Brompton Handlebar Types

As of 2019/2020 when we made this video there were three Handlebar Types available with the Brompton folding bike
Here we give a quick guide to exactly what:
Low (or S-type)
Mid (or M-type)
High (or H-type)
mean - so you can see the difference between the different handlebar types
At the end we ride the three bikes so you can get a rough idea of how they compare with the same rider at the same saddle height
This was of course before the T Line ... so maybe it's time to re-visit this topic!

[@karenjcosme]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm a short senior and my palms couldn't take the S-bar, so the visual Dutch/upright riding helped a great deal. H-bar it is. Thank you.

[@vigorousera]

I, for one, appreciate the outtakes at the end.

[@tamiresgoncalves8974]

JzznzN Nos Sķj''j''juuuz

[@tamiresgoncalves8974]

J

[@TurtleTrader]

Excellent demonstration of the three handle bar types used by Brompton; the use case descriptions were also very helpful (H bar makes sense now, whereas before I was like ... huh?) and using three otherwise identical bikes to demonstrate them was just perfect. :)

[@Marco_LaGuardia]

Really love all your Brompton Videos! You are such a really nice person!

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks so much for watching It makes it even more enjoyable when we get nice comments like yours - thank you

[@Marco_LaGuardia]

@@brilliantbikes ❤

[@jamieannakin2346]

This is really useful and helped me decide the ‘s’ type is right for me. Thank you very much 😊

[@brilliantbikes]

So glad it helped and thank you for watching!

[@tommyrq180]

I use the S-type because I’m a bike racer and want to get approximately the same riding position as my race bike. With the Brampton you can get VERY close! To modify the S-type bar, I use bar-end extensions (such as used on MTB bars) to get even more extension. I cut the bars shorter and use Ergon GP4 bar-ends for about a 50cm total bar width so it collapses around my wheel correctly. Very comfortable, variable hand positions with that setup. 😊

[@brilliantbikes]

Sounds interesting! Thanks for watching

[@nastythomashobbs]

I love the P Type handlebars. They are just so comfortable.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching - and letting us know your thoughts Maybe they just looked slightly too different - we think Brompton didn't sell enough to make it worthwhile?

[@blankenstein1649]

@@brilliantbikes supposedly, only around 5% of buyers chose the P bars, so i wouldn't be surprised if it just wasn't worth the cost. i have a P bar though and it's awesome. very comfy position with the option to get lower that the S bar if desired.

[@notifbutwhen-n8y]

Love the comparison at 2:37 👍

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you so much! It was fun being super imposed!

[@petercallaghan4718]

Flat bars work well with Ergon (brand) grips/bar ends fitted. Hands and wrists assume a in-line orientation, where the angle of the Ergon grips bar ends can be adjusted for vertical angle - gives hands a position similar to riding on brake hoods on a racing cycle. Brompton added Ergo grips on some bikes (eg the NYC version, which I’ve had for two years and ride most days - the riding position approximates to that of my racing bikes, which was set up by Pete Matthews (Wheel and bike builder).

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and the info re grips They do make the ride feel good

[@petercallaghan4718]

brilliantbikes Ergon grips also work well on the Airnimal Joey I have ... I chose the gp3 version for this bike, and the smaller gs3 on the Brompton. I cut the Airnimal bars to suit my shoulder width, using a large plumbers pipe cutter I have. I took the sharp edges off using a small metal working file. The Airnimal Joey is a nice bike for longer rides and rougher roads, and comfortable once a brookes flier (sprung) saddle was fitted... frame is stiff and unstrung (being another folder). The Airnimal has schwalbe kojak tyres, as does the Brompton,.. lighter than the marathon versions and grippy/comfortable ride. The Airnimal takes about 30 secs to fold and fits in its bag or can be wheeled when folded. It packs right down for flights or in car boots(second stage fold). It’s not as portable as a Brompton, as larger wheels etc), but complements the smaller bike well. a rack is fitted to mine with a pair of quick detachable ortlieb bags. had an Airnimal for 12 years and still produced in uk, with little changed in design.

[@brilliantbikes]

@@petercallaghan4718 Thanks for the extra info

[@My-Decaf-Journey]

Thanks for sharing and comparing all the handlebars. I got an M type and ordered a black edition with the S type and your video helped me to pick one. Thanks!

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching our video, commenting and your kind feedback We are glad it was of some help and hope you enjoy your S type when you get it - let us know how it goes

[@omerfaruker2903]

furkan bey kabloları kısaltmanıza gerek kaldımı?

[@My-Decaf-Journey]

@@omerfaruker2903 eger S type'i M type yapmak istiyorsaniz yeni kablo gerekiyor, evet

[@omerfaruker2903]

@@My-Decaf-Journey Furkan bey bende m6 var bunu stem değiştirmeden s gidon takmak istiyorum siz bu şekildemi yaptınız? Eğer bu şekilde yaptıysanız kabloları kısaltmanıza gerek kaldımı?

[@My-Decaf-Journey]

@@omerfaruker2903 Ben tam tersini yaptim S6'ya M handlebar taktim. S daha kisa M daha yuksek oldugu icin yeni kablo seti gerekiyor ama tam tersinde gerekmeyecektir. Ama M'den S'e degisimde riserbar almaniz gerekebilir aksi halde bisiklet tam kapanmayabilir.

[@WillEDC]

Since the S type stem is longer, what is the maximum height could you go without affecting the folding. Could you put a H bar on a S type stem?

[@owenchuarbx]

I first tried the M or H2L (can't fully remember) during my visit to a Brompton authorised reseller but I don't really like the upright feeling as it faces me the feeling of inattentiveness as I would do things other than looking on the road. So I opted for an S-Type for my Brompton.

[@RH-vd3yu]

Does it hurt your back on long trips?

[@memo6x9]

Hello, great video, but you forgot to mention the height of each stem. Is the S-type stem longer than the H-type stem? If yes, how much is the difference in millimeters or centimeters?

[@Loudarbyshire1]

Love your videos, they are so helpful. 👍🏻

[@brilliantbikes]

So glad they are helpful! Thank you for watching!!

[@alsner73]

Originally I really wanted a S type (for the simplistic look) but after trying them all out I ended up ordering my Black edition with M bars as it was more comfortable for my back.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching That’s why we recommend trying them out, you’ll definitely be more bent over on the S-type Great to hear your view / experience

[@alsner73]

@@brilliantbikes It was top advice too, I'm so glad I compared before I bought as I would've made an expensive mistake based purely on the looks of the bike itself. The visuals of the yourself on the bike really shows off the difference in bar types. Top job!

[@Robutube1]

Very helpful guide - thanks a lot. Those P-Bars look great, especially for touring as you say; do you have any idea why Brompton stopped them?

[@dobrealexvlad]

I love my S-bar C line Brompton. I like the speed

[@brilliantbikes]

We also like the simplicity of the 3 speed! Thanks for watching!

[@greggh]

What's your height? Trying to get some idea of how bent over I would be in comparison. Thanks.

[@stevenmason6234]

Love the outtakes

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you for watching all that way!

[@lookoutleo]

Ah so I need to change it from m type to h type, I find mine to low. So how do I change the stem as it's rivited. Can I buy a kit?

[@sheilastallard]

We have S type bars on both our Brompton's . What do you think about the P type?. Love your videos please keep em coming! xx

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. It’s such a shame that Brompton discontinued the P type, I had never ridden with them. But they looked great on the different hand positions.

[@charles0414]

It's not all about the height of the rider. I am 5'7 and most of the time I ride my H type or P type. I am like most of the Brompton users here and started with S type. However, my elbow hurts then it was my shoulder and lower back pain so I was forced to move to M type at the beginning. Eventually I switch to H type for city and P type for longer rides.

[@cirodirosa6752]

Is the ride less bumpy going from S through to the H as one gets more support from the suspension block?

[@fatlatte1671]

I'm a 5ft tall petite female, would prefer an upright riding position. Which handlebar would suit me best please?

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching The classic M-type would probably be the best bet

[@fatlatte1671]

@@brilliantbikes thank you!

[@EMMvideography]

Brompton, my forever dream bike.

[@Esqz33]

Great videos keep up the good work.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching, and for your kind comment - it’s really motivating for us

[@normanzielke6108]

I’ve long legs (87,5 cm 34,4 inch inseam), so I definitely need the extended seat post. I like a sporty position, but combining the extended seat post with a s type bar is probably too much.

[@brilliantbikes]

It’s such a personal decision, we have seen this setup before. We would really recommend trying a demo bike to make sure you are happy with the configuration before you take the plunge. Thank you for the question and for watching!

[@taniacruz5080]

Hi I’m only 4’11 and really unsure as to which handlebar I should choose. The S sounds good because it’s the lowest but it also extends the furthest. I want to be somewhere in between sporty and sitting straight up. Is it possible to get the S, with my seat post low enough and pushed far enough forward, that I could achieve something resembling the M handlebar for normal riders? Any help would be greatly appreciated! My local bike shop does not have theS bar in store so I need to be sure of what I order.

[@brilliantbikes]

We would really recommend you come and try one and have a play around. We also have some shorter seats posts if you need one.

[@taniacruz5080]

@@brilliantbikes aww I would if I could! I’m in Canada 🇨🇦

[@nocturneleven1]

I have had my Brompton for the past 15 years and bought it with the P Type handle bars. Love the way work for me and I wonder why they have been discontinued.

[@blankenstein1649]

i have a P bar as well. purchased in 2018. if i remember right, P bars accounted for something like 5% of bromptons sold, so it might just not have been cost effective to keep making them. i love it though. such a unique design. i just wish the lower position had brake levers too.

[@simonreid_eMTB]

Also the P type gives a little bit of spring when going over bumps. The S type which I converted from, was too low and gave wrist shock.

[@nigelmoscrop9987]

Great video , very informative , just wondering what the H's and L's stood for

[@tetiker]

high and low i assume

[@abrarsutube]

love your videos xx ❤🙏🏽

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you so much for watching!!😀

[@wulfsige14]

on the H type can you still reach the breaks? as I notice they are in a downward position.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching! Yes I could still reach the brakes. You can adjust the angle for comfort

[@effyleven]

"P" type no longer available? That's a shame. I nearly went for that one.. but settled on the "H" for all the same reasons the Nordics do.

[@brilliantbikes]

That’s correct - the P type was discontinued totally earlier this year Now there are 3 options - H / M / S How are you finding the H-type?

[@hclarke]

Also wondering how you find the H type, trying to decide on M or H

[@tiltil9442]

The H type also makes sense for those using the longer seat tubes.

[@A-Wa]

is there a solution to ride more upright than the H type? maybe a third party? I really like the dutch position due to heavy traffic here but the H type doesnt look „dutch enough“ :/

[@brilliantbikes]

We would really recommend taking one for a test ride, I think you would be surprised, they ride quite Dutch style

[@nicolescott89]

my concern with the H bar is when it brakes the bar goes forward. is that a problem over time? I'm unsure between M & H bar for the positioning. i tried both and I like the H bar for a more upright position but the handlebar movement on braking worries me alittle.

[@phungmoe2302]

@brillianbikes, any chance I can change the handle bar on my S stem set up be the same height as the H bar set up? Any suggestion on the type of handle bar? Much appreciated or you inputs!!

[@dirtyharry5957]

Those butterfly bars looked better and covered all the aspects

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for watching! Do you mean the old P type handlebars? Yea they did cover lots of hand positions.

[@dirtyharry5957]

@@brilliantbikes yes thats the ones I meant. I like the look of them

[@stewartdorrell2506]

Many thanks for your excellent videos. I have a 2009 6 speed with P handlebars. After several years of carrying groceries on the front block, the block is now loose and cannot be tightened up using the screw. Is there any simple solution please? Stewart Dorrell

[@devjon123]

Hi Stewart, Just seen your post. The luggage block is in two parts.The front part is held on with a Philips / Pozi type screw. The base part that screws on the the bike is underneath this and held on with two hex head screws. With my Block these two screws were just a fraction too long and "bottomed out" before the base was able to become fully tight. I fixed it by adding an extra washer under the bolt heads, It might be worth removing the part that mates with the luggage and check that these haven't worked loose.

[@stewartdorrell2506]

Kevin D Hi Kevin Many thanks for your advice. Stewart

[@handsonbrompton7875]

Love your videos!

[@sanjisan4166]

Hi, can I change B75 handlebar with S type handlebar? My height is 5'4 / 163cm..need help and explanation. Thanks in advance 😄

[@JP-qn4uo]

How do you tell which type of handlebar it is when in a shop if the salesperson isn't sure?

[@brilliantbikes]

It is kind of easy: The low (S Type) is straight. The mid (M Type) is the curved. The night (H type) is curved with an extra bit of stem at the bottom. Thanks for the question and for watching!

[@TheRoadoiler]

Can I mount the P style handlebars to my M6L without needing new control cables?

[@brilliantbikes]

Many thanks for the question. No the P type st was shorter than the stem used on the M type. So this would impact on the fold and it would need very long cables.

[@steveharrison8457]

Can you do a video on converting the old gear levers to the new type on a 6 speed S Thanks

[@whazzat8015]

If you need a vid for that , you prolly should take it to the shop. Try a cable replacement vid, if you must. It's all there. Brompton has good instructions online and in bag with the cables.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Mine is an H, I think, as I have bought it in Copenhagen without any alternatives shown to me, but the colour.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment The easiest way to tell if it's a H-type is to look at the stem (under the headset) ... there is about 2-3cm of frame tubing there, compared to almost nothing on the M-type

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@brilliantbikes I will try that, but I have found out that my seat post is a 600 mm, from the outset, as I can't put it into my B&W solid travelbox, without removing my saddle and post! I have bought a telescope stem from You, actually, which may make it possible. But I intend to buy a titanium post for it also (A Lightwweight!), as an ordinary post here, at home in Denmark. ;-)

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

Of course not a stem, but a post!!

[@andythousand345]

Awesome comparison. I currently have the S-type.

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - it’s really motivating

[@andythousand345]

brilliantbikes love watching. Keep em coming!

[@iant5222]

good comparison thanks

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you for watching - and for your kind feedback

[@haekalzenarifin]

Can i know how tall are you?

[@brilliantbikes]

No problem I am 5 foot 5 inches

[@Adqam64]

Informative as usual but wish you hadn't gone back to using backing music :-(

[@brilliantbikes]

Thanks for watching, and the feedback We were trying to cover the road noise For you, is the traffic a better background? And which device du you use to listen?

[@Adqam64]

@@brilliantbikes I would always prefer the ambient sounds to backing music since it makes the speech easier to understand. I listen on mobile and PC.

[@brilliantbikes]

@@Adqam64 Thanks for letting us know .... we will make sure we don't spoil the next one with loud music - maybe the drone of traffic and a ticking freewheel :-)

[@CosgroveNotts]

Brilliant

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you 😊

[@SLASHMPI]

Thanks

[@brilliantbikes]

Thank you for watching!

[@vnykgrkr]

👌👍

[@WisteriaBerlitz]

👍

[@Ferdian-yt4ph]

give me 1 brompton