Hi everyone,
I thought I’d introduce my Brompton. It’s a 2009 Superlight 6-speed with the BWR hub, and it has quickly become my main way of getting around.
I actually owned a much newer Brompton C Line around 2021, but I have to say that I prefer this older Superlight. I particularly like the gearing on this bike, and there is just something about the way it rides that I really enjoy.
I recently had a rear-tire blowout. The old Schwalbe Marathon may actually have been original to the bike, or at least very old. It still had plenty of tread because the previous owner apparently didn’t ride much, but the sidewall/casing had clearly aged and finally failed.
I replaced it with a Schwalbe Marathon Plus 35-349, along with a new tube. I removed and reinstalled the rear wheel, chain tensioner, etc. myself. The only thing I eventually had a bike shop do was mount the new tire onto the rim — after I struggled with that incredibly stiff last section of bead. The tire shop mechanic put it on the rim in 60 seconds, with no tools. I was amazed.
Everything is back together now, and after a test ride the bike is riding beautifully. I’m planning to ride it quite a lot since it’s transportation for me, so I’m also starting to put together a supply of spare tires, tubes, brake pads, drivetrain parts, and some of the harder-to-find parts specific to the older 6-speed BWR bikes.
by Oxymorix