Been wanting a Brompton for years so I figured I’d give a more affordable used one a shot before I dove headfirst into a newer one. Not sure exactly what year it’s from because the serial sticker is missing. Based on context clues I’m thinking ‘02-‘07. I’m in love with this thing. I was really drawn to a 3-speed for the simplicity of use and just having the internal hub. Coming from a hybrid bike with way too many gears I never used, it’s really cool. I have about a half hour commute in NYC and I think it’ll work great.
My only concern at first was the older sachs hub but it shifts like an absolute dream. The only thing is that the stock roller wheels are shiiiiite so I’m definitely hoping to install the rear rack (should fit, right?) Any other advice for a newbie would be appreciated!!
by b3gff24
1 Comment
In the 3rd photo, the Brompton’s hinge forgings are fillet brazed, which indicates this Brompton is older than 2004. This pre-2004 Brompton fillet brazing at the hinges should be regularly inspected for cracks, which could lead to fracture/separation of the steel tubing from the hinge forgings.
Consider that starting in 2004, Brompton started producing the current cast hinges which slip onto the ends of the frame tubes, creating a much stronger brazing process that is performed by automatic machinery.
This Reddit shows how the main frame tube broke off at the forged hinge fillet braze — closeup photos show the fracture of pre-2004 Brompton.
https://reddit.com/r/Brompton/s/cSGkI05pgx
Regularly inspect the Brompton fillet brazing at the hinges for cracks, that would eventually lead to fracture/separation of the steel tubing from the hinge forgings.