Brompton’s Betrayal: The Iconic Folding Bike’s Latest Abomination
In a shocking move that’s left fans of the iconic British folding bicycle in an uproar, Brompton has unveiled its latest monstrosity: the G Line. This behemoth of a bike is the first major redesign of the beloved Brompton in nearly 50 years, and it’s a travesty that’s left many wondering if the company has lost its way.
The G Line is available in two variants: a standard bike with an internally geared Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub, and a 4-speed e-bike with derailleur. Both models feature 20-inch wheels with fat grippy Schwalbe tires, hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, and a frame geometry that’s been dumbed down to resemble a full-size bicycle. It’s a watered-down, soulless attempt at innovation that’s more likely to appeal to the masses than the die-hard Brompton enthusiasts who have made the brand a household name.
But what’s the point of all this? Is Brompton trying to appeal to the masses, or is it simply trying to cash in on the e-bike craze? The company’s marketing materials claim the G Line is "the most versatile bike in the world… for the city and beyond," but we all know that’s just a bunch of marketing fluff. The truth is, the G Line is a compromise, a watering down of the Brompton spirit to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
And to make matters worse, Brompton’s decision to launch the G Line just as GoCycle, its smaller cross-town e-bike rival, announced its plan to take on Brompton with its own lineup of 20-inch non-electric foldables. It’s a clear sign that Brompton is panicking, trying to stay ahead of the competition by releasing a subpar product that’s more likely to confuse than impress.
The G Line starts at £2,399 / €2,849 for the standard bike, and £3,499.00 / €3,999 for the electric bike. It’s open for preorder in the UK and Europe, with deliveries already slipping to several weeks. And when it finally hits the US market sometime in 2025, it’ll be priced at around $3,170 for the standard bike, or $4,500 for the electric bike. It’s a steep price to pay for a bike that’s lost its way.
From Abomination to Transit
Image: Brompton
The G Line is a betrayal of everything that Brompton stands for. It’s a watered-down, soulless attempt at innovation that’s more likely to appeal to the masses than the die-hard Brompton enthusiasts who have made the brand a household name.
