Brompton community.
I just bought a "brand new" (shop said it was never used) Brompton from a reputable second-hand bike shop. Everything seemed great until I noticed the 3-speed hub was shifting really poorly and the shifter lever sometimes get stuck in between gears
I found the official Brompton YouTube tutorial on adjusting the indicator chain and decided to give it a go.
Here's where it got weird:
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The lock nut was incredibly tight. I really had to force it to break it loose, which felt wrong.
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In the middle of fiddling with the adjuster, I heard a faint ping and found a tiny washer on the ground. It seems to have come from the assembly between the indicator chain and the lock nut. (See Pic 1 & 2)
But it seems a bit unusual so I continued following the official steps:
· Screwed the indicator chain all the way in.
· Backed it out half a turn.
· Pulling the indicator chain tighter until around 1mm of the rod is protruding
· Held it in place and tightened the lock nut against it.
It seems to shift great now
My questions for you all:
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What is this washer? Is it a crucial part or some kinda of random spacer that isn't used?
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Is the hub adjusted correctly and if the indicator chain is protruding at the right length? (See Pic 3 & 4)
Thanks in advance for any help!
by SoftwareExcellent700
2 Comments
Looking at the pictures that does seem like it has never ever been used.
I haven’t seen that washer ever, someone else might, would also like to know.
Btw I also do the lock nut tight. In my tools bag I always have a pliers, find them handy even for taking the washers out of those slots if you need to take the rear wheel off. So not to tight but tight enough to make it hard to undo without pliers when it is really cold en wet outside and your fingers have no feeling anymore. (if you catch my drift)
You need to make the adjustment in second gear. Looking at it I would do another turn so it comes out the hub a bit more. It’s not that picky that half or a full turn will make a hell lot of difference. If it shifts nice then leave it.
As I think this bike looks new and unused you might have to check the cables again after riding it for a month or so, These things can stretch in the beginning.
That washer goes between the locknut and the cable anchorage. It’s a fairly new thing, Brompton introduced it about 2 years ago and it’s there to prevent the locknut from coming loose.
I hope the image is visible for everyone, I created a [link here. ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/RkzXiF4sWo1PFhnKA)