5 Speed Brompton?
 

I've been looking for a used Brompton here in the Bay Area, and the owner of this one claims it's a 5 speed. HUH? Ideally, I want a M6R+, but when you're looking for used bikes, you have a lot less choices. The color difference on the front/rear frame looks weird to me as well… any ideas?

Bromptons were sold with 5 speed Sturmey Archer hubs. Used to be top of the line.

That weird "color" you see is probably a sticker that reads "Brompton."

It is an L5 a model that predates the 2005 M6R+ (I think the transition to six speeds happened circa 2002)

If it is a 1999 model it should have a Sturmey Archer 5 speed hub. Some users had problems with this hub, but certainly not all. I would check to see if the gearing has been reduced.

I agree - looks like the reddish brommie sticker...

Yes it looks just like my wifes, she has had no problems with the hub, it is 'highly' geared but this one looks like it has the smaller front chainring which would be a bonus. Some had the 14 tooth rear sporocket as well.