Surprise bike in the test: Folding bike specialist Brompton begins a new chapter with G Line

Surprise bike in the test
Folding bike specialist Brompton begins a new chapter with G Line

September 24, 2024, 6:04 p.m

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The folding bike manufacturer Brompton has introduced a new model. This is growing a little beyond itself, as was found in an initial test. And has significantly better driving characteristics. However, for the leap in size and quality you also have to dig deeper into your pockets.

Brompton did not want to reveal any details. A test bike comes to the editorial office. By parcel service. A few weeks before the official unveiling. Only the name “G Line” was mentioned. So we were expecting a new drive or equipment variant of the iconic folding bike, which has always been built with small 16-inch wheels for over 40 years. A Brompton remains a Brompton – you might think.

When the package arrived, the person delivering it surprisingly asked for help unloading it because the box was bulky and heavy. A mix-up? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. In fact, Brompton has opened a completely new chapter with the G Line after a long time.

The G Line is the first Brompton to have almost powerful-looking 20-inch wheels. Similarly, the framework is larger in every respect than before. At the same time, the G Line remains true to the Brompton DNA at its core. The frame, in our case painted in the chic long-finger signal color “Adventure Orange”, can be split in the middle, the rear wheel folded forward and the handlebars folded down.

When folded, the G Line is significantly larger than the classic Brompton, but it is likely to set another record among 20-inch compact bikes in terms of pack size. As is usual with a Brompton, the G Line can be folded into a compact and transport-friendly package in just a few simple steps. 69 x 73 x 40 centimeters are the official dimensions when folded. For comparison: the classic 16-inch model measures 57 x 59 x 27 centimeters. Since you don’t want to carry the G-Line, which weighs at least 14 kilograms, across the platform in one hand for long, there are also small, practical wheels with which the bike can be handled like a trolley.

More important, however, are the larger wheels, which are equipped with voluminous tires with a profile typical of gravel bikes. Maybe that’s why the new model series was called “G”. Also noticeable are the newly developed and more finely crafted folding lock hinges on the folding points of the frame, the disc brakes mounted on a Brompton for the first time and the 8-speed Alfine hub gear from Shimano. All of this now fits into the Brompton corset, which is still narrow but has become slightly larger overall.

Better driving characteristics

The driving characteristics benefit in several ways. Larger wheels provide more stability. The classic Brompton can actually only be ridden with both hands on the handlebars. It can be an adventure with one hand; riding hands-free can easily end in a fall. The G Line does not have this problem. And the wide tires promise more grip in many driving situations; with moderate air pressure, the tubeless tires also handle bumps better.

Another treat are the hydraulic disc brakes, which can be adjusted more finely than the usual rim brakes and can also grip more vehemently when necessary. On a steeper downhill section, however, we were surprised at how powerful the stoppers decelerated. Accidental and therefore dangerous over-braking is likely to become more likely with these brakes.

Easy to use hub gear

What’s great is the easy-to-use hub gear, which offers a good selection of translation alternatives with eight gears. Anyone who is familiar with the classic Brompton with a three-speed hub gear from Sturmey-Archer will find the Alfine solution a real gain. The G Line is also available with an electric drive. Electric is the name of the Pedelec version, which is equipped with a hub motor in the rear wheel, a four-speed gearshift and a 345 Wh battery for a range of 30 to 60 kilometers.

What we also noticed positively about the G Line was the overall higher quality of the components as well as the balanced ergonomics with wide handlebars, ergonomic handlebar grips, a specially shaped Brompton saddle and wide platform pedals.

For the first time, Brompton is offering three frame sizes: S, M and L. We tested the medium version, which Brompton recommends for riders between 1.68 and 1.83 meters tall. That worked well in our case. The G Line should also be a good choice for longer tours.

However, for the jump in size and quality with the Brompton you have to invest significantly more. The bare base is available from 2850 euros. Luggage racks, lights and mudguards can be ordered as options. With these extras the price rises to over 3000 euros. For the Electric, which costs around 3,500 euros, the additional charge for the built-in tailwind is moderate. The market launch in Germany is at the beginning of October.