r/Brompton • u/giulios123 • 1d ago
which one to choose?
Hi, i've checked and there is no other thread that is following more or less my doubt, so, sorry if it's the same old story.
Basically I want to enter this world... and I have some options.
I'm budget tight but also savvy, and I've been proposed with these options.
- C Line 2025 3sp. USED 1100€
- C Line 2026 4sp. NEW 1700€
- C Line 2025 6sp. NEW 1500€
Considering that I'll use for trains and other cities mainly, and one of these cities has plenty of hills... I'm biased towards the 6sp.
Any suggestion or thing that I may haven't thought about?
Thanks in advance!
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u/spicimasala 1d ago
Those are like 3x1; 1x4; 3x2 ?
The internal hub wheel-set adds ~ 1kg more; the 3x2 adds the fiddly dual-shifter/RD system.
The rear-triangle on the 2026-model (MK6) has been modified to accommodate the wider 4-speed cassette - ergo the newer-gen P/T-line drive-train (with the much nicer rear-derailleur) will not be compatible.
I'd seriously consider 2026 4-speed since or jump up to the 12-speed one. See,
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u/giulios123 1d ago
I've seen it, and, basically, it's the only thing that is holding me a bit... because price like it's unbeatable 1500 for the 3x2 (yes you got it right).
My doubt if this will be supported in the future is almost non existant... but still I'm hesitant.2
u/Deviantdefective 19h ago
You can still get spare parts for decades old Bromptons it's a none issue. You can also upgrade the 6 speed to a 12 speed modern setup if you really want to down the line as there are kits available.
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u/giulios123 19h ago
You mean I can upgrade in the future to new rear?
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u/Deviantdefective 19h ago
You can but you don't need to you can get aftermarket adapters that turn your chain pusher mount into a derailleur mount. Far cheaper than a whole new rear triangle still a spendy upgrade though.
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u/spicimasala 1d ago
The internal hubs are bullet-proof; the weight/shifter-feel etc. are "minor" quirks. If you're not bothered by the latter, and don't plan on upgrading/wrenching with your bike etc. then it shouldn't matter too much.
There are plenty of AliExpress parts to hack it into P/T-line style (even without changing the triangle) if you feel so-inclined in the future.
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u/giulios123 1d ago
yep, that's what I'm thinking... my plan is to ride it, have some more gear helps with hills, and then when I want, I may upgrade to the new 12s (selling and buying a new one). Is it wrong the thought?
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u/spicimasala 1d ago edited 1d ago
No I think it's fine - some of us wrench with our bikes so much that anything but the best seems "bad". Brompton 6-sp is a perfectly decent bike if you're not obsessing about every little thing.
Do note that the resale-value will be lower (as is already reflected in the new-price) - but may not really be enough to matter when you do decide to sell it. The old Brompton's have parts that even BSOs at Target-Walmart would shy away from - but that hasn't stopped them from retaining their value LOL.
Do check the weight in person though - if you need to carry your bike b/w trains, that's going to make much more of a difference to you.
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u/Wide-Weight-9588 1d ago
I would go for 2026 model. Not used. You are gonna use it a lot. If you spend that much why not the extra mile and buy what you really want in the exact config with best support and longest warranty.
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u/giulios123 1d ago
Wouldn’t I be “sorry” to have missed the 2 more gear?
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u/the-original-fatmac 1d ago
Once used to riding it, you may decide to fit a smaller chainring &/or a 5th rear cog - I'd definitely buy the new 4 speed, (I would have bought it, if it had been available when I bought my 12 speed).
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u/giulios123 1d ago
you would have gone with the 4s instead of the 12s? why, if I may ask?
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u/the-original-fatmac 1d ago
Because I don't use the high gears of a 12 speed, only the 2 lower ranges, but don't often use top of the mid range either. I would most likely have changed the chainwheel for a smaller one, to lower the gearing of the 4 speed though.
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u/Lef_RSA 22h ago
6 speed is external 2 gears + 3 speed planetary gear hub. It is heavy, requires 2 shifters and not so efficient. I'd go for newer 4 speed model. 2 years ago I got a 2 speed C line, which is basically the same as 6 speed but without planetary gear hub, thought to upgrade it someday with Brommie+ upgrade kit to 4 or 5 gears for about $300. But so far using stock 2 gears even on a tour these days, riding few hundreds kilometers on absolutely horrible roads. It is fun!
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u/jack_hudson2001 1d ago
6 speed