Brompton Folding Bike Guide
Bromptons are the iconic folding bike. The basic design is the same on all bikes but there are many different options to choose from within the Brompton folding bike range. This Brompton folding bike guide will help you to choose the right Brompton bike for your needs.
Which Brompton is Best?
P Line, G Line, Electric? Which is your ideal Brompton?
We highlight the key characteristics of each model and the advantages they offer as well as looking at the common characteristics that all Bromptons share. Watch our video to find out more.
Common Features
Easy Fold Mechanism
All Brompton bikes feature their familiar easy to use folding mechanism. Once folded the bike fits easily in a cupboard, under your desk, next to you on the train, or in the boot of your car. They’re nice and convenient to carry and you can also push them along on the rear rack wheels.
Once you get the hang of it you can fold and unfold a Brompton in about 20 seconds.
Sizing
All Bromptons feature one standard size frame. The “size” of the bike is determined by the seatpost length and handlebar rise (or stem length on the G-Line). Handlebars on traditional Bromptons are available in low, mid and high options. As well as suiting rider size, the handlebar type also gives you the option of having a more aggressive or a more relaxed riding position.
G Line bikes are sized S, M, L, with seatpost and stem lengths chosen to match specific rider heights. See our Brompton Size Guide to find out more.
Lines
The wide range of Brompton bikes - featuring different wheel sizes, geometry, frame materials, gearing and brakes - are organised into different lines.
C Line, P Line & T Line
These are the traditional Bromptons. All feature the same nimble frame geometry, roll on 16” wheels and have traditional rim brakes. These bikes offer a lively ride feel, are easy to carry, and fold up nice & small (585mm high, 565mm long, and 270mm wide) for very convenient storage.
C Line
The original, made for today.
C Line bikes feature a standard Brompton steel frame and are available in a wide range of specification and colour options. Weights from 11.35Kg.
P Line
Lightweight performance.
The P Line bikes feature a Titanium fork and rear triangle with premium components for a smoother ride and enhanced portability. They weigh 1.85Kg less than an equivalent C-Line.
T Line
The lightest Brompton ever.
Super smooth and agile the Brompton T Line features a full Titanium frame with a carbon fork and custom componentry. Weights are as low as 7.45Kg.
G Line
The G Line is the new adventure bike with larger 20” wheels, and a stable ride feel. These bikes have wider high-volume tyres as well as a more relaxed geometry, hydraulic disc brakes, and wider handlebars for a more stable and comfortable ride both on and off road.
G Line
The most versatile bike.
The G Lines are bigger bikes than traditional Bromptons, so they are a bit heavier and larger when folded (690mm high, 730mm long, and 402mm wide) but are still very easy to store. Weights from 13.9Kg.
Models
The C Line has three different model options. Each model has the standard features of its line but is intended for slightly different cycling environments with gearing to match.
Urban
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t
Ideal for cities
1, 2 or 4-speed gears for flatter rides
Explore
Go anywhere. Do anything.
Designed for longer rides
Covers all contours, pump included
6 or 12-speed gears for hillier rides
Special Editions
Instant Classics
Special editions and collaboration feature custom components and colourways.
Options
Handlebars
There are three different handlebar options for traditional 16" wheel Bromptons.
Low - a flat handlebar that offers a sporty riding position. Shorter riders will find this option offers a regular riding position while taller riders will feel more tucked.
Handlebar height is 924mm.
Mid - a riser handlebar that offers a medium-upright cycling position. For most riders the Mid handlebar gives you that classic relaxed Brompton feel.
Handlebar height is 1015mm.
High- a riser handlebar with a high stem that offers a more upright cycling position. Taller riders will find this position relaxed. For others this High handlebar version offers a similar feel to a Dutch bike with minimum pressure on the hands and wrists.
Handlebar height is 1072mm.
Seatposts
Three seatpost lengths are available. The standard is perfect for riders with inside leg measurements up to 33". The extended post is ideal for riders with a 33" - 35" inside leg, and the telescopic seatpost is for taller riders with an inside leg measurement over 35".
See our Brompton Size Guide to find out more about seatpost lengths.
Rear Rack
A rear luggage rack is available as an option too. This enables you to carry luggage over the rear wheel and also makes wheeling the bike when folded a little easier.
The Folding Bike
Brompton set the bench mark that all other folding bike brands have tried to match, but no bike folds up as easily as a Brompton. With just four steps you can easily fold a Brompton in just 20 seconds.
Once folded Bromptons are easy to carry. They're nice and small too. Traditional Bromptons are 585mm high x 565mm long x 270mm wide when folded, so you can easily store it under your desk at work or in a cupboard at home. Brompton G Line bikes are a little bigger, 690mm high, 730mm long, and 402mm wide when folded, but still small enough to fit in a cupboard or in the the boot of your car.
Popular Brompton Bikes
Brompton Electric
The Brompton Electric is the ultimate electric folding e bike. Smart, fast, and reliable way to get around and explore your city. Designed for comfortable riding and featuring an intelligent pedal assist that gives you that extra push when you need it, it is for all cyclists, whether it's helping you fly up hills or easing those longer journeys to and from work.
Brompton Electric bikes follow the same naming convention as the regular bikes and are built around the same frames. These are pedal assist bikes that have a removable battery pack that fits neatly on the front luggage block.
The Electric C Line & Electric P Line models feature a front hub motor and 300Wh battery pack, offering significant pedal assistance for climbing the hills and getting to work sweat free. The front hub motor for both derailleur and hub gears to be fitted to these bikes.
The Electric G Line features a rear hub motor for better traction off-road, and a 345Wh battery, offering a little more range and assistance to get over rough terrain. These bikes are only available with derailleur gears as the motor is in the rear hub.
Popular Brompton Electric Bikes
Accessories and components
Luggage
Bromptons have a variety of ingenious luggage carrying solutions. As well as a rear luggage rack, the optional front carrier block allows you to carry up to 10Kg of luggage. This mounts onto the headtube rather than the handle bar so the added weight doesn’t affect the stability and handling of the bike. Brompton luggage is practical, stylish and made to last.
Other Brompton Accessories
As well as luggage, Brompton have a range of accessories designed specifically for their folding bikes. These include Cateye light sets with Brompton specific mounts, luggage mounting blocks, racks, mudguards, saddles and seatposts as well as spare parts.
