easy racer

Should I sell this Brompton, as I haven't used it for three years? Even though I have spent who knows how much on it?

Bacciagalupe

If you literally haven't used it in 3 years, and you see no likely use in the future... sell it.

folder fanatic

Bromptons are quite small and hardly take up storage space-even in the cramped quarters I keep mine in. Besides, have you considered the possibility of back-up in case one of your main bike(s) are at the bike shop or otherwise unavailable? Or you decide to ride it in an area where you cannot lock any bike up safetly and a folder like that would fit your needs then? Take careful stock of why you and others buy these bikes in the first place. I don't think it is because of it's fantastic riding/handleing qualities or brakes.

If after these considerations are dealt with, then sell. You should not have regrets at the wrong time!

cooker

Ride it.

LittlePixel

Sell it and buy some more recumbents and R20s!
What sort of money do you hope to get back? - it's a pretty tricked out custom you have - might fetch a fair bit if sold through the right channels.

EriktheFish

Yep, definitely sell it (PM me)!

14R 

Sell it. If you don't use it for 1 year it's ok, something must be on your way, but 3...chances are you will NOT it any soon.

Besides the fact that right here there are already 2 potential buyers.

R.

easy racer

Here is a bit of background:

I bought this brompton back in 2003, a few months before I had a nasty road accident.

I now do most of my cycling either on my ICE QNT recumbent, or my Twenty. I still have an old Kona Mountain bike that I haven't used in years but it's not worth anything, so I'll keep it just in case of emergencies.

I really have definitely gone off bicycling (ie. on two wheels) for anything over the mile. I do however use my Twenty to go to the shop, which is luckily only about half a mile away.

I use my recumbent to commute to work on as it is the most comfortable bike/trike to ride, especially since I have had problems with my severely broken ankle.

Little Pixel: I hadn't really thought about how much I would like for it, but I'm sure I'll lose lots of money selling it as I have spent about £1,000 on it.

invisiblehand

What is going on there with the handlebar post?

easy racer

It is a slight modification, where I have cut the handlepost and replaced it with an X-lite seatpost, just like the one that Steve Parry does on his modified version of the Brompton.

DaFriMon

If you're really as unlikely as you say ever to ride this bike again, then selling it at a loss is better than having it lying around doing nothing for you. You'll never sell any used bike for what you paid for it, anyway, but Bromptons supposedly have good resale value.

If you have a close friend or family member who could use it, you could give it to that person. Otherwise, sell it.

Totally disinterested advice, as I don't plan to make you an offer myself. I assume you're just testing the waters prior to putting it on Ebay.

easy racer

I really hadn't thought about it.
I was hoping to get a few more replies like Folder Fanatic's, or Cooker's, rather than, "That's a nice bike! Where's my checkbook?"

Though maybe I should get rid.
I think the problem is it then means, in my own mind, that my days on two wheels will probably be over...

Fear&Trembling

You should sell it (or find a suitable rider for it)- nothing sadder than a beautiful bike that is not being ridden...

folder fanatic

Another sad testamonial to our age of greed. Self-interest is apparant even on bike forums and and people are lining up even when the bike is not offered for sale formally yet to gain something from someone else's misfortune.

unkchunk

What?

migjet

I say RIDE ON!!! If you're looking for encouragement this the place that have that aching feeling..."I should be out there riding...."

If you intend to let it go, so be it, but make your intentions clear. Services like Ebay is there for such a purpose. Good luck on your decision....

Niles H.

What a beautiful bike.

I would try to find someone who really appreciates it and will use it.

It is better if something like that is used. There is a certain waste otherwise. If it just goes into storage -- or if it is just kept somewhere by a collector who keeps things without using them ('hoarding' may be too strong a word, but something along those lines often goes on....) -- it isn't the same. Bikes should be ridden. Someone would enjoy that bike tremendously, take care of it, and make good use of it.

Why not find someone like that? It shouldn't be too hard.

***
(Too often it becomes just a matter of dollars or pounds -- why not have the elements of good use and someone's happiness be a part of it too?)

juan162

Whatever the decision is, make it and don't look back. It is truly a wonderful looking bike, except for the seat. Well, that even looks good, just a little painful for my wide rump. Good luck with your decision, and nice job on the upgrades,

Juan

Shaymo

Yea, it definately looks good, if you got to sell it, hopefully you will get someone who appreciates it

Nachoman

I still regret the day I sold a couple of my bikes. An old 1979 Nishiki Competition and a really nice high end, early 80s Trek. Look deep within and if there is any possibility that you might want it in the future, don't sell it.

easy racer

Hi Guys,

I'm sorry, but I have decided to let go of this bike as I haven't really used it, and I don't think I ever will.

It's here, for the UK forum members only: my 'Better' Brompton

Regards, andy.

EvilV

What are you on about?

They offered to buy the buys bike! Where is the 'hoping to profit from misfortune'? That is all your own construction. Someone says to me, 'I have this thing I don't use and may sell.' I may say, 'I'd quite like to buy it then.'

14R 

This bike was actually the main inspiration for my main folder.

Thank you for the picture, OP, and good luck with your final decision.

LittlePixel

I've seen it on ebay now - All the best for a good sale Andy..!
(Can I ask where you got your Aeroheat rims from?)
H

CHenry

Three years? If you have no plans to use it, and it wouldn't reach for it as your first of second choice ride, then sell it. Try eBay or craigslist; you should find a fair and appreciative buyer. Right now might even be a good time to sell as the new Bromptons appear to be months delayed on delivery for special order and many shops are short on some models.

If you are publicly pondering selling, so what if someone makes an offer to buy? That is all part of sizing up your situation. An offer is what you want, not a sign of "greed" as another poster remarked (a sad testament to benighted cluelessness, if you think about it.)

What you have looks very nice and should get you a good price if you sell. Good luck with your decision. And remember, even if sometime down the road you decide you want another Brompton, there will be others to buy and modify, if you want.