The Brompton can be carried like a small suitcase using the frame or saddle as a handle. And it can be pushed or towed easily on the small roller wheels.
Brompton makes a range of models to suit all riders: the no frills A Line with 3 gears, the classic and most popular C Line with a range of gear options, the performance-focused P Line, and lightweight T Line made from titanium. The G Line has a larger 20 inch wheel for exploring and gravel riding but still features the same legendary 20-second Brompton fold.
Quick Guide to Brompton Bikes
C Line Bikes
There are a number of bikes available in the C Line range, with many colours to choose from.
C Line is made to stand up to the rigours of everyday life in the city. Owners have taken them on around-the-world trips and are designed for year-round use.
C Line bikes are equipped with:
- mudguards for all weather riding;
- a front carrier block for Brompton luggage;
- a folding pedal to make carrying and storing your bike super easy.
There is the option to add dynamo or battery lighting, designed to tuck out of the way when the bike is folded.
C Line bikes are available with two types of gearing and riders have the option of choosing low, mid, or high handlebars depending on the position desired.
C Line Urban — 2-speed
With two gears, the C Line Urban is lighter to ride and carry than all other C Line models. And with one gear trigger, it's simple to use, too. It is ideal if you if in a flat area.
C Line Explore — 6-speed gearing
The 6-speed do-it-all workhorse, geared up to go further. The C Line Explore covers all contours, at home or further afield, and is ideal for riders who may not always take the same route for their commute and those who want to use the bike for more than just city riding.
P Line Bikes
Performance-focused bikes with lightweight features
P Line is Brompton's lightweight folding bike. The Brompton P Line features a new steel and titanium frame, and a patent-pending gear system and wheelset, alongside a host of other updates. A superlight Brompton bike was first introduced in 2005 as a weight-saving bike that Brompton says made it easier for riders to get around, thanks to it being lighter to lift and carry, as well as faster on the road.
The P Line has a weight of 9.99kg, which Brompton say is nearly 2kg less than the C Line model. P Line is available in 4-speed and 12-speed versions. The revolutionary gear system features a cassette rather than the internal gear hubs found on other Brompton bikes. In-keeping with the low-weight design goal of the P Line, this system features a 60-gram derailleur. The derailleur found on the 4-speed Brompton P Line is said to "fit inside the compact fold" of the bike, presumably in an attempt to minimise the chances of it getting knocked and damaged.
P Line Urban — 4-speed gearing
The P Line Urban bike has 4 gears, unlike the C Line Urban which has 2. Despite the difference in number of gears it is everything the Urban model should be: a fine-tuned bike for city riding.
P Line Explore — 12-speed gearing
Unlike the C Line Explore, which has 6 gears, the P Line Explore has 12 gears. The P Line Explore features the easiest gear of all Bromptons to make even the toughest, steep climbs a simple affair. The bike also features the highest gear Brompton have ever made, along with lots more gears in between, making 12-speed Explore bikes even more comfortable for touring and exploring, as well as more accessible for riders who live on very hilly routes.
To make moving the P Line around easier when it's folded up, Brompton have fitted new wheels as well as a new seat post design. The seat post can be locked at two separate heights, so you can have the post fully down for storing or halfway up for rolling. P Line currently consists of two bikes options, Urban and Explore. The P Line sits above Brompton's A Line and C Line in terms of price and performance claims.
Brompton P Line features:
- 4-speed or 12-speed gearing
- Mudguards
- Titanium fork and rear triangle
- Superlight pedals
- Superlight saddle
- Advanced aluminium self aligning hinge points
- a front carrier block for Brompton luggage
- A choice of low, mid, and high handlebars
Electric C Line & Electric P Line
Brompton Electric C Line follows the ethos of the regular C Line bikes, with their robust build and classic looks. The Electric version gives you the freedom to travel further.
Brompton Electric C Line is equipped with:
- Mudguards
- Dynamo lights
- Battery
- Folding pedal
- 4 or 12 speed gearing
Brompton Electric P Line is their lightest electric bike and suited to riders who may have to carry or transport the Brompton across stairs or navigate through different levels. It is also ideal for riders whose focus is on performance and speed when not using the electric function. It is available in 4 or 12 speed options.
Brompton Electric bikes offer all the benefits of a Brompton, boosted with smart electric technology, developed with Williams Advanced Engineering. The Electric C Line is equipped with mudguards, just like the other bikes in the Brompton C Line family, and also comes with lighting, too. The bikes are supremely portable, too, with the addition of larger, lighter Advance Roller Wheels so you can glide from street to building.
There is no need to awkwardly position your bike near a power point. Simply remove the lightweight (2.2kg) battery pack bag with one quick click. Carry it and plug it in wherever suits. The Electric C Line Explore has 3 levels of power assistance, giving you between a 25 and 50 mile range and the ability to travel up to 15.5 mph.
Brompton Electric C Line & P Line
G Line and Electric G Line
The Brompton G Line is designed for longer and further travel. The bike features larger 20 inch wheels, unlike the other bikes in the Brompton range which are 16 inch. The larger wheels means the fold is not as compact but the bike still folds in the same unique way, making it the smallest folding 20 inch bike.
Fitted with wide, grippy tyres, disc brakes and a bottle cage mount, the bike is ideal for riders who want to go further afield or cross through one on their way to work or at the weekend. The bike is available in small, medium and large sizes with geometry that is adjusted for off-road riding, thanks to a different shape of stem. The stem also features mounts for a bottle cage, as does the front fork. There are new grips with support across the palms for longer rides.
G Line will be available from early October
G Line bikes features:
- 8-speed internal hub
- Continental 50mm urban tyres
- Mudguards for all weather riding
- Front carrier block for Brompton luggage
- Wide MTB-style flat pedals with quick release removal
- Wide luggage rack at the rear
- Advanced aluminium self-aligning hinge points
- Water bottle mounts on fork and stem
Schwalbe G-One tubeless-ready 54mm wide tyres are available for upgrade.
Electric G Line
Electric assisted G Line bikes use a different battery and power system to other Brompton Electric bikes. Instead of the drive coming from the front wheel as with the Electric C Line and Electric P Line bikes, the G Line is powered assisted from the rear wheel. This gives it more efficient power, stability in off-road conditions and to balance handling better than before. The cabling for the electric bikes runs internally through the frame to reduce snagging on foliage. There is an alloy CNC-machined Lezyne front dynamo light, and the bike features four gear modes. The battery sits at the front of the bike in an expandable bag on the front carrier carrier block.
Electric G Line bike feature:
- 250-watt rear hub motor with 4-speed gearing
- Continental 50mm urban tyres
- Mudguards for all weather riding
- Front expandable bag for battery and kit
- Wide MTB-style flat pedal with quick release removal
- Wide luggage rack at the rear
- Advanced aluminium self-aligning hinge points
- Water bottle mounts on fork and stem
Schwalbe G-One tubeless-ready 54mm wide tyres are available for upgrade.
T Line & A Line
T Line: The lightest bike in the range, made in Sheffield from titanium
Brompton T Line bikes are the lightest bikes made by the British brand, weighing in at 7.46kg. Brompton shaved 2kg off the weight of their P Line bikes by using a full titanium frame and carbon fibre parts, and is pared back as much as possible to save weight.
Unlike all other Brompton frames, which are made in London, the T Line frame is welded in Sheffield.
Titanium is ultra strong and ultra light. It’s the world’s number one naturally occurring metal for strength-to-weight ratio. Being naturally corrosion resistant means high shine and zero rust in all conditions.
The T Line One is a single speed version and costs £3,750 (correct as of February 2024). The T Line Urban has a 4-speed gearing system, whilst the T Line Explore has a 12-speed gearing system. It is available from Brompton and selected Gold Retailers like Condor Cycles!
The T Line has a carbon fibre fork and steerer tube, as well as a carbon handlebar, which Brompton says makes the ride of the bike stiffer and more responsive. Elsewhere, Brompton has opted for a carbon fibre crankset, which is paired with a cast titanium bottom bracket. The saddle also has carbon fibre seat rails and a carbon-reinforced base.
A Line: No frills Brompton
There is one bike in the A Line range. It is only available from Halfords or directly from Brompton and is a no frills bike that lacks the features of the C and P Line bikes, making it heavier than its more popular siblings.
It is available with a gloss white frame, equipped with 3-speed gearing, and features a silver riser handlebar and stem.
A Line bikes are not fitted with mudguards, bag support, or folding pedal. You can add these components at a later date to mirror the C Line specifications, but the overall cost of the items will make the bike similar in cost to the C Line, plus there is the time needed to fettle and fiddle with the mudguards to fit them.
Which Brompton handlebar is right for me?
Brompton make three handlebar styles: low, mid, and high. C Line and P Line bikes are available with all three bar styles, whilst A Line bikes are only available with a mid handlebar.
Low is great for riders who want a sporty ride and a direct feel, and provides very direct handling thanks to its flat shape. Brompton previously used this handlebar shape on all S Type bikes.
Mid is one of the most popular bar choices. It has a riser shape and puts the rider in a comfortable position. For shorter riders, it may feel very upright, and for taller riders, it may feel a bit low. This handlebar is a classic shape and featured on previous models known as M Type, such as M3L and M6L.
High has the same riser profile as mid, but the bike has a longer stem, moving the bar a bit higher. It provides a neutral riding position for very tall riders and a very upright position for average height riders.
Formerly used on models known as H Type, such as H3L and H6L.
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