Folding Bikes - Vintage Brompton - One for the collectors?

1983 model on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brompton-Folding-Bike-3-gears_W0QQitemZ220117831869QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33503QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Interesting to see how the frame/stem has evolved over the years...

Thanks for letting us know about this. Although I have no interest in buying, I agree, it's really interesting to see the bike.

I modified my Brompton to be a retro bike like the ones I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. Since I actually never saw a Brompton before I purchased mine, I had to guess, base it somewhat on the bikes I had before, and go by descriptions that others wrote down on old Web sites. I am glad that my Brompton has all the modern upgrades with a touch of the olders ones. Thank you for sharing, Fear & Trembling.

The most interesting part of the original Bromptons was the folding crank (basically handmade), before they went to a folding pedal,

It looks pretty homespun now compared to the more elegant long-wheelbase frame. The curve in the tube on this looks like it was done with a plumbers pipe-bender ;)

The curve in the tube on this looks like it was done with a plumbers pipe-bender ;)
No too far wrong actually...

The most interesting part of the original Bromptons was the folding crank (basically handmade), before they went to a folding pedal,

I noticed that in the listing, but didn't spot it on the bike at first glance. I wonder how effective the folding crank was...

I had a folding crank on my Dahon classic 3 .It would come loose at the least opportune times. It has been made redundant.

I notice this oldie has rubber block pedals.
I wish the current one had those. As one of three mods I made to my 2 mo old Brompton (mods which I'll post to bikeforums soon), I replaced the stock pedals with Suntour folding pedals. I found the Brompton pedals to be too slippery for my taste for riding with leather soled shoes (as I do to work).

Unfortunately, the Suntour pedals are a) perceptably heavier than the Brompton pedals and b) more prone (on left hand side) to bump into my leg as I have to give Brompton credit, the folding left hand pedal, while rather too good at scratching the frame if your not careful, really does shave folding size off the bike by jutting right(towards the rest of the folded package) rather than left, towards your leg.

I'd have liked to have tried some MKS removeables, but they don't have any options with rubber grips. It's too bad. It would seem that a rubber grip-screw on for their removeable track pedals could work--I've seen a couple of historical options here:
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.quill
--but in my web searching, haven't run across anything I can buy now.

I know this is a bit of a thread hijack...sorry...
but regarding my last post: something like this (but folding/removeable) would be perfect:

Back to the brompton topic - found this very interesting page whilst browsing flickr; the guy that took them takes most of Brompton's official promo shots, and here (http://www.olivierpascaud.com/brompton2.html) are several early prototypes; You've got to love the early chain routing and Bickerton handlebars. I'm glad it's evolved though. Looks like a nightmare!

http://www.olivierpascaud.com/brompton_factory/prototype1.jpg

I'd have liked to have tried some MKS removeables, but they don't have any options with rubber grips.

I've seen these which fit your description:
http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/products/pedals/pedals_xp_ezy_sm.jpg

The most basic in the MKS 'Ezy' de-mountable pedal range.
This resin bodied pedal still uses the same collar as the more expensive pedals so would be a good second pedal to use with the clipless version when you don't want the fuss of changing shoes.
Well suited to general use.


Available at Foldingbikes.co.uk... (http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/accessories_pedals.htm) (Bottom of page)

Huw

Thanks LittlePixel...but those are resin. Meaning hard--like the existing right hand side Brompton pedal. I wanted something with rubber, which has some give and stickiness.

Well, I'm assuming, anyway. I guess "resin" could mean many things.