When we built a gold-plated Brompton folder a few years back to give away in a competition, we had no idea what would become of it. After all, how practical is a 24 ct gold folding bicycle?
The gold Brompton back in 2009
We gave away the gold-plated Brompton S2L offered as a prize in 2009 and it soon appeared on eBay with a ‘buy it now’ price of £1,999.
At the time, The Guardian bike blog described the Brompton as having been “pimped through flash, gaudy, and vulgar, out the other side into ironic, and beyond that into uber-cool. Perhaps.”
The bike started life as a stock Brompton S2L, which we stripped down, polished, plated in copper and finally covered in 24ct gold. We replaced the bar-mounted selector with a specially fabricated jockey shift gear change with a pool ball on top.
All cables were replaced with gold braid and the wheels were modified with anodized gold spoke nipples. The plastic fittings to secure the folding frame were replaced with red stopcock handles.
In the hands of subsequent owners, the stopcock handles have been upgraded, the seat replaced with a tan leather saddle and Brompton decals added. The stock Brompton rear suspension rubber now a jaunty looking yellow coil.
Gold-plated cycle insurance from the ETA
For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. Folding bicycles are eligible for lower rates.
Many cycle insurers offer very limited cover, charging extra for features we believe should come as standard – such as third party cover, personal accident or extension of your cover to family and friends. ETA Cycle Insurance provides one fully-comprehensive package for total peace of mind, whatever your cycling needs.
Every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
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