As a non-brompton owner, I just don't understand why they don't offer this. From pics, the fold is still remarkably tight. I'd be willing to bet there are people who decide against a brompton because they want more gears, not just a bigger spread, and for a bike manufacturer this seems like it would an easy option. Put it on a titanium model to offset the weight. I will never understand Brompton's reluctance to make changes that don't deviate from the basic frame. Even good things can be improved. Aging knees like smaller jumps in gearing =).