Just got myself a renewed P line directly from Brompton and have not been able to do step 3 of unfolding process. Any pointers appreciated as this is my first Brompton.
Not sure if tyres being deflated is causing some issues or gear mechanism is causing the handle clasp to get stuck on the rod.
kingfrank_bromptons on
Run your fingers along the cables and see if one is trapped around the chain tensioner. If it is, then just unhook it from around it and then it should unfold.
atlbigfoot on
Check the rubber stopper that is beside the seatpost when it’s lowered. It may need to be adjusted inward to make room for the seatpost.
atlbigfoot on
Just to clarify; by step three, do you mean lowering the seatpost?
kingfrank_bromptons on
By the way, what is the condition like for this ‘renewed’ bike? Have you found any scuffs or scratches at all? I was told that many of these ‘renewed’ bikes are actually just brand new bikes sold at a discount to clear but that Brompton didn’t want to publicly discount new bikes to protect their pricing strategy and brand value, hence labelling them as ‘renewed’ instead.
TopPangolin on
Lift the bike a bit so the wheel drops out and unlocks the fork maybe?
kike10 on
Can’t you unfold the front wheel part? First by putting the handlebar together and then pulling it to the left
xazuo on
Folding and unfolding the front wheel is a bit of a strange motion that takes some getting used to, though it eventually becomes second nature.
Make sure your seatpost is all the way up, or at least not sticking out from the bottom of the seat tube. Standing on the non-drive side, you want to grasp the handlebar stem in your left hand from above, so your palm is down and your arm is roughly parallel to the stem. Lift slightly to release the front hook, then swing it outward in a small arc, allowing the wheel end to sweep out a wider arc than the part of the handlebar stem that’s in your hand. Brompton describes it as a “stirring” motion. The bike will resist until you get the angles just right. Don’t try to unfold both wheels at the same time until you’re familiar with the motion for unfolding the front wheel.
Watching some videos slowly may help.
If you really can’t get it to budge, it might be worth seeking out someone local who’s familiar with Bromptons and can show you the motion in person.
8 Comments
Not sure if tyres being deflated is causing some issues or gear mechanism is causing the handle clasp to get stuck on the rod.
Run your fingers along the cables and see if one is trapped around the chain tensioner. If it is, then just unhook it from around it and then it should unfold.
Check the rubber stopper that is beside the seatpost when it’s lowered. It may need to be adjusted inward to make room for the seatpost.
Just to clarify; by step three, do you mean lowering the seatpost?
By the way, what is the condition like for this ‘renewed’ bike? Have you found any scuffs or scratches at all? I was told that many of these ‘renewed’ bikes are actually just brand new bikes sold at a discount to clear but that Brompton didn’t want to publicly discount new bikes to protect their pricing strategy and brand value, hence labelling them as ‘renewed’ instead.
Lift the bike a bit so the wheel drops out and unlocks the fork maybe?
Can’t you unfold the front wheel part? First by putting the handlebar together and then pulling it to the left
Folding and unfolding the front wheel is a bit of a strange motion that takes some getting used to, though it eventually becomes second nature.
Make sure your seatpost is all the way up, or at least not sticking out from the bottom of the seat tube. Standing on the non-drive side, you want to grasp the handlebar stem in your left hand from above, so your palm is down and your arm is roughly parallel to the stem. Lift slightly to release the front hook, then swing it outward in a small arc, allowing the wheel end to sweep out a wider arc than the part of the handlebar stem that’s in your hand. Brompton describes it as a “stirring” motion. The bike will resist until you get the angles just right. Don’t try to unfold both wheels at the same time until you’re familiar with the motion for unfolding the front wheel.
Watching some videos slowly may help.
If you really can’t get it to budge, it might be worth seeking out someone local who’s familiar with Bromptons and can show you the motion in person.