1990 Brompton L3
- Thread starter Gunk
- Start date
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I’ve done a bit more research and it’s an early 1990 Mk 2 L3, it’s in unbelievable condition, probably the best used Brompton I’ve ever bought, just needs a couple of tweaks and a deep clean, as the paintwork has never been touched in I’m going to leave it as it is. The tyres are a later addition, it would originally been fitted with Raleigh Records. Mechanically it’s almost perfect, looks like the previous owner never used it in the winter and had it serviced regularly.
I’m really chuffed with this one! Might even keep it.
I’m really chuffed with this one! Might even keep it.
brommieinkorea
Senior Member
- Location
- 'Merica darnit
Wow, I wouldn't say it wasn't ridden in winter, more like sealed in a case for 30 years until you bought it!
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Blimey, that'd be minty fresh for a 3 year old bike, nefer mind a 35m
year old scoot.
year old scoot.
It’s not even had a clean yet, this is exactly how I bought it yesterday. Next job is just to carefully clean and PDI it, it all looks good, just needs checking over and lubing.
There are some interesting features including different hinges and a 1” headset. I’m almost tempted to stick a pair of NOS record tyres on it
brommieinkorea
Senior Member
- Location
- 'Merica darnit
Since tyres are sort of perishable, how do you keep them nice for a NOS situation ?
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Keep them out of sunlight.
If theyve degraded and are giving off a white talc like substance gently warming them in the oven, believe it or not, restores them.
I’ll keep them in the garage and put them on if I end up selling the bike. At the moment I’m pretty sure that it’s a keeper.
I spent a little bit of time this afternoon just giving it a gentle clean and polish, I also removed the wheel reflectors as they are pet hate of mine, lubed the chain, adjusted the gears and brakes plus touched up the missing paint on the rear triangle, on closer inspection, remarkably there is absolutely no rust anywhere
I’m definitely hanging on to this one, the plan is to leave it alone unmodified, Although I have sourced some original Raleigh tyres, I’m going to just leave the later Brompton branded Marathons on, they look far nicer and are a much better tyre. I’ll stick the Raleigh’s on if I decide in the future to sell it. The only changes I’m going to make is to fit an older Brooks saddle, I hate the original but I’ll carefully pack it away again to refit if I ever sell it. I’ll also fit a luggage block so I can use it for commuting in the dry weather.
I’m definitely hanging on to this one, the plan is to leave it alone unmodified, Although I have sourced some original Raleigh tyres, I’m going to just leave the later Brompton branded Marathons on, they look far nicer and are a much better tyre. I’ll stick the Raleigh’s on if I decide in the future to sell it. The only changes I’m going to make is to fit an older Brooks saddle, I hate the original but I’ll carefully pack it away again to refit if I ever sell it. I’ll also fit a luggage block so I can use it for commuting in the dry weather.
