Brompton 2018 M3L Raw Lacquer folding bike

2018 Raw Lacquer Brompton folding bike model M3L

What is a Brompton M3L?

M=handlebar type:- There are 4 handlebar types, M-type is the traditional Brompton style, H-type is the same as M-type but 6cm higher to give a more relaxed / upright riding position, S-type is a sporty / straight handlebar style and P-type gives a multi-position handlebar style suited to touring where you spend hours on the bike 
3=3 gears - Brompton Sturmey Archer BSR - Brompton Standard ratio internal hub gear
L=with mudguards - R is with mudguards and rack, E is with no mudguards

Simple then - M3L is the Brompton traditional handlebars with 3 (hub) gears and mudguards to help you stay a bit drier when riding in damp conditions

And what is raw lacquer?

The Brompton in Raw Lacquer basically coats the bare metal with lacquer and shows off the build quality by allowing you to see all the joint detail in full glory

Brompton 2018 Raw Lacquer M3L specification:

1. Frame
Regular - all steel
Folded size: 585mm wide x 565mm tall by 270mm deep

2. Colour
Main frame: Raw Laquer
Extremities: Raw Laquer
Note: Raw lacquer can vary slightly from bike to bike due to the style of the natural finish
Decal colour: Black

3. Handlebars
M-type - 2017 low rise - the classic Brompton shape offering a comfortable ride with black handlebar grips, slightly modified for the 2017 model Brompton to give a bit more rigidity, more space for grips on the bars but the same riding position as previous M-type (by increasing the stem length slightly)

4. Gears / drivechain
3 speed BSR (Brompton Standard Ratio) internal hub gear equipped rear wheel - silver hub
Standard chain tensioner
50T front spider chainring
98 link Brompton / SRAM chain with powerlink
Folding left hand pedal
Non-folding right hand pedal 

5. Front luggage system
Front luggage can be added at a later date - easily

6. Mudguards
Front and rear mudguards for all weather riding / commuting 

7. Roller wheels
Standard roller wheels help keep the bike stable when folded 

8. Tyres / Wheels
Standard Brompton bikes now have Schwalbe Marathon Racer 16 x 1 1/3 inch tyres with reflective sidewall to help make you more visible to cars when riding in the dark 
Low rolling resistance and good puncture protection 
16 inch (ETRTO size 349) wheels with double wall rim and 28 spokes
Schrader / car type 8mm valve 

9. Saddle
Standard black Brompton saddle
A mounting point underneath the saddle allows for fitting of the the Brompton CatEye rear USB light

10. Seat height
Standard seatpost for riders with an inside leg measurement of up to 33 inches
(If you are taller - up to 35 inch inside leg - then an extended length seatpost can be fitted at no extra cost)
For very tall riders a telescopic seatpost is available at extra cost 

12. Lighting / reflectors
Front and rear reflectors