Every Brompton hand-brazed hi-tensile main frame is essentially identical: the fold, the hinge, the dimensions and the geometry (different handlebar options available on most models)
Brompton (like nearly every bespoke frame builder in the world) trusts in their steel or titanium tubing for its reasonable light weight, its strength and its time-proven longevity.
Especially important for a folding bike, the Brompton's steel or titanium main tube can be narrower diameter than an aluminium tube of similar strength.
The steel or titanium frame, therefore, contributes to making a Brompton a more compact bike when folded.
The Brompton main tube is extraordinarily stiff to eliminate unwanted flex - this is especially crucial when the main tube incorporates a hinged mechanism that will be used daily.
An elastomer bung behind the seat clamp (between the main frame and the rear triangle) acts as an effective shock-absorber to compensate for the frame's stiffness.
The low top tube makes a Brompton incredibly easy to hop on and off - a great attribute on a city bike.
Producing one shape of main frame in one size helps ensure consistent quality control matched with manufacturing efficiency.
This efficiency helps explain why Brompton can continue to flourish while manufacturing in this country, and why they don't feel compelled to emulate nearly every other Western bike company by moving production to the Far East.
Brompton have the simplest and most compact fold of any folding bike we have seen. This also goes for their electric bike which is quite the feat.
For all the ingenuity that goes into its fold, the feature that most impresses people on their maiden voyage on a Brompton is how nicely it rides.
The smaller, lighter weight wheels with short spokes are intrinsically stronger and faster accelerating. The steering is similarly responsive and nifty. This is balanced with the frame's low centre of gravity, which makes the bike feel stable and the handling very predictable.
We're not saying that a Brompton will outsprint a pure road race bike. Nor will it cope with rough terrain like a mountain bike. But we can assure you that a Brompton is a complete blast when used for what it was built for - nipping around town as quickly (or as slowly) as you like, while being more than capable of longer jaunts. Plus, never forget that it's ultra neat fold makes the Brompton especially compatible with other forms of transport, making it an excellent companion when you travel afar on bus, train, boat, 'plane or car.
It might be smaller than most bikes, but that doesn't mean a Brompton isn't tough, strong and durable. Its shorter frame tubes and smaller spokes make it intrinsically more rigid.
This reputation for reliability, plus the fact that the design remains fundamentally unaltered from one decade to the next, means that on the off chance you should ever decide to sell on your Brompton, it will probably hold its value better than any other brand of bike.
The Brompton logo simply shows the Brompton bicycle in it's various positions - fully assembled and ready to ride, rear wheel folded in it's standing position and fully folded all to demonstrate it's versatility. The Brompton writing looks to be based on a UK street sign to signify the company's origin in Brompton, London.
Brompton bicycle originated in London where all their frames were handmade but now Brompton have a factory in London and Sheffield - don't worry, all their frames are still handmade with the individual makers mark on every single one.
Brompton are one of the very few bicycle manufacturers that still design and manufacture bikes in the UK and it is very much part of their identity.
Many people say that a Brompton bike is the ultimate commuter bike for a number of reasons. The first is that they are fast and fun when you are riding them and they are available in different specifications from a single gear all the way up to brand-new 12-speed bikes on certain models making flying up steep inclines a joy.
The second reason they are an incredible commuter is that you can easily fold them and take them on public transport for a portion of your journey if your commute is a bit far or the roads are too busy.
Reason three is to do with storage and security - because a Brompton bicycle folds down so compact, you can easily store it under your desk at work meaning you do not have to lock it up outside and risk it getting stolen and the same goes for when you get home - they can easily be stored in a cupboard or tucked away in the corner of a room keeping your bike safe and secure at all times.
The answer to this is yes - both from a riding perspective and from a folding perspective. The smaller wheels mean excellent acceleration which is one of the reasons a Brompton is the perfect city bike and now with up to 12-speed gearing means you can go even faster.
The fast fold is down to the ingenuity of the folding mechanism and some can fold a brompton in around 10 seconds. Unfolding is just as easy.
Bromptons tend to be best when used in cities over relatively short distances. The newest addition of 12-speed gearing on some Bromptons would certainly allow more distance to be covererd but the total distance you can cover on a Brompton would depend on the rider.
Brompton are unique in that their main-frames and rear frames are an identical Brompton geometry but on most models you have the choice of different handlebar options that raise or lower the front end of the bike significantly. This is ideal for people of differing heights or those that want a racier position or a more relaxed sitting position. For taller riders with longer legs, there are telescopic seatposts available to cater for this.
We have an article about Brompton Sizes here.
With the introduction of the new 12-speed gearing on some Bromptons, this certainly makes longer distances and carrying more luggage a real possibility. If you were to opt for a 12-speed Brompton bicycle with front carrier block for front luggage and a roller rack on the rear, you could certainly carry enough for a few days away. The distance covered depends on you...
Brompton bicycles are designed for the rigours of city cycling and can take on UK roads due to the well crafted and robust steel or titanium tubing on their bikes. The maximum weight that a Brompton can take is 110kg - please note: that includes the bike weight, the rider and any luggage.
Brompton bikes are only designed to be sat on when full open. They are not designed for sitting on when they are partially or fully folded.
There is nothing special to know about cleaning a Brompton that you wouldn't do for any other bike. You would want to keep the chain and sprockets clean. We would also say that the colours of Bromptons are so nice, you might want to give the frame a wee polish now and again just to make it sparkle.
Brompton bikes are perfect options for a number of poeple that we will list below. Brompton bikes are perfect for...
Those who commute and have nowhere to safely lock the bike at work or home
People who lack space and need a bike that can be folded and put out of the way in a corner
For those that need to take their bike on public transport
Also great for those that lack boot space and want to take their bike on holiday
Great for taking away in campervans
Those that love a great looking bike with it's own personality
Specific Brompton electric bikes have reinforced forks to allow the extra weight and size of the front hub motor and it is therefore not advisable to convert a Brompton.
The lowest price for a Brompton Electric 2024 bike is the Brompton Electric C Line Urban High Handlebar 2024 Folding Bike which comes in at £2900 but it's a great time to buy buy a sale model Brompton electric.
If you register your Brompton bicycle, your will receive a 7-year warranty on the frame, forks and rear frame.
We hope that has helped to inform your decision on whether a Brompton bike is right for you.
