Hi everyone,
I recently bought my first Brompton second-hand via eBay: here's the listing. It's a 2021 model M6L. The seller mentioned they haven't had it serviced recently, and while the bike looks clean, I don't have much experience with bikes yet. I'm planning to learn more as I use it, but for now, I want to get it checked over to ensure everything is in good condition.
Since I might have the option for a refund if there are any major undisclosed issues, I think it's worth taking it for a professional servicing. However, I've noticed that servicing costs vary quite a bit, and I'm unsure what option would be best. Here are the options I found
- Premium Brompton Service (£275): If I understand correctly, this includes replacing many parts with new ones.
- Evans Cycles (£120 or £180 + cost of replacements)
- A local bike shop: My university sometimes hires cardiffcycleworkshop for student bike repairs. So, I assume they’re reliable, but I’m not sure about their pricing.
I’m based in Cardiff, so there is no Brompton Service here according to their website, nearest is in Bristol. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance for your advice!
by Ok-Kiwi-9627
4 Comments
[Here](https://www.bicycledoctor.co.uk/pages/workshop/) is the charges for my local Brompton dealer £60 – £150
I’m not a fan of Evans, if you’ve got the money, having a full overhaul of a second hand bike might be worthwhile
Try your local Brompton dealer
Take it in there and ask them to give it a check and estimate if anything needs doing – they should do that for free then you’ll know the real condition
DO NOT TAKE IT TO EVANS they are generally absolutely useless. Find a decent independent bike shop check reviews etc or a Brompton dealer.
A 2021 bike shouldn’t need the services you listed. I have a 2007 brompton, use it 100 miles per week and have yet to have it overhauled. I fix and replace parts as problems arise.
If your primary goal right now is just to determine if the bike is safe and functional, all it should need is a quick inspection that a few bolts are tight (wheels, stem, handlebar, brakes, cables, cranks, bottom bracket) and a 5 min test ride.
My suggestion is to find a local bike co-op and learn how to work on your bike there with help and the proper tools. Many universities have student-run shops.
https://web.archive.org/web/20131219015036/http://www.ibike.org/encouragement/freebike/directory/
https://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Community_Bicycle_Organizations