The Brompton Folding Bicycle

The Brompton is a lightweight bicycle with excellent handling and a comfortable ride. It is a finely engineered, elegant, practical machine. Yet the Brompton folds into a convenient package little larger than its wheel. This remarkable ability to fold is achieved without complexity: and the Brompton is effective and dependable.

The Brompton is the only bike in the world combining a first class ride with such ready portability, and it creates a multitude of new opportunities for using a bicycle.

USING THE BROMPTON

Ride:

Given its portability, the most striking aspects of the Brompton in use are its rigidity and precise, responsive handling. The pedelling effort needed is the same as for a larger wheel machine and the 3 and 5 speed gears provide ideal ratios for town and touring use.

Front carrier:

The Brompton system is unique. Purpose-adapted carriers (basket, pannier bag, briefcase etc.) can be attached or released in literally a couple of seconds. Anyone who regularly carries luggage on a bike will appreciate the immense convenience of this system.

Rear carrier:

This provides a rigid platform which can accept heavy loads.

Parking:

The Brompton is parked simply by letting the rear wheel swing under the main frame. This parking facility obviates the need for a propstand, and also prepares the machine for folding.

• The Brompton has a strong, full size frame
• For riding comfort, it has rear suspension
• It is extremely compact when folded
• The Brompton can be folded or unfolded with ease
• Hub gears are standard: there is a choice of 3 or 5 speeds
• Plenty of luggage can be carried on the Brompton
• The folded package, at a little over 25lbs, is easy to carry
• There are four models and many accessories

An L3 (parked) and a T5 complete with front pannier bag

FOLDING THE BROMPTON

Folding or unfolding is a simple procedure as, once parked, the Brompton stands on its own, leaving both hands free: it takes 15-25 seconds. Only three parts have to be unclamped and folded: the main frame, the handlebar and the saddle (the folding pedal, if fitted, takes a moment to stow). Once folding is complete, the package stays automatically locked together.

As there are no projections or loose parts, the folded package is really easy to manage: the saddle forms a natural handle, but however one happens to pick up the folded Brompton, it remains secure: the chain is almost completely enclosed, which means that carpets and upholstery are not marked: no vulnerable parts are exposed to damage and, most importantly, the cable runs are fully protected. The bike can be treated like a small suitcase, and even wheeled on its own castors.

The Brompton is an easy to use, versatile machine fine for longer rides yet worth getting out even for the shortest of errands, and it comes into its own in any number of situations.

• A Brompton can be kept out of the way in the back of a car and is a tremendous convenience when parking or traffic is a problem; it is also fun to have to hand for an occasional spin or touring in the country.
  
• For flat dwellers, the Brompton solves the storage problem that other bikes present
  
• Even if only used as an every-day bicycle, the Brompton has advantages: the risk of theft can be virtually eliminated, and it can readily be taken away on holidays or occasional excursions
  
• For boat owners and rail travellers, pilots and caravan users, a Brompton is invaluable
  
• Biking is healthy, it is usually the fastest way around town, it saves on fares and is fun: you can enjoy these benefits with a Brompton wherever you choose to take it
  
• A Brompton does not dictate how you travel: without a second thought you are always free to take a lift, use public transport or whatever takes your whim