The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Brompton Folding Bike for You

The Brompton folding bike is an iconic masterpiece of British engineering, renowned for its compact size, smooth ride, and unparalleled portability.  There are five Lines, three handlebar heights and multiple gearing configurations available, so choosing the perfect Brompton can seem daunting. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the ideal Brompton for your needs.

Meet the Lines

Brompton has five model Lines to suit every need:

• A Line:  The Essential Brompton.  One configuration, one colour.  A great starting point for the budget conscious.  All Brompton parts and accessories fit the A Line, so it can be upgraded over time

• C Line:  The Classic Brompton.  The most popular Line.  Choose your favourite colour and handlebar height.  Add options like a rear rack and customize it with accessories.

• P Line:  The Performance Brompton.  This Line takes the frame from the C Line and fits it with some titanium parts for lighter weight.  Ideal for commuters looking for a light bike to carry on public transit or performance-oriented riders looking for something light and fast.

• G Line:  The Gravel Brompton.  Featuring 20” wheel and three frame sizes, this is the largest Brompton.  Thanks to the larger wheels, this bike can go where other Bromptons fear to tread.  Capable on rough surfaces like loose gravel or dirt and made for long rides, this bike folds to a compact package to fit inside a car and for easy storage at home.

• T Line:  The Titanium Brompton.  An all-titanium frame and carbon fibre parts make this the lightest Brompton ever.  Perfect for the serious performance riders and those seeking the ultimate portability for travel.

Configuring Your Brompton

Understanding Brompton Handlebar Heights:

• Low: The most compact and lightweight model, ideal for commuting and travel. Perfect for those who prioritize portability and easy storage.

• Mid: Offers a more upright riding position, providing a more comfortable ride for longer distances.

• High: Designed for a more upright and relaxed riding posture, making it a great choice for taller riders or those who prefer a more comfortable upright position.

Key Considerations for Handlebars:

• Riding Style:

• Commuting: Consider the Low or Mid for a quick and agile ride.

• Travel: The Low is the most compact and travel-friendly option.

• Leisure Riding: The Mid or High offer a more comfortable ride for longer distances.

• Sporty: Consider the Low for the lowest riding position and most central weight distribution.

• Rider Height:

• Shorter Riders: The Low may be a good fit.

• Average Riders:  The Mid works for most riders.

• Taller Riders: The High offers a more upright and comfortable riding position.

Seat posts:

Different seat post options are available to suit various rider heights.

• Standard (540mm):  For most riders.  Works with inside leg lengths up to 33”

• Extended (600mm):  For taller riders with an inside leg length of 33-35”

• Telescopic (550-700mm):  For riders with an inside leg length over 35” or those who need to remove the saddle frequently. 

Choosing the Gearing:

• Different Lines have different gearing options.

• A Line:  3-speed only.  Perfect for city riding.

• C Line:  Urban (2-speed) for flat areas with no wind or Explore (6-speed) for maximum versatility on a variety of terrain.

• P-Line: Urban (4-speed) for the lightest weight and city riding or Explore (12-speed) for hill-climbing capability and an exceptionally smooth riding experience.

• G Line:  8-speed only.  A wide gear range for use both on city streets and off-road.

• T Line:  Urban (4-speed) for the lightest weight or Explore (12-speed) for maximum versatility.  Climb steep hills and find the right gear in any situation with the Explore.

Wheels and Tires:

All Brompton Lines use 16” wheels, except for the G Line which use 20”.

• A Line:  Aluminum rims with Schwalbe Kojak tires offering excellent grip on asphalt.

• C Line:  Aluminum rims with Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires for excellent all-round performance.  Also available with Schwalbe Marathon or Kojak tires by special order.

• P Line:  Aluminum rims with Continental Contact Urban for light weight and excellent grip.  The Schwalbe Marathon Almotion gravel tire is available as a dealer-installed option.

• G Line:  Aluminum rims with Schwalbe G-One All Round gravel tires for all surfaces or Continental Contact Urban for street use.

• T Line:  Lightweight rims with Schwalbe One for minimal weight and fast rolling.

Accessories:

• All Brompton Lines can be fitted Brompton bags.  See our selection here: [insert URL for bag collection]

• Rear Rack:  A and C Line bikes can be fitted with a standard Brompton rack.  P & T Line bikes can be fitted with a Brompton Advanced rack.  The G Line can be configured with a rack and fenders or no fenders and rack.

• Other accessories such as lights, toolkits, phone mounts and more can be added to your Brompton.  See our selection here: [insert URL for accessories collection]  

Budget:

• Determine your budget and choose a model and configuration that fits within your price range.  Consider adding accessories later to customize your bike.

• A Line Price:  Starts at $1899

• C Line Price:  Starts at $2299

• P Line Price:  Starts at $4136

• G Line Price:  Starts at $4445

• T Line Price:  Starts at $7499

Visit Our Store:

The best way to find the perfect Brompton is to visit our store in Burlington, Ontario. Our experienced team can help you assess your needs, explore the different models, and find the perfect Brompton for your riding style and budget. We also offer a wide selection of accessories and can provide expert advice on maintenance and care.