Brompton C Line 12 Speed

The Brompton C Line weighs 24-27 lbs depending on configuration, with the 4-speed being lightest. For comparison, most city bikes weigh 35-45 lbs. The C Line is light enough to carry one-handed for short distances or up a flight of stairs. Check our the P or T Line Bromptons if weight is critical.

The C Line 4-speed is lighter and designed for mostly flat cities with occasional hills—perfect for urban riding. The C Line 12-speed combines a 3-speed hub gear with a 4-speed derailleur, giving you greater range for varied terrain and longer rides with hills.

Under 20 seconds with practice, no tools required. Most new owners get comfortable with the fold within a day. The fold becomes muscle memory quickly.

The Brompton C Line is Brompton's classic steel-frame folding bike, handmade in London. It folds in under 20 seconds to a compact size that fits on trains, under desks, or in car trunks—making it ideal for urban commuters who combine cycling with public transit.

Yes. Check out our Brompton Custom Shop Design Studio. At Clever Cycles, we can help you spec the right configuration or modify after purchase.

Basic care: keep the chain lubed, check tire pressure weekly, and get an annual tune-up. Bromptons are low-maintenance by design. Clever Cycles offers ongoing service for everything else. We even offer remote service options if you can't make it to our Portland store. Just ship us your Brompton.

Brompton recommends 85-115 PSI for standard tires—check your sidewall for the exact range. Inspect pressure every week or two. Small wheels hold less air volume than larger ones, so pressure drops faster and low tires are more noticeable.

Every Brompton from Clever Cycles includes our Pro Build—a $150 upgrade, free. Your bike gets a full inspection, wheels trued and tensioned, brakes and gears dialed in, every fastener torqued to spec, then test-ridden and verified by a second mechanic before it ships. Add accessories at checkout and we install them. You also get local warranty support, expert fitting advice, reward points, and zero-interest financing. Buying direct means a factory box and sorting out the rest yourself.

London, England. Every Brompton is brazed by hand in their London factory. This isn't marketing—it's why the frames are so consistent and durable.

At Clever Cycles, yes. We keep demo bikes available so you can experience the fold and the ride before committing. This is something you can't do when buying direct—and it matters with a bike this unique. We keep anywhere from 50-100 Bromptons in stock at any given time.

Bromptons fold more compact, use higher-quality components, and hold resale value far better. Dahons cost less upfront but don't match Brompton's build quality or folded size. For occasional use, Dahon works. For daily commuting, Brompton is the best choice.

Bromptons fold smaller and are lighter—better for transit and tight storage. Terns (like the BYB or Verge) fold larger but ride more like full-size bikes with bigger wheels. Choose Brompton for portability; choose Tern for ride feel on longer distances without transit. The Brompton G Line folds larger, but rides more like a traditional bike. Come test ride.

Yes. We stock both the non-electric and electric Bromptons.

Not included, but Brompton's front luggage system is a key feature. A frame-mounted block accepts click-on bags ranging from compact pouches to 31-liter touring bags. The bag stays with the bike when folded. It's the most practical bike luggage system available.

Yes. Brompton offers a 7-year warranty on the frame and 2 years on components when purchased from an authorized dealer like Clever Cycles. Buying secondhand may affect warranty coverage.

For daily commuters who combine cycling with transit, yes. Bromptons hold their resale value better than almost any other bike, often selling used for 70-80% of retail. The handmade quality means they last decades with basic maintenance. Many owners call it the last folding bike they'll ever buy.

It depends. In the United States, the bike comes with a rear rack and fenders. No bag, or lights are included in base configurations. This lets you customize. Popular additions: front-mounted luggage (Brompton's bag system clicks on/off in seconds), and lighting. Want to see all our options? Check out our Brompton Custom Shop.

No. The 16" wheels actually provide a responsive, nimble ride. The steel or titanium frame absorbs road vibration well. Most riders adapt within the first few minutes and don't notice the wheel size. The ride quality surprises almost everyone who tries one.

Yes. The small wheels are more efficient than they look. Many owners ride 20-30+ miles comfortably. For longer rides, the 12-speed gearing and an Extended seatpost (for taller riders) help. Bromptons have completed cross-country tours. Check out our blog articles on touring with a Brompton.

With regular maintenance, 20+ years easily. Brompton still makes parts compatible with bikes from the 1980s. It's a buy-it-for-life product.

Yes. The C Line accommodates riders as short as 4'10". The standard seatpost works for most, and the compact frame geometry means shorter riders don't feel stretched out like on traditional bikes.

Yes. The C Line fits riders from approximately 4'10" to 6'4" thanks to its adjustable seatpost and handlebar options. Taller riders typically choose the H-type (high) handlebars for a more upright position and require either the extended or telescopic seatpost at additional charge.

Yes. Folded Bromptons usually fit airline size requirements for checked luggage. Many owners travel with a padded Brompton travel bag or hard case for protection. Some have even carried them on as cabin luggage, though this varies by airline. Read our article about flying with a Brompton.

The C Line folds to 23" × 22" × 10.5" This compact size is why Bromptons are allowed on transit systems where other bikes aren't.

Choose the 4-speed for flat cities and lighter weight. Choose the 12-speed if you encounter hills regularly or plan longer rides. The 12-speed combines a 3-speed hub with a 4-speed derailleur for a wider gear range.

The C Line uses a classic steel frame; the P Line is partly titanium and is about 3 lbs lighter. The C Line offers a lower price point. Choose the P Line if weight is your top priority; choose the C Line for value and versatility. Want an even lighter Brompton? Go for the T Line.