Introduction – Is Your Brompton Rear Frame Clip Loose?
The constant modifications made by Brompton to their bikes give them an excellent edge over other bike manufacturers.
Before August 2007, most Brompton bikes had a small space in between the mainframe and the rear, and this free space caused the bike to dangle in the air.
Most Brompton bikes will fold whenever you lift them, but now you can move your bike without folding the rear wheel.
Modern Brompton bikes possess a clip at the end of the mainframe. This rear clip is integrated with the seat post’s quick release clamp, which hooks into the bolt holding the frame’s suspension block at the rear end. The development of the rear frame is considered to be an upgrade on older Brompton’s.
Bikes with the rear frame clip can be put in the latch-mode or the non-latch mode. The clip is attached to the rear in latch mode. Once in this mode, the rear frame cannot fold even if you lift the bike. However, the non-latch mode allows you to fold your bike, as the clip would not be attached to the rear frame.
If you want to switch between the latch and the non-latch mode, you should rotate the suspension block in the correct direction.
What Is the Rear Clip in Brompton Bikes Used for?
The rear frame clip is the clip that holds the rear frame to the mainframe. Not all Brompton bikes come with the rear clip, as only models made after August 2007 include this feature.
The clip is particularly useful to bikers who carry luggage bags on the rear racks because the clip helps to secure your rear rack to the mainframe. When the rear clip is in place, you can lift your bike over a staircase or an obstacle.
You should note that the rear frame clip is not permanently fixed to your Brompton bike, which implies that it can be removed when you don’t need it. Thus, you have the option to choose if your rear frame will fold or remain in place.
The majority of bikers think that with this new modification, the bike’s weight will be a lot heavier than average, but Brompton has designed their newer bikes to be at more or less the same weight.
Brompton bikes with the rear frame clip have a lighter seat clamp than those without it. The lighter seat clamp makes the bike easier to handle while giving it more speed.
What Causes Your Brompton Rear Frame Clip To Loosen
Your rear frame clip may not latch to the bike mainframe for the following reasons:
- Twisting the suspension block: While transporting your bike, many parts of the bike vibrate, and this can twist the suspension block in the wrong direction.
- Inappropriate resistance of the rear tire: The absence of the rear tire’s appropriate resistance can prevent your rear frame clip from holding your frames.
- Repeated folding of the bike: Most bike parts wear out due to repeated use and how often you park or fold your Brompton bike.
How Do You Fix A Brompton Rear Frame Clip That Is Too Loose
To fix your loose rear frame clip, you can tighten it by turning the nut in a clockwise direction. You can make use of a 10mm spanner to tighten the clip. Ensure that there is a protrusion of 1.5 threads from the Nyloc nut end, but don’t make it too tight. You can also keep the pressure of your rear tire at the recommended range.
You can also tighten the rear frame clip by keeping the frame clip at the right angle to the spring because this direction will make the spring effective when it moves against the notch.
If the above procedures do not fix your clip, you need to dismantle the clip assembly. Once you dismantle the clip assembly, you will be able to clean the spring.
Here is a video explaining the process of re-installing the seat clamp quick release and rear frame clip (courtesy of Brompfication):
We hope this helps you solve the problem of a loose rear frame clip. If you still encounter issues, be sure to reach out to the manufacturer!
Featured image: Pixabay/ gorpol
Credit and useful resource: https://bromptonbikes.com.au/blogs/news/help-the-rear-end-of-my-brompton-isnt-clicking-in