Originally Posted by
alhedges
I'll be interested to see how well the Curl rides.
If it is ever produced.
I think people here are significantly underestimating the popularity of the Brompton. IMO, Brompton's biggest problem are their production bottlenecks and distribution issues, particularly in the US. I.e., my gf ordered a BTO Brompton on June 15; we're still waiting for delivery. As backlogs have been running around 10-13 weeks for the last several years in the US, this suggests that there is a significant demand for the product which is hampered by production/distribution/delivery issues.
I understand that B is planning on building a US-based distribution center for dealers in the US, where bikes can be assembled in a BTO fashion from frames and parts kept on hand. You can sort of do this in a limited fashion if you order from NYCEwheels or Calhoun Cycles, based on what they have on hand.
I think dealing with these kinds of bottlenecks is much more important to Brompton's continued success than adding more interchangeable parts.
As long as competition don't arise in direct relation to their fold, there would be little reason for Brompton to improve on their "biennial mini-updates" while the world races forward.
Sure it would be scary to be put in an arms race with a juggernaut like Dahon, but Brompton is still wayyy ahead in terms of marketing and reputation of their single design. It would be theirs to lose.