Great advice! I bought a second-hand Brommie about 15 years ago via a refurb project and when we pumped the rear tyre up to 100 the rim popped... but better then than on the road! Since then it's had a new hinge, handlebars, and other bits but still has the original front wheel. It was a 5-speed and had been used hard as a commuter, judging by the wear of the decal, and despite much fettling by my Brompton guru two of the five skipped just when I least needed it. So I spent quite some time looking into options, comparing gear ratios, etc., and now it's a 3-speed with gears that suit well. I'd done a lot of youth-hostel touring with it - the Rhine, the Vennbahn and Luxembourg, but last year I did a camping tour with it for the first time, in Northumberland. Great! And it's 25 this year...
Excellent advice for anyone looking for a used Brompton. I was very lucky with mine, bought on eBay after a few failed bids on others. It was four years old but in mint condition, having spent most of its life under the seller's stairs when he moved house and job shortly after buying it new and no longer commuted. It even still had the rubber spikes on the tyres. I made the poor man go to a lot of trouble to prove it wasn't stolen before I bought it. He didn't bear a grudge, though and actually gave me an Ortlieb O Bag in new condition, as well as a cover and saddle pouch, all for free along with the bike. I immediately sold the O Bag and bought a T Bag in similar condition with the proceeds as I wanted it for touring, not commuting. Six years later, it is still immaculate, as I like to keep my expensive purchases in good condition. I absolutely love the bike and highly recommend getting a Brompton, but only after taking a test ride. Although they ride like a full sized bike, the steering is very sensitive and they like a comparatively smooth surface. I think they are very much a "Marmite" bike. Being able to fold and keep it in the car boot or hop on a bus with it is so liberating, as well as not having to worry about it being stolen due to being able to take it just about anywhere. Another good thing about them is the resale value. If someone finds they really don't like the bike after purchase, the chances are it has probably increased a bit in value, unlike just about any other machine you can buy. Because mine came with all the bells and whistles, including rack and dynamo, it cost me a third less than a new Brompton at the time. My advice to would be buyers is to be sure and take into account the cost of adding extras after purchase. Brompton accessories are very expensive and quickly add up if you buy a basic model.
@@s.richards6552 hi thanks for watching and great points! And for sharing your experience. The last point about taking into consideration Brompton extras is very valid.
My heart said, "You need a Brompton." My head said, "Fine, but which one." My heart said,"You work it out, as long as it is British Racing Green." My head said, "1, 3, 6, 12 speed?"My heart said,"You choose, as long as it is British Racing Green or maybe Sky Blue." My head said, "High, Low, straight?" My heart said, "Red is nice." My head said,"standard seat post or extended?" My heart said,"I like Black." My head said,"I need to think." My heart said, "I need a Brompton."
Very comprehensive video. The only thing I would perhaps is to check it isn't stolen, do they have the original receipt and handbook and is the frame number registered.
I met and chatted with you at the Argos Open Day in Bristol in June. I love your Brompton videos, always full of great advice which I'm trying to follow to maintain mine in great shape. After pondering for a couple of years I took the plunge and bought a new one, and haven't regretted it for one moment....great bikes. Thanks for the videos.
@@geoffmortimer5304 hi, thanks so much for your nice comments and for watching our videos. Glad to hear you bought a new one. And the Argos event was wonderful!
Great Video and great points for used Brommies. Most important sentence is within the first 35 seconds: If a Brompton is used heavily in the wrong circumstances, it can (it does) suffer quite a lot! If you want to use your Brommie as a touring bike, with all the challenges that brings , it's NOT the usual circumstances that it's made for. Than you have to invest a little more maintainance work. But if you do, it will be a faithful companion. Btw: In terms of rust, we use Fluidfilm at the end of every summer to protect all our steel frames in the wet month. Smells horrible for a while, but after two days in the saddle, I smell worse 😝 Stinky regards! Ben&Sarah
Ha! Excellent video and excellent timing for me! Thank you! I've just begun shopping around for a very good condition used Brompton for the international travel that my Dahons are a little less well suited for. I found a ~10-year-old 6-speed C line which looks to be in outstanding shape owned by a Brompton aficionado. Thanks again for this very helpful video!
As a now 76 years old man I have never bought a used car, till my very last, which was a ½ year old, fully equipped Demo in 2019! Those cars I had I knew how had been treated, and up to 12 years of use, before being sold, and normally without much problems during that (The last was the exception, as also a 9 month old BMW, which became sold then, even still with a Warrenty!). But as a Brompton is a rather complicated type of bike, and so Special, but I did look for used samples also when I bought mine in 2019. But in the the end I bought a very Top Superlight, which has been modified to now below 9 kilo. Finn. Denmark
Great advice. I've been thinking of selling my S2l. I believe it's a 2005 model ( the back wheel doesn't lock). I've had quite a bit of work done to it over the years to keep it in good condition. After watching your video, I'll check some more. I'm just not sure what price I should be asking. Plus, it would have to go to a good home. 👍
Hey Paul, would you mind going to more detail regarding wear on the rims from brake pads? What does wear look like on an older bike and when do you recommend the rim/ wheel get replaced? Do you recommend a particular rim - double wall, steel, whatever - when it comes time to replace? Thanks.
@@SimonBrowneNZ hi Simon, most modern rims will have a marker on them and when this marker disappears it’s time to replace the rims. For example the mavic A 319 which I would recommend, have a line all the way round the brake track and when it disappears it’s time to replace. Hope that helps 👍
I´m getting interested in a Brompton. I´ve been pining for a Moulton a long time, but here I Sweden they're not really showing up... This seems like it would be a decent compromise.
you should use a iwanson guage for the rims, let the air out and measure insitu, 1mm or less use as a bargaining lever, not sufficient to just look for concaveness imho
@@davidjames-rp6oi thanks for the comment. We get where you are coming from but a potential seller might not want to sell you a Brompton if you start deflating tyres and measureing the rim wear - this is just a simple guide for people 👍
@@veloworks9266 i would inform them before i went to look at it, if they don't like it find another! plenty around it's a significant expense to replace them.
thinking about selling my brompton, but don't know what it's price should be. it's an s2l raw lacquer without mudguards cca. 2011, single owner, and i'm in the european union
@@abfab2517 for me there are 2 points to this: firstly there is nothing nicer than supporting a British brand and secondly why would you want to explain to people you have a fake Brompton 😂😂😂
I've seen reference to " Bramptons " and wondered if it was a mis-spelling or a clone brand. I can see the logic in getting the bike you can afford, but not one that pretends to be an established brand. It's a bit like showing off your fake "Rowlex" watch when you could sport a genuine Seiko.
Great advice! I bought a second-hand Brommie about 15 years ago via a refurb project and when we pumped the rear tyre up to 100 the rim popped... but better then than on the road! Since then it's had a new hinge, handlebars, and other bits but still has the original front wheel. It was a 5-speed and had been used hard as a commuter, judging by the wear of the decal, and despite much fettling by my Brompton guru two of the five skipped just when I least needed it. So I spent quite some time looking into options, comparing gear ratios, etc., and now it's a 3-speed with gears that suit well. I'd done a lot of youth-hostel touring with it - the Rhine, the Vennbahn and Luxembourg, but last year I did a camping tour with it for the first time, in Northumberland. Great! And it's 25 this year...
@@karenfry421 hi Karen, sounds like a great purchase and you’ve had a real journey together. Thanks for sharing 👍
Excellent advice for anyone looking for a used Brompton. I was very lucky with mine, bought on eBay after a few failed bids on others. It was four years old but in mint condition, having spent most of its life under the seller's stairs when he moved house and job shortly after buying it new and no longer commuted. It even still had the rubber spikes on the tyres. I made the poor man go to a lot of trouble to prove it wasn't stolen before I bought it. He didn't bear a grudge, though and actually gave me an Ortlieb O Bag in new condition, as well as a cover and saddle pouch, all for free along with the bike. I immediately sold the O Bag and bought a T Bag in similar condition with the proceeds as I wanted it for touring, not commuting. Six years later, it is still immaculate, as I like to keep my expensive purchases in good condition. I absolutely love the bike and highly recommend getting a Brompton, but only after taking a test ride. Although they ride like a full sized bike, the steering is very sensitive and they like a comparatively smooth surface. I think they are very much a "Marmite" bike. Being able to fold and keep it in the car boot or hop on a bus with it is so liberating, as well as not having to worry about it being stolen due to being able to take it just about anywhere.
Another good thing about them is the resale value. If someone finds they really don't like the bike after purchase, the chances are it has probably increased a bit in value, unlike just about any other machine you can buy. Because mine came with all the bells and whistles, including rack and dynamo, it cost me a third less than a new Brompton at the time. My advice to would be buyers is to be sure and take into account the cost of adding extras after purchase. Brompton accessories are very expensive and quickly add up if you buy a basic model.
@@s.richards6552 hi thanks for watching and great points! And for sharing your experience. The last point about taking into consideration Brompton extras is very valid.
Tools to help you buy with your head not your heart ! Love it 🎉
My heart said, "You need a Brompton." My head said, "Fine, but which one." My heart said,"You work it out, as long as it is British Racing Green." My head said, "1, 3, 6, 12 speed?"My heart said,"You choose, as long as it is British Racing Green or maybe Sky Blue." My head said, "High, Low, straight?" My heart said, "Red is nice." My head said,"standard seat post or extended?" My heart said,"I like Black." My head said,"I need to think." My heart said, "I need a Brompton."
Very comprehensive video. The only thing I would perhaps is to check it isn't stolen, do they have the original receipt and handbook and is the frame number registered.
@@MrSportster12 VERY good point! We were looking at it from more of a maintenance pov but this is a great Point! Thank you 👍👍
I met and chatted with you at the Argos Open Day in Bristol in June. I love your Brompton videos, always full of great advice which I'm trying to follow to maintain mine in great shape. After pondering for a couple of years I took the plunge and bought a new one, and haven't regretted it for one moment....great bikes. Thanks for the videos.
@@geoffmortimer5304 hi, thanks so much for your nice comments and for watching our videos. Glad to hear you bought a new one. And the Argos event was wonderful!
Some really good advice in this video. Even for a experienced Brompton Rider. Greetings from Düsseldorf.
@@Druidus98 ah thank you! Good to hear. Cheers for watching 👍
Great Video and great points for used Brommies.
Most important sentence is within the first 35 seconds: If a Brompton is used heavily in the wrong circumstances, it can (it does) suffer quite a lot!
If you want to use your Brommie as a touring bike, with all the challenges that brings , it's NOT the usual circumstances that it's made for. Than you have to invest a little more maintainance work. But if you do, it will be a faithful companion.
Btw: In terms of rust, we use Fluidfilm at the end of every summer to protect all our steel frames in the wet month.
Smells horrible for a while, but after two days in the saddle, I smell worse 😝
Stinky regards!
Ben&Sarah
@@thebrommuters6220 hahahaha thanks for the advice! Will look at it. Thanks for watching 😀
As ever, Paul, brilliantly clear advice and explanations of what to look for. Love the tip about taking a small piece off the rear mudguard.
@@johnbayley1109 glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching!
Thanks for that, really helpful and timely post, a lot of food for thought.
@@raymcgrath4116 glad we could help 👍 Best of luck with your purchase
Ha! Excellent video and excellent timing for me! Thank you!
I've just begun shopping around for a very good condition used Brompton for the international travel that my Dahons are a little less well suited for. I found a ~10-year-old 6-speed C line which looks to be in outstanding shape owned by a Brompton aficionado. Thanks again for this very helpful video!
@@Tanstaafl1976 great to hear and glad it might help! It was like we knew with our timing ! Happy cycling 👍
Well done, usefull information!
@@lenafietst8237 thank you!
As a now 76 years old man I have never bought a used car, till my very last, which was a ½ year old, fully equipped Demo in 2019! Those cars I had I knew how had been treated, and up to 12 years of use, before being sold, and normally without much problems during that (The last was the exception, as also a 9 month old BMW, which became sold then, even still with a Warrenty!).
But as a Brompton is a rather complicated type of bike, and so Special, but I did look for used samples also when I bought mine in 2019. But in the the end I bought a very Top Superlight, which has been modified to now below 9 kilo. Finn. Denmark
Great advice. I've been thinking of selling my S2l. I believe it's a 2005 model ( the back wheel doesn't lock). I've had quite a bit of work done to it over the years to keep it in good condition. After watching your video, I'll check some more. I'm just not sure what price I should be asking. Plus, it would have to go to a good home. 👍
@@Richard.357 thanks for watching and glad it helped some!
Hey Paul, would you mind going to more detail regarding wear on the rims from brake pads? What does wear look like on an older bike and when do you recommend the rim/ wheel get replaced? Do you recommend a particular rim - double wall, steel, whatever - when it comes time to replace? Thanks.
@@SimonBrowneNZ hi Simon, most modern rims will have a marker on them and when this marker disappears it’s time to replace the rims. For example the mavic A 319 which I would recommend, have a line all the way round the brake track and when it disappears it’s time to replace. Hope that helps 👍
@@veloworks9266 Brilliant; thanks Paul. That is really useful info.
@@SimonBrowneNZ glad to help
I´m getting interested in a Brompton.
I´ve been pining for a Moulton a long time, but here I Sweden they're not really showing up...
This seems like it would be a decent compromise.
@@natjes6017 yes if you want the foldability the Brompton is a great way to go. Happy cycling
you should use a iwanson guage for the rims, let the air out and measure insitu, 1mm or less use as a bargaining lever, not sufficient to just look for concaveness imho
@@davidjames-rp6oi thanks for the comment. We get where you are coming from but a potential seller might not want to sell you a Brompton if you start deflating tyres and measureing the rim wear - this is just a simple guide for people 👍
@@veloworks9266 i would inform them before i went to look at it, if they don't like it find another! plenty around it's a significant expense to replace them.
thinking about selling my brompton, but don't know what it's price should be. it's an s2l raw lacquer without mudguards cca. 2011, single owner, and i'm in the european union
@@markifi have a look what they are selling for on eBay
I Tested The Boujiest Folding Bicycle You Can Buy-Brompton! Bern Peak- UA-cam channel. You might enjoy it. Seth does crazy stuff!
Watched this!! Haha amazing !
@@veloworks9266 Glad you liked it!
Oops 'Berm Peak'
the Asian dupes are excellent. For 300£... Brand new.
@@abfab2517 for me there are 2 points to this: firstly there is nothing nicer than supporting a British brand and secondly why would you want to explain to people you have a fake Brompton 😂😂😂
I've seen reference to " Bramptons " and wondered if it was a mis-spelling or a clone brand. I can see the logic in getting the bike you can afford, but not one that pretends to be an established brand. It's a bit like showing off your fake "Rowlex" watch when you could sport a genuine Seiko.