Brompton has little to no competition when it comes to folding bikes purposefully built for urban commuters. They are London-made, lightweight, cleverly designed, and as practical as foldable bikes can be.
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Brompton bikes are the ultimate solution to the first-mile and last-mile problems that city-based commuters face. These are tiny and quirky-looking machines that have a huge following all around the world.
Over the years, the name ‘Brompton’ has become almost synonymous with the concept of folding bikes.
Bromptons fold smaller than any other folding bike
That’s because Bromptons fold smaller than any other folding bike, they’re lightweight and easy to carry and store, and designed with incredible attention to detail and focus on practicality.
Riding a Brompton bike takes some getting used to, but most people quickly fall in love with its 16″ wheels, small footprint, and fun riding experience.
Overview of the Company
Brompton’s rich and successful story began in 1975 in London. Andrew Richy, the founder of the company, began designing a folding bike in his apartment overlooking the Brompton Oratory.
The first prototype saw the light of day in 1977, but this was a very crude version of today’s Brompton. The official production began in 1981 and by 1987, Brompton was already awarded the coveted Best Product Award at the Cyclex event held at Olympia, London.
A Brompton is as London as a double decker bus, the London Underground, Big Ben, and The LondonEye – all innovative, excellent and enduring.
Brompton bikes are still made in London today, at the rate of 45,000 units per year. The frames are hand brazed by skilled craftsmen at the London factory, built from lightweight steel or titanium tubes. Complete bikes consist of around 1,200 individual parts, 80% of which are proprietary to Brompton.
Despite years of innovation and more than 45 years of tweaks and upgrades, all Brompton bikes stay true to the original design created by Andrew Ritchie in 1975.
Brompton’s Bike Range Explained
Brompton’s lineup consists of standard folding bikes, superlight folding bikes, and electric folding bikes.
The nomenclature follows a very logical 3-symbol pattern that hides details about the build. For example, a Brompton H6L has an H-type handlebar, 6 gears, and the ‘L’ tells you that the bike comes with mudguards.
The standard models are made will all-steel frames, whereas Superlight models have titanium front and rear forks. There are also Special Edition Brompton bikes that have limited builds and custom paint jobs.
According to the company, taking into consideration the frame materials, colors, components, and accessories, a Brompton bike can have 16,982,784 unique configurations.
Here are some of the most important options to keep in mind when choosing your ideal Brompton.
Handlebars
Brompton bikes come with three types of handlebars, each of which suits different riders and riding styles.
H-Type: Ideal for riders who prefer a more upright riding position.
S-Type: A sporty ride position that puts you lower on the bike to reduce air drag.
M-Type: A middle-ground between H-type and S-type handlebars. A good all-around position that suits most riders.
Gears
All Brompton bikes come with one of four available gear combinations that riders can choose from based on the terrain in their area:
- Single-speed
- 2-speed
- 3-speed
- 6-speed
This way, all riders can choose a drivetrain option that suits them the best. The 6-speed models are the most versatile, but they are almost 2lbs heavier than the single-speed builds, so choose this option only if there are hills in your area.
Accessories
The final piece of the puzzle is the accessory combinations. There are three packs you can choose from here:
E-Version: This is the lightest and cheapest option that has no mudguards, rack, or pump.
L-Version: This version has mudguards, but no rear rack. It’s suitable for year-round riders who travel light.
R-Version: The best-equipped option that features both mudguards and a rear rack for maximum practicality.
Models
B75
- M-type handlebars
- No racks or mudguards
- 3-speed drivetrain
This is one of the cheapest and simplest Brompton folding bikes that is ideal for riders who seek streamlined urban perfection.
The B75 model costs just $1,095 and has no lights, mudguards, or a rear rack. Its barebones design is intended to be affordable, lightweight, and simple to use on a day-to-day basis.
It boasts an all-around good M-type handlebar, three versatile speeds, and a good-old Brompton’s steel frame. Moreover, it rolls on tiny 16″ wheels ideal for tight city streets and weighs around 25 lbs., which makes it easy to carry upstairs or lift up into the trunk of your car.
Brompton B75 also boasts a 3-speed internal gear hub that gives you a decent range of gears for flat terrain and moderate hills.
Related: Best Commuter Bikes
It will take you less than 20 seconds to fold it down into a 22.2” x 23” x 10.6” package, so you can fit it under the desk or in a corner of your home.
H6L
- 6-gear drivetrain
- Brooks saddle
- H-handlebar and mudguards
The H6L is by far one of Brompton’s most popular and best-selling models to date. It’s available in numerous versions and colorways, including Superlight, electric, and numerous Special Editions with unique colors and features.
However, the standard model, as you can guess from the name, comes with H-style handlebars, 6 gears, and mudguards.
The H-style handlebar puts you in a relaxed, upright position that’s ideal for everyday commuting; the 6-gear drivetrain lets you climb hills sweat-free; the mudguards allow you to commute come rain or shine.
The standard model even has a Brooks Cambium C17 all-weather saddle that’s great for long journeys in all weather conditions.
Brompton H6L’s drivetrain consists of 2 external cogs and 3 internal gears, so it’s simple to maintain and keep clean.
This Brompton folding bike also comes with a frame-mounted pump, so it’s one of the best-equipped models in Brompton’s lineup that you can get for $1,590.
M6L
- 6 gears
- Mudguards and frame pump
- Multiple versions available
The M6L model is very similar to the H6L model. However, one big difference is the M-type handlebar that puts you in a slightly more aggressive riding position. Just like the model above, the M6L comes in a large number of iterations, including Electric options, Superlight builds, and Special Edition builds.
The lowest-priced model costs $1,590 and gets you 6 gears, mudguards, a frame-mounted pump, and built-in reflectors. Therefore, this is another excellent commuter that feels comfortable in different surroundings and conditions.
The standard Brompton M6L weighs around 26.19 lbs and folds down into a 25.3” (H) x 23” (W) x 10.6” (D) bundle. Even though it’s one of the heavier Brompton models, it’s still quite manageable and compact.
We recommend this Brompton folding bike if you want a versatile and practical urban commuter with M-type handlebars and a high-quality Brooks saddle.
S2E
- Sporty S-type handlebar
- No accessories
- 2 gears
Brompton S2E is one of the most affordable and most basic models the brand makes. This is a sporty folding bike with just two gears and minimal accessories. That makes it ideal for riders who live in flat(ish) areas and want to get from point A to point B as fast as possible.
The S-type handlebar is flat and puts you in a low riding position that translates to a racier ride feel. The two gears add just 188g to the weight of the bike, but you get enough versatility for flat sections and modest hills.
The letter ‘E’ in the name of this Brompton folding bike means that it has no accessories whatsoever. The upside to that is that Brompton S2E weighs just 24.3 lbs., which makes it one of the lightest in the stable.
Finally, Brooks B17 Special saddle that this bike comes with is handmade from durable leather resistant to weather and wear and tear. The overall package offers excellent value for the money.
S6L
- Sporty S-type handlebar
- 6 gears
- Mudguards and frame pump
This is without a doubt one of the fastest Brompton folding bikes you can get. If you often find yourself in a rush to get to work in the morning, you should consider getting the S6L.
As you may guess from the name, this model features S-type handlebars, 6 gears, and mudguards. It’s similar to the H6L and M6L models that we talked about above, but it offers a more sporty ride feel. Moreover, the low S-type handlebar makes it ideal for short riders as well.
The only downside this build has is the weight, as it is one of the heaviest non-electric models, tipping the scales at 26.76 lbs. Still, once you fold it into a 25.3” x 23” x 10.6” package, you should be able to carry it with little effort.
Like all premium Brompton models, S6L also boasts a Brooks Cambium C17 saddle that’s suitable for all-weather riding.
You should consider this model if you like riding fast, staying in flow with the traffic, and you don’t shy away from hills.
Brompton Electric Bikes
Brompton’s electric bike lineup is pretty diverse, consisting of e-bikes with different gear options, handlebars, and accessories.
See our guide on how to choose an electric bike, to find the best option.
However, what all Brompton electric models have in common is a narrow front hub motor designed in conjunction with the F1 maker Williams. Together with a removable 300Wh battery, it will assist you up to 15 mph.
The battery sits on the front mount designed to hold a front pannier and detaches with one click. This way, you can still easily fold your electric Brompton, carry it in one hand, or store it in a corner.
Keep in mind that the electric models are heavier than the standard models and tip the scales at:
- 2-speed: 30 lbs (36 lbs total with battery)
- 6-speed: 32 lbs (38 lbs total with battery)
According to the company, the 300Wh capacity translates to 20-45 miles (30-70km) of range, depending on how you ride. Brompton e-bikes also have a USB port to charge portable devices that will further drain the battery.
One of the newest features that Brompton added to its e-bikes is Bluetooth connectivity that lets you control the assistance via smartphone with a dedicated app and keep track of important stats such as speed, distance, and battery charge.
Related: Best Electric Commuters
FAQ
Are Brompton bikes any good?
Brompton makes some of the best folding bicycles in the world. The brand focuses on building lightweight bicycles that fold down into small packages that are easy to store and carry around. Brompton uses proprietary, high-quality parts that are practical and last a long time.
What is special about Brompton bikes?
Brompton folding bikes stand out from other foldable bikes because they fold down in thirds, whereas most other bikes fold down in half. Brompton bikes are also handmade in London with 80% proprietary parts and are known for being lightweight and extremely well-built.
Do Brompton bikes hold their value?
Brompton folding bikes hold their value quite well, so you will be able to resell yours without losing too much of its original price. To get the highest price, make sure to buy your Brompton from an official dealer and to take good care of it. Service it regularly and replace any worn parts.
Why are Brompton bikes so expensive?
Brompton bikes are slightly more expensive than other brands because they are handmade in London. Most commercial brands ship their frames from Asia which reduces costs but sometimes impacts the quality. Brompton folding bikes are made with 1200 parts, 80% of which are proprietary.
What is so good about Brompton?
One of the biggest advantages that Brompton bikes have is that they fold in thirds rather than in half such as most other folding bikes. In addition to that, a Brompton folding bike weighs 24 lbs. on average, so it’s easy to carry around. They are also handmade in London which guarantees high quality.
Is Brompton good for long-distance?
Brompton bikes are not made for long-distance rides because of 16″ wheels that make it inefficient for long journeys. These foldable bikes shine the most on moderately long rides in the city, but you can certainly take it on long adventures. People have even traveled around the world on a Brompton.
How long can a Brompton last?
A Brompton does not have an expiration date. If you take good care of it, service it regularly, lubricate the moving parts and replace any worn parts, it should last for decades. All wearable parts on a Brompton are easily found in any LBS, so there are no excuses not to keep yours in pristine condition.
Can you go fast on a Brompton?
While a Brompton folding bike won’t win any races, you can definitely ride it pretty fast. Depending on the terrain, you can average anywhere between 10 and 17 mph on a standard commute. If you have strong legs, you can go even faster than that. Downhill, Bromptons can easily break 24-30 mph.
Is Brompton the best folding bike?
When it comes to quality, weight, practicality, and folding size, Brompton is without a doubt the best folding bike. The only downside is the price since Brompton folding bikes are slightly more expensive than the competition. Though, keep in mind that these are London-made bikes with lots of high-quality proprietary parts.
Final Thoughts About Brompton Folding Bikes
Brompton is one of the most unique brands in the folding bike niche. It controls a huge part of the manufacturing process of its bicycles which gives it unprecedented control of quality standards and features.
Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Brompton bikes are the go-to choice for millions of urban commuters around the world, including the EU, the USA, and Asia.
Brompton bikes are characterized by having a low weight, small folding dimensions, high-quality proprietary parts, and unmeasured attention to detail.
Some models come at a premium, but the feature-packed spec lists are worth it.
We recommend Brompton to any urban rider who is looking for a stylish and practical solution to their first- and last-mile transit problems.
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It’s not my experience that Brompton is a good quality folding bike in fact it is the worst bike I ever owned, and for now I don’t use it anymore cause I tired of it, there’s always something not right. All the gears almost never work properly, I have a 6 gear one, and never have any of the two systems worked for a long time after maintenance. I don’t see that Brompton is a bike that you can use for decades I use mine daily for 7 years now and it’s about 3 or 4 years now that I thinking of just ditching it. I go to the store for a maintenance yearly, and by now I thing all the parts but the frame is replace a few time but still. Cracked cables is a regular one, sinking seatpost quit frustrating, backlight stopped working a few times, hub dynamo? Never again! Really if you want my advice don’t buy a Brompton, it’s low quality bike with low quality service who use low quality materials. A waste of money.
Hey Bram,
Very sorry to hear about your bad experience with Brompton.
Unfortunately, the sad truth is that there is a bad apple in every barrel. It seems to me that this was the case with your Brompton.
Most people’s experiences are super positive; otherwise, Brompton would not have been that popular and successful for so long.
Also, yearly maintenance is not enough to keep a bike in good working order. Especially a folding bike with more moving parts that you use daily, as you say you have done for 7 years.
Some areas need more frequent attention — such as truing the wheels or changing the brake pads.
Best of luck in the future!
Agree with you. Terrible customer experience. An unsafe bike with the worst customer service I ever met