Brompton goes gravel

Billed as the brand’s “biggest launch in over 50 years” the new Brompton G Line sees the adoption of 20in wheels and gravel.

The new bikes also feature revised geometry, custom made Schwalbe tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 8-speed hub gears. The prospect of off-road riding in a pocket-ish sized package is only serving to fuel Hannah’s ongoing Brompton yearnings. Could she smuggle this into an overhead hand-luggage locker on a plane for a budget winter sun escape? Hmm… She’s going to practice lifting things while pulling an innocent ‘it’s really light’ face…

Here’s the press release in full:

Brompton’s biggest launch in over 50 years

Today, Brompton unveils the brand’s biggest innovation in 50 years, its first ever 20″ folding bike, the G Line.

In 1975, Brompton inventor Andrew Ritchie created a new type of movement with the bike that folds down small – transforming how people move in and around cities across the globe. Fifty years after the most compact folding bike took to the streets, Brompton has rewritten the rules again with the G Line, which offers the feel and ride of a ‘big wheel’ bike, while maintaining the convenience and versatility of its signature fold.

Delivering comfort through an entirely new frame, all-new 20” wheels, and Schwalbe custom made for Brompton, tubeless-ready tyres to enhance the capability of the bike, the G Line is Brompton’s latest engineering feat – creating a confident and balanced feel, all with the ease of its iconic foldable design.

With wheels capable enough for any adventure, yet compact enough to fit inside the fold, the G Line is the first ever Brompton to come equipped with disc brakes for all-terrain, all-weather riding. With a Shimano 8-gear system that helps to cover a variety of terrains, the hub gear is tucked away inside the rear wheel.


“The G Line truly is the one bike to do it all. Brompton owners are passionate about their bikes but it has always been a bike optimised for cities.” said Will Butler-Adams, CEO at Brompton.

“Now, as more and more people look to escape the city, exploring roads and trails less traveled, it was the right time to take everything that makes the Brompton so special, and make it capable of going beyond the urban environment and into tougher terrain.”

G Line Specifications

As the brand’s most capable bike ever, the G Line has been rigorously tested over 250,000km, first to meet industry standards, then to meet Brompton’s, to confidently tackle everything from dusty singletrack to rain-soaked cobbles. Built tough with disc brake stopping power, this bike does it all with ease.

“We created the G Line to be the best one-bike solution for the city and beyond,” said Will Carleysmith, Chief Design & Engineering Officer at Brompton.

“It’s the most capable Brompton yet, with the ability to deliver on all sorts of surfaces, with the feel of a full-size bike. Yet it transforms into a compact package that stores and travels easily. In a world full of possibilities, G Line is your one-bike route to anywhere.”

From a go-anywhere bike to a compact package in under 20 seconds, the G Line fold is designed for life. Measuring just 690mm (h) x 730mm (l) x 402mm (w) in a size small, a folded G Line fits into life indoors and out.

Folding the bike halfway allows owners to steer with the saddle or tow with the handlebar. The G Line stays locked together and glides like a wheelie suitcase, allowing owners to breeze through train stations, along plazas and into buildings.

The bike was developed and tested with a world-leading bike fitter expert for the best ride experience. The G Line is available in three size options (small, medium and large) retaining one frame size, but differentiated through stem lengths, from 13.9kg in weight. The bike boasts the brand’s Wide Platform QR Pedal Set which is the grippiest, most comfortable pedal set for riding on all kinds of ground, helping to deliver exceptional stability. Meanwhile, the G Line also features all-new Brompton Ergonomic Grips to provide all-day cushioning and support.

Electric G Line Specifications

Alongside the launch of the G Line, Brompton is also announcing the all-new Electric G Line.

“We designed the Electric G Line bike and e-system as one. Every element is meticulously engineered from scratch to work together in the city and beyond,” Tom Kerr, G Line Design Lead commented.

“From brilliant on and off-road handling to easy charging and storing in small places, everything feels seamless with this bike.”

An all-new electric system brings even greater capability to the most versatile bike in the world. Designed with a deep understanding of riders’ needs, the Electric G Line features new advanced software and hardware for optimal performance, self-diagnostics and latest features available through future software updates.

As an e-bike that can go anywhere in all weathers, the Electric G Line’s all-new 250-watt rear hub motor ensures superb stability and traction on all ground throughout three levels of assistance. Rigorously tested in real world conditions and in the lab, where its components have collectively traveled the distance to the moon and back, this e-bike confidently goes where riders want it to. In Brompton’s in-house R&D facility, the all new motor was put through its paces on a 24/7 durability rig, with 20+ motors going through a combined mileage of over 1,000,000km.

Brompton’s best battery ever delivers 345Wh of lightweight power via a more efficient system, all to fit within the Brompton fold. Using this power, riders can explore from 20-40 miles (30-60km) in one go and when it comes to charging, the battery pack can be removed with one quick click and plugged in anywhere.

Designed with the same systems engineering approach found in the automotive and aerospace industries, the Electric G Line sets the benchmark for quality and safety. Brompton e-bikes are independently certified and accredited – UL2849 and EN 15194 compliant. Brompton is actively supporting greater regulation through the Battery Breakdown Safety Bill.

Bluetooth connectivity between the e-bike and the Brompton Electric smartphone app means the latest system upgrades happen effortlessly, over the air. Owners are notified of new features available and can use the dashboard on their phone to control power modes, maximize battery life, track distance and more.

Whatever time of the day, integrated lighting ensures the Electric G Line is at the ready. A new light set is powered by the bike’s battery. A 9-watt beam on the front illuminates even the darkest off-road paths and at the back, a 1-watt light with a built-in reflector helps to keep riders visible at all times.

When it comes to gearing, the Brompton Advance 4-speed system works seamlessly with the rear hub motor and power modes to deliver everything needed for steep climbs and long cruises. Super compact, super lightweight and designed in-house to fit perfectly inside the fold.

Ergonomically designed in-house to suit the pedal style on electric bikes, the Brompton Saddle (wide) delivers maximum comfort and stability. The saddle features a carry handle under the nose for easy towing and lifting as well as loops for Brompton lights and luggage.

Built on 50 years of expertise, Brompton bikes are built tough for real life and a long life. The G Line’s production is a labour of love, with each steel frame handmade and quality assured in the brand’s iconic London Factory, and coming with Brompton’s best-in-class 7-year frame warranty.

G Line – Models, Colours and Pricing

• G Line 8-Speed – from 13.9 kg in size Small
• G Line 8-Speed with rack and mudguards – from 14.8 kg in size Small
• Electric G Line 4-Speed with rack and mudguards – from 16.1 kg without battery, 19.5 kg with battery in size Small.

All models available in Forest Green, Adventure Orange, Traildust White

• G Line 8-Speed £2,399
• G Line 8-Speed with Rack and Mudguards £2,499
• G Line 8-Speed with Lights £2,489
• G Line 8-Speed with Lights and Rack £2,589
• Electric G Line 4 speed £3,499

The Brompton G Line is available from October.

brompton.com