I’m looking at a used Brompton later today – 3 speed version.
Apart from general wear and tear and play in the hinges, are there any specific bits I should check – known stress points etc?

Proof of original purchase.

Proof of original purchase.

Depending on which area of Edinburgh the bike is, that’ll be the first thing I look at.

Cables are a pain to change, so bear that in mind.

Aside from what’s been said above

Check rims for wear as a you don’t want to be shelling out for new rims/wheels unless the purchase price is appropriately adjusted

Budget for a set of Marathon Plus tyres unless they are already fitted

Rear swing hinge can wear quite a bit and it’s not a straight forward job to replace (well it is if you have the tools, but they are somewhat spendy!). A decent Brompton dealer will be able to replace the bushings, etc. at a reasonable cost

Look in mirror andf check you have that superior Brompton face, the face that all Brompton riders seem to have, so pleased with themslves they are.

+1 for play in rear triangle pivot. I seem to remember it being £80 ish to replace my pivot bushings.

I would check secondhand prices against the benefits of buying new quite carefully, as secondhand Bromptons do seem very expensive, and I was staggered how much I got for my 6 speed when I sold it (didn’t think it was worth that much).

Lovely little bikes though – huge fun in the city!