Storability, portability, compactness Freedom and independence

Not characteristics you might associate with a bicycle; Everything on a Brompton is designed to make it easy to fold, handy
but the Brompton is different. to carry and fun to ride… leaving you to revel in the spontaneity and
freedom that comes with a Brompton.
It’s a full-sized bike that folds easily into a highly compact,
portable package. You’ll love its agile handling, fast acceleration and comfortable ride;
you’ll appreciate how easily you can carry your kit; above all, you’ll
The practicality built into elements like the Brompton's solid hinges,
value the flexibility of a bike that tears up the transport rule book
robust finish and unique luggage system are the product of an engineering
and puts you in charge of your journey.
heritage and a passion for cycling.

Personal transport
From the city commuter to the round-the-world cyclist, from those in a hurry aircraft, it can easily be checked in; and it’s great to ride off at the other end...
to those with time on their hands, the Brompton is the personal transport in cars, on yachts, behind the pilot’s seat of a single-prop and on narrow
solution, wherever you go. It allows you to rethink, vary and adapt your boats, Bromptons are taken on trips as frequently as they take their owners
journeys at will; a Brompton sets you free from the constraints imposed by on journeys.
the combustion engine, the weather, transport administrators, bike thieves
And at journey’s end, your Brompton fits in a cupboard, under a desk
and other layers of complexity.
or in a cloakroom, safe from theft and ready for your next journey by
On trains and buses it tucks neatly into luggage space (it is welcome on personal transport.
practically all public transport)... even if it won’t fit as hand luggage in most
About the design A Brompton will easily become part of your daily
life, and we have developed many options to make
Here, most of the critical engineering (from
bending tube through frame-building to final
your Brompton just right for you: ride position, assembly) takes place in-house. We have complete
Finely-engineered and elegant, the Brompton has a full-sized Much of the componentry has been specially designed to suit gearing, luggage, superlight titanium, lighting and control over materials, and for every bike we ship
frame, made mainly of high-tensile steel alloys for strength the Brompton’s folding. There are no projections or loose other parts can all be selected to suit, and the we can identify whose work went into key stages
and stiffness. The combination of a rigid frame and accurate parts and, using the frame or saddle as a handle, the folded colour options allow you to personalise it further. of its manufacture.
alignment makes for efficient transmission of your energy, bike carries like a small suitcase, lightweight and easy While a custom-built B-spoke Brompton allows Moreover, most of the production team uses a
delivering a lively, first-rate ride. to manage. you to choose exactly what you want, you can keep Brompton so we have a good feel for how the
things simple by opting for one of our key models. product needs to be and a real confidence in the
There are various models, but all share the ingenious The fold is designed to keep vulnerable parts, like lights and But every Brompton, regardless of whether it’s a quality of what we make.
Brompton frame geometry and fold into the same small cable-runs, out of harm’s way and, by folding them in, to keep B-spoke or key model, is built to order in our own
package, little larger than the wheels. Rear suspension is the greasy chain and gears away from clothing and luggage. factory in West London.
standard, and this also allows instant ‘parking’ of the bike, Rollers underneath make it easy to stow the bike in difficult
a useful feature and the first step in folding. Actual weight corners and can also be used for wheeling the folded bike.
depends on model and configuration, but ranges from just
The Brompton is the only bike in the world to combine
under 9kg – 12½ kg (20 – 28lbs).
such portability with a first-class ride.
Folding or unfolding is simple and takes ten to twenty
seconds. Once parked, the Brompton stands on its
own, leaving both hands free. Once folded, a Brompton
automatically stays securely locked together –
reassuring when running for a train or handing
it to a cloakroom attendant!

'My original aim was no more than to make a folding bike which That’s the joy of the Brompton; even though it’s a way
worked. And maybe to have some fun, and even get rich. of life, I don’t have to use it. But when I do, the sense of
independence is great, and from the enthusiastic feedback
The Brompton certainly works, and I ride my own, a P2L,
we get from users around the world I know I’m not alone.
more or less 5,000 miles a year, and fold it two or three
times a day. As for building up the company, it’s been the usual mix of
satisfaction, hard work and worries: not always fun, but
It’s my daily transport to work and around London and
incredibly rewarding. And though Brompton prospers,
I’m seldom without it on a train or on holiday: a couple of
I’ve rather lost interest in getting rich – there’s no time.'
Bromptons come in the car when away for a weekend, often
unused, but always to hand, ready for a spin. Andrew Ritchie
Designer of the Brompton
Key Model Bromptons Superlight
We do not offer standard models For those looking for further weight savings,
each key model can be built to a superlight
because nothing we make is standard: specification, with front forks, rear frame,
every bike is built specially to order. seat pillar and other smaller features made
out of high-strength titanium alloy.
There are three types of Brompton
– the M, S and P Types – with distinct Superlight key models also come with
handlebars designed for different styles a lightweight Vitesse fi’zi:k saddle and are
about a kilo lighter: a striking saving when
of riding and use. The myriad variations carrying a Brompton regularly.
possible with a B-spoke order are explored
on the following pages, but we have also M3L-X
created a key model to represent each
Brompton type. These key models come
properly kitted out, complete with
mudguards and lighting, ready for the
road; essential variants such as saddle
height and luggage can also be specified.

P6R-X

M3L P6R S2L

S2L-X
M Type P Type S Type
The distinctive shape of the M Type’s The two positions afforded by the P Type’s handlebars are designed For many, the best-looking Brompton, and,
handlebars has been used on the with the touring cyclist in mind. with its Kevlar brake cables and high-tensile-alloy
Brompton since the outset: the ride is handlebar, it is also 145g lighter than the M Type.
Although 175g heavier than the M Type, the lower grips (height
fairly upright (grip height 1015mm)
880mm), angled for comfort on longer stretches of road, allow the The grips are lower (height 935mm) and further
with excellent control.
rider to get down out of the wind and deliver real power to the forward (by 50mm) than on the M Type, giving
The M Type is the all-rounder in our pedals; but beware that brakes are fitted to the top bar only. The a sporty riding position which complements
range and the most popular Brompton, as much at home in the city upper grips (1033mm) provide a welcome contrast after a long stretch of riding and also give the positive feel of the S Type.
as on a country lane, and with plenty of room for luggage at the front. good control in traffic.
Key Model: S2L Our derailleur system turns a single-speed into a nimble
Key Model: M3L The classic Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub for Key Model: P6R A rear rack gives additional luggage-carrying capacity and the 6 well-spaced gears 2-speed: without the weight of a gear hub, the S2L is a light bike that can
the classic Brompton. 11.6kg, including battery lighting. will handle almost all gradients encountered on long rides. 12.5kg, including tyre dynamo lighting. handle most journeys. 10.8kg, including battery lighting.
B-spoke Bromptons Frame Colours Colours All-steel frame
a

Superlight frame
Extremities
Main frame
Personalised transport. These pages provide details of the Keeping weight to a minimum will be a priority if you expect On all Bromptons, steel is used for the main On a bike with an all-steel frame you can
frame and handlebar stem. The steel gives choose either to have it finished in one colour b
features employed on our key models (see centre pages) to carry the bike regularly. Whatever other features you need, • Surcharge
rigidity to the vital link between handlebar and or in two, with the extremities and main frame
and of the full range of B-spoke options available on a you can always save about a kilo by choosing a superlight bike No surcharge
pedals, which is the key to good handling. contrasting. The raw lacquer option (a clear
custom-built Brompton. (all the options in grey boxes). The main savings come from coating highlighting the braze detail and quality) a. Flamingo c
the use of high-strength titanium alloy instead of steel; though On a standard Brompton, the rear triangle
is however only available for the whole frame,
With a B-spoke order, you can choose any combination and front forks are also made of steel. b. Kew Green
not cheap, titanium is a superb structural material: corrosion- not in combination.
of bike type, gears, colours and other features exactly as c. Tempest
free, quite springy, and lightweight. You can select some, none The titanium parts on superlight frames are not d
you wish, almost without restriction, and there is no Superlight frame option (-790g)
or all of the superlight components. All weight comparisons painted but we have reserved three matt colours d. Black •
premium for having a bike specially made – you pay only On a Brompton with a superlight frame,
relate to a basic M3L (11.5kgs), and are given only for features to complement the raw metal: Flamingo Pink, e. Silver • •
for the options you choose. the rear triangle and front forks are made
Kew Green and Tempest Blue. However, you
actually on the bike when you carry it. of titanium, while an alloy headset and titanium f. Red • • • e
can choose one of the other Brompton colours
mudguard stays save more weight. In line with
the minimalist approach, no pump is fitted.
instead if you prefer. The colour options are set g. Green • • •
out in detail in the table to the right. h. Blue • • • f
Gears Mudguards & rack i. Baby pink • • •
1 speed (-775g) Light, simple and without clutter: Version L – mudguards Essential for most users,
j. Cornflower • • •
g
for the purist. giving all the protection you need. k. Apple • • •
2 speed (-630g) One gear for hills and starting Version R – rear rack and mudguards (below) l. Yellow • • •
off, and one for cruising. Based on the unique (+370g) Whether or not you have front luggage, • •
m. Ivory • h
Brompton derailleur system and our special it can be handy to have a carrier always on the bike.
free-hub, this is the best set-up for lightness and The strong die-cast aluminium rack comes with n. Orange • • •
portability. The direct drive, with near-perfect shock cords to tie things on, or you could use it o. Turkish • • •
chain-alignment, is crisp and efficient. All you need with our Rack Sack [see Luggage overleaf ]. i
for cycling around town. The rack can take heavy loads (though anything
p
p. Raw Lacquer • •
over about 5kg can begin to affect handling).
3 speed The classic Sturmey Archer hub with a smart alloy shell provides
three well-spaced gears. These are fully enclosed for reliability, and changing You can fit our Eazy Wheels [see overleaf ] to a rear rack for pushing the j
gear couldn’t be simpler. A popular choice for everyday biking. folded bike around rather than carrying it.
6 speed (+145g) The combination of SRAM’s very efficient hub gears
with our own derailleur system gives six evenly-spaced and close- coupled
Version E – no mudguards (-370g or -220g on superlight models)
The lightest, cheapest and prettiest version, but with drawbacks.
Saddle height & position k

ratios. Control with the two triggers is easy and, with its low transmission The folded bike is not quite as stable, no pump is fitted and there is of All seat pillars are available in both steel and titanium versions; weights shown are for the Extended Seat Pillar (+150g) 60mm
losses, this multi-gear system is the right choice for touring and for riding in course no protection from any water or dirt on the road. steel versions. longer than the standard seat pillar,
hilly areas. l
with the saddle correspondingly higher
With the standard seat pillar, a PU saddle can be up to 965mm, and a rail saddle (e.g. Vitesse or
Brooks) up to 995mm, from the ground. If your inside leg is more than 32”/81cm (or 33”/84cm when folded.
Gearing Ratios Range Optional Optional with a rail saddle), you will almost certainly need a longer seat pillar. The telescopic pillar is Telescopic Seat Pillar (+295g) Allows
Table (metric) higher gearing: lower gearing: m
suitable for an inside leg of more than 35”/89cm, or for a taller rider wishing to minimise the a saddle height up to 175mm higher
height of the folded bike. than normal, yet when lowered, the
1-speed 5.93m n/a NO -7% & -19%
saddle projects only 20mm from the
2-speed 4.45m - 5.93m 133% NO -7% & -19% folded package. n

Titanium Seat Pillar (-100g to -225g)

3-speed 3.79m - 6.76m 178% +8% -12% & -18% Saddle Adaptor Pin (+125g) This brings
Any of the three Brompton seat pillars is available in titanium; for the longer pillars the weight saving
the saddle forward and, if fitted pointing
6-speed 3.22m - 6.87m 213% +8% -12% is higher. The surface treatment on a titanium pillar gives a deep blue hue, which softens with use. o
down, allows the smallest folded size.
Pointing up, it raises the saddle 30mm.
Luggage Saddle Transporting the Brompton
Brompton luggage is designed to complement our bikes, to create a Rear Luggage Basic A light and inexpensive unisex Cover and Saddle Bag (left) (+295g) A cover is often useful, especially on
personal transport solution. All our luggage is badged for safety with nylon-framed saddle with PU foam. Many find it public transport. The zip-up Brompton Cover is quick to fit and remove
Rack Sack (e) With stiffened sides e
perfectly comfortable, but it lacks the finesse of and can be drawn tight around the base of the bike using its draw-cord.
a reflective Brompton mark and, except for the folding basket, comes and built-in Velcro straps to secure
the other saddles. The cover comes in a
supplied with a shoulder strap. it, the Rack Sack is purpose-
saddle bag for storage.
designed for the Brompton rear Vitesse fi’zi:k (-25g) Sporty and light, with special
rack, offering a very secure, rails to suit the Brompton. This is a comfortable, B Bag (right) (2.4kg)
Front Luggage shower-proof solution. high-quality unisex saddle, with generous fore-aft The B Bag is made
Brompton front luggage options are based on our Front Capacity 16 litres. adjustment. The ingenious and incredibly light of tough nylon, with
Carrier System; luggage is attached via a special frame that f Brompton Pentaclip allows stepless adjustment of 5mm padding to give
Rear Frame Clip (f) The clip
latches securely onto a tapered block. It takes a second to the saddle angle. a degree of protection
latches automatically to prevent
attach or release your luggage and the load is attached directly for your Brompton
the rear frame from folding; useful Brooks B17 (+345g) This beautiful traditional
to the main frame, having little effect on steering. when travelling. The
when carrying luggage or when saddle will give years of comfortable riding, the
Note – the lower handlebars limit the front luggage options base is reinforced,
folding would be inconvenient. leather moulding with time to the rider. The
on an S Type: only the S Bag is designed for use with the and has integral
The clip can easily be switched Brompton Pentaclip allows stepless adjustment
S Type’s lower profile. castors: there are
‘off ’, so that it doesn’t latch, by of the saddle angle.
extra pockets, and it
rotating the rubber suspension block,
Front Carrier Block (+100g) The block has a sprung clip to comes with a shoulder
allowing the bike to be parked normally.
retain luggage; it doesn’t project from the folded package. a strap as well as carry
S Bag (a) A messenger-style bag which presents a Lighting handles. Packs down
flat for storage.
lower profile than the other options, and offers more
Our lighting systems are designed for use with our bikes and are safe from
compartments to store the paraphernalia of modern life.
Velcro-fastening tabs keep things dry, with clips as well for
Tyres damage in the folded package. Any of our lighting options can be fitted to any Eazy Wheels (bottom) (+90g) 4 tyred rollers with industrial bearings
bike, with the exception that tyre dynamos can not allow the folded bike to be smoothly pushed around. A rubber bung in
the main cover. This sophisticated item is the only front
Brompton Standard [Yellow Label]: Exceptionally free-running be used with the slim Stelvio tyres. Dynamo systems the seat post can be used as a brake to prevent unwanted rolling about.
luggage option for an S Type, but can also be used on other b
high-pressure tyres which are durable yet light and carry a are heavier than battery-powered lights, and are
Bromptons. Capacity 20 litres.
low risk of punctures. They come with reflective sidewalls as of course powered by your energy, but have the
Cloth Pannier (b) A handy and practical holdall, the main standard, eliminating the need for reflectors on the advantages of not needing batteries and always being
compartment has a divider to keep papers separate from wheel spokes. to hand.
other kit. At the back, there are two pockets for items such
as tools, maps etc. All the compartments have zip-fasteners.
Brompton Kevlar [Green Label]: Like our standard tyres but Battery Lighting (+195g) The LED rear lamp with LH Pedal
c with a Kevlar belt under the tread. This barely affects the free- integral reflectors is designed specially for Brompton
Capacity 22 litres.
running qualities of the tyre and almost eliminates punctures. and gives a good bright light: this stays fixed to the The default option is the ingenious Brompton folding pedal, which folds
Touring Pannier (c) Has considerably more capacity than the Also with reflective sidewalls. bike. At the front is the neat yet powerful S-Son away at a touch to leave a projection of only 20mm, making the bike
Cloth Pannier, and a roll-top system with nylon clips for closing. 3-LED lamp (top), easily removed for folding much easier to carry. If you can live with the bigger projection you can
Schwalbe Marathon Kevlar reflective tyres (+110g) A little
There are two pockets at the back and a divider inside. In with a quick-release. Batteries are included. opt for a non-folding pedal instead.
heavier, and less free-running, than Brompton tyres; but their
addition, there are three elasticated net pockets around the
deep tread offers superior grip and they are solidly-built, with Tyre Dynamo Lighting (+355g) In this modern
outside, where you can stow the things you need during your d
both a Kevlar belt and a thicker sidewall to lower the risk of system, power comes from the AXA HR-traction
ride. Total internal capacity approximately 28 litres.
pinch-punctures; they come with reflective sidewalls. dynamo, its large pulley minimising losses. Lighting
Folding Basket (d) This is our simplest item of luggage - a large, comprises a Basta halogen lamp at the front and the
Schwalbe Stelvio (-145g) Narrow section tyres comparable to
open-top container, ideal for shopping. Its shape is maintained bright Brompton rear stand-light (middle): this stays
the tyres fitted to road race bikes; maintained at even higher
by a simple bracing frame which folds flat for storage. Drainage on for several minutes after you’ve stopped – a great
pressures than our other tyres, these lightweight slicks are
holes are provided in case of rain. Capacity 24 litres. safety feature.
the fastest in our range. Their slightly smaller diameter means
Rainproof Cover (not shown) Dayglow yellow for visibility, this rainproof cover with that gearing is lowered by 2.5% and their construction makes Hub Dynamo Lighting (+395g) Expensive, but beautiful; the Son hub Titanium folding pedal-axle (above right) (-25g)
sealed seams helps keep your luggage dry in heavy rain. Taking up almost no room them unsuitable for use with tyre-driven dynamo lighting. (bottom) is beautifully engineered, highly efficient, and you can expect years A small weight saving but still worthwhile, and it makes
when not needed, it can be quickly secured onto any of our front luggage options No reflective sidewalls, so reflectors are fitted. of reliable service. Control is via a switch on the front lamp; otherwise the the pedals better-balanced.
using an elasticated hem. lamps are the same as for the tyre dynamo system.
Visit www.brompton.co.uk for more information. Folded size: 565mm high x 545mm long x 270mm wide (for a bike with
saddle adaptor pin fitted pointing down and a folding left hand pedal)
Better still, try a Brompton for yourself:
ask your dealer for a test ride… Warranty
If your bicycle has a manufacturing defect, we will replace the defective part
free of charge if we are notified within five years (in the case of the frame)
or two years (in the case of other parts) of the date of first purchase of
the bicycle.
The Brompton is for use on roads and well-made paths. It is not designed for
cross-country riding: this can overstress the frame, and the tyres and wheels
are unsuitable.
Product specifications may be changed: weights & dimensions may vary slightly.
© 2007

Brompton Bicycle Ltd

All images © Brompton Bicycle Ltd, except page 2, top right © A. Phillips Kew Bridge DC, Lionel Road South, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9QR
Printed with vegetable inks on 75% recycled paper. Tel: 020 8232 8484 www.brompton.co.uk