Brompton has been building 16-inch wheel folding bikes for more than half a century and the decision to offer the larger G-Line has called for some advertising hyberbole amid the general bike industry turmoil.
Brompton introduces the new model equipped with 20-inch wheels as their “most significant advancement in half a century.” The British company proudly emphasizes the “legendary 3-way folding mechanism,” a feature passed down from the first design. Emphasis is also placed on the fact that this model is meticulously crafted by hand at their facility in Greenford, Middlesex, just outside of London.
The boss of Brompton Bicycle, Will Butler-Adams told British newspaper The Guardian that he thinks 2025 will be very difficult year. Profits at the maker have nose-dived amid a wave of discounting by rivals.
From a different perspective, the brand has maintained its iconic 16-inch foldable bicycle for an extended period, making the introduction of a 20-inch variant long overdue.
Nonetheless, the firm cannot really be faulted for its cautious approach to product development so far. The compact initial model has undergone continuous refinement over time. The folding system has been enhanced, enabling a Brompton to swiftly transform into a portable item suitable for transport via bus or train. Additionally, the bicycle offers exceptional stability during rides.
Brompton isn’t the only player in this segment of the market; classics like the Birdy from the German manufacturer Riese und Müller or the Moulton also hold a similar prestige within the realm of folding bikes.
What is it for?
The initial Brompton was created with urban cycling in mind, whereas the latest G Line seeks to expand the allure of folding bicycles much like how gravel bikes expanded the popularity of road bikes.
The objective of the design brief was to create a two-wheeler that feels equally comfortable cruising on city streets as it does navigating through gravel and dirt paths.
“As more and more individuals venture beyond urban settings, it became essential to adapt all the features that make a Brompton truly exceptional, ensuring the bicycle performs well in challenging terrains beyond city limits,” stated Butler-Adams in a press release.
The technology
The 20-inch wheels are a defining feature of the G Line. These larger wheels reduce sensitivity to potholes and improve rolling efficiency over obstacles. However, as experienced mountain bikers understand, the tire’s profile and width significantly impact performance off-road.
The bicycle from Brompton comes equipped with 20×2.1″ tires, offering a substantial width of approximately 5.3 centimeters. This feature aligns it closely with gravel bikes, known for their performance in varied terrains and their growing popularity among cyclists. In contrast, the smaller 16-inch version of the Brompton features significantly slimmer tires.
The second innovative feature is hydraulic disc brakes, which have not previously appeared on a Brompton bicycle. The manufacturer claims these braking systems are designed to perform well under all terrains and weather conditions. This assertion may be ambitious; however, it’s true that disc brakes generally outperform rim brakes in damp and muddy environments. To achieve this, Brompton uses 140mm rotors supplied by Tektro.
The design has also undergone an update, though the G Line remains quite hefty. The foldable feature has been kept intact. As a result, the folded measurements (Height x Length x Width) have increased: for the smaller size of the G Line, they stand at 69×7340.2 cm, contrasting with the initial model’s dimensions of 58.5×56.5×27 cm. Additionally, the overall mass has risen significantly; the G Line now tips the scales at a minimum of 13.9 kilograms, varying slightly based on the specific configuration.
Additional modifications encompass broader handlebars and robust platform pedals designed for enhanced traction.
What is the experience of riding like?
The hum of somewhat lumpy tires is typical for a rugged mountain bike or gravel bicycle, yet Brompton cyclists would be entirely unfamiliar with this noise. Although the sound persists, it scarcely makes a difference; in fact, the heightened rolling resistance can prove beneficial during your rides.
Within the urban landscape, the G Line serves as a nimble and seamless ally during lengthy journeys, typically reaching average velocities of around 25 km/h with minimal exertion from pedaling. In comparison, navigating the same path on a 16-inch Brompton would prove considerably more demanding.
It’s challenging to identify a target market for this bicycle. Brompton enthusiasts might not be fond of it, and it has to compete with many others.
That said, it is still easy to take on a train when it’s not too crowded, and it’s very easy to pack into a car. Moreover, it is still amazing easy to fold.
When you going gets rough with sand and gravel, the bigger wheels come into their own. A conventional Brompton would soon be up to the axles in dirt but the 20-inch wheels just keep on rolling.
The urban G Line can also fitted with 50mm tyres, up from the 35mm standard for smaller Bromptons. In general, this allows riders to run lower tyre pressures, adding comfort and grip.
The 20-inch folding wheels aren’t actually an innovative feature. Competitors like the Vello Gravel (folded size: H: 57 cm x L: 79 cm x W: 29 cm) and the Tern BYB (dimensions when folded: 35 cm × 81 cm × 52 cm) also offer similar options.
However, it’s not all good news. The extended head tube results in a long stem, which, together with the handlebars, causes excessive flexibility.
Other components, accessories, peripherals
If the G Line was not available as a pedelec version, Brompton would fall behind the times. This electric bike (weighing around 19.5 kilograms) features a 250-watt hub motor on the back wheel, which gets energy from a 345 Wh battery.
According to the manufacturer, one battery charge is sufficient for 30 to 60 kilometres.
On the non-motorized bicycle, a four-speed hub gear is fitted instead of the eight-speed option. Additional items such as mudguards, bags, water bottles, lights, and a specialized toolkit come at an extra cost.
The cost: A Brompton G Line starts at €2,849. Adding a pannier rack and mudguards brings the price up to €2,969. If you include lights, it costs €2,959. The version equipped with both lights and a pannier rack is priced at €3,079. For an electric G Line model, the price point is set at €3,999.
The notion of enhancing the folding bicycle’s functionality succeeds due to this innovative approach. However, owing to the increased dimensions and heft when folded, the G Line proves to be somewhat unsuitable for routine daily travel compared to initial impressions.
