Yet another Brompton (my third) in the LBS for major surgery.
I've had this one 14 months and do 1.5 to 2 hours commuting every weekday. I've worn out both sets of wheels which now need replacing, the hinge is broken (under warranty), the chainset, sprockets and chain need changing, I need new cables, the folding pedal starts creaking after 6 months and is virtually falling off after 10 months (I've got SPDs on mine now), the rear bung suspension thingy keeps loosening off, the rear mudflap keeps falling off (now painted the bolt on). The gears go constantly out of adjustment (I've 6 speed).
Brompton say it's just wear and tear but I've never worn out a regular sized bike with this sort of mileage before (22 miles daily). Just yesterday I was adjusting the gear cable at the lever end as it just twists and goes limp on use. Often have to adjust the allen key screw on the front brake to centre the blocks.
I can't fault the fold but they are so unreliable and I've spent a small fortune on repairs. I'm now thinking of buying a Dahon Jack or Cadenza folder in order to get a more reliable bike as well as a normal 26" size which will be able to handle London's potholes and drains better than the tiny wheeled Brompton which is very unpredictable once the road is wet. It'll be easier to repair rear p**** (can't use the "p" word) too as the Brompton rear is a complete nightmare to get on/off. I'll also be able to keep up with traffic more on a faster bike.
Anybody had any experience with the Dahons or similar Brompton repairs.
I've had this one 14 months and do 1.5 to 2 hours commuting every weekday. I've worn out both sets of wheels which now need replacing, the hinge is broken (under warranty), the chainset, sprockets and chain need changing, I need new cables, the folding pedal starts creaking after 6 months and is virtually falling off after 10 months (I've got SPDs on mine now), the rear bung suspension thingy keeps loosening off, the rear mudflap keeps falling off (now painted the bolt on). The gears go constantly out of adjustment (I've 6 speed).
Brompton say it's just wear and tear but I've never worn out a regular sized bike with this sort of mileage before (22 miles daily). Just yesterday I was adjusting the gear cable at the lever end as it just twists and goes limp on use. Often have to adjust the allen key screw on the front brake to centre the blocks.
I can't fault the fold but they are so unreliable and I've spent a small fortune on repairs. I'm now thinking of buying a Dahon Jack or Cadenza folder in order to get a more reliable bike as well as a normal 26" size which will be able to handle London's potholes and drains better than the tiny wheeled Brompton which is very unpredictable once the road is wet. It'll be easier to repair rear p**** (can't use the "p" word) too as the Brompton rear is a complete nightmare to get on/off. I'll also be able to keep up with traffic more on a faster bike.
Anybody had any experience with the Dahons or similar Brompton repairs.
, Obviously doesn't fold as small as a Brompton, but it does ride like a proper bike, and the newer version even looks great with a hidden hinge instead of the great lump on mine, the only problem I have had was the back wheel breaking spokes, I've had it re built and its fine now. Its miles better in terms of practicality (I have a rack and Ortliebs on mine) , and comfort than a small wheeled Jobby, I did have a Dahon Speed Pro, but couldn't get on with the ride and the tiny wheels..although the Sram dual gears are great.
