Replacing Brompton 2/3 speed shifter

It's just personal preference, but I'm not a fan of Brompton's shifters. Although it's very convenient to shift, I feel that it's too flimsy, plasticky. When I hit some bumps, I sometimes hear it rattles. So I started researching and asking friends what replacements I can find.

3 speed shifter. I purchased this Sturmey Archer SL-S30 3 speed shifter for internal hubs. This version shown in the pic is a nov-design modified version of the SL-S30 with a small nut that holds the cable head. Sturdy and classy look is just nice.

One issue I have with this is the stiffness of the shifting. It is not as soft as the stock shifter but I'm getting used to it.

Installation is quite straight forward. Just remove the stock shifter and replace with this, insert the shifter cables, adjust, test and ride :)

Klickfix Adapter to Brompton Front Carrier Block Mod

I have some klickfix accessories used from my other bike which I intend to use for the Brompton. Problem lies with front carrier block, I would need some adaptor which I can mount the klickfix accessories.

Luckily, a friend of mine got me an adapter from Korea. Made of steel, its specially made for Brompton FCB. It has 2 screw holes which you can attach bottle cages or other accessories. I also happen to have a klickfix vertical tube adaptor I bought weeks ago. I went to our local hardware shop to get a nice steel tube, drill it, then bolt it to the FCB adapter. Now I have my custom made Brompton Klickfix adapter :)

Here's the end result:

With the Klickfix Basket:

I even experimented by buying a klickfix plate then attaching it to a seldom used bag.

Klickfix Brompton Bag :)

Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub maintenance

This week, I decided to thinker some more and overhaul my Brompton's 3 speed SA hub. First was to remove the rear wheel. To do this, follow the instruction from brompton (youtube) and it is straight forward.

After getting the rear wheel out, I started removing the nuts and cones from both ends, then the ballring cap that holds the mechanism inside. It would require to do some hammering, just use your rubber or wooden mallet and a screw driver. After removing the cap, you can see the axle going inside with clutch, springs and all those parts greased inside. Remember to remember how each part are placed in sequence. Used kerosene to clean and remove those old grease, dried them up and put them back together. Greased it with teflon grease and everything seems smooth and clean. When putting it back together, one tip is to put back the puller chain first to hold the small piece of metal that pulls the clutch.

Pictures:

Here is a video from Youtube that helped me on this:
Old Sturmey Archer, but still applicable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNxwMwzS3Jo

New Look

Replaced all the brown leather wraps with a black foam wrap. Managed to replace the rear bolts with titanium ones. Oh yeah and changed to cambium brooks saddle too :)

Ready to ride!

This is my everyday ride to the office. Haven't had time to shop for a brompton bag yet so used my old handlebar bag.

Mini Drama

Wasting time taking pics of my mini foldie

Wet Ride!

Went for a 50km ride from east to central then back. I have to go to the gym to get my jiu jitsu gi so why not cycle. I've been injured since the last competition so i cant train. I need to get some alternate exercise of some sort.

We got caught by the rain on our way back so we have to take some shelter.

Good thing I have those fenders on. Lights, bags and GPS units are all rain proof so its all good.

But be reminded always. Be extra careful when riding wet, it can be very slippery at times. Always bring extra lights, batteries, water and snacks ;)