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-   -   Brompton - CHPT3 vs. Black Lacquer (https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/1136502-brompton-chpt3-vs-black-lacquer.html)

blakcloud 03-08-18 01:10 PM

That is an upgrade I would probably wouldn't do until the headset that is already installed died. I love King headsets but to me not worth the cost at this point in the game. The wait must be the most difficult part at this point.

Joe Remi 03-08-18 02:21 PM

I certainly wouldn't replace the headset on functional grounds, so it's a matter of spending the money for blingy coolness. Which, let's be honest, is a perfectly valid reason!

1nterceptor 03-08-18 03:07 PM

After owning a few Bromptons over the years, and talking to a lot of other owners -
headset is not the 1st thing I'd worry about.

-It's nice that Brompton includes a pump with most models(except superlight/titanium).
But just like most portable pumps; it sucks. I carry a Topeak Morph G.
-Depending on you weight, how much you stand, masher or spinner; right/drive side pedal
gives up too fast for some. Some in as little as three months.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4226/...a0137c914a.jpgMKS ESPRIT SUPERIOR PEDALS by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
-Front carrier block is a very useful option. Can accept many kinds of luggage; big or small.
I'm using a Demano messenger bag since 2013:

chagzuki 03-09-18 03:44 AM

Get the cheap Tange sealed bearing headset which fits, I forget the name. I did years back and it's perfect.

Caliwild 03-09-18 09:39 AM


Originally Posted by chagzuki (Post 20212925)
Get the cheap Tange sealed bearing headset which fits, I forget the name. I did years back and it's perfect.

Thanks. I read about that one too. Velo Orange has a Grand Cru one too in a couple different colors for a fraction of the Chris King price...

Now I need to decide whether I want to throw on my Brooks B-17 narrow (over 500 grams!) or just get a Fabric saddle (closer to 200 grams). I know this isn't a weight weenie build but the Brooks just sounds like it'll be an anchor!

fietsbob 03-09-18 10:22 AM

It's a 1.125" OD, threaded fork, 1" ID, get the measurements from the frame when you remove the stock parts..

blakcloud 03-09-18 10:38 AM

As much as the Brooks look great, I agree they are boat anchors. I finally took mine off because I could never get use to it and I replaced it with a Specialized Avatar Gel. The bike doesn't have that classic look anymore but that's the price I paid. I wouldn't mind trying the Brooks C series saddles.

Joe Remi 03-09-18 11:07 AM


Originally Posted by Caliwild (Post 20213241)
Thanks. I read about that one too. Velo Orange has a Grand Cru one too in a couple different colors for a fraction of the Chris King price...

Now I need to decide whether I want to throw on my Brooks B-17 narrow (over 500 grams!) or just get a Fabric saddle (closer to 200 grams). I know this isn't a weight weenie build but the Brooks just sounds like it'll be an anchor!

Saddle choice is one area where I don't give a toss about weight, I gotta be comfortable. The standard width B17 is the only one I can ride, I have a ti rail version on my Rivendell.

FolderBeholder 03-09-18 01:39 PM


Originally Posted by Brompton_X (Post 20202195)
lol ... Just saw the thread.... I have both of them, chpt3 6spd and Black Lacquer 2spd. Bought last year from Thanksgiving sale with 15% off and free shipping.

I live in bay area. When I go to San Francisco, I used to ride my Titanium Ni edition 6 speed but now I just ride my 2 speed Ti Brompton. (12T/17T) The bike is about 8kg so it is easier for me to carry around the bart stations and cycling up hills in San Francisco.

BTW, I like the Brompton grips because of lightweight. However, I replaced them with Ergon Brooks grips because they caused my hand numbness.
.
Here is the picture of my Black Raw Laquer 2 speed. My chpt3 is on the shelf.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4715/...6975d978_b.jpg

Just an FYI-

I posted a picture of a knife I have on a knife forum I belong to, and shortly thereafter received a fairly creepy PM from someone else on that forum that with data encrypted on that iPhone picture...he knew where I (and my knife(s)) lived.

I'm cautious, but not paranoid but that gave me pause. An unintended consequence of today's technology I never thought of.

Just saying...one Brompton is worth more than my ENTIRE knife collection.

linberl 03-09-18 01:57 PM


Originally Posted by FolderBeholder (Post 20213707)
Just an FYI-

I posted a picture of a knife I have on a knife forum I belong to, and shortly thereafter received a fairly creepy PM from someone else on that forum that with data encrypted on that iPhone picture...he knew where I (and my knife(s)) lived.

I'm cautious, but not paranoid but that gave me pause. An unintended consequence of today's technology I never thought of.

Just saying...one Brompton is worth more than my ENTIRE knife collection.

You sure he didn't get it off what appears to be a shipping label on that box in the pic?

FolderBeholder 03-09-18 02:07 PM


Originally Posted by linberl (Post 20213755)
You sure he didn't get it off what appears to be a shipping label on that box in the pic?

I was speaking of my experience with a picture I posted elsewhere...w/o any boxes or labels showing.

Point being, there's a lot of hidden data to be "mined" encrypted in a lot of digital media...photos included.

I was surprised a picture of a pocket knife I own essentially held my residence address in it's inner sanctum and more surprised someone would actually look at that data...

YMMV

linberl 03-09-18 02:27 PM


Originally Posted by FolderBeholder (Post 20213772)
I was speaking of my experience with a picture I posted elsewhere...w/o any boxes or labels showing.

Point being, there's a lot of hidden data to be "mined" encrypted in a lot of digital media...photos included.

I was surprised a picture of a pocket knife I own essentially held my residence address in it's inner sanctum and more surprised someone would actually look at that data...

YMMV

FYI just turn off geotagging in your iphone settings (location services). If not, your GPS metadata includes: altitude, latitude, longitude, and more. If the GPS data is available, the app will let you directly see it in the Maps app. This is a great way to see exactly where the picture was taken.

desastar 03-09-18 06:30 PM

I think a replacing the bottom bracket is better value than replacing the headset.

Brompton_X 03-10-18 01:50 AM


Originally Posted by fietsbob (Post 20206599)
Hub still under 120 mm wide?

Yes, it is the same.

Caliwild 03-10-18 09:17 AM


Originally Posted by desastar (Post 20214185)
I think a replacing the bottom bracket is better value than replacing the headset.



I see that there is a Phil Wood bottom bracket available... would I even feel a difference or is it simply to avoid any issues down the line?

fietsbob 03-10-18 02:20 PM

They're not good forever, but they are rebuildable, If shipped to California company..

2_i 03-10-18 03:46 PM


Originally Posted by Caliwild (Post 20214865)
I see that there is a Phil Wood bottom bracket available... would I even feel a difference or is it simply to avoid any issues down the line?

Oh, there is no protection there of bearings against water, i.e. Phil Woods are fair weather BBs. When swapping BB I go for TA Axix Pro with Ti axle.

fietsbob 03-10-18 04:54 PM

They do offer a mud guard, + to add another seal, slip O rings on before fitting the crank arms..

Phil Wood & Co...

12boy 03-10-18 07:20 PM

I have some velo orange cartridge headsets that have given me years of flawless service but my brompton has a CK Gripnut which has given me 0 problems. nice not to worry about headsets, bottom brackets or hubs. I can remember when routine maintenance was required. Still when my campy bb, headset and hubs are freshly lubed and adjusted properly they do just fine, too.

Joe Remi 03-10-18 10:03 PM

Personally I think replacing headset or BB right away is bonkers. It's your money if you like the bling, but a new Brompton doesn't need it.

avole 03-11-18 12:12 AM

That would be my feeling too.

fietsbob 03-11-18 11:01 AM

some folks just want more titanium bits..

Caliwild 03-13-18 09:44 AM


Originally Posted by Joe Remi (Post 20215893)
Personally I think replacing headset or BB right away is bonkers. It's your money if you like the bling, but a new Brompton doesn't need it.



Thanks for the being the voice of reason! I was getting carried away. Just keeping it as is for now. Just going to throw my Brooks B-17 narrow on there and call it a day for now (it'll match nicely since even the rails are black).

PS: Just got word that the bike has arrived at the bike shop!

desastar 03-14-18 04:57 AM


Originally Posted by Caliwild (Post 20220456)
Thanks for the being the voice of reason! I was getting carried away. Just keeping it as is for now. Just going to throw my Brooks B-17 narrow on there and call it a day for now (it'll match nicely since even the rails are black).

PS: Just got word that the bike has arrived at the bike shop!

You may want to get the bike shop to check the BB anyway. I happened to have removed the cranks of my wife's as new B and found the BB to be very stiff, you could hardly turn with your fingers. The serial number was just before the range being recalled, so I decided to replace with a Shimano one. But surprisingly, once out of the frame, it spins fine but not when installed. I suspect the non drive side cup cannot be tightened fully as it compresses on the bearing? Thats the only explanation I can come up with. Anyway, the Shimano one is better quality.

avole 03-14-18 07:50 AM

Since the current bottom brackets are not the ones fitted to your bike, presumably no replacement is necessary. Also, it's a brand new bike. Changing a bottom bracket would neatly void the warranty.


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