How to convert a Brompton from 2- or 3-speed to 6-speed

If you have a 2- or 3-speed Brompton folding bike, you might want to convert it to a 6-speed. This will give you more gear range, allowing you to ride up and down steeper hills with ease.

Is your bike compatible?

First off, you'll want to make sure that your Brompton can be converted to 6-speed. If it was produced prior to 2002, unfortunately it won't have the fittings on the rear triangle that are required to convert it. If it's newer than that, then we should be able to convert it.

If your bike was produced in 2017 or later, it will have the new-style shifters, so make sure you get the matching one.

Converting from a 3-speed

If you currently have a 3-speed (internal gear hub) bike, to convert to a 6-speed you'll be adding the derailleur gears.

Here's what you'll need:

• Brompton BWR rear wheel
• Rear sprocket set
• 3/32" chain
• Left-hand shifter
• Chain tensioner
• Chain pusher
• Gear cable and housing (for your handlebar type)
• Cable anchorage (either pre-2017 or 2017-onwards)

Converting from a 2-speed

If you currently have a 2-speed (derailleur) bike, to convert to a 6-speed you'll be adding the internal gear hub.

Here's what you'll need:

• Brompton BWR rear wheel
• Rear sprocket set (not mandatory, the 2-speed comes with a 12-16 sprocket set, and the 6-speed a 13-16 sprocket set)
• Right-hand shifter
• Gear cable and housing (for your handlebar type)
• Cable anchorage
• Hub gear cable pulley assembly

If you'd like to convert your Brompton bike to 6-speed, get in touch with our workshop and we can assist with this.