Brompton G Line 8-speed: Like a big bike: folding bike with a wide range of uses

Folding and collapsible bikes have long suffered from the image of not being exactly that, not the least bit sporty, hopelessly inferior to bikes with 26 or 28-inch rims in terms of efficiency and controllability, and they are also all too quickly denied stability. Models like the ultra compact 16 inch Bromptonthe sprung Birdy and finally the light from Ternhave worked against this, but once sown, such "rumours" persist. But why should you buy a folding bike for a relatively high price if its advantages lie in transport and not in riding?

You can find out more about folding bikes here:

>> The new Brompton G-Line as a 20-inch folding bike for all occasions

>> Folding and compact bikes in the test: Mobile on small wheels

>> Tern presents the smallest folding bike in the company's history

Brompton G Line 8-speed: Folding bike with completely new features

It's a compromise, but a good compromise. For decades, Brompton has stuck to its small 16-inch wheels in order to minimise their dimensions when folded. The handlebars were also deliberately kept narrow for this reason. The angle of the steering axle had to be steeper than average, which resulted in very direct steering behaviour. In addition to the larger rims, wider tyres and wider handlebars, the new "G Line" folding bike now also has a geometry that can be steered and controlled as if it were simply a very manoeuvrable, grown-up bike.

The new Brompton folding bike is very grown up

There is still only one frame size, with different stem units and seatposts of different lengths there are three sizes, but people over approx. 1.85 metres will still have to check whether the fine ergo grips are not too close to the knees. High body weight would not be a problem, the workmanship, especially of the coupling points in the frame, is excellent without any play, you need little hand force to fix the seams.

The small but powerful disc brakes are a quantum leap compared to everything that has gone before and with eight super easy to shift gears, you are as flexible as a folding bike can be. The "dwarf" was an absolute eye-catcher, especially in this colour, whether at full throttle on the cycle path or folded to 690 x 730 x 402 mm in top time.

Conclusion: Brompton G Line 8-speed

The "G Line" would be a great city bike even without the folding mechanism - fast, super manoeuvrable, safe. Its compactness also opens up countless other possible uses that more than relativise the price.

Brompton G Line 8-speed: Technical data

• Price: 2,849 Euro
• Weight: 14 kg
• Frame: 3-fold foldable steel frame, available in 3 colours and sizes, equipped with transport castors and rubber shock absorbers
• Drive: Shimano Alfine 8 hub gears
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, 140 / 140 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allroad, size 406 x 54 mm
• Special features/accessories: Mount for optional front pannier, available with lights, mudguards and/or pannier rack; also available as a pedelec (price: €3,999)