The Takeaway: Bromptons are the ultimate, purpose-built tool for commuting in an urban environment. But you don’t need to live in the city to enjoy the benefits of these little bikes.
- Urban commuters can seamlessly transition between various modes of transportation—including trains, buses, taxis, and airplanes—to solve first- and last-mile transit problems.
- Folds down in seconds and can fit under your desk.
- 70 percent of the parts are proprietary, but the serviceable parts can be bought at most bike shops.
Price: $1,559
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Brompton by the Numbers
6: Seconds it takes the fastest folders to collapse a Brompton
21: Record time, in seconds, for folding and unfolding a Brompton
42: Number of Bromptons you can fit into a standard parking spot
1,200: Number of parts on a Brompton, 70 percent of which are proprietary
This tiny-wheel, unconventional-looking bike has one of the most enthusiastic, cult-like followings in cycling—in large part because it is one of the best purpose-built bikes you can buy.
Almost everything on it was designed just for this bike, from major parts like the frame tubes and folding mechanisms, to less noticeable ones like the small roller wheels you use to push the bike along when it’s folded. However, the parts that require regular maintenance, like tires, tubes, chain, and cables, are all standard and can be purchased at most bike shops.
Weight: 26.6 lb.
Style: Folding
Wheel size: 16 in.
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Racer, 16 in.
Hubs: Brompton alloy (front), Sturmey Archer 3-speed (rear)
Rear derailleur: Brompton 2-speed
Chainring: Brompton 50t
Cranks: Brompton alloy, 170mm
To the average cyclist, the Brompton might seem small and weird. And if it was designed to like most traditional commuter bikes, it would be. But the Brompton is something different. It is designed to mesh with other modes of transportation. It’s a first- and last-mile solution to living in a crowded metropolis with small living spaces and public-transit infrastructure.
With practice, it folds and unfolds in a few seconds and can be carried onto taxis, buses, and trains. It doesn’t take up a ton of space in an elevator. You can fit it under some desks. It’s light and compact, which makes it easier to carry up stairs than most bikes. It tucks into the corner of a studio apartment. There are pictures all over social media of Brompton riders stowing their folded bikes in the overhead bins on commercial planes. (We did not get to that in our testing.)
Stable and Agile
Riding a Brompton isn’t like riding a road bike or full-size commuter bike. When you shove off on your first ride, it feels funny, mostly because of the bike’s small wheels and short wheelbase. You’ll quickly be shocked at how stable and agile it is. It’s smooth and springy, but the little wheels are more affected by holes and bumps than larger ones, so you have to choose your lines carefully.
3 Bike Locks to Keep Your Ride Safe
Crazy Light
Rocky Mounts Carlito
Super portable and weighs less than a pound.
$38.93 | Amazon
Tamper-Proof
Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit
The strongest small option available.
$116.95 | Amazon
Be Seen
Hiplok Superbright
A strong, reflective lock that you can wear around your waist.
$110 | REI
It’s quick, which is better than fast when you’re rolling around tight city spaces. Pedaling out of the saddle can feel squirrelly until you’re practiced at it. After testing several versions, we recommend the Brompton with the 6-speed transmission over the cheaper and lighter options that have fewer gears. The custom transmission provides effective range and crisp shifts, and the chain somewhat magically stays put even as you fold and unfold the bike.
So. Many. Options
Gears aren’t the only option you have when ordering your Brompton. The company says that when you consider the frame materials, component options, paint colors, and Brompton accessories, you get 16,982,784 ways to configure a Brompton to suit your needs. It’s a fun fact for a funny little bike. And the Brompton has something a lot of bikes strive for: It’s designed perfectly for its intended use.
Brompton Detail Gallery
Folds in Thirds
Folding in thirds allows Bromptons to collapse smaller than most folding bikes.
Frame Pump Included
Powerful enough that you don’t need to buy a floor pump along with the bike.
Rolls When Folded
Small wheels behind the seat let you easily roll the bike when it’s folded up.
2 x 3 = 6 Speeds
Two external cogs and three in the internal hub give you six gears to choose from.
Simple Folding
Large wing nuts that secure the hinges are easy to use and work quickly.
Pros
- Folds in seconds
- Can be carried onto busses, taxis, trains, and planes.
- Fits under your desk.
Cons
- Small wheels take some getting used to
