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Just got a used 2007 Brompton- any mods recommended?

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Just got a used 2007 Brompton- any mods recommended?

Old 01-15-19, 03:11 PM
  #1  
mlau
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Just got a used 2007 Brompton- any mods recommended?

Hey everybody,

I bought a used 2007 Brompton M6 off ebay last week.
It's got some nice extras: luggage block, SON hub+lights, fenders, Shimano brake levers, EZ wheels, and Ti seatpost.

Do you recommend any additional mods?

I was thinking of maybe changing out the seat for a Brooks, Ergon grips, and maybe a Bromfoot adaptor (I have big feet).
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Old 01-15-19, 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by mlau
Do you recommend any additional mods?

I was thinking of maybe changing out the seat for a Brooks, Ergon grips, and maybe a Bromfoot adaptor (I have big feet).
If it has not already been retrofitted I'd install the rear frame catch that keeps the rear frame in place when lifting the bike. Ergons are also a good idea - they might possibly conflict with the Shimano break levers and need to be cut to form a bit. On a 2007 I'd replace the front light with a more decent and modern one (again if it has not already been done). Congrats to the SON btw.! A different saddle might also be worth the money - keep in mind that, coming from the stock saddle, you'll probably also need the Brompton Pentaclip. It is expensive but worth it. Standardvise that would be it regarding the basic upgrades, as always, more is possible.

If you post a picture of your bike we might get more ideas.
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Old 01-15-19, 05:26 PM
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Pictures please!!!
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Old 01-15-19, 05:28 PM
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It's shipping out from North London today.

Here's some pictures from ebay

Last edited by mlau; 01-15-19 at 05:33 PM.
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Old 01-15-19, 05:33 PM
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From the listing:Brompton M6R - 6 speed bike with rack


Brompton Titanium Seatpost

SON Dynohub and high output B&M Lumotec LED front light and Brompton LED rear

Shimano brake levers (were an upgrade from the Brompton model fitted at the time), Eazy Wheels, folding clip.

There are no broken parts that I'm aware of and the bike is fully working though it is overdue a service and likely some drivetrain parts will need replacing. Hence is largely based on value of frame, SON hub and lights, Titanium post

Shipping can be arranged at cost or collect from NW london. "
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Old 01-15-19, 05:43 PM
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Nice find. Congratulations!!!
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Old 01-15-19, 07:11 PM
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Thanks!

I have wanted one since 2010.
Been holding off since I can't justify buying one new.

In a worst case scenario, I can Craigslist it and more than recoup my costs.
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Old 01-16-19, 01:18 AM
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Looks good. Rear frame clip is there, Pentaclip is there and a more moderen front light has already been fitted as well (looks like a BuM Cyo). What's left are the Ergon grips and the saddle of your bum's choice. Nice find.

Possibly I'd have a look at the gearing. The bike has the lower gearing (44t instead of 50t) - which is fine - and should have the SRAM as base for the 6-speed as the BWR was only invented 2009. This means the overall spread is "just" ~220% instead of the 302% of the BWR 6-speed but the gear steps are much closer (and thus more comfortable). Depending on how and where you ride you may want to play around with the gearing or not. In other words: In case you get to the opinion that the gearing would leave something to be desired with SRAM+44t there are a lot of possibilities, cheap ones as well as expensive ones. Hub Gear Calculator is a good starting point to compare the factory options and play a little bit with the gearing.

One tiny little thing: If I remember correctly, a Brompton of this age lacks the little stopper nose on the inner side of the left crank that stops the folding pedal from touching and scratching the frame in folded position. You can just glue a penny on there or whatever fits to achieve the same result.

Other than that I'd just give it a ride and see if you miss something or have questions.
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Old 01-16-19, 02:48 AM
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I would check to make sure your Shimano brake levers are actually short pull levers. Long pull levers (v-brake levers) do not provide good stopping power for caliper brakes. Congrats on your new Brompton.

Last edited by leoho5; 01-16-19 at 02:52 AM.
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Old 01-16-19, 10:32 AM
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Mod ideas..

The new spider crank & BB would be 1 nice replacement allowing a 39t chainring.. Or their 44, 50 or 54t

More gears , faster shifting, a Schlumpf Speed drive with 110 spider & 34 t chainring integrates its own BB, and has a 2nd overdrive internal gear ,
as if a 54t

left pedal core can be replaced with a Titanium one,
Or even the new steel ones save weight over the big 24mm hex bolt head solid ones..

I got a few of the Fizik for Brompton QSADVIT -A lightweight saddles.. which are a version of their Vitesse HP with a different steel rail bend
room for the pentaclip above the saddle rails ( from a now closed dealers' stock..)

A Brooks C 17 all weather would be more durable ..(but weigh more an have no padding , they use rubber instead of leather.. suspended between nose & tail..


& of course you have their front bag selections to explore , + Carradice makes a nice bag using their classic materials,
that slips over the B bag support frame , bought separately..


Ergon GC 2, 3, 4 are progressively longer integrated bar ends I use the 3 on my M3l Brompton..

...

Last edited by fietsbob; 01-16-19 at 12:22 PM.
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Old 01-16-19, 10:46 AM
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I would second the Ergons and consider bar ends. I'd lose the rear rack in favor of a front bag if you need to carry stuff. The additional weight over the front wheel wheel actually helps handling. I'd also put some Stan's type liquid tubeless tire sealant in the tires since those tires are a little tricky to remove. If you are not familiar with SA 3 speeds make sure you are clear on how to adjust the cable tension for the hub before taking off for a ride. I like 2 way SPDs on my Brompton. Can't tell from the photo but the firm elastomer for the suspension is always something to consider especially if you are a heavier rider.
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Old 01-16-19, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 12boy
I would second the Ergons and consider bar ends. I'd lose the rear rack in favor of a front bag if you need to carry stuff. The additional weight over the front wheel wheel actually helps handling. I'd also put some Stan's type liquid tubeless tire sealant in the tires since those tires are a little tricky to remove. If you are not familiar with SA 3 speeds make sure you are clear on how to adjust the cable tension for the hub before taking off for a ride. I like 2 way SPDs on my Brompton. Can't tell from the photo but the firm elastomer for the suspension is always something to consider especially if you are a heavier rider.
The rack has huge advantages when it comes to rolling the folded bike and it has a huge capacity for transporting stuff like packages and so on. So it may be very useful or less useful, depending on how big one rates optics, how often the bike has to carried, how often it is rolled in folded state and if at least occasionally bulkier items are on the transport list. As a standard I would also definitively go for a front bag - the carrier is just an extension for more and bulkier luggage.

As written before the bike does not have a SA 3-speed but a SRAM 3-speed hub - at least factory fitted. It got a new rim at the back anytime since 2013, so it is theroretically possible that the hub got exchange for a SA BWR. Hard to tell from the pics. Adjusting is basically identical and very easy (and only necessary very very rarely after may years - or after fixing a puncture). I see no difficulties in mounting and unmounting tires - mostly a question of technique as long as there's no M+ involved.
The firm elastomer does no longer exist since the beginning of 2018. Standard is a new elastomer (only one version available) that is claimed to sit in between the former standard and former hard one. This bike has however the old elastomer up to 2007, before standard and hard versions were invented in 2008. At that time there was only one version as well. The good thing is you can make it harder just by mounting an adjustable hose clamp around the rubber, so technically no need for a new elastomer.

Last edited by berlinonaut; 01-16-19 at 12:15 PM.
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Old 01-16-19, 12:25 PM
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FWIW.. I got a Firm elastomer from my dealer's Inventory .. 2 weeks ago.. now I have a spare standard density, I removed..
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Old 01-16-19, 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by leoho5
I would check to make sure your Shimano brake levers are actually short pull levers. Long pull levers (v-brake levers) do not provide good stopping power for caliper brakes. Congrats on your new Brompton.
Shimanos were a very common replacement for the factory break levers before 2013 and work flawlessly. As this bike comes from the uk and has been ridden for a couple of years I'd assume there should be no issue. These break levers could possibly be Shimano BL-R780 or something similar.
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Old 01-16-19, 09:34 PM
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Thanks everyone!

I plan to get a Bromfoot add on to the left pedal to avoid over folding.
I'm also heavy... about 200lb. Heavier elastomer.

I plan to install ergons after trying the bike for a bit.
Currently, it's pouring a storm.

I will probably go for a Brooks from a local bike store with a tryout policy.

As for gearing, Alameda is flat.
But SF is steep.


I am glad for all the sharp eyed people here.
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Old 01-17-19, 09:41 AM
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You might take a look at Velo Orange leather seats. Currently on sale at a fairly low price. I like the model 6, a narrow saddle, enough to have 5 of them and they have held up well. The rails are a bit longer than a Brooks and the leather is faced on the inside with fabric as well as being riveted under the saddle so the sides won't splay. The other model seems to be much like a B-17 Brooks.
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Old 01-17-19, 03:58 PM
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I like accessory carry handles like the Off Yer Bike:

https://www.offyerbike.com/about/

Curious, you had it shipped from London? Was the shipping cost reasonable?
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Old 01-17-19, 07:11 PM
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It was about $120-160, I think.

As for seats, it's a personal thing. My bum may be too big for a b17.
Thankfully, there's a local bike store that let's me loan the seat until I find the right one.
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Old 01-18-19, 01:17 PM
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C 19 is wider But Physically, you sit on your pelvis, not those plump cheeks..
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Old 01-19-19, 01:25 AM
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Those cheeks are muscle.

But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
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Old 01-19-19, 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by mlau
Those cheeks are muscle.

But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
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Old 01-19-19, 04:55 PM
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- DIY handgrip in the bottom of the M-bar 'U' for an aero drop riding postion.
- Alphabet cottage half toe-clips (Zefal)
- X-Roller for shopping cart mode
- Abus Bordo lock between seat post and rear triangle
- Tools, tube, extra gear stuffed in frame and seat tubes.

just my $0.02
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Old 01-20-19, 07:31 PM
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Good tips.

Fwiw, I never heard of the bordus lock before
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Old 01-21-19, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by mlau
It was about $120-160, I think....
Thanks. I never considered buying a used Brommie from the UK and having it shipped to the US because I thought shipping charges would be prohibitive. Then there's the issue of customs charges. I think you get a personal exemption on items up to $800 but not sure.
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Old 01-21-19, 04:32 PM
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spell correct

Originally Posted by mlau
Good tips.

Fwiw, I never heard of the bordus lock before

Its German Abus made Bordo bike Locks https://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Secu.../Folding-locks

but its a market niche , folding link locks others have jumped in to get a share..
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