1990 Brompton Mk2 L3
- Thread starter Gunk
- Start date
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I was lucky in that I swapped a spare x long seat pin form another Brommy and as luck would have it although I'm 'average' height for a lad, the fully extended seatpin is perfect height for me so I don't have to worry about getting the heihght correct when unfolding my Brommy.
I've fitted a Brompton height limiter to the GLW's Brommy seatpin so now she can fold hers and get the seat height correct every time without any fiddling issues - !
I was lucky in that I swapped a spare x long seat pin form another Brommy and as luck would have it although I'm 'average' height for a lad, the fully extended seatpin is perfect height for me so I don't have to worry about getting the heihght correct when unfolding my Brommy.
I've fitted a Brompton height limiter to the GLW's Brommy seatpin so now she can fold hers and get the seat height correct every time without any fiddling issues - !
The two best upgrades IMO on an older Brompton are a frame clip and a seat height insert, just makes life so much easier.
I don’t want to be too precious about this one, I intend to use it, and as I’ve mentioned before everything is reversible.
Final job this morning as the new suspension block arrived, I replaced the block and clamp with the later type which locks the rear triangle in place. IMO probably the best modification for an early Brompton. The seat tube is slightly narrower on these early bikes so I tidied up the exposed thread with some shrink wrap.
All the original parts were removed without any damage so I’ve carefully packed them away.
These photos also show what incredible condition it’s in.
All the original parts were removed without any damage so I’ve carefully packed them away.
These photos also show what incredible condition it’s in.
Fastpedaller
Über Member
- Location
- Norfolk
The seat tube is slightly narrower on these early bikes so I tidied up the exposed thread with some shrink wrap.
Can you explain please - what exposed thread?
Can you explain please - what exposed thread?
Fastpedaller
Über Member
- Location
- Norfolk
Ah - thanks for that. Is the seat tube a smaller diameter, or is it the 'tightening clip' that's narrower?
Nice detail you've done there.
I had an early Brompton (1992?), which I rarely used and sold in mint condition (probably 1994) to someone in our workplace. I didn't realise the prices had increased significantly, so I was pleased to only lose £25 from my buying price. Guy must have thought it was Christmas
Nice detail you've done there.
I had an early Brompton (1992?), which I rarely used and sold in mint condition (probably 1994) to someone in our workplace. I didn't realise the prices had increased significantly, so I was pleased to only lose £25 from my buying price. Guy must have thought it was Christmas
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Not bad for a 35 year old model. Taken her for a ride?
Only about 100 yards! as soon the weather improves I’ll pop into Oxford for coffee.
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
May i suggest that you regrease the hub and headset bearings before riding it any distance? Grease loses its volatile compounds to evaporation after 35 years and the grease becomes as useful a lubricant as soap. Because its soap.
It’s been regularly serviced by the local supplying dealer all its life and was fully serviced only two years ago. Although it doesn’t look like it, it had has plenty of regular use, but just short, dry leisure rides, so everything feels really good, there is no play in the headset or BB, also all the hinges work perfectly. but I will check the BB and headset as a precaution, I’ll also check the hub bearings. As I mentioned earlier this is by far the best used Brompton I’ve bought.
I don’t plan to make any more changes to it, so here it is finished, all I’ve done is touch in the rear triangle where the paint had flaked off by the rollers (probably due to it being dropped slightly when folded) Just to make it mine, I’ve added a Brooks saddle, luggage block and frame clip. The only part I had to change was the clip the holds the seat stem. So total costs about £15, as all the other parts can be removed.
I paid £430 for it which I think was an absolute bargain. I report back once I have had a proper shake down on it. it will only end up being used occasionally as I already own a more modern Brompton which I use as a daily bike. However now we have a pair of them, I am hoping to persuade Mrs Gunk to join me on some Brompton adventures when the weather warms up.
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
Working in the bicycle industry for 25+ years I've literally lost count of the number of perfectly good bearings ruined because someone dragged an old bike out of a shed and rode it without refreshing the grease. I've done it myself. The bearings always felt perfectly good, but the grease has lost its ability to lubricate. If the bike, as you say, was regularly serviced by a bike shop it's very unlikely that the headset and wheel bearings have ever been regreased. A keen home mechanic might have.
If you're a lazy slacker like me you might try just laying the bike on its side and seeping some machine oil into the bearing seals whilst spinning the wheels, and then flip it over and do the other side. It'll reactivate the grease somewhat.
My uncle gave me his old late 80s Orange Clockwork earlier this year. The wheels span perfectly well, but on taking the hubs apart i discovered a split ball in the non-drive side. Miraculously it hadn't done any damage to the hub or the cone, so i must have caught it just in time.
Fastpedaller
Über Member
- Location
- Norfolk
There's a certain 'purity' and simplicity to the SWB early Brompton (but maybe I'm looking through rose-tinted glasses?)
I fitted my favourite Campag pedals with toe straps and clips to ride a 'lumpy' evening 10 time trial and didn't quite get under 30 mins (30:11), but I surely couldn't do it now. I seemed to be forever changing gear, as the 2nd was too low, or the 3rd too high!
I fitted my favourite Campag pedals with toe straps and clips to ride a 'lumpy' evening 10 time trial and didn't quite get under 30 mins (30:11), but I surely couldn't do it now. I seemed to be forever changing gear, as the 2nd was too low, or the 3rd too high!
I need to weigh it, as it feels quite a bit lighter than my modern S6L
