Brompton development over the years

[steelframe]

I’ve just bought a new Brompton M3L after never having owned one before, so nothing to compare it to. I’m liking it so far but I find it’s a bit over geared. Spend most of my time in 2nd gear, changing down to 1st for rises and drags. I’m not sure I’d be able to climb a substantial hill on it. I’ve hardly used 3rd gear.

I agree that the 3-speed with (59t -> typo, should have been ->) 50t /13t is too long from factory. I'd recommend swapping the 13t sprocket from factory for a 14t, much better. Typically no need to change the chain plus much cheaper (costs barely anything) than changing the 50t chainwheel for a 44t.

[Mick F]

I was in Evans Cycles today in Plymouth.
They had on display an electric assist Brompton. Nearly three grand to buy.

[SA_SA_SA]

.....I agree that the 3-speed with 59t/13t is too long from factory. I'd recommend swapping the 13t sprocket from factory for a 14t, much better....

I have 46t/15t as my idea is that when there is a choice between the following, you lose more time walking up hills than you gain pedaling down instead of freewheeling.

[steelframe]

.....I agree that the 3-speed with 50t/13t is too long from factory. I'd recommend swapping the 13t sprocket from factory for a 14t, much better....

I have 46t/15t as my idea is that when there is a choice between the following, you lose more time walking up hills than you gain pedaling down instead of freewheeling.

You gain a bit on the hills with 46/15 but for my taste this would be far too short in the longest gear. At a cadence of 75 you would spin out already below 25 kph with the longest gear offering just 5,44 metres of development. The stock 2-speed offers ~6m in the highest gear with the stock 54t chainwheel and that seems about right for most people (though I mounted a 60t chainwheel and others prefer a 50t and some even a 44t both of which I would consider to be way too short). A matter of taste. Compare the two here: https://ritzelrechner.de/?GR=SAAW&KB=50 ... 5&UF2=1330

[Brucey]

same link

https://ritzelrechner.de/?GR=SAAW&KB=50&RZ=14&UF=1330&TF=75&SL=2.6&UN=MPH&DV=gearInches&GR2=SAAW&KB2=46&RZ2=15&UF2=1330

but in gear inches and mph.

cheers

[briansnail]

I have four bikes currentlyparked in my living room.One is a immaculate 15 year old Brompton. Unbeatable for reliability and an icon for British design the world over.
Please do not change this fantastic bike.

[briansnail]

Brompton's are fantastic unbeatable I just run out of words. My problem is I can't leave it anywhere. Its hot literally. All cycle thieves ultimate ambition is to get hold of one. Complaints - Brompton have bought out a brilliant e bike version. I did point out that there was nothing in the rules against. However they firmly block my attempts to enter it in the annual Brompton London race to my dejection. Bet I could have won!