Looking to potentially buy this Brompton local to me. Is this a 3 speed? Also is 1350 a fair price for this? Any thing to consider with this Brompton? Thank you!
by bshreddit24
Looking to potentially buy this Brompton local to me. Is this a 3 speed? Also is 1350 a fair price for this? Any thing to consider with this Brompton? Thank you!
by bshreddit24
11 Comments
its a c line from September 2011
$1350 USD seems a bit steep. I just got a 2021 Black Lacquer M6L for $1000 on FB marketplace.
So for 10 years older (yours is 1109 -> 2011 Sep) maybe a bit less.
It’s a 3 speed mid handlebar Brompton. For a bike over ten years old that’s a little spendy honestly.
Thanks for all the comments! Is there a easy way to identify the year? Also what year range is best to purchase second hand? At this point is it worth paying retail for the mk6 as my first Brompton?
M3L Raw Lacquer. $1350 usd? that’s too much. Serial numbers say this is manufactured in Sept 2011
To determine the price you would pay for a used Brompton, determine the cost all of the worn parts/components that you would have to replace on the used Brompton to make it ready to ride for a year or so. From your perspective, you would want the total cost to be 20 % to 30 % less than buying new. In other words, for example, add up the replacement parts costs and subtract the parts total from 75% of new cost = the price you would be willing to pay for the used Brompton.
I have that exact bike and like others say that’s an expensive price given the age. I paid that new around 8 or 9 years ago.
Consider , that in 2013, Brompton started building the Bromptons with a 130 mm spider crankset of similar stiffness as most road bicycle 130 mm bolt circle cranks. The current Brompton 130 mm bolt circle crankset flexes much less under pedaling force, as compared to the swaged crankset of the 2012 and earlier Brompton models. The 130 mm crank improves efficiency of pedaling power transfer, maybe by 2+ %, and the stiffness of the crankset can be noticed as a definiteness to the Brompton’s response when you pedal, particularly during the moments of a sprint. If you happen to test ride a C Line and then ride the Brompton in the photo with the swaged crankset for comparison, you can see if the difference is compelling enough to plan for replacing the swaged crankset. The new 130 mm crankset does have to be fitted with a new bottom bracket.
I paid £575 for my 2018 M3R. You can buy a new one for that!
The raw lacquer really does look good though.
I have almost this exact model (same year, colour, size, but 6 speed). Not sure what currency you are quoting, $1350 dollars is a little much maybe, but it’s in great condition and a rare colour. £1350 is definitely too high imo
For that price, I would consider getting a brand new A line. It will have similar specs to the bike pictured and at a lower price. it only comes in two color options and you would have to add fenders and advance, roller wheels, and lights, but you will be covered under Brompton’s warranty so that’s a plus.