Brompton bicycles: models, pros and cons, tips for choosing
Nowadays, such a form of transport as a bicycle is gaining more and more popularity. In many cases, it is this vehicle that helps to avoid traffic jams and arrive at work on time. True, in a megalopolis it is not always convenient to ride a bike, because you need to carry it up the park stairs, take it to the bus with you, try to hide it from prying eyes during your absence. All these problems can be avoided by purchasing a special folding bike, for example, made by Brompton.
Peculiarities
It is an English manufacturer known worldwide for its high quality products. Judging by the reviews of the owners, Brompton bikes are easy to ride, agile, fast and safe. Available in 1, 2, 3 and 6 speed models. The design is characterized by a simple folding mechanism consisting of several stages. To park, press the special button at the bottom of the saddle pin to break it from behind, throwing the rear wheel under the frame. Then, in 15-20 seconds, the device folds completely, turning into a cube compressed from the sides.
At first, the folding process may seem cumbersome to users, but a little later, cyclists are convinced that this is a rather convenient technology.
Compared to other well-known folding bicycles, the folded Brompton structures are 2 times more compact. With such dimensions, the unit is very easy to transport and store. The size in the assembled state is 585x545x270 mm.
The frames are made from lightweight steel and titanium alloys to keep the bike lightweight. It is important to note other advantages of the product:
- low weight - 9-12 kg;
- high speed characteristics;
- unique color schemes;
- 5-year warranty;
- exclusively manual assembly in production;
- the ability to make a test ride.
Despite the abundance of merits of the Brompton bike, one cannot fail to mention its cons. So, according to the owners, the unit has to be broken every time in order to park, and on an inclined surface it does not stand too securely, moreover, in such a situation it can fall even with a gust of wind, because the bike is quite light. In this regard, the owners complain about the lack of a footrest on various models. Among the minuses, there is also a high price, however, according to the buyers themselves, the high cost is fully compensated for by the excellent quality of the product.
In addition to bicycles, the company also offers spare parts and accessories for its models. For example, the owners appreciated the opportunity to buy a special bike bag. At the same time, all bicycles have a special feature - you can carry a bag on them by attaching it to a special latch in front of the steering wheel. The presence of this accessory does not interfere with the assembly of the structure. The company also offers fasteners for front bags separately. Special Brooks saddles can also be found on the official website, and users can choose both female and male versions.
Varieties
Brompton folding bikes can be divided into different categories. So, the Black Edition line deserves special attention. These models have a solid design and a unique style that is reflected in the black details. In this design, models are performed:
- H6L Raw Lacquer;
- H6L Turkish Green;
- H6L Orange;
- M6L.
The presented models are similar in general urbanistic appearance, but differ in the color of the frame.
The company also presents examples that differ in the type of steering wheel.
- Handlebar type S - 935 mm. This includes the S2L, S3L and S6L models. Samples of this group have a handlebar height of 924 mm, therefore the handles are shifted forward. The cyclist's body tilts downward as much as possible, thereby reducing air resistance. This is the lowest bike.
- Handlebar type H - 1072 mm... In this group, the models H3R Berry Crush, H1L, H3L stand out. This type of steering wheel has the highest possible fit. The steering wheel is located at a height of 1072 mm.
Other examples of Brompton bicycles deserve more detailed attention.
- S3L. This is a classic 3-speed bike without a rack and weighs 11.5 kg. Available in a wide variety of colors. Among the offered versions, you can choose a model in prestigious black, delicate white or rich red, blue, yellow, green and any other. Like all models, it is equipped with aluminum double rims, the type of brakes are rim brakes.
- H6L. In this case, a 6-speed variant is presented with an H-type steering wheel without a trunk. The weight of the whole structure is 11.9 kg. The bike can also be purchased in a wide range of colors.
- M6L... The only current model with a handlebar type M - 1015 mm. Model weight - 11.7 kg. This option is only available in sophisticated black.
How to choose?
When choosing a bike from the Brompton brand, follow the recommendations of the experts.
- If the model is selected for an athlete with a tall stature, then it is better to give preference to bicycles with a type H handlebar. Also, copies with this type of handlebar are suitable for cyclists who like to ride at a walking pace with the most straight back.
- If the buyer appreciates the sporty type of riding and the appropriate fit, then it is recommended to buy type S models.
- Be careful when buying. Due to the popularity of Brompton models, there are now more cases of fakes. Be sure to check all the documents for the goods and do not chase for a low price - a real Brompton bike is made by hand from high quality materials, which means it cannot be cheap.
For an overview of the Brompton folding bike, see below.