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Build your Brompton

brompton_logo Brompton folding bicycles are hand-built to order in London, in nearly a million possible specifications. Configure your Brompton from the choices below, then request a quote. We'll reply with current lead time plus answers to any questions. We have an ever-changing stock of prebuilt Bromptons, too. If you request something similar to what we have in stock, we can ship without delay.

Frame & color

Main frame:

Extremities:

On a Brompton with a superlight frame, the rear triangle, front forks and mudguard stays are made of titanium, while an alloy headset, ultralight front wheel (when no dynamo is selected), and special folding pedal-axle save more weight. The titanium parts on superlight frames are not painted, so only one color choice is possible (for the main frame and the handlebar stem).

Model

For many, this is the prettiest Brompton, and with its Kevlar brake cables and material-efficient handlebar, it is the lightest. The grips, at about 935mm from the ground, are appreciably lower than on the M type, and 50mm further forward, giving a sporty riding position which complements the positive feel of these bikes. Possible drawbacks include limited front luggage options and a smaller range of fit adjustment than other types.

The gull-wing shape of the M Type's handlebars has been used on the Brompton since the outset: the grip height is 1015mm, which gives a fairly upright ride with excellent control, and there is scope for some fore/aft adjustment. The M Type is the most popular Brompton.

The P Type's handlebars offer two distinct grip positions: high and low. Though a little heavier and flexier than the M Type's handlebars, the lower grips, about 880mm from the ground and angled for comfort on longer stretches of road, allow the rider to get down out of the wind and deliver real power to the pedals; the upper grips at about 1033mm provide a welcome contrast.

Introduced in 2012, the H Type has been developed in response to requests from taller riders and from those wanting a markedly more upright riding position. The height of the grips from the ground has been raised by 60mm compared to the classic M Type; forward reach to the grips from the saddle increases by around 13mm.

Gearing

Mudguards & rear rack

Going without mudguards lends the bike a sharper appearance and is also the lightest and least expensive option, but there are drawbacks: the folded bike is not as stable, there's no pump and of course no protection from any water or dirt on the road. Not a popular choice in Portland.

Equipped with mudguards, essential for non-fair weather cyclists. Far and away the most popular choice.

The die-cast aluminum rack lends the folded bike extra stability and easy rolling. Comes with shock cords and can manage loads up to 10kg. Compatible luggage options are limited, however, and items fixed to the rack prevent the bike from being folded. We usually recommend the rear rack only when the loads to be borne are too much for the excellent front luggage options alone.

Seat pillar

The standard seat pillar is the default option; its shorter length keeps the weight down and ensures the most compact folded package. A standard seat pillar should be fine for anyone with an inside leg measurement of 33"/840mm (5'9"-ish) or less.

60mm (over 2") longer than the standard seat pillar and a bit heavier, designed for those with longer legs and available at no extra charge. The main drawback is that the seat pillar protrudes correspondingly higher from the folded package.

Designed for those with an inside leg greater than 35"/890mm or for taller riders wishing to minimize how far the seat pillar protrudes from the folded package. Gives up to 175mm (almost 7 inches) more elevation yet, when lowered, the saddle projects only 20mm above the folded package.

Saddle

Sporty, light, practical: this high-quality unisex saddle is Brompton's own design. A profiled grip under the nose facilitates carrying, while the ingenious Brompton Pentaclip allows stepless adjustment of the saddle angle and a large degree of fore-aft adjustment.

This beautiful traditional English saddle will give years of comfortable use, the leather conforming with time to the rider. Finished with hand-hammered copper rivets, and fitted with the Brompton Pentaclip for stepless adjustment, this old favorite is available in normal and short variants.

Custom:

Among Brooks saddles, Brompton offers only model B17 Special in brown. Clever Cycles offers a broader selection.

Brooks B17 Short Standard, Honey. More economical and low-key, the Standard models lack the large hand-hammered copper rivets, skived skirts, and copper undercarriage of the Special variants. The "short" variants are designated as women's models, as less likely to catch on a skirt, but we find regardless of gender that average and large people tend to prefer the normal length, and very small the short.

Brooks B17 Short Standard, Black. More economical and low-key, the Standard models lack the large hand-hammered copper rivets, skived skirts, and copper undercarriage of the Special variants. The "short" variants are designated as women's models, as less likely to catch on a skirt, but we find regardless of gender that average and large people tend to prefer the normal length, and very small the short.

Brooks B17 Short Standard, Brown. More economical and low-key, the Standard models lack the large hand-hammered copper rivets, skived skirts, and copper undercarriage of the Special variants. The "short" variants are designated as women's models, as less likely to catch on a skirt, but we find regardless of gender that average and large people tend to prefer the normal length, and very small the short.

Brooks B68 S, Black. Appropriately broad for more upright postures, such as Brompton types H and P support, or for quite short people with M-types. Not likely a good match for S-types. The "short" variants are designated as women's models, as less likely to catch on a skirt, but we find regardless of gender that average and large people tend to prefer the normal length, and very small the short.

Pedals

Included standard with every Brompton. Folding left side pedal and non folding drive side pedal. The drive side pedal is not required to fold, as the pedal fits within the envelope of the folded bike.

Also called Grip King. Instead of a left folding pedal, these remove quickly without tools. Designed by Rivendell for MKS in Japan. The ultimate pedal for riding without foot retention.

Another quick release pedal that works with toe clips and Power Grips.

MKS quick release clipless style pedal. Includes cleats.

Tires

Brompton's standard tire is exceptionally low in rolling resistance, durable yet light. The Kevlar belt under the tread minimizes punctures. Finished with reflective sidewalls.

Marathons are heavier than the Brompton tires, and present a little more rolling resistance. But they are by far the most durable and puncture-resistant choice, and admirably grippy. Like the Brompton tires, they come with reflective sidewalls, eliminating the need for reflectors on the wheel spokes.

Kojaks feel wonderfully fast and light, but are not particularly durable or puncture resistant. A Kevlar bead also allows it to be folded, making it easy to pack as a spare. Finished with reflective sidewalls.

Rear suspension

Standard firmness suspension offers a plush ride, especially suitable for light riders. Heavier or more athletic riders may find it disagreeably bouncy.

Firm suspension is more suitable for those weighing over about 150lbs, or those who value responsiveness above cushiness.

Lighting

The LED rear lamp with integral reflectors is designed specially for Brompton and gives a good bright light: this stays fixed to the bike. At the front is the neat yet powerful S-son 3-LED lamp, easily removed for folding with a quick-release. Batteries are included.

Hub dynamos offer a very reliable lighting solution, and this hub dynamo, specifically adapted for Brompton by Shimano, offers very good performance at a low price. Features include a Busch & Mueller halogen front lamp and a standlight function at the rear.

Upgrade the halogen headlight included with the Shimano system to a Busch & Mueller LED for virtually unlimited life even run in daytime, greater side visibility, and remarkably less resistance. Features a standlight and automatic light-sensing switch. Approximately 1/3 brighter than the halogen option.

The same headlight included with the premium SON Dynamo option below, but with the more economical Shimano hub.

The SON hub is beautifully engineered, light, highly efficient, and will give years of reliable service. Paired with the powerful Busch & Mueller Cyo R Senso Plus LED front lamp, featuring an automatic light-sensing function and standlight. Approximately twice as bright as the Lyt model, this headlamp is best for fast night riding.

Front luggage

Grips

Lightweight, simple foam grips.

The P-type handlebar cannot use custom grips.

Custom:

These grips are not a Brompton factory offering, but something Clever Cycles will install. Ergon grips feature a large, almost flat palm support of grippy soft rubber for great control with less gripping force, as well as optimal pressure distribution, wrist angle, and vibration damping, minimizing carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve problems. In spite of adding up to a few hundred grams and sometimes extra width to the folded package, almost everybody who tries them, buys them. Some model and bar combinations require the grips to be cut to fit, resulting in an imperfect interior edge.

Huge bar-end extensions present multiple hand positions. Great for touring and other long-form, high-performance riding. Important note: this model prevents the bike from being folded completely without loosening the grips and swiveling the extensions to clear. Not recommended for frequent folders! Impeding the fold is heresy in some circles, but it goes to show the Brompton's a great bike even after some folding convenience is sacrificed. For large hands.

Rear luggage

This bag requires that you have a rear rack.

With stiffened sides and built-in Velcro straps to secure it, the Rack Sack is purpose-designed for the Brompton rear rack, offering a very secure, showerproof solution. Capacity 16 liters; comes supplied with a shoulder strap.

Transporting

Made of tough nylon with 5mm padding to give a degree of protection for your Brompton when traveling. The base is reinforced, and has integral castors: there are extra pockets, and it comes with a shoulder strap as well as carry handles. Packs down flat for storage.

Extremely popular, these rollers with industrial bearings can either be fitted to the rear rack, or in place of the rollers attached to the rear frame, allowing the folded bike to be smoothly pushed/pulled around. A rubber bung, fitted to the bottom of the seat post, can be used as a brake to prevent unwanted rolling.

A cover is often useful, especially on public transport. The zip-up Brompton Cover is quick to fit and remove and can be drawn tight around the base of the bike using its drawcord. The cover comes in a saddle bag for storage.

Summary

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Brompton folding bikes

Build your Brompton