Want to buy my first Brompton, but have only few used options available in my country right now. For now I'm choosing between this three. But as I'm new to this, I'm not even sure if they worth prices asked or which one is better. So any help would be appreciated
by AdamLevy
7 Comments
Correct me if im wrong but option 3 looks like it has those bunny ear shifters? That would indicate its the oldest of the three as those were discontinued at some point. If that’s the case I may want to look at the first two instead. Option two seems in good condition judging from the pics.
Check out this vid before you inspect one in person: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vaTsEmu1RI
If I only go by the pictures it would be option 3 for me. Dynamo lights, rack, six speed ticks all my boxes. The gear shifters indicate this is a pre 2017 bike, so I‘d check how old the bike really is and how well i has been taken care of by the previous owner.
Option 1 is ancient.
Option one is pre 2004 as it has the original weaker hinge, probably best avoided for daily use, option two looks somewhat newer to judge from the fittings but the pictures of the frame aren’t clear enough to tell if it’s new fittings on an old frame. Option three looks to be post 2004 but probably older than option two.
Option 2 is the newest of the lot, and it’s from around 2016/2017. So still quite old. None of those bikes are worth more than £600 if it was the UK market.
What country are you in?
Option 2 is the best but whether that’s a good price depends on your location and I have no idea. Option 2 is also a 2 speed so don’t know if that’s enough for you. I just think the others are too old to ride and that older hinge style was weaker.
option 1 has the brazed hinge plate, that is infamous for snapping and cracking without any prior warning. if u can, avoid it at all cost otherwise it is a gamble for something more than 20y.o.++