Koen123

Hi,

I could buy two second hand Bromptons Rx 12 speeds from end 2014.
I noticed Bromton limits itself to a 6 speed nowadays.
Now I wonder if there were any troubles with the 12 speed Brompton, that made them stop the production. If so, I would look for another model.

Thanks

Koen

invisiblehand

That's not stock. I suppose that there is someone mating 6-speed Bromptons with a Schlumpf drive or front derailer.

Koen123

I'm pretty sure he didn't work on the bike himself and bought it with the 12 speed, the seller talks about an additional "speeddrive".

Azreal911

then for sure the previous, previous owner did that "modification" there has NEVER been a 12 speed Brompton EVER in production, and the speed drive itself is a pretty expensive upgrade. If they are selling it for a good price it would be a pretty awesome ride! most of the older speed drives where swiss made pretty cool tech.

Koen123

Well, he states he bought two full option Rx Bromptons 12 speeds end 2014 (+some accessories like a frontbag, locks etc.) for about 6000€. He claims they're practical unused. I could buy both for 3000€.
If no one argues the 12 speed is a bad choice I would like to buy them. What do you think?

invisiblehand

Schlumpf Innovations Gearing Systems - Speed Drive, Mountain Drive, High Speed Drive

They have a good reputation. And it's a clean solution to the problem.

If he really bought them at 6000 euro in 2014 and selling for 3000 when they're barely used, then I'm thinking they're stolen. The Brompton re-sale market is very strong.

A Schlumpf drive with installation will probably be around $800 here in the US. Just to be clear, I've never bought one but that's the rough price I heard from a shop or two while socializing. A six speed Brompton is roughly $1500. Titanium options are a big jump up. The dollar is pretty strong against the euro now ... 1 dollar is ~0.9 euro. A couple of years ago, the dollar was much weaker. Accessories would naturally, raise the price further.

dahoneezz

I saw this blog:

Brompton Anywhere to Go

New Brompton model 2017.



I wonder how the cable connection will be? Single cable ? Looks cool though.

https://plus.google.com/app/basic/st...axpjlzt5p0xw0k



The light under the seat. Nice.



The Grey Brompton.

2017 NEW MODEL | BROMPTON JUNCTION KOBE blog

vodwood

Wow, that sounds interesting. Can you share any pictures? I wonder about the quality of the rear triangle modifications and the effects they have on the fold.

Edit: Didn't notice at first that you were talking about the 2 speed crankset. Sorry about that. Still, post pictures! These things must be awesome to ride. A bit heavy though.

Koen123

Well, I wanted to meet the seller and asked for the invoice. Suddenly he didn't want to do business with me anymore.
I'll show you the link:
2 Nieuwe Brompton Vouwfietsen met 12 Versnellingen van 2014 - Te koop | Tweedehands.nl
There you can see some pics.
First he said he sold his boat, so he had no use for the 2 Bromptons anymore. After I asked for an invoice, he deleted the boatpart speech.

bhkyte

I find it very unlikely that a speed drive cranked Brompton would be bought without the owner understanding the upgrade as its a very expensive rare non standard addition. Seems very suspious to say the least.
Also advertised as having v brakes.....

Koen123

Yup, glad I didn t buy them. Don t trust it at all.

tds101 

Definitely not on the up and up. I think it was a wise decision to pass on this.

Koen123

Decided to buy a new one, model 2017. Thx for the advice.

blakcloud

I think these are legit. Yes maybe the brakes thing was wrong but the descriptions matched the photos. Schlump drives, dynamo, racks, bags. I searched the image on Tineye and they didn't come up anywhere else which is a positive.

Koen congratulations on your purchase.

Winfried

The SpeedDrive made by ATS under license is now available for £210 and no longer requires chamfering:

bikegang

$390 on eBay
Brompton New Non Chamfer BB Shell Schlumpf Speed Drive Gearing System ATS | eBay

Koen123

What s wrong about the v brakes?

fietsbob

Its something someone* has to add to a Brompton frame and fork then get it re Powder-coated ,

they dont come with that option.. the dual Pivots they do use, Bolt on and work fine.

* Uk Brompton Bodger Steve Parry has done so..



the Speed Drive I'm familiar with* Is a Swiss Schlumpf Product a 34t chainring acts like a 54t chainring when you engage the Gear box

so the chain ring turns faster than the crankarms in a 1.6:1 ratio

the torque transfer requires a Bit of re machining a Chamfer in the edges of the BB shell for Grip,

a process requiring a Rather expensive machinists tool so I assume a shop did that work for Him. ..

* own their Mountain Drive a 2.5:1 reduction gear, it is submitted to a Lot more torque, climbing.

It has a torque transfer arm with a Knob that sits on top of the frame behind the BB.





./.

Koen123

Update: First the seller commented his advert that he s selling them because he sold his boat, but that they were in top condition. I questioned his honesty with the webmaster (6000€ and he wanted to sell them for 3000€) and he agreed, so he deleted it. Then the seller reput his advert saying they re new, but from 2014 without the reason of selling (boat). Later on he changed his comment in saying he sold his camper (in stead of a boat). I googled his phone number, and found various old deleted adverts about expensive almost new bikes he sold for a scratch.
On the one side I would have liked to buy them, on the other side it s clear he s a liar. If it s too good to be true, it isn t I guess?

invisiblehand

Interesting. I didn't realize that Schlumpf had contracted out production.

fietsbob

I had heard they shifted just across the Border to a German Company, since the CHF

because every Despot on the globe puts their Il Gotten funds Looted from their Treasuries
into a Numbered Swiss Bank account ,

the things actually made in Switzerland , were getting too expensive for exporting at reasonable exchange rates.

(or,maybe the Patent expired so Copying has begun)

bike.gang.uk

This was before the patent bought by the German company, but still in effect.

this 20 speed Brompton, most redundant gears , 2 x 2 = 4 speed might be a more reasonable mod.

fietsbob

M3L + the mountain drive is 6 over a pretty Broad range ... 17~77"







Portland OR B't'n Dealer @ Clever Cycles wrote of putting a double crank on [44,36 as I recall ]

And just heel derailed to the little ring and greasy finger shifted up to the bigger one for his tour of OR & NorCal Coast.





./.

Winfried

Out of curiosity, what's the gear range on that beauty?

bike.gang.uk

Roughly like this, more like 8 speed.

bhkyte

Yes.
Its not good to fund thieft.
You have reason to feel this may be the case. Good for you .