Update on GT3 Brakes -

A kind gentleman on this forum has agreed to procure me some Koolstop Salmon pads which are reckoned to make the most of weaker designs of caliper brake. I can't get them here and I eagerly await the delivery of them from the USA. In the mean time, I decided to try oiling the cables after reading Wavshrdr's comments about changing cables for better quality ones. I have to say, oiling the front cable liberally with three in one oil has transformed the performance. I can hardly believe the difference. It has gone from sailing blithely onward on steep hills when I squeeze as hard as I can, to pulling up almost sharply by comparison. Try oiling them, and if yours is like mine, you will be pleased that you did. The difference is especially noticeable on the front brake.

On another issue with the GT3. I advise you to get hold of some proper Brompton 13 gauge spokes. I have had to whip off the tyre and replace four now, in 640 miles of use. I am not particularly heavy at 170 pounds, and I am not built like Tarzan either, so I have to say that Merc's use of the older Brompton spec 14 gauge spoke was a big mistake. Brompton changed to a heavier 13 gauge spoke about 1990, I understand and Merc should do the same for sure. Although I am becoming a dab hand at replacing them, I'm almost on the point of going to see Norman at the South Shields folder shop and asking him if he will be able to hold his nose long enough to rebuild my rear wheel (reference to previous discussion of his dislke of the Merc 'Ripoff'). The only problem with this plan is that I will probably suffer from withdrawl symptoms when I have to leave it there while he's doing it (if he will).