Folding Bikes - bromptons and replacement parts

I'm in the market for a folder (spec an S2l vs a BF tikit). When I buy something, bikes or anything else, I plan to keep it for a looong time. That's the only way I can justify a $1000+ purchase. In considering my options, I prefer many things about Brompton, though the thing I can't get over is the derth of suitable replacement parts from anyone but them. That's an obvious negative because you're at their mercy when it comes to selection, pricing, and availability.

I'm wondering: has this issue influenced anyone's decision one way or the other?

Edit: A related issue is Brompton's recs to replace anything aluminum after 5K miles, which is only about 14 months of riding for me. Is this overkill?

In the UK there's SJS cycles which appears to stock just about every Brompton part/sub-part. For instance, each individual part of the chain tensioner: if I get a crack on my chain tensioner chances are I only need spend £3, which is fantastic. But then for some unfathomable reason the luggage block costs a ridiculous £15 and an ez wheel set £25. But SJS sell individual ez wheels for £6. . . hopefully after the initial expense you can get by with a few small replacements here and there, every so often.
Everything is designed to be replaceable down to the Brompton decal which is just a vinyl sticker.
However, not everything is designed to be home-serviceable.

I dunno if there's anywhere in the US that stocks all the mini bits & pieces.

I already had 5 Bromptons, and I currently ride aprox. 10 miles a week on a 2011 S6E. Never had to replace anything that David from bfold.com in NYC didn't have.

I dunno if there's anywhere in the US that stocks all the mini bits & pieces.

Probably there is nothing close to SJSC Brompton stock in the US but SJSC ships to the US and the shipping cost is reasonable (IIRC 7 GBP per an order of small parts). In addition, local dealers have stock and can take care of special orders. I presume that quality is service depends on each dealer but my experience with my local dealer is very good so far.

The Brompton design is full of proprietary parts (probably more than any other main stream folder) but they seem to do a very good gob in making spare parts available. First, they let you know the specific parts numbers (most folder vendors do not) and then they make them available using SJSC online catalog (again, most folders vendors do not).

As for BF, they are not as organized as Brompton in providing part numbers and having an online catalog of spare parts but they compensate it with great customer support. You can call them any time, talk with a sales person and get the parts shipped to you.

Bottom line, I think that for a US customer, both Brompton and BF are great choice when it come for long term after sale support and part availability. At least as long as they stay in business and keep their current policies.

Brompton's dealers, can source spare parts CM Wasson is in SF Bay area,
Palo Alto has been at it the longest..
I just ordered a set of spokes, short thick ones from him
to rebuild my Mk2 bike's rear wheel ..
One significant thing.. Brompton is a 1 size frame, Tikit offers 3..
but Brommy wins the fold prize..
Bike Friday does design around many common bike parts .


Unfortunately, on small wheels the long cage rear derailleur
needed for hill climbing gearing , made for mountain bikes with 26" wheels,

gets Awfully close to the running the chain down to the ground.
a 'dick in the dirt' drive train, situation, as I see it..

on my Brompton I get a really low gear ratios from adding a Swiss Mountain drive Crankset
Mr Schlumpf makes one especially for Bromptons..
planetary reduction gear in the crank.
That version, has a reaction torque stop, via a knob
that sits on the top of the frame assembly for the rear wheel pivot.

I recently got a Bike Friday too , after all these years,
[came to the door just a the spoke broke on the Brommy.]
Pocket Llama .. it has 406 20" wheels, & optional folding handlebar mast
and lots of options that only Brompton after market modifiers
have put together.
Rear: Rohloff hub, + their short chain tensioner .. 53 15 gear.
Disc Brakes.. Schmidt Dynohub..