Broken Brompton - help needed

[jay clock]

My 3-4 year old SL3 has snapped/lost a bolt where the rear triangle pivots onto the frame

this point here but it is the drive side (not my actual bike) https://www.dropbox.com/s/u16wb786uhbxcgh/brompton.jpg?dl=0

the actual bike looks like this https://www.dropbox.com/s/8iy88upgb3hbehu/IMG_1529.jpg?dl=0

Is this a DIY job or LBS? All clues welcomed!

 

[gizmo1994]

I'll let others comment more wisely but forget the LBS and get it to a Brommie specialist. This is a main structural part that is unique to the Brommie. Get it done properly.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

My LBS could fix that, but it depends on how good your one is. If you're in any doubt take it to a Brompton dealer for your peace of mind if nothing else.

 

[jay clock]

Thanks. If an LBS sells Bromptons does that make them a dealer?

 

[simongt]

If an LBS sells Bromptons does that make them a dealer?

Not certain, but I think Brompton have levels of 'accreditation', depending on what level of service etc. that the respective LBS can provide.

 

[the_mikey]

Needs a replacement rear hinge bush and spindle kit...

 

[rogerzilla]

If you can buy the above, it's a potential DIY fix. Getting the bolt out of the other side may be challenging. It makes sense to fit new bushes too, and these should be reamed by a dealer before the new spindle goes in.

 

[chriscross1966]

Brompton wont sell the parts to the pyblic, they insist it is a dealer job. If youve got a hankering for it you can get a titanium aftermarket part from ebay. Personally i would advise most folks to take it to a Brompton main dealer, they're a service spare

 

[12boy]

This is one of two jobs I would pay someone else to do ..the other is reaming the seat sleeve. Maybe you could do it yourself but letting an expert fo this for you would be my choice.

 

[jay clock]

all noted. There is a big LBS nearby that sells them. Will call in the morning

 

[rogerzilla]

You used to be able to buy all parts for a Brompton but they seem to be creating work for dealers these days. It also explains why the spare hinge kit I had sold so quickly on eBay. The problem is that you have to get the bike to a dealer, and we don't all live in London. I do luckily have a dealer 10 miles away but that's still two 20 mile round trips by car.

 

[jay clock]

ok, my local dealer were very honest and their mechanic has not done the training on that part yet! So I have booked it in with a premier dealer in London where I work and will drop it in on Monday. £80 flat rate which I just have to suck up I guess.

 

[12boy]

When I needed to have the hinge rebuilt and a new seatpost sleeve installed I had to make a box and ship it about 1400 miles to a shop I knew would do a good job. Fortunately they returned it in a brompton box so next time I can just ship it and they did a good job, too.

 

[jay clock]

everywhere is a long way from Wyoming!

 

[Pale Rider]

When I needed to have the hinge rebuilt and a new seatpost sleeve installed I had to make a box and ship it about 1400 miles to a shop I knew would do a good job. Fortunately they returned it in a brompton box so next time I can just ship it and they did a good job, too.

Brompton tip: Keep the box it comes in if you have room, because you never know when you might want to send the bike somewhere.