
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-TypeThough 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. |
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