While I don't know all the detailed history of this UFB, it is not a brommie wannabe... it is meant to be quite a big improvement. Check out the reduced weight, the widened rear dropouts to accept a road cassette, a derailer hanger, cable guides & stops, a front derailer, v-brakes etc etc. Not a brommie wannabe, but what the brommie should have been all along.
So what we are seeing here, is a very very good folding bike in-the-making, with the brommie as the starting point, instead of the destination.
+1. definitely the brompton is the starting point and this UFB is the end result of that. i read the email len wrote and this guy is quite amazing. in spite of what they had gone thru he still has his folding bike passion. he's a true folder guy. if i have the money i would definitely buy his bike instead of forking out and sending my money to england. that cost is really right on and the bike itself justify it's cost. if you're in awe with the brompton, you'll be speechless when you see his bike (i didn't - i just read the specs).
thanks,
vic