Brompton G Line Electric | 7 Reasons Why I’ve Pre Ordered it!

[@MZ-nj3of]

I'm sticking with my C-Line. I've never had so much fun on a bike before. I keep fighting my way up the hill without a motor. When I can't go on, I take a short break. I love my Brompton because it's so small. I don't want bigger wheels, a battery, or a motor. But I think it's good that Brompton offers an alternative (bigger tires, motor). PS: I hope Google Translate did a good job.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

The google translate has been successful indeed 🫶

[@earlfenwick]

I thought I would wait til 65 for an e-bike, but my legs say 63 is far enough! 🙃

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@earlfenwick I’ve always fancied one but worry im lucky enough to put to much power out to get the use of it 🤣

[@alexandersommer6764]

You're spot on with the shifter. I swapped the original 4 speed for a SRAM GX and I never had to re-index nor adjust, not even once. It's been going smooth for over a year. Now that was not the case for the original shifter.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Great to hear! Thanks for the input. It’s also a right hand shift and not a left hand shift like the p line ☺️

[@woodsonpayne8378]

Yeah. I bought a top of the line custom painted "Black Laquer" P-line w/rack and titanium fenders almost 4-1/2 years ago to commute to work. They say "Black Laquer," but the paint was a green see through clear coat and you could see all the brazed welds all over the bike through the green clear coat. I was burning through $800/month using Uber to travel to work and back. Paid for the Brompton in 3 months by riding to work and back and no using UBER.... Aye, the bike is smashing, and everyone at work had a go.

[@serhiirudenko6183]

Few months ago I got interested in getting a Brompton. Saw rumors about upcoming G line. And at this point I think I'll get a regular C line. For light city rides and maybe some traveling. Now I have to somehow find a way to get one, since there are no dealers in the country. For serious rides I have a gravel bike. I like it much but almost never using it for affairs in the city because I hate locking it outside.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

It’s strange for me to live in you UK and actually get new tech first! Mostly things get released in America then we need to wait like 6 months. Good luck on the Brompton journey

[@bazzaroberts8748]

I had shifting problems on my p line and found that I was tightening the rear wheel to tight now it works well

[@TheBromptonGuy]

No joke with my p line the sprocket locking ring worked itself lose and that definitely affect the shifting 🤣

[@dalem1140]

I am tempted for my next ebike. I like the fold up option for storage and getting on the busy trains

[@TheBromptonGuy]

It will definitely be a bike that comes with me on casual holidays as basic and reliable transport

[@BobDM_]

Went for the manual version myself, given I don't think the battery would be up to what I actually want it for. I know it's still perfectly usable when the battery is out, but the manual version surely outperforms it when put side by side? I don't think I quite have the knowledge chops myself yet to manually change the gearing, like you say. Hehe Hope we get them soon!

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Think the side by side all depends on what the test course or route 🤔. However all these factors I’m hoping to find out and a factor in me buying the thing.

[@BobDM_]

@@TheBromptonGuy I've been trying to get my fitness up to a point that I can go on 100ks regularly. The electric wouldn't hack those and I'm thinking when out of juice, just four gears would be a bit lacking? Find yourself doing an east of Scotland tour and I'll gladly join ya for a test!

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@BobDM_ you’ll definitely wanna stay tuned cause I ride 100km all the time so one of my first bike tests of it will be see how well it does on a 100km ride with just one bar of assistance. Also remember if your training for multiple 100k you can stop and charge it when you get food (route depending of course ) If I ever go east coast will put a community post out and we can set something up 👌

[@BobDM_]

@@TheBromptonGuy Yeah, breaks and quick charges would keep ya going for sure. And yeah, I'd love a community thing. Scotland Brompton tours FTW!

[@BobDM_]

@thebromptonguy Oh shiiiit, just got my shipping confirmation, a week and a half earlier than I was expecting. Might mean good news for your electric one! Let me know if you want any initial thoughts.

[@FunBotan]

I wonder why they didn't opt to put the motor into the front wheel. There would be more parts commonality between models and they wouldn't have to bother with the cable run...

[@tomcurran65]

Good video and I'm looking forward to seeing a G line put to the test and the content you will create. Its too much money for me, so fair play for taking the plunge and placing the order. Hope you do get it as soon as possible 👍

[@TheBromptonGuy]

It’s a lot of money for sure so hoping I won’t be disappointed. In fairness I know it will be good but as a younger man who still has some form of power not sure how much the motor will help cause on my p line my avg speed is 16mph and a battery assistance is only to 15.5mph

[@tomcurran65]

@@TheBromptonGuy I know what you mean, will your cadence and power always be above the assistance, negating the e bike. Well, I was watching a general review from Electrohreads on whether you would burn more calories on a e bike versus a standard bike, the consensus was you will go for longer rides on a ebike and be more inclined to take it for a spin, tackle hilly routes, etc, so overall you will end up burning more. I think it will be an amazing bike, and you will adjust your usage and routes and challenges as you get to know it. If all else fails, you could use it to carry your M line to your destination and go for a rip on it😆😆I'm looking forward for the reviews 👍

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@tomcurran65 exactly my thoughts. I’m hoping it allows me to bike pack a little more comfortably tbh and that excites me. Just take the sting out of hills, so in theory deal with the drag on flats then hit the battery for the hilly bits

[@tomcurran65]

@@TheBromptonGuy I reckon it's a bike for life, it needs to be expensive so you have to use it but the rewards are a lifetime of adventure. There is no reason that you couldn't go touring in your 70's with this bike, it might be a bit like triggers brush, same bike just a few replacement batteries and motors and the odd frame, but what a machine.

[@darrencoates]

Rhanks for the video. What size did you order? (also, how tall are you, what sort of reach do you prefer in a bike?)

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@darrencoates I’ve ordered the large, 6ft 2. Brompton reach has always been a struggle but think this is the solution. I have always personally been a fan of a more aggressive aero position 🤞

[@darrencoates]

@@TheBromptonGuy Likewise. I'm only 5'9 but longer in the torso and also favour a more aggressive reach - hence always having the flat/S bar Bromptons. I'm tempted to get the G in a large despite my height (and the Brompton recommendations!)

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@darrencoates I suppose it’s not that easier to find a dealer and have a test ride/fit? Early reviews are saying the large is large but I’m only readying that as a good thing.

[@darrencoates]

@@TheBromptonGuy That's interesting. Any chance you could point me in the direction of such reviews as I haven't come across any that discuss the different sizes. Plus the Brompton web site suggests that the sizes arent very different at all (21mm difference between medium and Large in terms of reach and just 9mm difference. in stack height). And yes, it seems that any stores that do have demo bikes only have them in Medium.

[@richardrogers1943]

Hi Dave, great content. One aspect of the electric G-line (EG-line 😁) you could test is the level of drag created by the motor when pedalling with the power off or when when the battery is discharged?????

[@TheBromptonGuy]

200% already on my radar my friend. It’s why I love the p line so much cause its hub is absolutely fantastic with ZERO drag.

[@theotherstevesteve]

I hadnt realised it was rear wheel motor drive. This i find annoying as i would want a rear hub. In fact this i have on my short wheel base with a 5 speed hub and switch kit. I think it is clear they have done this along with pass through front fork axle to see off Swytch. Id rather buy an after market ti fork and a swytch kit.

[@YerDad632]

Switch kit. 5 miles of fun. 😂

[@TheBromptonGuy]

The one area I’ve found little info on is why the change to rear motor but hoping that becomes clearly over time 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@henrikf.1247]

The biggest let down from my perspective (in terms of usability) for the electric version is the design of the rear carrier of the G Line: From what I saw on YT (caveat: not in reality), it seems way too short to use for regular/big sized 20l-ish volume rear rack back without suffering from heel strike / bumping your feet into the bag whjile pedaling... So you either need to wait for some new front bags from Brompton or other manufacturers (I own an electric P LIne, and you can't use the bags for the G electric due to different new battery / mount ) ... or there is also competition on the 20' folding bike market (I have not seen them in person, however): The Tern Vectron looks quite cool albeit quite heavy. And I am also having an eye on the Ahooga Max (made in Belgium), good carrying option, folds like a Brompton, and even provides the possibility to add an additional battery for extended range.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Great input and thanks for sharing. I do have similar concerns and looking forward to measure the rack when it arrives. I think my custom bag I got made will be the perfect solution for I but will only be able to conclude that on the arrival. Thanks for watching

[@jazzabeanie]

Surely you would be able to convert a standard g line to electric by putting a motor in the front wheel. I that that to my 2015 Brompton and it works great.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@jazzabeanie yeah you probably could to be honest! I was more thinking with all the new cabling routing for rear motor. However I reckon by the time you try and source a donor bike or battery it would have been more effective to just by an electric G line. My other reasoning is I need it non electric for events so works for me it’s a rear wheel motor

[@jazzabeanie]

@@TheBromptonGuy I was thinking of getting the normal G line and putting a bafang 311 motor on the front. But I just noticed that they require a fork with slotted dropouts and fender eyelets and not sure if the G line has that. With a front hub motor I can easy swap the front wheel when I don't want to go electric. That also lets me keep the 8 speed hub or even upgrade it. The nice thing about the G line is that it has water bottle mount points which might be able to be used to mount the controller and battery. There's Gouach battery about to launch on kickstarter which might go well on this setup too.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@jazzabeanie all sounds amazing if people can follow through doing something like that. I can unfortunately say the front wheel is a thru axle 🫣

[@tetto1972]

@@jazzabeaniewhich kind of performance can you get with bafang 311 against standard g electric? Do you know drop out of g brompton?

[@jazzabeanie]

@@TheBromptonGuy no!! ಥ_ಥ I wonder if Ben at Kinetics will make a different fork

[@trolleyob]

I think you are on to something with your hunch that it is the gear-change thumb shifter that is the problem with gear changing. I have recently acquired a 5 speed P Line and after only four weeks the dreaded sloppy gear change reared its ugly head. I have no difficulties changing up and down from gear 2 up to 5 and back down again, but when I try to engage 1st gear the change becomes very "iffy" with only about a 30% chance of hearing it click into bottom gear when I press the lever to downshift. After trying different ways of downshifting eg: quick press-light press- long press and pushing only on the sharp edge of the button, I have found that my method of putting pressure on the edge of the button as I shift down gives me the best result and, so far , is the most reliable method of getting into bottom gear before I lose momentum and grind to an embarrassing stop on the steepish slope that leads to my flat. I am not saying this is a foolproof way of overcoming the problem, but(so far) it works for me.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

I can assure you multi folk here having also tried all the above to resolve it. Definitely a cable tension problem and to be fair it’s honestly really rear for me now but I’ve had my struggles. I just feel bad for people who aren’t confident with tweaking stuff like that because the 4 speed would then just become a real pain at points

[@K1989L]

I like minivelos. I own a Moulton. I baby my Moulton so it comes out only in good weather and I don't ride it daily. I like both a Brompton and the Velo-orange Neutrino. Neutrino has the disk brakes and wider range of tires going for it. Where as Brompton has it's compact folded size to just toss it in the boot of my car. Now the G-line combines those two. It looks like a very good option. Hopefully it will come to Finland too. We still are waiting for the electric Brompton. The availability of Bromptons isn't great. Just couple of P-lines came to our shores.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Dave !!! Wow, you're taking the plunge on G-Line electric. I have a few thoughts. Have you seen the "Small Wheel Wonder" KZbin channel? Like yourself, Daniel loves Bromptons. He recently came out with a book, "Maximum Brompton: Building the Fastest Electric Bicycle on 16 Inch Wheels". It's utterly fascinating and he addresses the weaknesses in Brompton's electric offerings. I don't have skin in the game. You're an expert and Daniel is an expert too but you come to different conclusions about Brompton electric bikes. It's my own uneducated opinion that Brompton's hub motor and front mounted battery pack could be a bit antiquated, especially for the price. I'm curious what you think. Noted too is your long commute in inclement weather and your need for fat tires in gravel and muddy conditions. All the best !!! ♥

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

Small Wheel Wonder guy seem to me like a true Brompton hater. Hard to justify his approach to the bike and constant nagging...

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@ukrytykrytyk8477 Nah, he's spent a whole lifetime with Brompton and his book covers his own custom build which reaches 45 kph !!! He's exacting about details. He also doesn't like the T-Line as he prefers the geometry and shapes of class Bromptons. I love the T-Line but my opinion doesn't negate his expertise.

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

@@davidhunternyc1 so he built a bike that can reach 45kmh and that what gives him feel of being better than Brompton engineers? Does he know that Brompton needs to obey the law, which puts limit on power ant top speed? As I said, after watching few of his videos I can clearly see he is just a full of himself ignorant.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Hey mate good to hear from you, while I would say I’ve got good Brompton knowledge I honestly have very little e-bike knowledge which I’m hoping this improves. However as a Brompton content creator I most likely won’t even compare it to anything other than Bromptons so maybe Daniels advice would be more reliable as he has a vast knowledge of folding bikes in general and not just Brompton specific

[@davidsbrompton-1947]

Have just ‘liked and subscribed’ despite last week you were saying you thought the new G line had been designed on the back of a fag packet and now you have preordered. Nonetheless you are one of the more accomplished Brompton Creators intent on growing your channel and this video might help you back onto Brompton’s Christmas card list. I am excited to see your adventures withe the G line

[@TheBromptonGuy]

lol that’s quite the description 🤣 don’t think I was that heavy on it but great comment. Hope you enjoy the g line adventures coming up

[@petergilbert72]

I hope the new battery has a power switch on the handlebar. Shall have to wait to see… 😁

[@TheBromptonGuy]

I can already confirm the power switch is still on the battery module itself my friend

[@petergilbert72]

@@TheBromptonGuy ohhh. That is so very sub-optimal! I now have a Bosch-powered bike and I frequently change power settings manually by simple handlebar switch. Needing to reach over handlebars to a toggle switch is poor indeed, almost like a pre-production model.

[@maureenarnold-hc4sg]

The G line non electric has a thru axle front wheel so you can’t fit a Swytch kit to it. I don’t like derailleur gears, too much maintenance and easily knocked. Kinetics are already offering an 11 speed conversion for the G line. By buying the Brompton electric version you now have to buy your new motors etc from Brompton. You won’t be happy with 4 gears and will want 6 or 7 -Thus nullifying the Warranty. They’ve put a lot of thought into stopping E-kits from holding their electric version back.

[@HolgerNestmann]

a through axle is standard on disc brake bikes if I am not mistaken You can still fit a pendix system until swytch figures this one out

[@maureenarnold-hc4sg]

@@HolgerNestmann I’m not a mechanic but all Swytch kits are disc brake compatible, so I think you may have that wrong. I emailed Swytch straight away and they replied “unfortunately the G line Brompton has thru-axles which are not compatible with our Kit”. Had they been I would have ordered a G line straight away !

[@YerDad632]

On top of all that, swytch kits are trash in all aspects.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Didn’t know kinetics is already to the G line party! Will need to go have a look

[@TheBromptonGuy]

I think on any modern bike with discs a thru axle is pretty close to standard and almost about 99% on MTB bikes

[@MartininitraM]

I hope your bike arrives early too so I get your views of the bike before wifes next birthday 🙂

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Now that we be a great gift for any wife 👌. Will keep everyone updated on the progress.

[@bird1lives]

Why’s the motor on the back wheel on the G line? For 3.5k the motor should be on the front wheel with the Alfine on the rear!

[@petergilbert72]

Actually, having a motor at the crank is optimum as the gearing and power are merged.

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

Not for offroad riding! Front wheel motors loose traction very easily on slippery ground. For offroad either rear motor or mid one.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

I honestly can’t answer that! Hoping to do more research about this as anything I’ve read or seen from the designers they don’t explain why

[@shahan1465]

E beiiike… i love the scoottish people and their funny accents

[@TheBromptonGuy]

I love my accent but hate KZbin auto captions for me 🤣

[@KavanOBrien]

One factor you missed one thinks = the weight factor = over 32 pounds, compared to the self charging electric Vello titanium folding belt drive bike = doesn’t it make one feel sick that it makes Brompton look so far behind other manufacturers .

[@jonathansacci2325]

Isn't that also $1400+ more?

[@KavanOBrien]

@@jonathansacci2325 I think you will find it is cheaper.

[@jonathansacci2325]

@@KavanOBrien where? I'm looking at it right now on the Vello website and it's $4884

[@petergilbert72]

The Vello has a feeble motor compared with the Brompton with less power.

[@KavanOBrien]

@@petergilbert72 how do you know ?

[@davidhunternyc1]

Dave !!! Just an update. Please watch this video by Small Wheel Wonder, "Don't Buy an Electric Brompton G Line.... BUILD ONE! (10.2024)" It's very geeky. I don't understand everything but I'm very interested to know your thoughts.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

So I've watched it and this is my initial thoughts I'm fine with the 4 speed as this fits 80% of the things I want to do with the bike but I do understand it won't be for everyone. While they say this is a do it all bike the range simply won't let you take it massive mountain days out so I accept it will be used as a larger comfortable city rider for me. From my minimal ebike knowledge a rear motor has the advantage of better traction which makes sense for loose surfaces, where as your front would be more likely to spin out Again I love the fact it's rear wheel motor cause it means I can swap it out with a different wheel to make it non electric which I can't do with a front motor I also like the look of a rear motor cause it helps make your bike just look like a normal bike, it's hard to tell the electric g line is electric cause the motor blends with the sprockets His point about the gear range I certainly get and understand but most my riding will be on tarmac so the 4 speed hasn't let me down yet I also get his pricing points but would only make sense if you complete all the labour cause bike shop labour would take it above the cost of a G line I'm sure. Depends how much your time is worth as it aint a 1 or 2 hour conversion.

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@TheBromptonGuy Dave !!! Your response was excellent. We all have specific needs and what you're looking is specific to you, no one else. I don't have a Brompton of any kind and you and Daniel are way above me in terms of knowledge. That's why I was interested in your take on Daniel's video. I live in NYC and I weighed back-and-forth if I wanted a manual Brompton or an e-bike. Because I live in northern tip of Manhattan, my commutes are fairly long. If I lived in the center of the city, my circumstances would be different. I joined a community bank and one of the benefits is I get discounted Citibikes. Manual pedal bikes are free (though insanely slow and cumbersome) and e-bikes are 10¢ a minute. Yesterday I rode an e-bike (heavy but fast) 50 km (30 miles) and I was charged $18.55, a bargain. I don't have room for full-sized bike in my apartment and e-bikes have to be certified. I'm certain that e-bikes will be one day banned altogether from apartment buildings. Bureaucrats have nothing better to do. (Though I understand the safety concerns.) So now that I have my long distance commuting needs solved, I'm back to focusing on a manual pedaled Brompton for the rest of my commuting needs. For me, that means a custom Brompton T-Line, like the one that's on the "Brompton Premium Parts" KZbin channel. Heck, if I don't need to get anywhere quickly, I can take the T-Line everywhere. I better be riding regularly, considering the exorbitant price. Stay awesome.

[@michaelwood5897]

It’s funny seeing myself behind you in your BOTB footage. Seeing you there made me think seriously about Brompton. Definitely going to get one next year!

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Well now with the G line you could enter it and support the Brompton crew 🤣. Have you entered again next year?

[@lumsdot]

you brompton peeps are brainwashed, i have a carerra intercity disc folding bike, tektro hydro brakes, alloy forks, 9 speed sora, hollow axle crankset, 20 inch wheels, good components and frame for 360, orig price was 450. how can brompton charge 5 times as much.

[@lumsdot]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHPMYmd7bp1of9Usi=eLBm_zOWg39k-Ru5

[@SM-dt1pr]

How small does your Halfords bike fold?

[@lumsdot]

@@SM-dt1pr not as small as a brompton, but small enough to fit into my car boot. Thats the main advantage of a bromoton

[@YerDad632]

That’s an easy one. That Carrera is an open-source Dahon design made by borderline slave labor in Asia for pennies. We shouldn’t buy things like that so those companies have an excuse to pop out subpar bikes.

[@stolenorange]

I've been looking to find a gravel bike that I can take on the bus into the countryside. Show me a 20" that doesn't fold like a car crash. The Velo comes close, but like the Brompton G is out of my price range at the moment.

[@KurniadiPrathomo-sp5zd]

I don't think electric is a good choice for "adventure bike". You'd better off choosing for as many gears as possible.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

Agree with that statement somewhat overall but the fact I have the kid to make it a manual G line also makes it a solid choice for me and my needs.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Never a G-line! Even as a Standard a G-line is much too large for my cars luggage room, which only and barely holds my now below 9 kilo, Specially modified Superlight, and it is - much too Heavy for me! A Brompton is mostly intended for Transport as folded and not for any actual riding 😄! Finn. Denmark

[@sempi8159]

Definitely not the right approach

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I love to be able to bring my Brompton to anywhere, but as a Bike it is a horrible, hard rolling contraption. Its small wheels are heavy rolling and for longer distances it claims much more power to do the same as on an ordinary bike! Finn

[@ariffau]

Sorry, but what car do you drive? 😮

[@HolgerNestmann]

it claims around 10-15% more power according to 2bikes4adventure. I personally think it's manageable riding with my friends And your criticism about the handling is what the g-line addresses. So maybe see it as a compromise of your brompton and your large bike

[@SM-dt1pr]

​@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188that's what I think they call a skill issue. Brompton's a great bike for any distance. Sure, there are better bikes for specific uses, but there's nothing stopping you from going anywhere

[@TheLicewine]

As an owner of 2 Bromptons and a fan of your channel, I find none of your arguments compelling for a G-line. I watched this video 5 times to make sure that I was not missing the point, but how would be the argument "I never owned an e-bike" be an argument for anything, besides mud guards and stuff? I also commute daily, but how would this bike add to my commute? I also own a Tern P10 with disk breaks, which are just higher in maintenance and risk on longer rides. I would assume that the majority of people accept the downsides of a 16 inch Brompton over the so called advantages of this heavy beast with disk breaks any time. If you need a gravel bike, just buy one.

[@TheBromptonGuy]

@@TheLicewine thanks for you input and following. This video is just aimed at what made me buy the 20inch electric over the non electric g line not any other Brompton. I still maintain the 16inch P line is the best Brompton. When I talk about my commute I’m just curious if having a motor will make it feel any easier. I can’t draw any real conclusions till I test ride this bike for a while but as a Brompton creator I had to get one and choose the electric for the reasons highlighted in the video. Hope that makes sense. Thanks again

[@TheLicewine]

@@TheBromptonGuy fair enough. Let's see.