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2008 Brompton M3L Folding Bicycle

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Artifact Overview

The New York City cyclist who owned this bike appreciated its versatility -- he could fold it up to take on the subway, or to store under his desk after riding to work. Folding bicycles had been produced for niche markets throughout the 20th century, but new materials and manufacturing processes have made contemporary folding bikes lighter and more comfortable.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Bicycle

Date Made

2007

Subject Date

2008

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

2011.104.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Aluminum alloy
Rubber (Material)
Powder coating
Chromium

Technique

Brazing

Color

Blue
Black (Color)
Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 24 in (approximate; when folded)
Height: 43 in (approximate; when unfolded)
Width: 12 in (approximate; when folded)
Width: 17 in (approximate; when unfolded)
Length: 26 in (approximate; when folded)
Length: 60 in (approximate; when unfolded)
Diameter: 16 in (Wheel Diameter)

Inscriptions

In black on pedal arms: BROMPTON On both sides of frame: BROMPTON / MADE IN ENGLAND / WWW.BROMPTONBICYCLE.CO.UK Decal on frame below seat: SERIAL NO. 0708074184 Stamped into frame: 243843 /bs 6102 / part 1 Impressed into pedals: K20410 On brake handles and several locations on bike: BROMPTON Printed in white on seat: SERFAS (copyright) Decal on frame below seat: NYCEWHEELS, ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION / 1603 YORK AVENUE / NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10028 / (212) 737-3078 WWW.NYCEWHEELS.COM On folding mount: BROMPTON / ZEFAL HPR On tires: SCHWALBE / MARATHON / 37-349 / 16 X 1 3/8

Specifications

Make & Model: 2008 Brompton M3L folding bicycle
Maker: Brompton Bicycle, London, England
Speeds: 3
Brakes: dual pivot caliper
Weight: 25 pounds
Price: about $1,000
Average 2008 wage: $41,335
Time you'd work to buy this bike: about 1 week
Height: 24 to 43 inches
Width: 12 to 17 inches
Length: 26 to 60 inches