Manufacturers reserve the right to change specifications without notice based on availability at the point of assembly.
Andrew Ritchie was working as a landscape gardener in London during the 1970s when he came up with the idea for his folding bicycle. As an engineering graduate from Cambridge University, he used his knowledge to build the first prototypes in his bedroom – from which he could see the Brompton Oratory (hence the name). Brompton Bicycles was founded in 1976.
However, the road to becoming the biggest bike manufacturer in the UK was not smooth. Raleigh Bicycle Company wasn’t interested in the prototypes Ritchie had built with money he had borrowed from friends. He therefore decided to build the bikes himself. Initially, Ritchie and one employee built and sold 50, then, with some funds raised from shareholders, 50 turned into 500. Things really took off in 1988 after Ritchie secured £50,000 and moved production to a factory in Brentford.
Today, Brompton's are still manufactured in West London, despite the high rents and rates. This is to ensure that every Brompton is hand brazed and produced to perfection.
What’s so good about Brompton folding bikes?
Ultimate portability: Thomas Ernst, a Brompton dealer from Zurich, holds the world record for quickest Brompton fold at 5.19 seconds (watch the video). When folded, the Brompton can be taken on buses, trains, planes, into shops, and will hardly take up any space in your home or work. The fold of the Brompton is, arguably, the quickest and easiest of any folding bike.
A great ride: The 16″ wheels means that you will get excellent acceleration at the lights, leaving all those roadies eating your dust (for about 20 metres at least). Unlike many folding bikes, the Brompton does not sacrifice ride quality for practicality. Brompton's are light and fantastically manoeuvrable, while the rear suspension smooths out bumps in the road, making them perfect for urban riding.
Renowned quality and durability: Brompton does not cut corners either in its choice of components, or in its production. All Brompton's’ are hand brazed and hand built at the London factory, assembled using components that have undergone rigorous in-house and independent testing.
How do I choose my C Line Brompton?
After choosing your perfect colour, of course, there are 2 main considerations - gearing and handlebar type.
Gearing:
4-speed - From 12Kg
The new compact gearing system is fine-tuned for city riding, with Advance rear frame with optional Advance roller rack.
12-speed - From 12Kg
Widest range of gears with new Advance rear frame with optional Advance roller rack.
Handlebar Type -
3 types offer different riding positions for varying heights of rider and styles of riding:
Low: The straight handlebar. For a sporty, more forward position.
Mid: The riser handlebar. For a natural, relaxed position.
High: The high riser handlebar. For a sit-up and enjoy-the-view position (6 cm higher in the bike stem).
Information on Seatpost Length -
Balfe's offer the Standard post (comes fitted to low/mid handlebar models) and Extended post (comes fitted to high handlebar models) on our bikes, however the telescopic post is available to purchase separately:
Standard: For an inside leg of up to 84 cm / 33 in.
Extended: 60mm longer than the standard for an inside leg up to 89cm / 35 in. This seatpost option does leave the saddle higher when the bike is folded and therefore the below option may suit you if you wish to keep the bike as small as possible when folded.
Telescopic: Designed for an inside leg up to 99cm / 39 in.
Warranty Information for Brompton:
All new Brompton bicycles registered with Brompton are covered by a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing and material defects for the main frame components, commencing from the date of sale.
All Electric parts on the Electric P Line and Electric C Line are covered by a 2-year warranty. 3 years if you register your bike.
Other non-wearing parts on the bicycle (e.g. crank arms, brake calipers, mudguards, etc.) and other parts and accessories are covered by a 2-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects.
Bicycles not registered are subject to a 2-year warranty on the mainframe components, commencing from the date of sale.
For full warranty policy please visit brompton.com