Brompton folding bicycle

Brompton M-type folding bicycle.

3 speed sturmey archer, with new shift lever and cable.
Rear rack with original bungee
Brompton fenders
Pantour front suspension hub
Basta front and rear lighting system
Ergon Grips with Lizard Skin lever covers
CatEye cycle computer
Retro fit locking rear wheel catch


The Brompton is a finely engineered and elegant machine. It has a full-size frame, which for strength and stiffness is made mainly of steel. Thanks to a careful choice of alloys and tube sections, it's light and the bike is easy to carry. Actual weight depends on the configuration and ranges from about nine to thirteen kilos.

All models have rear suspension, which incidentally also allows instant "parking" of the bike; a very handy feature and the first step in folding.

The Brompton's remarkable ability to fold is achieved without complexity, and its maintenance needs are much the same as for a normal bike.

Actual folding or unfolding is a simple procedure, as once parked the Brompton stands on its own leaving both hands free. There are three main parts to fold and it takes just ten to twenty seconds. When folded, a Brompton stays locked together automatically, making an extremely compact package, little larger than its wheels.

Rollers underneath make it easy to stow the bike in inaccessible corners and these can also be used for wheeling the folded bike around.

There are no projections or loose parts and with the frame or saddle as a handle, the folded bike is just like a small suitcase, lightweight and easy to manage. Vulnerable parts like lights and cable-runs are out of harm's way, and because the chain and gears are inside there's no worry about getting grease on your (or your fellow travellers') clothes.

As for the ride, the Brompton is a lively machine. The combination of a rigid frame and accurate alignment makes for efficient transmission of your energy. Moreover, the small wheels have a number of intrinsic advantages: they are strong, light, easy to accelerate and highly manoeuvrable.

The Brompton is the only bike in the world to combine such ready portability with a first-class ride, and it creates countless new opportunities for using a bicycle.
 
C-Type

Though lacking some of the special parts used for the rest of the range, this 3-speed bike has all the fundamental advantages of the Brompton design. Use it for outings long or short: but with no mudguards it's best for occasional fairweather riding. Colour red.

M-Type

The classic shape of the M-type handlebar has been used on the Brompton since the outset. It gives a fairly upright ride with excellent control. Grip height is 1015mm, and there is scope for a little fore/aft adjustment.

The M-type is a general purpose Brompton, as much at home around town as for exploring in the country, and with plenty of room for luggage at the front.

P-Type

The foam lower grips, well forward and about 880mm from the ground, are angled for comfort on longer stretches of road, and you can deliver some real power to the pedals. Take care, however, as the brakes are on the upper bar, and you should only use this lower position when the road is quite clear. The upper grips, at about 1033mm, provide a welcome contrast, and also give the best position for manoeuvring in traffic. The P-type is a bit heavier than an M-type, and there's less room for over-filling a front pannier, but it’s the best choice for longer distances and touring, or if you intend to do some fast riding.

S-Type

The S-type is for many the prettiest Brompton, and with its Kevlar brake cables and high-tensile-alloy handlebar it’s the lightest. The grips are light foam, and, at about 935mm from the ground, appreciably lower than on the M-type, and 50mm further forward: so you can get well down out-of-the- wind, and enjoy the positive feel of these bikes. Front luggage for an S-type is the S-bag: there is no room under the handlebar for any of the other full-size luggage options. The S-type is ideal for getting about town, but as with any Brompton you can just as well use it for days out in the country. An S-type is also a sensible choice for smaller riders seeking lower bars.