Brompton has redesigned its iconic folding bike to create its lightest version ever that - at 7.45kg - weighs a whopping 37% less than the original all-steel equivalent, “setting a new benchmark for folding bikes in lightness, ride performance and robustness” so Brompton says.
The new lightweight titanium Brompton T Line is the result of three years of development and research, and is available in a single-speed or four-speed spec.
“At the new facility in Sheffield, the frame is precision-engineered in titanium, then orbital and tig-welded for strength,” says Brompton.
“The T Line is comparable to a carbon road bike, yet, it can be comfortably ridden by a 110kg rugby player and withstand the punishing impact of the city,” claims Brompton.
The new titanium model features a patent-pending drivetrain that has been designed ground-up to sit inside the fold, as well as to be as light as possible.
The carbon crankset has been included to save weight and “give greater power transfer”, while the 60g derailleur is said to deliver smooth shifting in a small package. The T Line Urban model also comes with a new gear ratio - it is equipped with a 50T chainring and 11-13-15-18T sprockets.
Brompton has also used Tubolito’s S-Tubo lightweight 34g tubes for folding bikes, which have a reduced wall thickness to save weight over standard butyl tube options.
Another one of Brompton’s big claims is that the new T Line is the first bike in the world with a steel-armoured carbon seat post.
“Ordinary carbon seat posts are stiff, strong and lightweight, but they can't stand up to the daily use of a folding bike,” the brand notes.
“Brompton’s design engineers have developed a new process to reinforce the limitations of carbon with 0.3mm steel armour.
“The result is a superlight seat post that can take the abrasion of the fold, 110kg load and all-weather riding.”
What else? Well, Brompton says it’s also managed to make this model faster to fold and easier to carry.
You’ve got new self-aligning hinges which, according to Brompton, are always "set-to-go". Then there’s the spring-loaded handlebar catch that is said to click effortlessly, and an easy-grab carbon saddle with an integrated nose handle.
Perhaps leaving existing Brompton owners in a bit of a quandary (i.e. making every effort to persuade them to splash out on this new and improved version) Brompton boasts: “Nothing folds like this Brompton, not even other Bromptons."
We're promised a seriously fun ride too: “Carbon cranks and cast Ti bottom bracket shift your power for a faster ride,” Brompton points out.
“Naturally, shock-absorbing titanium smooths out the road.
“The one-piece carbon fork and wider carbon handlebars make it stiffer and even more responsive.”
The bike is available in two specifications, each with the option of a low and mid-rise handlebar fit:
- T Line One (£3,750): Singlespeed - this one is the lightest Brompton has ever made.
- T Line Urban (£3,950): Featuring a compact 4-speed gearing system optimised for city riding.
The new Brompton T Line is exclusively available via a ballot system on Brompton.com, and through selected Brompton Junction stores including the one in London.
It can feel like that sometimes commuting in a big city, because there is a tiny but significant proportion of motorists - I'd say about 0.3% - who...
I used to live in Japan and over there most larger sized items have an end of life recycling charge (admittedly not bike tires though). Most people...
A politician who says what he thinks will get him votes but does nothing to change regular peoples lives for the better? I don't believe that can...
Yup, HE are responsible for making several junctions in South Glos, where I used to live, much, much more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians;...
Six of one, half a dozen of the other, for me. Crap positioning by the police officer, impatience on the part of the lorry driver....
Unforgiveable dangerous driving; was it reported? The registration is clearly visible, so I hope it was.
Nul points for me on this story, I guess....
and presumably why should they have tax, insurance and MOT? - them's for toffs...
It will show how far away he was from the pinch point you say was in play.
Personal anecdote?