Collect only from Weston super Mare, we are just off J21 of the M5.

This is a 2001 Brompton, the first of the 'improved' models designed to have optional 6 speed, but this is the 3 speed with the SACHS/SRAM Spectro Hub gears. This is because at the time Sturmey Archer had suddenly folded and were in the process or relocating to Taiwan, so as a result Brompton sourced the EU made SRAM for a couple of years. This meant a solution had to be found fast for the fact no-one else made a suitable 5 speed hub - so the 2 speed derailleur + 3 speed hub was one solution. This bike is only a 3 speed as noted but has the 'boss' on the frame from the factory to allow upgrading if so desired (in fact once upon a time there was an official kit to do just this, sadly discontinued once myriad handlebar options made it difficult to keep up with all the permutations).

It does however not have any of the modern naming conventions, a bit like the original Land Rover it was just 'a Brompton' back then and model names like C-Line etc... came later. The handle bar is most like a current 'M' model and it has the 3 speed gears and factory rear rack, so 'M3R' is appropriate to guide modern buyers.

I bought this in 2001 from Avon Valley Cycles (who invented Bike2Work) and have only very recently (February) started using this to commute approx. 4 miles a day but there is a bit of a hill and I have upgraded to a 6 speed model. Until this, apart from a year in London where I did about 10 miles a day, it was very occasionally used for leisure and kept aboard my narrowboat (long sold!) where it was (due to having a fantastic mooring with both nearby shops AND a parking space!) rarely needed. It was last serviced in late January of this year. Previous to that I have had it serviced every 4-5 years due to the very low use.

What's been added:

Has a 2019 seat post and genuine 2019 Brompton Saddle.

Has had the post-2007  'clip' added so that once unfolded, the main crossbar doesn't flap open, until a latch is held down for folding. Amazingly this was not previously included, yet even more amazingly this could simply be retrofitted to my bike without any modification or drilling.

Has a new set of 2019 pedals to allow one of them to be a folding type.

New brake pads in 2026 (as part of the service)

New brake cables in 2026 (as part of the service)

New gear cables in 2026 (as part of the service)

Newer style clip to hold the handlebar folded shut (an improvement on the 2001 clip, again just fits the older bike without issues).

Front block for bag carrying (again, fits a 2001 model without drilling but not originally included, was an optional extra).

2 x Continental Contact Urban Reflex Tyre (rated very highly for puncture resistance) and recent tubes.

What's original:

Original Frame, handlebars, colour (obviously!)

Original Dutch made rims

Original French cranks.

SPECTRO 3 speed selector (nicer than the plastic Brompton one they brought in later!).

Classic Brake levers.

Grips in original and excellent condition, low wear.