deanc2000

I have an opportunity to buy a T3 2001 Brompton converted to T6 just recently in average condition, some minor flaws. The asking price is $500. Is this worth it? I'm just curious as to what others would pay for a bike such as this.

Dean.

Tomaso

Hi Dean,

For 500 bucks you can buy yourself a brand-new Dahon Speed P8, Vitesse, etc....
Bromptons are good folding bikes, but the time they were the 'best one could buy' is long gone (IMO).
Why consider a second-hand (6year-old) folder if you can have a new one with better components for the same price?!
500 USD is too much (IMO), I'd say 300 to 400 USD.

Chop!

Sorry Tomaso, whilst I'm no great fan of Bromptons I think that price sounds good, the one thing you can say about a Brommie is that they hold their value, sadly, you can not say the same about the other bikes you mentioned. You also failed to ask what the Brompton was wanted for. If it's mainly hopping off buses & trains then it could be more suitable than the others too.
All IMHO of course your honour!

spambait11

Indeed, $500US for a Brompton T6 is a great price in this country, but I'd be wary of what it means by "minor flaws." Starting from about 2002, Brompton elongated their frame so the wheelbase is longer. The only issue I remember is that the handlebars were not as stout, could break, and needed a reinforcement bar. However, I forget if the handlebar issue was corrected by 2001.

Dahon.Steve

Can you post a picture?

It depends on condition of the bike. A T3 that was convered to a T6 sounds like the owner really used up the bike because he made the necessary upgrade to continue riding. A six year old bicycle that was ridden as a commuter takes a lot of punishment so I would be suspect before buying anyone's beater.

Also keep in mind that everywhere you've been able to get your Brompton, I've been able to do the same with my Dahon. For $500.00 UDS, I would start looking at a new bicycle. Bromptons hold there value but it's always better to go new than used because of warranty and service.

folder fanatic

My 2 present folders were both purchased new. One is a Dahon Boardwalk S1 and the other is a Brompton C3. For the price the owner is asking, I would say your best bet is to stick with a new Brompton if you can for the flexiblity (full warrenty coverage, overall improvements on the bike over this time period, the extreme compactness of the folded package) it will offer you. Instead of purchasing someone else's headache, use the price of the used one as a downpayment for the Brompton-any model you choose. Or go Dahon if you must. Dahon is great for someone who won't be using buses or other forms of public transit too much, offers alot of improvements over even last year's model, and is not too familiar with the folding bike's unique features it offers. Dahon Steve's experience might be different from yours as it is from me. I am alot smaller that he is and in the Southern California area, large packages that the patron is struggling to lug on a bus will be thrown off. My Brompton is lighter than my Dahon. It is far more compact too. When I get on any bus (several bus companies overlap each other here) no one has paid me any attention. But the Dahon is heavier, somewhat larger in folded dimentions, and sometimes I do have problems manevering it around moving crowds or narrow aisles. But I love it's durability and comfort when riding it. So different bikes for differnent activities.

So please remember to post what you decide to do.

Tomaso

It's always the same story isn't it? Is a Mercedes the best 'value for money', nowadays? NO IT ISN'T ! A Toyota might be. Same counts for folders, IMO.
Bromptons (2nd hand) are over-priced, if people keep on paying ridiculous prices for such bikes, they will stay ocer-priced (ref. Mercedes-cars)
Yes, they hold their value, but most people buy a bike to ride it and keep it, till it falls apart, so if a second-hand Brompton costs you the same as a BRANDNEW BIKE, to hell with the Brompton....
And don't tell me Dahon is poor quality, I might not have the same experience with folding bikes as some of you (esp. Chop!) but I've tested and seen about a dozen different bikes (Brompton, Dahons, Birdy, Batavus, Koga,....). Bromptn are good quality, no doubt about it, but what has happened with the bike in its six years with the previous owner(s)**********
So, Chop, sorry, but this time you cannot convince me. And if you really want to hop on/off busses with your folder? Buy a Strida !

edzo

brommies have killer features other folders can't touch

get one if you need:

folds really small...

front basket system that stays
accessible through the folding process, and easy to
lug it through a store and fill the basket, fold out and ride away
is the best for grocery shopping...nothing can beat it...

pub hopping...the flip under chassis kickstand


sure other folders are lower cost but my god it is a Brompton ! if you
really think about the design and what you will use it for, you are
either full on Brommie, or get something else. I studied what I need
when I travel and only the brompton fits the bill in every regard. for me.