Brompton Questions
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
Brompton Questions
Hi Guys!
I just got a used Brompton and have some questions... it arrived totally taken apart so I had to put it together and having only ridden a Brompton once for 10 minutes, I'm unfamiliar with a lot of things...
1. If I carry it folded by the frame, it is not staying together. It starts to unfold. Is this normal or do I need to adjust that hook thing on the front hub that connects to the chain stay?
2. The rear rack is slanted towards the ground (not level). Is this normal?
3. The rear fender drags on the wheel. It is the black edition so the fender is plastic. I assume I'll have to remove the fender and try and bend it back slowly somehow. Anyone familiar with this issue? Any suggestions?
4. I was thinking about buying the T Bag but would prefer to mount one of my backpacks onto the rack directly. I've seen a thread showing how to modify packs for the front frame but I'm wondering if anyone does this safely/ securely without changing the pack but just using a bunch of straps instead? I am trying to decide if I should just buy the T bag or the front frame.
5. When the bike is unfolded, if I lift it by the saddle, there is "play" in the suspension block behind the seat post. Is this normal? You see and hear it moving without pressing the release handle to fold.
Thanks guys! I'm super excited about the Brompton but just have little exposure to them and live VERY remotely so cannot just swing by a LBS with Bromptons.
I just got a used Brompton and have some questions... it arrived totally taken apart so I had to put it together and having only ridden a Brompton once for 10 minutes, I'm unfamiliar with a lot of things...
1. If I carry it folded by the frame, it is not staying together. It starts to unfold. Is this normal or do I need to adjust that hook thing on the front hub that connects to the chain stay?
2. The rear rack is slanted towards the ground (not level). Is this normal?
3. The rear fender drags on the wheel. It is the black edition so the fender is plastic. I assume I'll have to remove the fender and try and bend it back slowly somehow. Anyone familiar with this issue? Any suggestions?
4. I was thinking about buying the T Bag but would prefer to mount one of my backpacks onto the rack directly. I've seen a thread showing how to modify packs for the front frame but I'm wondering if anyone does this safely/ securely without changing the pack but just using a bunch of straps instead? I am trying to decide if I should just buy the T bag or the front frame.
5. When the bike is unfolded, if I lift it by the saddle, there is "play" in the suspension block behind the seat post. Is this normal? You see and hear it moving without pressing the release handle to fold.
Thanks guys! I'm super excited about the Brompton but just have little exposure to them and live VERY remotely so cannot just swing by a LBS with Bromptons.
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
1) Older Bikes use a Non latching part, you can buy an Upgrade
Newer ones the way you turn the suspension bung can do that Or if turned otherwise will stay latched .
2) yes that is how they are the angle is for the Kickstand fold.
3) The Mudguard is a thermoplastic , maybe the struts are letting it bend inward , bend those first. Plastic will Break .
4) Your Lowest cost Brompton Bag is the basket.. I am clueless to your Backpack specifics .
Give more details
I have Used A Messenger bag with a waist Band, and clipped the waist belt around the bag frame .
Then I got a Brompton Ortlieb O Bag They are a specialist in Bags that keep stuff Dry.
5) so you figured out #1, already ?
Your Brompton Dealer will sell you all the spare parts you need ..
'/,
Newer ones the way you turn the suspension bung can do that Or if turned otherwise will stay latched .
2) yes that is how they are the angle is for the Kickstand fold.
3) The Mudguard is a thermoplastic , maybe the struts are letting it bend inward , bend those first. Plastic will Break .
4) Your Lowest cost Brompton Bag is the basket.. I am clueless to your Backpack specifics .
Give more details
I have Used A Messenger bag with a waist Band, and clipped the waist belt around the bag frame .
Then I got a Brompton Ortlieb O Bag They are a specialist in Bags that keep stuff Dry.
5) so you figured out #1, already ?
Your Brompton Dealer will sell you all the spare parts you need ..
'/,
#3
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 10
From: Albany, WA
1) It is a black edition so I assume it is current. On the rear triangle there is a black disc. That needs to be adjusted so when the bike is fully folded and the seatpost down, that disc is 1-2mm clear of the seatpost. Too close, and the seatpost can't move freely past that disc. Too far, and the frame moves enough when picking it up unhooking the hook on the front axle.
2) It slants down a bit by necessity in the folded position.
3) What he said - try to gently form the fender stays, but not the rack struts. See exactly where it rubs, report back here.
4)
5) A little play is normal.
2) It slants down a bit by necessity in the folded position.
3) What he said - try to gently form the fender stays, but not the rack struts. See exactly where it rubs, report back here.
4)
5) A little play is normal.
#5
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: PNW
Bikes: scwhinn moab, schwinn 4banger/Mert Lawill special, dahon jetstream, dahon speed uno
Congrats on the Brompton acquisition! Some Q’s have already answered by others, so here’s mine:
4. - You can get the Brompton Carrier Block and a Brompton Carrying Frame without a bag to attach your own bag to. If the frame is too wide and you want to customize it to your bag, you can simply drill out the rivets that hold the metal frame, cut them to the desired length, then rivet it all back together.
I also have the newly designed Brompton Basket, and it's very good for a basic open basket that can be cinched closed. It easily holds a big backpack when I need that, and I also carry a raincover for it since it's open on top.
4. - You can get the Brompton Carrier Block and a Brompton Carrying Frame without a bag to attach your own bag to. If the frame is too wide and you want to customize it to your bag, you can simply drill out the rivets that hold the metal frame, cut them to the desired length, then rivet it all back together.
I also have the newly designed Brompton Basket, and it's very good for a basic open basket that can be cinched closed. It easily holds a big backpack when I need that, and I also carry a raincover for it since it's open on top.





