As I wait for parts to arrive and bad weather to pass I decided to finally capture my Brompton build to go along with my other threads here:
Focus Izalco Max Rim (4.47 kg / 9.85 lbs)
45kph Ebike Rocketship - Scott Solace eRIDE 2023
Specialized Tarmac SL6 S-Works Ultralight Rim 49cm
Latest pics on this bike: I was always curious about Bromptons but never seriously considered buying one. However, on 2nd April 2022 I purchased a used Brompton when I saw one come up at a price I couldn't resist. Weight as purchased was 12.48 kg / 27.51 lbs. I spent the next few months parting it out and rebuilding it to be a better bike.
Researching Bromptons was quite an experience as most owners fall into one of two camps either:
- Bromptons are the best bike ever and cannot be improved except by adding a Brooks saddle or Ergon grips. Think of a late 2000's hipster here.
- Rich East Asians who don't have room or desire for a conventional bike. Think of a Singapore uncle here. Thankfully they are open to changing the bike but there is often little cohesion behind their build choices.
This Brompton build was by far the hardest build I've done as the ingenious but archaic design, small size, implications of the fold, lack of documention on aftermarket parts, and cascading implications of single part changes make for a challenging build.
Although the Brompton isn't everyone's cup of tea hopefully everyone can learn something interesting from this build as I slowly detail the component choices.
I'll have to tread carefully when explaining some parts as almost everything comes from China given the lack of enough interest in modifying Bromptons to generate much of a dedicated market in the "West"