virtualchuta

I really like the Brompton. And would like to have one as a traveling bike. However, I am not in love with any of the standard configuration or even the customize options.

I am wondering if I can order just the main tubes, rear triangle, fork, handle bars post and other necessary items such as the chain tensioner and built my own Brompton. Will I be able to order them from the factory or a reseller somewhere?

Or would I have to buy a cheapest Brompton available and throw away the part that I don't need?

best,
Chuta

virtualchuta

I really like the minimalist look of this Brompton...may be not the color.

https://www.pinterest.com/machiryu/brompton-de-machi/

virtualchuta

I like modification parts from this company.

BIKEfun????

I like a few things from Brompfication too. But I don't like the logo on the seat post so much. I heard that there is a manufacturer in China that provide the same seat post without the logo. Can any one guide me to it please?

HGR3inOK

IMHO, buy one (new or used) that is closest to the configuration you want. Then tweak it. In most instances, piecing together a bike (any bike) is more expensive than buying a "complete" bike with substantially similar parts.

What would your dream Brompton have that is not available from Brompton? And what would you get with a new or used Brompton that you do not want?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

virtualchuta

Thank you, Hank.

I prefer a very simple bike. And I do not like the plastic parts on the Brompton.

I do not mind starting from scratch even if it is more expensive.

best,
Chuta

dezzie

great site for custom brommies - STOCKHOLM SMALL WHEELS ? Posts Tagged ?Brompton?

LittlePixel

You used to be able to buy frames but they seemed to pull back on this a little lately. My 'Mercton' (Flamingo 'Merc' alloy frame with Brompton forks, stem and seatpost) is testament and at the time I built it in 2007 it was easy to get the parts in the uk from SJS cycles or Fudges but times have changed somewhat it doesn't seem so easy.

However - it must in some respect be possible to get parts as spares - otherwise how would your repair your bike after an accident for instance.
Otherwise it's probably best to search for an unloved older base-spec model, strip it, powder coat it and make it your own.

Dealbreaking parts it must have are forks, rear triangle, suspension block long seatpost, folding stem, clamps and chain tensioner. Other stuff is generally customisable though things like derailleurs are pretty involved. Brakes can be updgraded, but if you want to fit short-reach roadie callipers you need to make up drop-bolts as the bikes are very much designed for long reach callipers and mudguards.

Lots of bling parts can be had via bike-fun or brompfication (clamps, suspension upgrades, TI everything) but they are pretty expensive.

fietsbob

Brompton + disc Brakes and an Alfine 11 or Rohloff 14 speed , perhaps?

Kinetics ? Recumbents, Folding Bikes, Custom Bicycles | Brompton Disc Brakes

bike.gang.uk

Is this what you are looking for? they also sell on ebay.
J&L Ultra light Titanium/Ti Seatpost for Brompton folding bike-31.8mm-300g | eBay

Yes, you probably have to buy a cheapest Brompton available (you get to choose the colour), but don't throw away the parts not needed, new brompton parts are quite valuable. I've seen plastic rollers on ebay.

fietsbob

Lightskin has an alloy seat pillar with a built in LED array for a Taillight.

Surprised no Titanium main frame and handle bar masts out of SEA copy shops yet..


Len's UFB only went so far as A Prototype .. https://ufbusa.ishopserver.com/Homepage.html

stolen then recovered .. being a one off makes it as hard to re sell as Bo Diddley's Custom Guitar

bike.gang.uk

Or, you want to try this? Fully titanium and looks alike?

blakcloud

I like your idea of building something that suits your needs instead of some of the hodge podge parts that come on the Brompton. I own a Brompton, and with the knowledge I have now I wouldn't buy the same bike again. I would still buy the Brompton just configured differently. So I would buy a basic Brompton in the colour you wanted and then sell off the parts you don't need. A basic single speed with no fenders or racks etc. This way it would be cheaper than trying to acquire the basic frame and fork.

Again if I had the choice to do it again, I would be an extralight version second hand because they are almost impossible, at least in Canada to purchase that version. Then sell off all the parts I didn't need.

Good luck with your project, it sounds fun.

virtualchuta

Dezzie,

Really nice site. Thank you. There are so many nice looking Bromptons.

Best,
chuta

virtualchuta

Is that available for purchase somewhere? Must be really light. I wonder how it feels riding though. I can see a lot of flexing.

virtualchuta

bike.gang.uk,

Is that available for purchase somewhere? Must be really light. I wonder how it feels riding though. I can see a lot of flexing.

Chuta

virtualchuta

Thanks, blakcloud.

virtualchuta

I like the idea of Rohloff. But I don't like that it doesn't fold as well as the original triangle. But I do see a few bikes on Stockholm Small Wheels with Rohloff that fold as well as the original design. May be I will take a look at them carefully.

I have been looking at Kinetics for quite sometime. I really like the idea of stainless steel triangle.

virtualchuta

Is Merc frame a lot lighter that the Bromptom steel frame. They dont seem to be available anymore. Do you have a picture of your bike?

bike.gang.uk

Yes, 钛合金折叠车架14寸钛合金小布车架改造版16寸钛合金小轮小布折叠-淘宝网

But I couldn't find any photo of this frame assembled, and you can see from the photos, the stem is not foldable.

Light, yes, but will it fold?

Hinge

Can you share with the class where you found the picture of this hardcore Brompton?

virtualchuta

Dear Hinge,

It is from this website - DinoKiddo | Buy the Brompton folding bike lightweight parts and accessories. ? Brompton **********???

They provide parts for Brompton Modification. They have many nice custom Brompton in their portfolio.

best,
chuta

Hinge

Thanks for the fast response!

I went there looking for the seatpost in the photo...it's $840!!!

WoW!!

LittlePixel

@virtualchuta Never had a proper steel frame to compare but I believe it is a saving, though not madly significant.
Pic here: Brompton / Merc with new skinny tyres by Littlepixel™, on Flickr

virtualchuta

Very very nice bike. Good job.

dynaryder

Frame's also available here. Alibaba + not sure of wheel size + crazy shipping would keep me away from it.