Brompton Bikes Size Guide
Brompton bikes are proudly designed and manufactured in their london factory and are your perfect companion for city cycling and living due to the exceptional engineering that make them fast and fun when cycling paired with the ability to be quickly folded to take on public transport or stored in the office, house or flat. To keep them compact, all Bromptons have the same general shape but still have options for different riding positions depending on rider height and preference. Brompton advise that Bromptons can fit riders from 4'7" to 6'8" or 140cm to 203cm.
Brompton bikes are unique in that they do not have a 'Brompton size guide' as such, as all of their bikes are the same general shape. To cater for different rider heights and preferences, almost all Bromptons are available with different handlebar types and seatpost options that can change the shape of the bike for you. Here, we are going to have a look at the different handlebars available and the different seatposts that allow you to customise the bike to be comfortable for you.
There are some exciting new additions to the Brompton bike range with the introduction of the 12-speed models and the gorgeous new Pop Lilac colourway.
Contents and quick links
- Guide to Handlebar Types - a look at the different handlebar options available with Brompton Bikes
- Guide to Seatpost Options - how the different seatpost options suit different riders of different heights
- Brompton Models - a brief look at all the Brompton models available
- Frequently Asked Questions - a look through the frequently asked questions about Bromptons
Handlebar type
With the exception of the 'A Line' model, all Bromptons are available with a choice of either a low handlebar, mid handlebar or a high handlebar. The choice you would make when deciding on the best handlebar height would come down to both personal preference and your height. For example, for taller riders, a mid handlebar might offer the same sporty ride position as a low handlebar would to shorter riders. This is why it is important to consider both height and preference when deciding. Rider height is also a consideration when deciding on the correct seatpost allowing it to be raised to the correct height for taller riders or lowered to the correct height for shorter riders.
The general rule is that the high handlebar will give you the most leisurely position, the mid will give a good all round position or a more neutral position and the low will give you a slightly sporty position.
Seatpost option
Seat height is incredibly important on all bikes for efficient pedalling but also to reduce the chances of injuries as an incorrect seat height can put excess strain on ankles, knees, certain muscles and lower back.
All Bromptons come with the extended seatpost as standard but there are other seatposts available for taller riders or for shorter riders. We will have a look at each seatpost and let you know the heights suggested for each one. We will also touch on the incredibly useful saddle height insert that you get with Brompton bikes.
Standard Seatpost
The standard seatpost is available aftermarket for Brompton bikes and is suggested for riders with inside-leg measurement between 66cm - 83cm (26inches 33inches).
Extended Seatpost (This option supplied with new Brompton bikes)
The extended seatpost is the option that comes with all new Bromptons and is suggested for riders who need their saddle higher. The extended post is recommended for those with an inside-leg measurement between 66cm up to 89cm (26inches - 35 inches).
Telescopic Seatpost
The telescopic seatpost if for taller riders and will suit riders with an inside-leg measurement between 66cm-99cm (26 inches-39 inches).
Saddle height insert
One of the joys of a Brompton is that it folds incredibly quickly and unfolds in seconds but the part of the unfolding process that usually takes the longest is setting your seat height again. That's where this incredibly simple bit of plastic comes in - the Saddle Height Insert can be cut down to size if required and placed in the seat post to ensure that the height of your saddle is correct every time you unfold and raise it. Very simple but incredibly useful.
Brompton models and their differences
Brompton have a number of different models in their range offering both electric and non-electric in a variety of frame materials that make a difference, offering more comfort and lighter weight. The models are:-
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Brompton A Line
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Brompton C Line
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Brompton P Line
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Brompton T Line
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Brompton Electric C Line
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Brompton Electric P Line
Brompton A Line
The Brompton A Line is Brompton's entry level folding bike with 3-speed internal hub gears for low maintenance and a nice upright riding position provided by the mid handlebar. The frame is made from precision drawn heat-treated steel tubing with hand brazing, the fork is hand brazed cold-formed micro-alloy steel tubing and a steel brazed fork. This bike is perfect for those looking for a value folding bike for city riding, storing indoors and taking on public transport.
Brompton C Line
Brompton C Line Explore Mid Handlebar Pop Lilac colourway
The Brompton C Line shares the same main frame, rear frame and forks as the A Line but it comes in two models and some excellent added extras such as Brompton folding pedals which are ideal for the most compact fold, Brompton standard saddle for more comfort and comes with a choice of the low, mid or high handlebars so you can dial in your perfect position. The Brompton C line also comes with Brompton's front carrier block that easily accepts Brompton luggage for quick attaching and detaching for those on the go. As mentioned, the Brompton C Line comes in two models - the Brompton C Line Explore features 6-speed gearing for those hilly cities or the Brompton C Line Urban which is the 2-speed option of the C Line Explore for strong legs in flatter cities.
Brompton P Line
The Brompton P line offers a significant upgrade over the C Line as the rear frame and the forks are made from Titanium which offer the same strength but are a lot lighter. The P Line is also finished with lighter kit to reduce the weight further with a super-light front wheel and saddle and comes with a puncture resistant tyre. The P Line is available in two models also - the P Line Explore that features 12-speed gearing that can take on steep hills and longer climbs or the P Line Urban which is a 4-speed to reduce the weight.
Brompton T Line
The best of the best in terms of a folding bike. The Brompton T Line is a full Titanium main frame and rear frame with a carbon fork that are all designed to keep the weight way down while taking the comfort way up. Finished off with super-light wheels, saddle and finishing kit this is the ultimate in lightweight comfort. The T Line is available in three options, the first is the T Line Explore that offers 12-speed gearing for any hill and long climbs, the T Line Urban is the lighter weight 4-speed version and the T Line One is the lightest Brompton at only 7.45kg with one-speed gearing.
Brompton Electric
Electric Bromptons are a front hub driven electric bike with a 300Wh battery for excellent assistance up the hills and a good range for city or leisure riding. The electric Bromptons, like the non-electric versions, still offer the same quick, compact fold with the battery being very easily detachable and re-attachable with a handy carry strap for when you have to take them on public transport or upstairs to work or a flat.
Brompton Electric bikes are available in both the C Line and the P Line with different gearing options available for each momdel. We will take a look at these below.
Brompton Electric C Line
Brompton Electric P Line Explore High Handlebar Bronze Sky colourway
The Brompton Electric C Line shares the same frameset and fork as the C Line with the only difference being a steel reinforced electric-specific fork to accept the front hub motor. The two models available in the Electric C Line range are the C Line Explore that offers 12-speed gearing for getting up any hills and the lighter and simpler Electric C Line Urban that offers 4-speed gearing for flatter cities.
Brompton Electric P Line
Brompton Electric P Line offers an overall lighter electric bike than the Electric C Line due to the Titanium rear frame. The Electric P Line is also available in two models - the 12-speed Electric P Line Explore and the 4-speed Electric P Line Urban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the ingenuity and design of the Brompton bikes, a lot of questions arise. We have chosen a few of the most frequently asked and give the answers to these.
What size is a folded Brompton?
Each Brompton will be slightly different but the C Line Explore folded package measures at 25.3 inches in height, 23 inches in width and 10.6' inches in depth. These are the perfect size to live in a flat cupboard, under your desk at work or keeping out of the way on public transport.
What Does A Brompton Bike Weigh?
This one depends, again, on the model you choose and whether you opt for the electric or non-electric versions. The frame material, finishing kit and whether it's electric or non, all have an affect. Below is a rough guide to the weights of the bikes.
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Brompton A Line - from 11.5kg
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Brompton C Line - from 11.35kg
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Brompton P Line - from 9.99kg
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Brompton T Line - from 7.45kg
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Brompton Electric C Line - from 15.63kg
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Brompton Electric P Line - from 15.6kg
What size are the wheels on a Brompton?
The wheels on Brompton bicycles are 16 inch. This is to ensure the most compact size when folded.
Which Brompton Bike is the lightest weight?
The Brompton with the lightest weight is the Brompton T Line One which comes in at around 7.45kg. You pay for the priviledge through - it will set you back £4250.
What is the maximum weight limit on a Brompton?
The maximum weight limit on Brompton bicycles is 110kg but please be advised that this includes rider, luggage and the bike itself. This 110kg does not refer to the rider only.
Are you able to take a Brompton bike on Public Transport?
Absolutely yes. Being able to take a folded Brompton on public transport is one of its main features. The fold is so compact, you can place them in luggage racks or by your feet. They can even fit in small car boots.
Does a Brompton bike accept a child seat?
A brompton bike would not accept a child seat due to the weight limits of the bike itself and the rack. It would not be safe to carry any passenger.
Can you sit on a Brompton while it is folded?
A brompton bike is not designed to be sat on any other way that when it is ready to ride. It would not be advisable to sit on a Brompton either when partially folded or fully folded.
How durable is a Brompton bicycle?
Brompton bikes are designed to withstand day to day use in all weathers. Brompton back this up by offering a 7-year guarantee on all frames.
Can I retrofit the Brompton Electric kit to my current Brompton?
As we mentioned a little earlier, the electric versions of the P line and C Line come with reinforcements to facilitate the motor and battery so it would not be advisable to retrofit an electric kit to your Brompton.