The Brompton S2L (2008?) is said to have a “Brompton Special 2 Speed” gear. It has one 3-speed gear lever on the right hand and another gear lever on the left hand handlebar. Does that mean it is a 6-speed gear?
Please excuse my ignorance - total newcomer to bikes/folding bikes/gears.

it sounds like you are describing the 6 speed.

Both the 2 and 6 speed bikes use a derailleur operated by the two position lever on the left side of the handle bar. The 6 speed has an extra three position lever on the right hand side of the handlebar that controls the 3-speed internal hub.

The 2 speed bike has two cogs on the rear wheel and the derailleur (lever on left handle bar) is used to change between the 2 gears.

To summarise, if the bike has two gear levers it is a 6-speed. A single gear lever on the left is 2 speed. If it has a single lever on the right it is a 3 speed.

Many thanks PDR. The bike does indeed have two gear levers - hence must be a 6-speed.

The S2L is a two speed. If it were a factory six speed, the model designation would be S6L.

Many retailers are not careful about illustrating their item with the correct picture.

tcs

Well, got my S2L aka S6L today and I'm very, very pleased with it - once I get used to the 16" wheels and get the hang of folding/unfolding . . . Thank god for YouTube demos.

Congrats, you will soon get used to the fold and probably find that you fold it at every opportunity..... it is just so easy to do.

Just as well you can't see me - dripping with perspiration - folding/unfolding/folding/unfolding/folding. But I think I've got it. Now off for an early night!