The fold

When folded, a Brompton stays locked together, making an extremely compact package little larger than its wheels. The folded package may be picked up without any risk that the bike will unfold - reassuring when running for a train or handing it to a cloakroom attendant!

There are no projections or loose parts with the folded package and, using the frame or saddle as a handle, it carries like a small suitcase, lightweight and easy to manage. The fold is designed to keep vulnerable parts, like lights and cable-runs, out of harm's way and, by folding them in, to keep the greasy chain and gears away from clothing and luggage. Small rollers allow the bike to be pushed into inaccessible corners.

Demonstration

Folding

Full instructions for folding and unfolding, with diagrams, are given in the Owner Manual but these are the basic steps:

All Bromptons have rear suspension, which also allows instant "parking" of the bike:

1. Park the bike by swinging the rear wheel under the main frame - the Brompton will stand on its own, leaving both hands free
2. Unclamp and fold back the front wheel - the right hand pedal should be moved out of the way if necessary - and hook onto the rear frame
3. Unclamp and lower the handlebars and saddle, and stow the folding pedal; these items can be dealt with in any order after the second step

Unfolding

1. Raise and clamp the saddle and handlebar, and unfold the folding pedal; these items can be dealt with in any order, but they must be unfolded before moving on to step 2
2. Unfold and clamp front wheel; the bike is now parked
3. Lift up the rear end of the bike - a little flick is usually the most effective method - to swing the rear wheel out; the bike is ready to ride

The key to understanding the fold of the Brompton is the seat pillar: it is the seat pillar which locks the folded package together by projecting down from the main frame, so preventing the rear frame from rotating, which in turn prevents the front wheel from swinging free. If the seat pillar is visible below the main frame, do not try to park or unpark the Brompton, and do not try to hook or unhook the front wheel from the rear frame. Similarly, if the seat pillar is not fully down, the folded package may fall open when the bike is picked up.

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Workshop & Servicing Accreditation Levels

The highest level of workshop accreditation. To gain this level of accreditation the dealership will have a Cytec level 2 qualified mechanic; this mechanic will have been trained, by Brompton, in a number of Brompton specific tasks. The workshop will own the full range of Brompton specific tools and will be able to use these tools, as and when required, independently. They are also required to hold inventory of all essential and recommended spares as highlighted in the spares and accessories listings.

The mid-level workshop accreditation. To gain this level of accreditation the dealership will have a Cytec level 2 qualified mechanic; this mechanic will have been trained, by Brompton, in a number of Brompton specific tasks. The workshop will own the tool to perform the rear hinge replacement task and will also have access to the other Brompton specific tools. They are also required to hold inventory of all essential and recommended spares as highlighted in the spares and accessories listings.

The basic level of workshop accreditation. To gain this level of accreditation the dealership will have a Cytec level 2 qualified mechanic; this mechanic will have been trained, by Brompton, in a number of Brompton specific tasks. They are also required to hold a full inventory of essential spares as highlighted in the spares and accessories listings.

This workshop has not yet been accredited but should carry essential spares required to get a Brompton back on the road.