Originally Posted by
Jujucocoabean
Hi folks
I inherited an old Brompton folding bike from my father - this is from about 1997 though he didn't keep any of the paperwork.
It predates serial numbers and the only major problem is he had it stamped with his surname and postcode on the underside of the crank housing. From what I understand no paperwork reduces any resale value and the stamp makes it almost unsalable.
Why would this make it unsellable? With bike of more than 20 years possibly nobody expects paperwork like user manual, original reiceipt or things like that (though the existence would possibly be a plus but probably not lead to a massively higher price with a "ordinary" late 90ies Brompton).
Originally Posted by
Jujucocoabean
It looks to be 3 speed with I think M-type bars, rear mudguard & rack and maybe a front mount for a bag - however, I'm still a novice with folding bikes.
It cleaned up Ok but I think it needs some work (at least one spoke is broken).
With a Brompton of that age a lot of things are worth checking and upgrading as the Brompton has developed massively over time. Incrementally, but it adds up. When upgrading too many things you end up more expensive than with selling yours and buying a more modern used Brompton. And with bad luck and full upgrades to today's standards even higher than a brand new one. Mainly because Bromptons keep their price and therefor especially older models like your's seem to be overpriced on the market in comparison to newer ones.
Originally Posted by
Jujucocoabean
What I'm trying to decide is if its worth upgrading to 6 speed and possibly updating to disk brakes,
Upgrading a Mk2 like your's to 6 speed requires a new rear triangle or massive tinkering as it lacks the mounting point for the derailleur. You can go for the 5-speed S/A SRF5w instead.
Disk brakes require a new rear frame and new forks, both from 3rd party like Ben Cooper. I would not invest that on a old short frame but only on a bike with the newer hinges and the longer frame. If such a mod is necessary is a clear no, though it is fun. But expensive fun.
Originally Posted by
Jujucocoabean
It's been in my shed for 3 years and used once..
(...)
But it's a Brompton which I've wanted for a while.
So you have had a Brompton for 3 years now but only used it once despite claiming you've wanted one for a while. A bit strange. So before further investing in a new bike I would bang around a little bit with the one that you have to find out if you really want one and would make use of it.