Has anyone added more gears to a 2 speed brompton?

[ShinyBiker]

I did your basic search here and in google, but came up with nothing. I am fairly certain I will buy a brommie, but wanted to check on the cost effectiveness of doing this. Thanks in advance.

[LittlePixel]

The 2 speed Brompton is a bespoke derailleur that feeds the chain to a special lightweight hub with just two sprockets on it.

Originally designed so that a 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub gear could be doubled-up to a six speed, I'm not sure how you'd add gears to this simple 2 speed hub as I doubt the travel on the derailleur moves beyond the width of the chain, nor that you'd be able to add more sprockets.

I'd look for a 5 speed derailleur from another folding or kids bike that fits the 120mm rear dropouts if this is your thing, or just get hold of a 3 speed sturmey hub and double it to six.

[invisiblehand]

I did your basic search here and in google, but came up with nothing. I am fairly certain I will buy a brommie, but wanted to check on the cost effectiveness of doing this. Thanks in advance.

BTW, there are a few Brompton owners in the area ... and at least one that visits the BikeWashington YAHOO group often.

BikesatVienna is becoming a Brompton dealer too.

[ShinyBiker]

Thanks, Little Pixel. That helps a lot.

Invisiblehand, I've been out to Bikes at Vienna. Almost bought a Dahon there last year. They are nice folks. There's a brompton dealer in college park, but I've never been there or know their reputation. Would like to know if they do the kinds of upgrades our british chaps keep bringing up in these forums.