Brompton T5 upgrades

Quoted message said:

I purchased a Brompton T5 folder in late 1997, but for various reasons
have not used it up until now. I understand that there have been a
number of developments since then, so would like to bring my bike up to
the current specification. The two main improvements seem to be the use
of dual-pivot brakes and high pressure tyres. Would these make a big
difference to the basic bike? If so, which are the best ones to use?

Yes and yes.
For the tyres you can use Brompton's own in either standard or kevlar
belted flavours or Schwalbe Marathons (and possibly others too, but
those are Brompton's own choices). The Brom tyres are a little quicker,
the Marathons a bit chunkier and maybe better in the wet.
I use the Marathons, a pal uses the Bromptons tyres. We're both happy,
both of us think they're better than the old Raleigh Records we've used
on older machines.

I'm not sure how interchangeable Brompton's brakes are with anything
else, so can't really advise there beyond saying their own offering is
an improvement on the Mk. 2's brakes you have.

Beyond that, if you don't have the pannier system it's very, very well
worth considering. Cracking bit of kit.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

I recently upgraded mine, fitting a BromSON (excellent, but quite pricy) and
a titanium seatpost. But the upgrade I am most pleased with is the Vitesse
saddle. It makes the bike look much sportier and "grown up" than the
horrible standard granny seat, and is also much more comfortable not only to
ride, but also as a handle when carrying the folded bike. If your bike
hasn't got mini bar ends, they also much improve comfort and are light and
cheap too. You're lcuky to have a T5 - possible the best gear option but
sadly no longer available.

In article said:

I recently upgraded mine, fitting a BromSON (excellent, but quite pricy)

A possible cheaper alternative now might be http://www.dahon.com/l-dynamo.htm
(It was mentioned in Velovision, but no details beyond it's existence AFAIR)