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[Closed] Buying a used Brompton - what to check?

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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?


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 8:45 am
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Proof of original purchase.


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 8:57 am
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Proof of original purchase.

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


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 9:06 am
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Cables are a pain to change, so bear that in mind.


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 9:07 am
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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


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 9:47 am
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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.


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 10:01 am
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+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!


 
Posted : 21/08/2015 10:06 am