Tech advice...Brompton M6L

[berlinonaut]

I'm not sure Brompton do a good job of facing the head tube and fork crown at the factory, since this is the usual reason for a headset not being able to be adjusted properly. (...)

Add it to the list of Brompton design faults they still haven't fixed after 30 years...

A headset that constantly loosens itself is often a sign that the head tube and fork need facing properly. Any decent bike shop can do it. It should be done at the factory but I suspect it isn't.

You repeat yourself. Do you have any evidence for your claim or is it just your usual Brompton-hate? Judging from this thread:
- The OP had the issue once and has not reported back, so probably solved.
- Kell had the issue constantly for years. Caused by the fact that he "tightened" the headset with his fingers instead of using a spanner
- I reported that I know the issue from many new Bromptons that need retightening the headset once or twice over the first couple of 100kms - not a tragedy in my eyes.

 

[rogerzilla]

A headset that needs retightening after use is an improperly fitted headset. It isn't acceptable on any bike, let alone a £1000 one. Maybe it's necessary on a headset fitted with a lump hammer and a block of wood in the shed. I own a Brompton, have done for 11 years (I've had a couple more as resto projects along the way which I eventually sold on) so I'm not a Brompton-hater but nor am I an apologist or fan-boy.

 

[Kell]

Funnily enough - I did mine properly (once I remembered) and it's been fine ever since.

It was certainly long enough ago for it to have completely slipped my mind that I'd even responded to this thread.

 

[FolderBeholder]

I started reading this thread as it was brought to my attention via the forum software‘s “alert” feature of activity, which brought me directly to It’s most recent posts. Then I realized I was the thread-starter! LOL

Today is Aug 11, 2020 and after the initial re-adjustment and tightening of the headset I originally posted about waaay back when....I’ve never had to give it a second thought (well, listen to a second complaint from the Missus about it is actually a more accurate description) and we ride our Bromptons quite regularly and still adore them.

Hopefully that info will give “Ridesafe” hope for the same issue experiencing on their new Brompton.