T4tomo
Legendary Member
You'll regret that if the disability transport cart runs you over from behind and says SMIDSY!
Brompton Project Part Two
- Thread starter Gunk
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
You'll regret that if the disability transport cart runs you over from behind and says SMIDSY!
I thought I had the red clamp set somewhere, but can't find it at the moment. This was in the box of possible future Brommie mods that I never got round to.
They’re just a bit quirky, I like them
About 90% of my cycling is now done on my Brompton so although I serviced it recently, it was looking a bit grubby and sorry for itself, I popped it up on the stand and gave it a deep clean. It looks great considering it’s now 13 years old and is used constantly in all weathers.
As the nights draw in the Dynamo lighting has been really useful, however the additional weight is noticeable, especially lifting it into the back of a car.
In January I’m 60 and my wife has kindly bought me another, (a NOS 2021 S6L boxed and never used) this time flat bars and 6 speed, I’ll run a Brompton USB lighting kit on this one and the rack is coming off, this will be mainly for the summer and for longer rides. it also gives us a pair of Bromptons to take away on Holiday.
As the nights draw in the Dynamo lighting has been really useful, however the additional weight is noticeable, especially lifting it into the back of a car.
In January I’m 60 and my wife has kindly bought me another, (a NOS 2021 S6L boxed and never used) this time flat bars and 6 speed, I’ll run a Brompton USB lighting kit on this one and the rack is coming off, this will be mainly for the summer and for longer rides. it also gives us a pair of Bromptons to take away on Holiday.
As some of you have probably seen another newer Brompton has landed
So where does this leave the this old M3L, well although I have lavished a small fortune on it I have some more plans for 2025.
It’s pretty good but stood next to a brand new bike it’s easy to see what still needs addressing. So I have list for this year to bring it up to an even higher standard.
Crankset - the chain wheel is very slightly bent and the old one piece cranksets are poor quality and heavy, they also use a pretty rubbish FAG BB which although I have a spare are still not great, so plan is to change the lot, fit a spider crankset and new BB
Pedals - Again these are the originals, 14 years old and knackered so I’ll replace these.
Rear wheel - the front wheel now I’ve done a dynamo conversion has the newer curved twin wall rim, the rear is still the older single wall rim which is worn and not quite straight, my plan is to keep the hub and fit a new rim and spokes, surprisingly not that expensive to do.
Grips - minor issue but when I rebuilt it the correct pre 2017 100mm Brompton foam grips were unavailable, they are back in stock now so I’m going to to order some and replace the tatty Decathlon items.
I’ll keep you updated, I’m not doing it one go as for some items I will be searching for good secondhand stuff rather than buying new so it will be a lengthy process.
So where does this leave the this old M3L, well although I have lavished a small fortune on it I have some more plans for 2025.
It’s pretty good but stood next to a brand new bike it’s easy to see what still needs addressing. So I have list for this year to bring it up to an even higher standard.
Crankset - the chain wheel is very slightly bent and the old one piece cranksets are poor quality and heavy, they also use a pretty rubbish FAG BB which although I have a spare are still not great, so plan is to change the lot, fit a spider crankset and new BB
Pedals - Again these are the originals, 14 years old and knackered so I’ll replace these.
Rear wheel - the front wheel now I’ve done a dynamo conversion has the newer curved twin wall rim, the rear is still the older single wall rim which is worn and not quite straight, my plan is to keep the hub and fit a new rim and spokes, surprisingly not that expensive to do.
Grips - minor issue but when I rebuilt it the correct pre 2017 100mm Brompton foam grips were unavailable, they are back in stock now so I’m going to to order some and replace the tatty Decathlon items.
I’ll keep you updated, I’m not doing it one go as for some items I will be searching for good secondhand stuff rather than buying new so it will be a lengthy process.
Last edited:
New grips arrived today, these were not available a couple of years ago, so as a stop gap I just fitted some decathlon generic foam grips
I thought these were a bit steep at £15 but they are much better. Quote from the Brilliant Bikes website for the Brompton anoraks
These are the newer (introduced on the 2013 model) grips - these grips are now without the curves and a darker colour, than the original grey grips used by Brompton prior to 2013
Please also note: These are not the grips for the 2017 onwards model Brompton
Quote from Brompton in 2013 "As a stop-gap before we (Brompton) can offer lock-on grips in 2014, the shape of the M Type grip will be tweaked to address complaints over the comfort afforded by the present double-concave shape. The new shape is straighter with a slight taper at the inboard end." - these lock on grips have now been delayed to production.
I thought these were a bit steep at £15 but they are much better. Quote from the Brilliant Bikes website for the Brompton anoraks
These are the newer (introduced on the 2013 model) grips - these grips are now without the curves and a darker colour, than the original grey grips used by Brompton prior to 2013
Please also note: These are not the grips for the 2017 onwards model Brompton
Quote from Brompton in 2013 "As a stop-gap before we (Brompton) can offer lock-on grips in 2014, the shape of the M Type grip will be tweaked to address complaints over the comfort afforded by the present double-concave shape. The new shape is straighter with a slight taper at the inboard end." - these lock on grips have now been delayed to production.
I managed to grab a really good set of pedals off eBay for only £27 delivered which was an absolute bargain. Apart from a few minor scratches they really are like new. They are fitted now.
My thinking is to try and find a complete rear wheel rather than rebuild the old one as the hub has done a lot of miles, just missed out on one for only £80, so they are out there.
My thinking is to try and find a complete rear wheel rather than rebuild the old one as the hub has done a lot of miles, just missed out on one for only £80, so they are out there.
