Brompton goes gravel

by 50

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


Home Forums Brompton goes gravel

  • This topic has 50 replies, 34 voices, and was last updated 1 week ago by TiRed.
Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 50 total)
  • Brompton goes gravel
  • jameso
    Full Member

    Been waiting for this to be released for so long. But a carbon fork? Nah. Disappointed.
    Or, I’ll buy S/H and and see what Kinetics can do.

    bentudder
    Full Member

    Finally got round to rebuilding my old Brompton earlier this summer after getting it stripped and resprayed last year. I used to do massive miles on it with mixed commutes, and it deserved some love.

    I’d forgotten just how useful, convenient and fun it is as a utility bike; I can teleport up to the high street to get a few bits from the shops, or nip over to friends for a cuppa without a 20 minute walk or bothering the car. We chucked it in the boot back in the summer when we went off to the Netherlands, and it saved £70 in bike hire straight off during our stay.

    What we haven’t seen yet is how small (or big) it folds compared to the original model, and I think that’s going to be a critical comparison, and one that Brompton probably should make – there’s still a massive market for the little ‘un. One of the things that did it for me was that it could fit on a commuter train without taking up someone else’s room, and this looks like it’s a bit scaled up.

    I do have to say, though – Ben at Kinetics is owed a few beers by Brompton.

    9
    whatyadoinsucka
    Free Member

    is it the khaki tee and brown shorts that make it gravel

    2
    fenboy
    Full Member

    my wife has recently developed a weird/out of character yearning for a brompton, she has reached a certain age and was on a course recently with an Austrian lady who had come over with one on the plane and then cycled to the venue everyday and hasn’t stopped talking about them!

    She was about to buy one when we saw the teasers for this so we waited to see what was coming and I half guessed so I think she’ll get one of these. slightly bigger when folded and heavier but much more versatile than the standard one for us. She won’t be commuting into a city on it everyday just occasionally so this looks like a winner to me for our use case, it also means less short car journeys so all good!  plus i have no more space in the shed for a proper bike! Looks cool too, I will be borrowing it!

    Alu fok not carbon and I’m sure if you wanted a steel fork Kinetic will do one for it!

    1
    jameso
    Full Member

    Alu fok not carbon

    I stand corrected, thanks – I’d assumed it was carbon after the T-Line came with one. Alu will do.

    3
    elray89
    Free Member

    @whatyadoinsucka – Don’t forget that Tan Walls also equals gravel. Bonus points for that goofy POC helmet with the military patches on it.

    fenboy
    Full Member

    I’ll be convincing the wife that she also needs that helmet and all the necessary “gravel” attire! :-)

    stwhannah
    Full Member

    @fenboy you might like to check out our current raffle – I think there’s some appropriate gear in there!

    fenboy
    Full Member

    @stwhannah :)) thats excellent I had noticed that and thought that might be really appropriate to enter. Are you going to get one of these then or the more traditional ones? I have to admit i really want one now!

    jimdubleyou
    Full Member

    This is a similar price to a Kinetics MTBrompton, and looks a lot smarter (if a little less capable).

    It’s very much a “niche” use case for me so I’m not sure I’ll rush to buy one. I do want one though, maybe next year on bike to work scheme ;)

    fooman
    Full Member

    I never thought of getting either a Brompton or an ebike, but I now have a yearning for a Brompton Electric G Line.

    ahsat
    Full Member

    Oh c***p – I am now thinking I bought my C line 3 months too early!  That said, I do find it about at the limit of an acceptable weight when lugging it around between multiple trains.  It is brilliant – big fan.

    1
    benp1
    Full Member

    Got the email from Brompton with these on show. Have an M3L already, gets a regular use on my commute

    T line is a bit spendy and over my C2W limit. These might fit in…

    I’d need a longer seatpost, would like to get a ride on one

    Daffy
    Full Member

    Well – there’s my next C2W purchase sorted.

    Just having 20″ wheels will make a vast improvement IME of having had both Bromtons and Dahons.

    5
    scotroutes
    Full Member

    It’s perhaps a measure of where we’re at that I read down to the prices thinking and how much will we be fleeced and then thought actually, that seems quite reasonable.

    2
    roadworrier
    Full Member

    The disc brakes are a revelation and potential gamechanger here.

    One thing I noticed in the bike shop was that the combination of small wheels and rim brakes means that Brompton’s can burn through wheels (almost literally) like no-one’s business.

    This makes the concept a lot more viable for me.

    Plus I could get tanwalls and join the gravel set ?

    sl2000
    Full Member

    What we haven’t seen yet is how small (or big) it folds compared to the original model

    It’s on the website…

    https://www.brompton.com/p/1029/a-line-23 is 25.3′ H’ x 23” W x 10.6” D (I’m not sure why inches not metric)

    https://www.brompton.com/p/1347/g-line-with-roller-frame-8-speed is 28.3″ / 72cm (D), 26.2″ / 67cm (H), 16″ / 41cm (W)

    thepodge
    Free Member

    Those H W D don’t make sense. The W looks to have got 7″ narrower which can’t be right.

    MrSparkle
    Full Member

    Brompton’s can burn through wheels (almost literally) like no-one’s business.

    Wheels or tyres??

    2
    ribena
    Free Member

    I think the rims can wear from the braking. Certainly mine did when I commuted on it daily, especially in the winter. Also just left a mess of dried up brake pad material.

    1
    prawny
    Full Member

    I’ve just sold my road bike and I’m agonising about whether an XC bike or gravel bike would be the best replacement. We have another contender! I’ve always had a soft spot for bromptons, I used to chat to a guy on my old commute who road one 10 miles in to brum and back every day. He was rapid. Would make a great commuter/shopper/explorer

    2
    ribena
    Free Member
    andy5390
    Full Member

    Little bit of an overview by Brilliant Bikes

    Sanny
    Free Member

    Looks good but given the choice, I would go for the custom option from Ben at Kinetics. Nice steel fork for a start and a stainless back end plus all manner of custom options for not much more money.

    Glad Brompton have finally realised that disc brakes are a good thing! The larger wheels make a significant difference to the handling.

    Cheers

    Sanny

     

     

    benp1
    Full Member

    Nice GCN review on youtube too. I’m quite taken with it! No idea why, not sure when I’d use it compared with current bikes (incl a normal brompton) but the idea is bloody ace!

    bikesandboots
    Full Member

    Kinetics one looks good.

    Not sure what on earth I’d do with either of these though.

    onetimeews
    Full Member

    Certainly going to be on trend with that potential for an 800mm dropper post.

    1
    kayak23
    Full Member

    Nice GCN review on youtube too

    1
    cyclodog
    Full Member

    I have a Moulton ATB (off road capable supposedly), which also has 20 inch wheels and suspension. All fine and dandy but small wheels don’t like uneven ground – isn’t that why 29er took over from 26inches? Usable but I’d defo ride the thing before running out and buying one thinking it’ll be great on anything lumpy.

    zomg
    Full Member

    Are the 20” wheels an existing size standard? 406? Or something else? The mention of custom tyres makes me a little suspicious that Brompton are inventing new standards.

    1
    jameso
    Full Member

    It’s 406 BSD so BMX or other 20″ tyres will fit. 50mm Big Apples would be my pick (I’m speccing one up already, can you tell)

    stevemcneill
    Free Member

    We’ve got two Bromptons in our house. I will deffo get one of these – I don’t drive, so having a more capable bike that’s still zero hassle to get on trains has sold it.

    One thing I’m not sure about, what are you going to use the fork bosses for without mucking up the fold?? Monkii clip cages Iguess as you can slide them off? low rider rack and panniers doesn’t seem any better than the Brompton front luggage?

    1
    Andy
    Full Member

    what are you going to use the fork bosses for without mucking up the fold??

    Fidlock bottle?

    I can see one of these in my life. Sell my Brompton C-Line and town bike to fund. Need to see IRL first to assess how much bigger and the weight.

    squirrelking
    Free Member

    Ben did a comparison chart between MTBrompton and G Line, it’s on the Kinetics Facebook page.

    avdave2
    Full Member

    We were above to get a couple of Bromptons for the vans, now in 2 minds what to get. It would have been 6 speed c-lines but the alfine and the disc brakes would be great to have. Just concerned about how big the g-line is to lug around. I think what I’d really like is a c-line with an alfine and disc brakes. I suppose that’s doable by going to kinetics

    Andy
    Full Member

    Yes looked at the measurements on the various review sites and saw Bens chart. Still need to see and heft IRL though.

    My C-Line normally lives in my van. The G-line would replace that and also my bimbling about rigid 29er.

    1
    TiRed
    Full Member

    Lifted one yesterday at Brompton Junction. Test rode a T line. The 14 kilos for non-electric will get old very quickly in a folding bike. I preferred my Airnimal Rhino. And a single speed T-line. Anyway they’re sold out  You can take a ten min test ride at their shop though  IMG_5367IMG_5365.

    dmorts
    Full Member

    Anyway they’re sold out

    Are the shops doing pre-pre-orders?
    Can’t pre-order online until 24th Sept.

    TiRed
    Full Member

    i didn’t ask. one lift was enough to not bother test riding.

    john_l
    Free Member

    The weight of these and folded size makes it a non-starter for me, although I think they look great and will probably work well for proper rough stuff.

    Hired a c-line Explore for a couple of months to see how I got on with it on the train into Victoria and nipping across to the office in Liverpool St. Love how easy it is to fold and great fun to ride, but 6 spds was overkill and it was getting on the heavy side for lugging around.

    Have ended up buying the 2 spd Urban in BRG and it’s perfect.

    Very impressed with Brompton’s hire scheme.

Viewing 40 posts - 1 through 40 (of 50 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.