The Brompton bicycle is an icon of modern mobility. Beloved by commuters and those who favour versatility above all else, it’s a common sight on our roads, particularly those in the city and urban areas. But what if you fancy straying a little further afield? That’s where this model- the Brompton G-Line bicycle – comes into play. 

It’s a toughened-up version of Brompton’s famous folding bicycle and – in the firm’s words – has been designed to offer the ‘ride feel of a full size bike’. But does that mean it loses sight of what a Brompton bicycle is meant to do in the first place, or is it a genuine alternative for those who are looking for a versatile folding bicycle that can go a little further afield? We’ve been testing it out to see. 

Sphere Score

For

• Does offer greater versatility over the standard Brompton
• Folding mechanism is simple – once you’re used to it
• Larger wheels improve stability and add to ‘big bike’ feel
• Roller frame adds weight and £100

Against

• Still can’t offer the shock absorption of a full-size bicycle
• Quite expensive 
• Only three sizes to choose from
• Three colourways feels quite limited 

Tech specs 

• £2,499
• 14.8kg with roller rack
• Steel frame
• 8-speed Shimano hub gearset
• Aluminium fork 
• 20-inch wheels with Schwalbe G-One All-Round tyres
• Tektro Hydraulic brakes with 140mm rotors 

What does the Brompton G-Line have to offer?

The Brompton G-Line bicycle packs a lot into quite a small space. It’s not quite as compact when folded as a standard bicycle from the brand, but it’s still far easier to transport than your traditional bicycle. As with the original, the G-Line has been designed to fold into a small area so that it can be packed in a car boot or train storage area. 

Weighing in at 14.8kg, the G-Line gets a largely steel-based construction with aluminium forks to help with shock absorption. Available in three sizes – small, medium and large – the Brompton comes with a fixed seatpost in the smallest sizing, an extended one in the middle and a telescopic version in the largest fit. 

It’s worth noting that the Brompton G-Line bicycle comes available with a roller frame for some extra versatility. With it attached, it’s much easier to transport the bike when folded, though it does add £100 to the bike’s price. That said, it’s not an awful lot more outlay for quite a lot more functionality. 

Key to the G-Line’s changes over a standard Brompton are the wheels and tyres. You’ve got 20-inch wheels, here, and though they’re larger than the 16-inch ones you’ll get on the regular bike, they’re still small enough to keep the G-Line compact when it’s folded away. Plus, you’ve got Schwalbe G-One tyres with added puncture protection. Not only will they fend off more cuts and grazes than a regular Brompton tyre, but they also get a classy tanwall design which helps to offset the look of the bike. 

Speaking of looks, you’ve got three colours to choose from with your G-Line. Adventure Orange is there for those riders who like to make a statement – and that’s what our test bike was finished in, too – while Forest Green gives the G-Line quite a rugged aesthetic. Traildust White, meanwhile, is the most understated of the lot and takes away some of the bike’s character – to our eyes at least. 

Hydraulic brakes are here to provide some extra stopping power and there are also wide platform pedals to help with stability. The left-hand pedal is a quick-release design, too, which means you can easily pop it on or off to make transporting the bike a little easier. At the heart of it all is the traditional eight-speed hub gear from Shimano. It’s tried-and-tested in the world of Brompton, but it serves to give the G-Line a decent spread of cogs for most occasions. To help with versatility, you’ve also got a variety of mounting points for accessories and luggage racks. 

Remember, too, that Brompton also offers the G-Line as an e-bike if you need some extra assistance. At £3,499, it’s quite a lot more than the standard non-electrified version, mind you. 

Riding – what is the Brompton G-Line like?

Make no mistake, the Brompton G-Line bicycle is not here to replace your out-and-out mountain bike. With a lack of any real suspension, it’s a bike which gets through trails and rougher sections of the road in more of a ‘can-do’ way than ‘full’ mountain bikes. The good news is that the chunky grips do a good job of absorbing some of those impacts and the flat pedals are large enough to get a decent stance on the bike – though we’d be tempted to swap them out for a slightly more aggressive style if were planning to go further afield more often. 

That said, the comfort levels on-road are really helped out by those chunkier tyres which provide some extra cushioning over a standard Brompton. The steering is predictable if a little nervous, but you do get that sense of agility only found in smaller bicycles. The 20-inch wheel does boost stability overall, too, and you’ve got less of a concern when it comes to hopping down curbs or accidentally hitting a pothole. 

What about the folding technique, though? We’re new to Bromptons largely here at GS and the mechanism to put away the G-Line feels a little unorthodox to begin with. Fortunately, the bike comes with some useful video tutorials and before long, we’re folding and unfolding like a pro. That said, the G-Line still takes up a decent wedge of space when it is folded away, but the optional roller rack helps you to position it more easily wherever you are. 

To finish

Certainly, if you’re looking for an out-and-out off-roader, then the Brompton G-Line probably won’t be the right fit. However, what it helps to do is broaden the Brompton’s abilities and allow it to feel more natural in other areas.

It’s expensive, yes, but this isn’t out of the ordinary for Brompton bicycles nor well-finished bikes in general. If you like a little extra adventure in your life – and want a bike that’ll not take up too much space when you’re finished – then the G-Line could be a great partner to bring for the ride.