Thinking of buying a Brompton Folding Bike? Pros and Cons 

Welcome to The Fold 🙌

I'm really excited. I've had three Bromptons over the last 25 years during commuting to London from the suburbs, but sold the last one when I started working from home about a decade ago. I've always regretted selling it, and finally I came across a second-hand one yesterday that hadn't been used for at least a decade. Being familiar with maintaining them, I'm itching to get started to restore it (I may even go for a custom paint job). The fun thing about Bromptons is that many owners don't bother with locks because they can always be kept indoors, in the trunk of a car, or kept under your work desk. They are city bikes originally designed for a city with small apartments and a public transport system that only allowed folding bikes to be carried. It's nice to see the concept being sold all over the world. They are just so well engineered that they last forever, are fitted with fenders as standard (important for a city bike used every day), modern components can be retro-fitted to ancient bikes, AND they hold their value. From time to time the factory can't meet demand and second-hand bikes ofen sell for the same as new ones.

I have 2 Brompton bikes. The great thing about it is you’ll end up cycling everywhere. I recommend the rear rack - you can add that later.

I simply liked the sellers attitude 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I tried a Brompton for a year, and I recently swapped it for a Tern BYB. I did love the versatility of the brompton, and the way everything works flawlessly, but I do half of my riding on UK country lanes which are often pot-holed and rutted, and I just found that in those situations the brompton ride was too harsh for my personal preference after a few miles. Around town or on smoother roads its no problem, so for a lot of people it will be the best option, and especially if folding, carrying and trains/buses are going to be involved. I was never challenged about the brompton once, on any train or bus. I took it into stores, a barber, workplaces, people's houses- it always fitted without any fuss. But I will say this- bromptons are so much of a target for thieves that I never dared to leave it unattended in the street, no matter what lock was on it. I heard that recently in London gangs have attacked brompton riders whilst they were riding, so desperate are they to steal these bikes. So you'll never be out of sight of it, and sometimes that is a bit of a pain. There are odd places like cinema and theatre where you cant really take it inside. And if you cant take the bike inside, then you cant go inside (for more than a few minutes anyway). My hope is that the Tern BYB will be slightly less recognisable to thieves (here in the UK anyway), and that in some situations I'll be able to lock it in the street without it getting stolen. It doesnt fold down as compact as the brompton, or as quickly, so there may be the odd situation where I cant get it onto a bus, say. But I'm hoping that 95% of the places I could take the brompton, I'll also be able to take the Tern. The other big plus with 20 inch wheels is that the tyres give a more comfortable ride when compared to the thin, very hard 16 inch tyres of the brompton.

I've had my Brompton for about 11 years and it's easily one of my top three favorites and an amazing bit of engineering. I use it for all day rides and light touring and my others are a Bike Friday NWT for long distance touring and a Mercier track bike for general urban hooliganism and training.

My own unique take as a Brompton owner. Pro: Very well made. My heavily used 2000 model is still reliable. Parts are easily available when needed. Con: The compact size makes it all too obvious that the steel version is heavy. I'm an average-sized male. If I notice, smaller women definitely will. If you know you will be carrying it a lot on public transport, you might be happier paying more for the lighter titanium one. If you're just buying it because folding makes it easier to store in a small apartment, that matters less.

The most important thing about a Brompton is it’s tiny fold down size, meant mainly for big city commuting. If this is not one’s primary reason for ownership then there are probably a lot better and cheaper choices out there. I personally have a 20” folder and while l like it, you do feel every little bump. Just tested the 16” Brompton and it was a nice ride, but hitting the bumps was exponentially worst than the 20”.

I love my Brompton ❤️❤️. It’s extremely excellent for a bad back ! Great for apartment living because it folds up. You don’t need a bike carrier for your car either because it will fit in the smallest car! It is well made too. I recommend it. I am in my 50’s. You don’t need a bike lock because you take it with you.

Bromptons can be taken on 100+ mile trips without a problem. Pros = countless, too many to name. Cons = your pocketbook is much lighter 😄

Great choice! I don’t have one (maybe one day), but the Brompton has a list of conveniences that just makes it an all around highly functional bike that is quality built. Congratulations and I am looking forward to the Brompton rides 😎

Asking the best questions ! Great video thank you

Yes!! Brompton ❤

There's nothing like balanced advice, and this really was nothing like balanced advice.

Loved you guys! This is a very honor video review!

I got two Brompton, rear rack is useless I bought a good front bag, I just spent 4 days in NYC, with GF, she is an avid cyclist, they are easy to lock in busy places which helps not getting stolen, the are small and when locked folded, there is not much room for tools tu cut the lock. One of my Bromptons is from 1987… do they last… yup.Central Park by bike is next level,. Speed, 15% slower than with my 700c wheels hybrid. We can put two in the trunk with the luggage and off we go. The bikes sleep in the closet of the room. I never took them in a restaurant, I don’t find it respectful to others.

I should have known your previous Brompton vids would lead to this! Lol. Congratulations!

I did buy a brompton H6R-D brand new for 1300€ because two month before i worked at a bikeshop and they where so nice to give me the price they have to pay normaly +20% mwst.

I've recently swapped from owning a Merida Reacto 400 Team Bahrain Road Bike and a 3Sixty (basically a Brompton A or C Line clone but with a smaller Ratio Sturmey Archer internal hub compared to the wide ratio of a Brompton) to owning just one Aceoffix Ace01 foldie (similar to the Brompton P Line, it's all external gear. No heavy internal hub and weighs 9.8kg). Satisfied with my Aceoffix Ace01. If you do get a Brompton, I'd recommend trying the P-Line (9.8kg) and T-Line (7.5kg). I've tried my friend's P Line and my other friend's C Line and they're a world apart.

Congratulations, you got my favorite color!!! Must be something in the air my new bike come in today

Birdy maybe falls in your bucket list if you have the concerns on 1) ride quality, and 2) full suspension.

If you are in Northern Virginia, go to Vienna and you will see this shop firsthand. I'm interested in the electric version of the Brompton.

Cons: you end up lifitng it a lot and it sure is heavy. Commuting it around is heavy work. Also, the brooks seat even with a gel topper is soo hard and hurt-y.

Nice choice. I've never ridden a Brompton and like the idea of the compact fold, but I'm concerned about the ride quality, and would question, is it twitchy? Great for commuting (to/in London, where I'm from) but not sure it's for trails etc. And that price.......

Pros: well made, steel frame, holds value, loyal following and community, made in England, smallest folding size, lots of accessories and parts, don’t get rejected by stores, restaurants or public transport, rolls easily when folded, lots of personalization options. Cons: heavy (weighs more than most full size aluminum bikes), twitchy (but can get used to), small wheels bad for pot holes, expensive, looks (for those that care), doesn’t stay folded when rolling folded, not many gears (cheaper folding bikes are better suited for steep hills), no 20 in wheel option. Opinion: if you can only have one folding bike this is the one! If you’re looking for a road bike replacement, go with the birdy city or tern… while the brompton looks like a cute toy not meant for long rides (sort of like a Honda Motocompo), it’s actually keeps up with full size bikes nicely (now it’s not as fast or goes as long as a full size bike but closer than most think). It’s not just utilitarian transportation but a sub culture, a style, with long time cult following... sort of like the classic vw beetle (or more appropriately the Austin mini). It’s short coming is it’s quirky charm. Plenty of RU-vid videos of cycling doing multi country tours on their brompton so you know its capable. Especially if you live in urban areas. I think if you love your bike, you will ride it more and the Brampton is the most lovable folding bike.

Thx for sharing my friend 🙏 💐

I just bought a Brompton also 2022 Black edition. You got yours for a good price. I paid a few hundreds more for my.

Hi,I got the M6R yesterday watching this RU-vid 😁

I’m here because I’m interested in getting one I’m a tall guy 6’2-3 and live in a town with hills those are my two main concerns how are they for tall people like me and how are they going up hills what’s the most gears they have and I’m a bike commuter

I have a Strida which I love, great for my commute as I live in a mostly flat city, but I'm going to get a Brompton too. Beautiful things.

I have two Brompton bikes for travelling and commuting

For commuting, yes. For long haul touring, I'd look at something else.

Yes

YES well done for buying a brompton i love mine x

Nice review.

I love how this American lady exclaims "Oh boy this is big" ! In the the UK,we are far more low key. We'd probably just say, "oh ok I'll take them for a ride, and then decide".

Welp, I just splurged on an A Line, even though I already work from home. Just thought I should get one sooner than later, ya know?

I wonder if you regret not getting one with a rack yet? I don't drive and when I go grocery shopping I tend to buy a bit more than fits in the front bag so have to use the rack which I carry a bag for.

Brompton's are the best in class. We have 3. Just buy one! ;-)

A Brompton is clearly a horrible "bike" on the small, hard rolling wheels. You may do what is possible on an ordinary bike, but it takes more effort to do it, for a longer distance!! Its purpose is easy transport as folded and for that it is the best! I own a now 8,75 kilo Brompton with Mudguards, as a Rainy Dane (And not that much left of the original bike-parts!). Finn. Denmark

Congrats!!!!

But it give you with old tech group set...with expensive price, With the price of bromton im expected to see at least a shimano 105 12speed group set and disc brake not cheap cable brake lol..

Thanks! I was going to get a Brompton P / P Electric for Christmas, but worried about cycling hilly roads in London and Japan. When will the 2024 version with 12 speed gear be available?

The Willy Wonka clip was a nice touch

How many gears? 2, 3 or 6.

It is a myth that the small wheels accelerate more quickly. They may be smaller but have to spin faster.

The brompton is nice and easy to fold! But the price is really quite high! Maybe it is good for someone that cycles many times a week!

Great bike, should have got the rack. In case you need anything extra.

These Bromptons look very impressive but, can you tell me please, how heavy a rider they can carry for long distances? I am about 13st 4lbs.

How do I know where the product bought from?

Ride & Shine Bicycling do you have a website to buy online?

Wait for rear tyre get flat and you know it... Is it worth it to pay 2k for this bike...? No regret..

Was considering getting one until 5:35

I hate people talking to me wearing sunglasses.

How big are the wheels...

Yes yes yes yes i love my wifes bike love love like my wife

Is it foldable?

👍

If rich, yes

Can I order one from you

2k for a bike is a lot

Nothing special just size.... but way overprice....Zizzo is the winner !

the guy was interesting but half the time you werent filming what he was talking about and the MTV style editing you did put me off watching the rest of the video.

If you got the dough, don’t look at anything else.

Too expensive. Buy a Beixo.

Hobo cyclist puts thousands of KMs on Super inexpensive folders

You want speed👉go electric Brompton 😁

I have finally bought myself a Brompton A from a local store in DC LOL

No don’t.

What a mistake!! But I’m sure, 7 months later you know that.

No, don’t.