Story of Brompton Bicycles - How They Folded Their Way to The Top

[@franciscosantana899]

This little bicycle changed my life. After I sold my car, I selected the Brompton for its versatility. I can tuck it away in my living room and under a table at work. I can take it into a coffee shop, I have traveled with it via bus and plane. The bicycle is one of the greatest inventions and the Brompton has thrusted the bicycle into the modern era of city living. Thank you for this video.

[@eBikeInspection]

We're so glad to hear that this little bicycle has made such a positive impact on your life! It's amazing how something as simple as a bike can bring so much convenience and joy. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@johnwright6800]

I’ve had my Brompton since 1992 so I should be ok for another 8 years. ‘

[@peterwillson1355]

32+8+40. My first bike was a 1940s one( obviously ​not a brompton) which my mother had when 15. I started using it when it was already 40 or so and it died only from theft.@johnwright6800

[@felipegomez581]

I need one

[@stephenschuit7880]

I've had a Brompton since 2012-I'm on my 2nd one now. There is a saying that goes around the Brompton community. It says that "every time you get on a Brompton, it brings a smile to your face." That is completely true for me. I lead bike tours of light houses here in Maine, USA on my Brompton, and have ridden around Lake Balaton (in Hungary) on my Brommie (150-miles). One of my best consumer purchases ever!

[@eBikeInspection]

Good to hear. Thanks for sharing.

[@luisvidnunes]

Brompton unfolds freedom and smiles! The best folding bike in the world! We have 2 in our family and waiting for the 3rd, an electric one! Nice video!👍

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Stay tuned.

[@jjneoh4558]

I used it for my daily commute to work and leisure rides.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Westcoast_Kyle]

Have to say We love our Brompton bikes ,it rides better than my full sized hybrid bike.Funny, when you take it out, people look and get confused when we fold them and stash it under the table for a quick bite..lol.I hope this company never changes.😊👍👍👍

[@eBikeInspection]

Fair enough!

[@sfin01as]

I love my Brompton ❤

[@eBikeInspection]

We too.

[@earlbee3196]

I❤my Brompton, 🚴🏼‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚴🏼

[@gohumberto]

I'm going to hazard a guess that there are a higher percentage of Bromptons, that were ever made, still out there on the road, than any other bike. They are extremely tough, they generally get stored inside and they are highly prized. It must be a rare thing to see one thrown onto a scrap heap because even poor examples command quite a high price. My story: I am a keen cyclist and always wanted a Brompton ... but could never really justify the outlay. My elderly Uncle passed away and, tucked away in a corner of his tiny flat, was a Pink Brompton, over-painted, with a brush, in matt black. I "inherited" it, stripped off most of the black paint and now I own a pink and black blotchy 3-speed. My friends convinced me to keep the rather unique paint-job. I have since fitted a SWYTCH electric conversion to it plus a Burley Travoy folding Trailer setup. It enables me to lug my Camera gear to events such as The Tour de France, where it's impossible to park nearby in a car. If you've never ridden one then you'd be surprised at how well they ride. I have ridden Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km (on my Road bike) with someone on a Brompton. OK, they said "Never again", but still 1200km in 4 days on a Brommy!!!! (Trust me, it's tough enough on a full carbon road bike). If you live and/or work in a city .... JUST BUY ONE.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, suggestions & experience.

[@bbdj2779]

Rather amusing to see pins in Greenland and Alaska on the map illustrating international growth of Brompton. Yeah, I’m sure there are huge sales of folding bikes in Juneau and Nuuk. 😅

[@eBikeInspection]

Haha, you caught that! Brompton bikes truly go everywhere, but maybe not quite as many in Nuuk or Juneau.

[@dtyn]

I got my first Brompton in 2015. I have 2 now. It can do everything except mountain biking (which I don’t do). Plus I don’t have to carry spares. Just fold and get on a train, bus or cab if there’s a problem.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks fro sharing with us.

[@mackirkpatrick3997]

I absolutely LOVE my T Line (LIGHT for carrying up stairs to a train for instance), just upgraded to a 12 speed so now I have the lower gears I need. It goes everywhere in my car's trunk/boot w/o hanging on a clumsy rack on the rear of my car, where it would be out in the weather, and begging to stolen from an exterior rack while it rattles and makes noise. I can catch an Uber anytime I need to, for whatever reason, being tired, rain commences, flat, anything. And I get exercise that is so enjoyable. It is a panacea. Thank you Brompton.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing.

[@seansixfive]

Great story. I first started seeing them in the 90s on my commute into central London. Suited businessmen would board the train with them. I was always fascinated by the way the seemed to kick and flip them into full fold mode within seconds. To be able to exit the mainline trains with a Brompton for the final part of the commute must have been very liberating. Rush hour underground was never pleasant. If hipsters think they invented cool they should think again.

[@eBikeInspection]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ticnatz]

I just ordered my first Brompton (P-Line-E) I pick it up in a couple of days. So excited.....

[@eBikeInspection]

Hope you'll enjoy your ride

[@mariomartin8795]

I commute with my T line 12speed, I take it on the train and put it under my desk at work. It's simply my favorite bike I own, I am constantly trying to do small upgrades to lighten the already very light weight bike. I never roll the bike on the train or to my car so I have removed the EZ wheels and replaced them with H&H titanium stands instead. Not only does it lighten the bike ever so slightly but makes it so that the bike does not roll side to side on the train. That is my feedback on the Brompton Cheers!

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing your amazing experience with Brompton. Cheers!!

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

As an owner of a now much less weight than: 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton, it is a horrible, hard rolling bike on the small wheels, but for its purpose, "easy transport" as folded, it is exceptional! I have changed many of my original parts to Carbon and Titanium, still with my "mudguards" on my bike, as a "Rainy Dane", to now a 8,5 kilo "fighting weight" and I expect that changing all the original "Heavy Metal" clamps on my mudguards (even on a Superlight Brompton!) and some, a few more extra parts of my original brakes, to titanium, will make it reach at least 8 kilo (+ a new carbon, M shaped handlebar)!!! I use a black titanium, and "Brompton Shaped" black seat post and a turned round, lightweight saddle clamp, to be able to use my German B&W box for transport during travels (My original Scandinavian, 600mm seat post is too long for use in it, without taking my "Folding Bike" apart!) and a - Telescope post is too damned heavy, with its "double tube" and an extra clamp, most of the way! Now about the same - weight as a Double Price, T-line (with mudguards, of course!), and still with - all my 6 gears ready for use! Riding up a Wild Serpentine road in Denmark, even with my lowest gears and a little too much personal weight, as a tall and heavy person, I had to - walk for a higher speed! 😄 Finn. Denmark

[@eBikeInspection]

Sorry to hear your horrible experience. We are expecting that Brompton will take a special look for guy like you while relase their new products.😬 Thanks for sharing your experience, stay with us.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@eBikeInspection I have thought about replacing my stem-post to a version from Titanium, as the only major part left to be replaced to a lighter version (Except the Frame of course), but I want a "Flame Painted" version, still to make my bike look as "Original" as possible! No need to advertise: Expensive Parts! And as a First after my buy in 2019, I gave all my bike an Auto Polish, and found one protective, "Clear Tape"(🙄) on my frame, nearly worn through to the paint after three folds!! So I at once gave the "Chinese, Brompton like, Parts Industry" a call and bought a full set of "Protection Plates" for - all the Week Points on a Brompton! I have a titanium, Ceramic Crank and a Ceramic head set balls + have changed near all discs, nuts and bolts on my bike to titanium + the axle in front, also titanium. Finn. Denmark

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

And I have a set of Chinese carbon and alu clamps and - holders ready to be changed on my mudguards, plus a few extra parts for my now only partly - original brakes. It seems that Brompton near constantly changes bolt and part sizes, just for the fun of it, as the size of the crank-box? Finn

[@i-vernsimphonique3012]

Brompton bikes are lovely and they come in so many colours! Nice history about Brompton. Appreciate much! From Singapore. ❤

[@eBikeInspection]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Brompton bikes truly are amazing with all the colors they offer.

[@i-vernsimphonique3012]

@@eBikeInspection Yes! I like colours like cloud blue, bolt blue and flame lacquer.

[@leotung6253]

Mint and other Asia Brompton-like folding bike factories will drive such style more durable and highly competitive.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for the information.

[@hoser7706]

Lets hope they remain a private company and keep production in England built by hand, as they expand. Do not start manufacturing Bromptons in other countries and cheapen the brand or the brands story.

[@MrAjayz]

They are also sold in New Zealand!

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for the info!

[@michaelpickles1422]

I bought my first in 2011, a second one for my partner in 2013, persuaded my sons partner to buy one in 2019, eventually persuaded my son to buy his during early 2023, at the time he complained about my up selling him on model and accessories, three months later he berated me for not convincing earlier to buy one. As he bought it on the ride to work scheme and it paid for itself through savings on TfL fares after six months, he now claims why wouldn't anybody want a free bike? As for ours we have cycled through France and Spain on holiday, been towpath touring up the Grand Union canal and all the day to day miles as well.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Gr1ff1D0]

I really like my Brompton. The video deliberately skipped the most interesting parts of the design decisions and focused on finance. The Brompton solved the issue of the risky ride characteristics of a specific folding bike. That bike was briefly shown but the opportunity to look deeper into design and custom engineering was simply overlooked. We are left with a a finance promotion rather than a proper look at the story of the Brompton.

[@eBikeInspection]

You picked the great point! Thanks for sharing.

[@BromptonHabitude-fe1in]

We have four, and have eyes on a fifth!! If you're asking, I don't know why either!!! 🤔

[@eBikeInspection]

good to know, seems like you're the biggest fan

[@willalm830]

The roller wheels on the c-line too small, it's like dragging a corpse by the arm

[@eBikeInspection]

bro 😂 your example is ..

[@LaineyBug2020]

It should design one that fits in a carry on...and also costs under 1k.

[@eBikeInspection]

what if they compromise on quality then?

[@torokun]

I love Brompton. But their insistence on not renovating fast enough + patents running out + high prices will be a downfall in the long run.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing

[@Gr1ff1D0]

@@torokun I am often amused by the doomsayers who fail to look at why the product really sells. Brompton has its own unique appeal. It is not trying to compete with the mass market. Think of Morgan Cars.

[@swagmanandy]

Y'all pronounce 'Chiswick' WITHOUT the 'W'.....

[@eBikeInspection]

Noted! Thanks

[@edumardel]

Brompton frame worths the effort of purchasing, but we won't take apart the fact of having poor quality components, even in higher configurations, currently top improvements for Brompton are happening in asia-pacific environments, instead of Europe or US, but Brompton isn't up to realize such a enormous true. They're still trying to make fairy tale's based marketing instead of realistic daily appliances for real life, roads and challenges.

[@eBikeInspection]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Brompton’s unique frame is definitely a highlight, and it’s interesting to see innovations coming from Asia-Pacific. Hopefully, Brompton keeps evolving to meet real-world needs even better!

[@albertstufkens4844]

I bought an old Brompton for its practicality in combination with my car as an extension to it. But I found that certain people developed a cult around it. This is quite catchy, I must say. I came to be shocked by the prices for new ones, which caused me to look at a Brompton in a different way. What I find charming about it is the relative ease to update and improve it. What annoys me is the nerve Brompton have in terms of prices. No wonder Asians have started to produce excellent clones for one third of the price for a Brompton. What I find laughable is the claim and demonstrations on how easily a weight of around 14 kg can be carried around. Pure bullshit.😂

[@eBikeInspection]

Very disappointing.

[@johnfowler4820]

Chis- ick . The w is silent.

[@eBikeInspection]

Noted!

[@allansoria3478]

I'm sold but if only it cuts it's basic price in half. Until then. it still a Dahon for me.

[@eBikeInspection]

okay

[@effyleven]

It's BICK-erton, not "BRICK-erton." They are still around, although now made in Taiwan and Vietnam.

[@eBikeInspection]

Noted! Thank you. Stay with us.

[@wandamaddox7824]

Brickertons are great - but they're heavy - like a brick.

[@effyleven]

And "Chiswick" has a silent "w"... ... thus "Chisick."

[@hobocyclist]

Rich ppl love it 😂

[@eBikeInspection]

Not a joke though!

[@flmason]

Why are Bromptons so much more expensive than other bikes?

[@eBikeInspection]

Hand made in the UK and with very high resale value. Popularity also influenced by a much smaller, and more elegantly designed fold than the competitors.

[@flmason]

@@eBikeInspection Yeah... but I can get a Honda XR150 for that price and be highway legal with it. Those prices are outlandish.

[@davidschaffer4921]

@@flmason Sure you can, but I don't think you will have to portability with that as you would a Brompton. If you fly someplace, your XR150 stays at home. There are advantages to each. You should do what you feel would be best for you. I personally like the fact that these bikes are handmade and high-quality. I also researched and see that a Brompton does not depreciate as much the XR150.

[@flmason]

@@davidschaffer4921 I'm sorry, I just don't see it. I wouldn't drag a bike through airlines. I'd be inclined to lease a car when I got there, too. In an age of CNC machinery,... a bicycle priced like a motorcycle just doesn't seem right to me. The reason I'd by a folding bike is... I don't have a garage to keep a serious bike in, or similar reasons. Otherwise a $300 Schwinn 21 speed would give me equal or better service and more capability. Actually I'd like to have a vintage internal gear bike or a Penny Farthing, LOL! So my main point is... they are overpriced... you can get much more value for dollar in other places... and no one has managed to justify the excessive price, near as I can tell. And c'mon we all know the real reasons... they're built in the first world... so higher labor costs... because higher cost of living... and brand name cachet. They're hipster status symbols.

[@Gr1ff1D0]

Great bikes are not cheap things. Brompton like other well built bikes is designed to last. It is all about value.

[@andresgonzalezcerda7635]

Why Chinese have not copied this design already?

[@eBikeInspection]

Will copy soon.

[@andreacaciolli5250]

@@eBikeInspection they did with different brands