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As an outdoor enthusiast living in the Midwest, I value my summers and spend as much time as I can outside—biking, walking, and soaking up the sun. Chicago is known for its incredible lakefront, and riding along Lake Shore Drive is one of those quintessential Chicago experiences. However, when living in the suburbs, affixing the bike rack, loading up the bikes, driving into the city, and finding a parking spot that will fit the car and the rack is next to impossible. So, when I heard about this foldable Brompton bike, I was excited to have the opportunity to give it a spin—an easily-transportable bike seemed like the perfect companion to my visits into the city.
I tried the P Line series foldable Brompton bike, a lightweight model specifically tuned for city biking. Folding in three different places, it was compact enough to carry up a flight of stairs without too much effort, weighing in at just under 22 pounds. Assembling it was very simple: The only thing I needed to do was take it out of the box and add the seat, which slid smoothly into place. As a visual learner, I appreciated the detailed series-specific instructional videos on Brompton’s website, making the entire process a breeze.
For those without overhead car racks, I found loading the bike in and out of the trunk to be pain-free. Rest assured, even if you don’t have a SUV like I do, the folded bike is small enough to fit into a small car’s trunk with room to spare.
Taking this bike into the city was so much fun. While exploring some of Chicago's neighborhoods, I used the city transit line with no added hindrance. Several 10-plus-mile rides later, I was pleased to report the bike seat was just as comfortable as when I’d taken it on a leisurely cruise around my neighborhood.
Since I’m fairly short, the seat was very comfortable for me, although it may feel low for riders taller than six feet. It might take some getting used to, but the bike, with its large 16-inch wheels, makes it easy to maneuver through traffic and whip around tight corners. With four gears, it works well on multiple terrains around the city and suburbs. As with all Brompton bikes, it includes fenders for protection from road splash (useful during summer rain showers) and for added stability when folded. There are also two firm rubber rollers attached just behind the point where the rear triangle releases from the frame, giving the bike stability and allowing the bike to be rolled, which was useful during my L Train adventures in downtown Chicago.
On this bicycle, I fell in love with city biking all over again. The process to set it up was remarkably easy, and the Brompton bike’s good looks don’t hurt, either. Overall, this is an ideal city bike for travelers keen on easy transport, whether your travels take you on the subway, a train, or in a rental car.