Wiggler

Hi all,

I don't know whether anyone on this forum has come across any problems with the frame clip on the Brompton, but mine has just started to misbehave. I refer to the clip that locks the rear frame to the downtube where the suspension bush is located.

I'm sure that the cut out on the bush part of the rear frame is in the correct orientation to accept the clip on the downtube when the bike is assembled but for whatever reason the clip is not being retained in this recess. so the rear frame hangs down when I lift the bike up.

Is it possible that the frame clip wears down or is there a bigger issue?

Any advice or suggestions to get it working again would be much appreciated.

Happy for moderators to repost this elsewhere on the forum if not deemed correct for this one!

Many thanks,

Del

Ozonation

Are you referring to the orientation of the black rubber suspension block? In one rotated position, it does not lock and yes, when you pick up the bike, the back end will not engage; in the other position it will. However, if you think it is in the right position, check to see if the bolt/nut are loose. This happened to my wife's Brompton: when she tried to fold it, the suspension block bolt had loosened and the assembly fell apart. After reassembling and tightening it, it was as good as new.

I found this link particularly helpful (sorry, it's a link to a PDF):

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...rqHkF_BCsVoGVw

fietsbob

IF there are worn parts , fortunately, all small parts for Bromptons, are available.
might be in a new QR kit, more easily than just the latch hook
I bought a kit to replace the non-latching one on an older Mk2

SJS,in UK ships planet wide, if dealer you bought from is not handy.

Wiggler

Thanks Ozonation and Fietsbob for your replies.
I have checked that the orientation on the suspension block is correct and that it should allow the clip to locate into it. I've also checked that the block assembly is tight, which it is.
I'm not too sure I know what part of the clip could wear out as its a fairly basic assembly. Has anyone else found the clip to wear out?
I'm reluctant to buy a new assembly without a little more certainty that this will resolve the problem.
This has got me quite perplexed!
Any further advice would be gratefully received!
Many thanks

chagzuki

If the clip surfaces don't mate properly because of wear then that'd be visible. Perhaps the spring is broken or not installed properly, thus not sufficiently pushing the clip sections together?

Wiggler

Thanks Chagzuki. I can confirm that if I push and hold the clip it does appear to hold the rear frame in place. However as soon as I release the pressure from the clip it no longer holds the frame. There isn't much play in it.
I'll try dismantling the clip assembly and clean/lubricate. I'll report back shortly.
Many thanks

fietsbob

you might ask that of Brompton themselves,they have someone that answers Emails.

yea I would see if the spring that closes the latch is ineffective..

Wiggler

Ok, I have an update and a resolution.

I took my bike to a Dr Bike session, bloke looked at it, had a fiddle and declared that the end of the clip had worn away (or snapped off).

I ordered a new clip online and when it arrived I offered it up to the old clip which I had removed from my bike - they were identical.

So, I backed off the suspension block retaining bolt and realised that it had shifted within the hole drilled in the rear frame. I tightened the nut having centralised it in the hole and, hey presto, problem solved. The frame now locks correctly to the clip.

Lesson learned I suppose, but thanks for everyone's input.

Ozonation

Good to hear! And on that note, after you ride the Brompton a lot - especially through dusty environments - be sure to clean and relube the chain. I did this on the weekend and the Brompton just hums along nicely now!