Why the Brompton G Frame Loses to its Competition (9.2024)

[@macanic5161]

Get away from the screen and RIDE one. 😂

[@SmallWheelWonder]

People who own Ferraris don't ride in Civics.

[@macanic5161]

@@SmallWheelWonder So why do the write about Civics then? 🤔

[@SmallWheelWonder]

Because some people try to sell Civics for Ferrari prices.

[@vantrogh]

I agree, Dan. The bend on the G line frame is not as smooth and graceful as the regular Brompton frame 😅

[@SmallWheelWonder]

They are getting worse.

[@mranonymous8815]

The Birdy "folding very much like the G-Line" is not tenable. It maybe holds for the final folding measure which is comparable but I rode a Birdy for 5 years and I can tell you the folding mechanism is a pain in the ass. Very complicated, unstable and with a dirty hands guarantee.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

I think the Birdy folds better than the G line because it's a lot lighter and more compact. There's no need for a shopping cart on gravel trails.

[@Garfie1d73]

The birdy folds significantly smaller than the G-line because of the very big handle bar on the G-line bikes. The folding mechanism of the Birdy is working fine as long as you have at least a basic understanding of how it's meant to be done. It's not unstable at all and I never get dirty hands. Perhaps give the bike a little bit more love (cleaning) from time to time?

[@mranonymous8815]

@@Garfie1d73 I know how it is folded, I have the original description as I bought it new and I additionally watched the video from R+M (the original manufacturer). The question is anyway not how good or not it folds, that's subjective, but the question is how it folds compared to the Brompton, and by Brompton standards it's a pain in the ass. And if you regularly drive gravel and use your brakes often (and don't have disc brakes) you will for sure have dirty hands as you have to grab the fork when folding exactly where brake dust will end up (unless you clean the fork on a daily basis).

[@garyseckel295]

Fascinating to learn in-depth details about multiple well-engineered offerings.

[@alexandersommer6764]

Fair points raised, looks is subjective though. Also, perhaps worth giving the G line a try when you get the chance. Reviews seem favourable. Perhaps to look at it is that G is not trying to replace or compete with the C/P/T lines, they're just another "category".

[@SmallWheelWonder]

Looks are mostly not subjective, but that's another video.

[@davidhunternyc1]

I love how the G-Line has lit a fire in your belly! You're on a rampage... I mean... roll. 🤣

[@MetaDoll]

I think this is a great bike, not bad for a 20 inch folder, but I have seen cheaper and lighter 20 inch wheel bikes. As far as I see it, this bike would be good for taking it in when I go grocery shopping or going to an office job, but that's about it.. It's not worth 3grand just to be able to fold it enough to get into a grocery store or under an office desk. Nice bike though.

[@slowcyclist4324]

Well, the fact that the G-line has bigger wheels and, finally, disc brakes, are the ONLY reason why I considered ordering one. Get on with the times man. Small wheels and rim brakes are crap. I know how you feel since I grew up on 26” wheels on MTB, but having used 29” wheels, you simply cannot go back to smaller wheels again for the stability and ability to just bulldoze over obstacles.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

You failed to watch and understand the video. I never promoted grip brakes or compared 20 to 28 inch wheels.

[@goki22]

If this bike was lighter(different frame material like Titankum or even carbon) Would that solve its issue ? I like 20inch wheels but need the bike to be light still..

[@SmallWheelWonder]

The Birdy GT is at least 8 LBs lighter at only 22 LBs: www.birdybikes.com/birdygt. I doubt any material changes to the G line can top that.

[@LunaLab206]

Have you considered making a video comparing more mid range folding bikes? Thanks!

[@SmallWheelWonder]

What do you mean by mid range 🤔?

[@LunaLab206]

@@SmallWheelWonder Good question - sub 1k? I’d like a deep dive in the Tern, Dahon, and other brands I can’t think of. Thanks, love your videos.

[@rogerblake843]

They reshaped the fork and made it aluminum. That seems strange.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

It is very strange.

[@richmondstar4354]

@@rogerblake843 weight I guess for stem and fork…otherwise you’ll add extra more lbs and that will put off some people evenmore…standard Brompton 12kg if you lifting on stairs you do struggle sometimes.

[@gdwlaw5549]

I am about to order my first ever Brompton and feel completely lost? I need something to get around town and carry on public transport.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

For your needs, a scooter would be far more useful. I have done a video on the best of them.

[@notawolf17]

C Line 6 or 12 speed depending on your needs, both are very good

[@Garfie1d73]

Get a scooter or the small Birdy. The P-line is quite attractive because of its low weight.

[@richmondstar4354]

@@gdwlaw5549 if you can DiY it’s the best option by buying second hand Brompton and get or upgrades parts where you can save weight. Scooter is good but not sure if you go slightly off road though or roads with lots of cobble stones unless you can miss those…but bike is good one way to keep heart healthy😀

[@gdwlaw5549]

@@Garfie1d73 I agree about the P-Line. In Paris we even get a 500 euro reabte from the governement. The only condition is that it has to be bought in a shop within Paris itself!

[@ZZz7ZZzzZZz7ZzZZzz7Z]

bro is a yapper

[@davidhunternyc1]

... but if you listen to bro's "yapping," you might learn something. He's really smart.

[@capmidnite]

How about the Bike Friday AlPacka?

[@SmallWheelWonder]

Already reviewed.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I think this is a: "We really don't know for what purpose" bike! It undoubtedly rides a little better on the larger wheels, but why to buy a Brompton is the small fold and transport and not how it rides! And a Moulton to my knowledge hardly folds at all? My much modified 2019, 6 gear Superlight is now down to below - 9kilo, with mudguards still and it fits in my moderate size cars luggage room. A G-line won't do that! I would like to change my Heavy S. A. 6 speed with an Asian made 7 speed wheel and one changer only, which is able to fit an ordinary Brompton triangle also. Finn. Denmark

[@richmondstar4354]

@@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188 only thing with it though on a 16” wheel, 7 speed derailleur is just clearing the ground from what I have seen on photos or videos…perhaps fine if mostly flat…the only derailleur I have seen that looks easy to adjust is the LTWOO brand…if they could slightly trim the size down it looks perfect.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@richmondstar4354 I have seen sets of a single changer and wheels for a 7 speed chain-gear and I would love to try to replace just my one wheel and a changer, as it will make my 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton even lighter than its present 9 kilo (with an S.A. 6 speed set), and still with my mudguards, as a Rainy Dane (I have changed the brackets holding the titanium stays to a set from carbon)! I admit that hitting the ground with a low hanging changer is not that fine but it may be adjusted to a little higher position with less chain and/or a larger chainwheel in front. At first I hardly knew for what use I had my 3 low gears, till I met an absurd hill going up, and up and had to walk on top!! I was honestly afraid when Racing down again (From a former Lighthouse), as I had to often stop for crossing Cattlebars in the road, for a passing on foot, but my brakes never let me down! Finn. Denmark

[@Temple211]

try riding one they ride lovely

[@SmallWheelWonder]

You try riding the competition.

[@Fetucinee]

Looks are subjective so one's personal perspective doesn't have the same currency across the board. From a form-follows-function aspect I don't object to the G-line's esthetic. The determining factor in many of your complaints is this: a 20" wheel size. There's no way around it: it will result in a higher center of gravity and a larger folded size than a 16" wheel variant, all other things being equal. I don't know why you're introducing the Moulton in your comparisons: it's not a folding bike. Why not include 700c and 26" wheeled bikes equipped with S & S couplers then?

[@SmallWheelWonder]

This channel is NOT about folding bikes but those with small wheels up to around 20," so this lineup is entirely valid and has been with the channel since the beginning.

[@richmondstar4354]

Not keen on the style of the new stem on G line…I know it’s got to be design like to clear the wheels when folding…side view looks like running away from you😂….S stem looks better to me.

[@ahkl77]

What a load of bull. The G-Line frame would have gone through engineering for it to retain the classic frame profile, it is steel and not alloy like the Birdy monocoque frame. You’re comparing apples with oranges 🤦‍♂️

[@SmallWheelWonder]

The G has not retained the elegance of the original design. I only compared it to bikes in the same class, so the comparison is legitimate.

[@CasablancaDriver]

No geometry numbers here. You talk a lot without any data to support it and comparing pictures without any sense of scale. And there is a lot of approximations. Sorry but I miss to see the point of your 15 min (!!) video analysis.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

My videos are partly to help riders, but they are also intended to offend people like you, thereby providing entertainment.

[@garyseckel295]

There is NO equivalent technical comparative source of detailed information. OR, any applicable most direct experience! Let us see, read and judge YOUR equivalent complex efforts!!!

[@CaffeineJogger]

Its ALL about the fold. This is why Brompton always wins.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

The Birdy's fold is more compact than that of the G line, not to mention much lighter in weight.

[@CaffeineJogger]

I also have a birdy, 24 speed gen 2 and I love it. While it does fold the bike is unusable In a folded position. Plus its just plain awkward. No shopping cart mode. Still! Its a fantastic bike but if I could choose one its Brompton. Fold is gold.

[@SmallWheelWonder]

I rode a Birdy for 12 years and agree.

[@tiparracofino-i9e]

cómo puedes hablar sin haberla probado...

[@SmallWheelWonder]

Expert analysis.

[@tiparracofino-i9e]

Pues te falta añadir datos para tema estabilidad… porque solo lo del centro de gravedad es insuficiente, manillar más ancho, ruedas más grandes… pero es solo mi opinión, habrá que probarla. Saludos

[@garyseckel295]

Applied knowledge AND experience with you still knowing it was not actually "Having tried it."

[@trolleyob]

Whatever were the present crew that's at the helm of Brompton smoking, when they decided that building a heavy, expensive folding BMX bike with hub gears is the way forward for the company in the 21st Century? Bye bye Brompton...

[@richmondstar4354]

Exactly what I thought… BMX😅

[@garyseckel295]

Agree. Cannot equal the best offerings in both areas of interest!

[@Garfie1d73]

I agree. It's too heavy to carry down steps. The 16 inch Brompton is a much better solution.