The Brompton Bike Range-Folding Bikes That Are A Pleasure To Ride

Oct 22
13:57

2011

Stephen Bailey

Stephen Bailey

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It's true to say that folding bikes once had the reputation of just not being great to ride. It looked as though it was just too difficult to engineer the compromise between performance and transportability. Pedalling was as hard as carrying.

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But British bike manufacturer Brompton seems to have solved the problem. The new generation of Brompton bikes are top performers. Pedalling is now a pleasure thanks to high-pressure tyres and efficient gearing. Years of thoughtful development means that these bikes will transport you effortlessly to your destination as well as be easily folded,The Brompton Bike Range-Folding Bikes That Are A Pleasure To Ride Articles carried and stowed away when you get there.
There are six key models in the range, with specifications that will cope with most people’s demands and budgets.
Various features are common to all models in the range:-
  • Bromptons patented folding system. Folding takes only 10-20 seconds, and all the greasy and fragile parts of the bike are kept out of harms way inside. Once folded, the bike will sit easily in a cupboard or behind a seat.
  • The single-size frame will adjust to fit inside leg measurements of up to 33”
  • Simple, robust brakes, and mudguards for practicality.
The six Brompton Folding Bike models:-
M3L and M3L-X
These feature Bromptons traditional high-rise handlebar which gives the rider a comfortable upright position on the bike. Gearing is by 3-speed Sturmey-Archer hubs, easy to use, simple to maintain, and as they are enclosed, they are kept out of the rain and grime.
The M3L comes with an all-steel frame as standard, the M3L-X however is around 1 kg lighter due to the use of titanium alloy for the fork and rear frame, and aluminium for the seat pillar.
S2L and S2L-X
Featuring a 2 speed derailleur and sporty low-rise handlebar, these are the lightest models in the range.
Again available in standard steel or super-lightweight X specifications – the S2L-X weighs only 9.8 kg. The ultimate in portability.
P6R and P6R-X
These versions feature a two-position handlebar, and are aimed at those who want to use their bikes for distance, as you can adopt a really low-down riding position. A combination of the 3-speed hub and 2-speed derailleur gives 6 gears – enough to handle the steepest hills as well as having a good turn of speed on the flat.
An aluminium luggage carrier and dynamo-driven halogen light set are supplied.
Like all the other models, you can have the standard steel or lightweight aluminium/titanium versions.
This range of Brompton folding bikes show how to combine performance with convenience of storage and transport. They'll get you to the office or the station in comfort, but at the weekend they'll be great fun as well.