Brompton M3L Folding Bicycle

This is a 2006 Brompton M3L, a British-made steel folding bike in black that's been well looked after since purchase and is ready to ride. The bike has been recently fitted with new tyres and needs no immediate work. It's the kind of bike that's been genuinely used and maintained rather than neglected, which usually means the mechanical bits have had proper attention over the years.

The M3L uses Brompton's proven lateral fold design with a steel frame, 16-inch wheels, and a 3-speed hub gear system paired with side-pull caliper brakes. This combination keeps things simple and reliable—the hub gears mean no derailleur to worry about, and the caliper brakes are easy to maintain and adjust. The 16-inch wheels and compact fold make it straightforward to carry onto trains, buses, or stow in a flat, though the trade-off is that you'll work a bit harder on longer flat stretches compared to a larger-wheeled bike.

The 3-speed setup is suited to urban commuting and gentle hills, though if you're regularly tackling steep gradients you might find yourself wishing for an extra gear or two. The riding position is upright, which works well for navigating city traffic and spotting potholes. Being steel rather than aluminium, this Brompton is durable and can take a knock without worry, though it does mean it's heavier than the current alloy models.

This is the kind of folding bike that makes sense if you mix cycling with public transport, work in an office with limited bike parking, or live in a small space. Collection only from Putney, London.