Just got a used 2007 Brompton- any mods recommended?
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
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).
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).
#2
Senior Member
If you post a picture of your bike we might get more ideas.
#4
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
Likes For mlau:
#5
Full Member
Thread Starter
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. "
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. "
#7
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Thread Starter
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.
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.
#8
Senior Member
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.
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.
#9
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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.
#10
Banned
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..
...
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.
#11
Full Member
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.
#12
Senior Member
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.
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.
#13
Banned
FWIW.. I got a Firm elastomer from my dealer's Inventory .. 2 weeks ago.. now I have a spare standard density, I removed..
#14
Senior Member
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.
#15
Full Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#16
Full Member
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.
#17
Senior Member
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?
https://www.offyerbike.com/about/
Curious, you had it shipped from London? Was the shipping cost reasonable?
#18
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Thread Starter
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.
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.
#20
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Thread Starter
Those cheeks are muscle.
But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
#21
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Those cheeks are muscle.
But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
But this calls for the obligatory Sir Mixalot classic
https://youtu.be/reTx5sqvVJ4
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#22
Senior Member
- 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
- 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
#24
Senior Member
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.
#25
Banned
spell correct
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..