Brompton Bike Review

Nice folding bike!

Folds up smaller than other folding bikes mainly due to the 16" wheels, others like Dahon and Tern mostly have 20" wheels. The bigger size gives a slightly nicer ride but folds up not as small. 

This is the 6 gear model which works as three on the right handlebar (1, 2, 3) and two on the left (+/-), so that you can always shift up or down quickly.

Just because it's a folding bike doesn't mean you can carry it around! The bike weighs 12Kg, which gets heavy quickly when carried. Especially since you're carrying the bike with one arm on one side. It's ok maybe for crossing the road or lugging onto a train, but unless you're super strong, don't expect to be carrying it around the tunnels of the London Underground, for example.

The handlebar height is not adjustable, nor is the distance from the seat to the handlebars, however you can slightly angle the bars towards you unless you have the straight ones.

Costing over £1,000, it's a lot of money, but the bike is made really well. Competition is stiff with alternatives like the Dahon Vybe D7 and Tern Link A7 under half the price. These alternatives are made well enough, but don't feel quite the same quality as Brompton, they are nevertheless better value for money.

Should you buy one?

If you're in the UK and working, you can get a tax discount with the Government's "cycle to work" scheme. You don't actually have to cycle to work and this can save you up to 40% of the price. Knocking £400 off makes the Brompton a lot more affordable.