Download 2010 Brompton Brochure - FoldaBikes.com

HEADINGTHE DESIGNAll Bromptons share the same ingenious frame geometry, the result of over 30 years of constant innovationand improvements to the design, and for which Andrew Ritchie was awarded the Prince Philip DesignersPrize in 2009. But it nearly didn’t happen at all.Andrew began work on the Brompton design in his bedroom in 1975 and devised the core principles relativelyquickly; but potential backers and partners failed to see the possibilities, and it was a further 13 yearsbefore full-time production could finally begin, by which time Andrew had greatly developed and improvedupon his original creation. The design process now involves more people, complex software and a more appropriatevenue than Andrew’s apartment, but the goal remains to create the perfect combination of rideand compact portability. Moreover, we refuse to design obsolescence into our bikes, so practically all innovationsare designed to be retrofitted on the tens of thousands of older Bromptons still in daily use.The Brompton RideBrompton frames are made primarily of high-tensile steel alloys for strength and stiffness, and tight tolerancesin design and manufacturing ensure highly accurate frame-alignment. Excellent frame rigidity andalignment ensure the efficient transmission of your energy, delivering a responsive, quick ride; a full-sizedwheelbase delivers stability at speed.The Brompton FoldAll Bromptons fold into the same small package, little larger than the wheels, in 10–20 seconds. The componentryhas been specially designed to suit the unique fold, designed to keep lights, cables, etc. out of harm’sway and, by folding them in, to keep the chain and gears away from clothing and luggage. With no projectionsor loose parts, the folded bike carries like a small suitcase. Rollers make it easy to stow the bike, and canalso be used for wheeling the folded bike. Rear suspension is standard and also allows the bike to be ‘parked’.Once parked, the Brompton stands on its own, leaving both hands free. Once folded, a Brompton automaticallystays securely locked together.CHOOSING A BROMPTONA Brompton will easily become part of your daily life, but it helps if it is built around your needs and wishes.As the requirements of the global traveller are different from those of the commuter, we have developedmany options to make your Brompton just right for you and the kind of cycling you intend to do. Ride position,gearing, luggage, Superlight componentry, lighting and other parts can all be selected to suit, and thecolour options allow you to personalise it further.We call it B-spoke; our commitment to letting you choose exactly the Brompton you want.Bike companies don’t usually invite customers to pick and choose from a selection of parts and features, sowe understand that our manifesto of freedom may at first appear overwhelming. But there’s really nothingto it, and it will almost certainly enhance your Brompton ownership. Nor is it about adding extra costs alongwith more features – a B-spoke bike will feature only those components you want so may well be cheaperthan a bike your dealer happens to have in stock. And there is no premium for having a bike “B-spoked”.You’ll find the B-spoke options laid out over the next few pages; in each section, you can choose the option(s)that best suit the way in which you intend to use your Brompton... You might value the functionality of hubgears and mudguards more than you mind the extra weight; you may prefer the individuality of a rarely-seencolour combination or the practicality of a bike cover or item of luggage; the choices are yours. Designedaround you, a B-spoke bike is more likely to give you exactly what you want. And that’s what we want.If you’re not sure where to begin, some staff and friends of Brompton explain their bike choices in the pagesthat follow the B-spoke options. And if that doesn’t help either, our so-called Key Models towards the backshow some of our most popular configurations, even if they only offer the merest glimpse of our full range.67

TYPE, MUDGUARDS & RACKSGEARINGBROMPTON TYPEThere are three members of the Brompton family – the S, Mand P Types; each has distinct handlebars designed for differentstyles of riding and use.There are four options as far as gears go; and each ofthese can be lowered (or raised) to suit your ridingstyle and terrain.The base bike is a Brompton S1E, fitted with a standard seatpillar and Brompton Kevlar tyres, weighing 10.17kg.The options that follow either add to that base weight (moregears, rear rack), or subtract from it (Superlight frame, Kojaktyres), to give the weight of the B-spoked bike.MUDGUARDS & RACKS TypeThe straight, low bars ofthe S Type (grip height935mm) offer a sportyride position and a rigid,lightweight, positive feel.The pay-off is less roomfor front luggage, but thenthe S Type was not conceivedas a touring bike.M TypeThe distinctive shapeof the M Type’s handlebarshas been used onthe Brompton since theoutset: the ride is moreupright (height 1015mm),with excellent control, buta little heavier than the SType (by 58g). The M Typeis the all-rounder in ourrange, as much at homein the city as on a countrylane, and with plentyof room for luggage at thefront.P TypeThe P Type was designedwith the touring cyclistin mind – two positions(height 1033mm and880mm) offer the ridersome variety; the lowerangled grips present anaerodynamic profile, theupper grips provide uprightcontrol, ideal in traffic.The consequence ofthis flexibility is weight:the handlebars are 326gheavier than the S Type’s.GEARING TABLE1 SpeedLight, simple and withoutclutter, using our specialfree-hub: for the purist.2 Speed (+188g)One gear for hills andstarting off, one for cruising.Based on the uniqueBrompton derailleur system,with near perfect chainalignment,this is the bestset-up for flexibility andportability. All you need forcycling around town.3 Speed (+738g)The BSR [Brompton StandardRange] is an updatedversion of the classic SturmeyArcher hub in an alloyshell, three well-spacedgears. These are fully enclosedfor reliability, andchanging gear couldn’t besimpler; a popular choice foreveryday cycling.6 Speed (+920g)The combination of the highly-efficientBWR [BromptonWide Range] hub with ourown derailleur system givessix evenly-spaced gears. Controlwith the two triggers iseasy and, with its low transmissionlosses and wide range,this multi-gear system is theright choice for touring andfor riding in hilly areas.1st2nd3rd4th5th6th8Version EGoing without mudguardslends the bike a sharperappearance and is also thelightest and least expensiveoption, but there aredrawbacks: the folded bikeis not as stable, there’s nopump and of course noprotection from any wateror dirt on the road.Version L (+285g)Equipped with mudguards,essential for non-fairweathercyclists.Version R (+430g)Whether or not you have front luggage, a carrier on the bikecan be useful. The die-cast aluminium rack comes with shockcords and can easily manage loads of up to 10kg.6 speed standard6 speed -12%6 speed +8%3 speed standard3 speed -12%3 speed -18%3 speed +8%2 speed standard2 speed -7%2 speed -19%1 speed standard1 speed -7%1 speed -19%33.1” 2.64m29.1” 2.32m35.7” 2.85m47.9’’ 3.82m42.1’’ 3.36m39.1’’ 3.12m51.7’’ 4.13m56.0’’ 4.47m51.9’’ 4.14m45.7’’ 3.64m74.7” 5.96m69.2’’ 5.52m60.9’’ 4.86m40.7” 3.25m35.8” 2.86m44.0” 3.51m63.8” 5.09m56.2” 4.48m52.2’’ 4.16m69.0” 5.50m74.7” 5.96m69.2” 5.52m60.9” 4.86m51.9” 4.14m45.6” 3.64m56.0” 4.47m84.9” 6.78m74.7” 5.96m69.4’’ 5.54m91.7’’ 7.32m63.8” 5.09m56.2” 4.48m68.9” 5.50m81.3” 6.49m71.5” 5.71m87.8” 7.01m100.0” 7.98m88.0” 7.03m108.0” 8.62mGearing in metres: the distance travelled for one revolution of the crank, in each gear, measured in metres.Gearing in inches: (commonly referred to as ‘gear inches’) the diameter of the hypothetical wheel each gear creates. The higher the gear, the largerthe diameter (gear inches) of the hypothetical wheel, the further travelled for one revolution of the crank.NB: Lower gears are used for lower speeds and hillier conditions, higher gears are for flatter conditions and higher speeds. For a fuller explanationplease refer to our website.9

FRAMECOLOURS & TYRESM3L BLACK & REDALL STEEL FRAMEOn all Bromptons, steel is used for the main frame and handlebarstem. The steel gives rigidity to the vital link betweenhandlebar and pedals, which is the key to good handling. AllsteelBromptons also feature a rear triangle, front fork andseat pillar made of steel.COLOURSWhether your Brompton will go on big tours or small trips,our colour palette allows you to stamp your personality onyour bike. There is of course no weight penalty associatedwith specifying an individual colour scheme, and opting for“non-standard” colours is kept deliberately affordable.On a bike with an all-steel frame you can choose either tohave it finished in one colour or two, with the extremitiesand main frame contrasting; the only exception is the rawlacquer option, which is only available for the whole frame,not in combination.The titanium parts on Superlight bikes are not painted, soonly one colour choice is possible (for the main frame andhandlebar stem).BLACKMAIN FRAMEEXTREMITIESSUPERLIGHTTYRESBrompton KevlarOur standard tyre is exceptionallyfree-running, durable yetlight. The Kevlar belt under thetread almost eliminates punctures.Finished with reflectivesidewalls as standard.Schwalbe Marathon(+144g) Heavier than the Bromptontyre and noticeably slower,but it offers even better grip andis solidly-built, with a Kevlar beltand a thicker sidewall. Finishedwith reflective sidewalls.REDSUPERLIGHT FRAME(-790g to -1050g, depending on Version and seat pillar length)The Superlight option offers significant weight savings and willappeal particularly if you expect to carry the bike regularly.The main savings come from the use of high-strength titaniumalloy in place of steel for the rear triangle, front fork, mudguardstays and folding pedal bolt; an anodized aluminium seat pillar,alloy headset and a superlight front wheel complete the line up.In line with the minimalist approach, no pump is fitted.ORANGEYELLOWBABY PINKFLAMINGO PINKPURPLE HAZECOBALT BLUEARCTIC BLUETURKISH GREENSchwalbe Kojak(-232g) Replacing the Stelviofor 2010, the Kojak is the fastesttyre we’ve ever fitted onthe Brompton; lighter and morepuncture-resistant (thanks to aRaceGuard strip) than its predecessor,a Kevlar bead also allowsit to be folded, making it easy topack as a spare. Finished with reflectivesidewalls.RACING GREENM3L-X REDAPPLE GREENDESERT SANDWHITERAW LACQUER10no surchargesurcharge11

SUSPENSION, SADDLE HEIGHTS & SADDLELIGHTINGSUSPENSIONSuspension is important on a smallwheeledbike. Ours is provided bya polyurethane block between themain and rear frames; lightweightand effective, it smoothes out thelumps and bumps en route, while theinherent damping avoids excessive“bounce”. Two levels of resistanceare available, to suit body weight andriding style:StandardSuspensionFine for many users,particularlylighter peopleand those whoride and pedalsmoothly.SADDLE HEIGHTSBrompton offers three seat pillar lengths to ensure the rightfit. Aluminium seat pillars are supplied in place of steel versionswith Superlight bikes.FirmSuspensionPossibly more suitable forthose weighing over 80kg,those who cycle more aggressivelyand those preparedto sacrifice somecomfort in return for amore responsive ride.Our lighting systems are designed for use with our bikesand are safe from damage in the folded package. Any ofour lighting options can be fitted to any bike, though fittinga hub dynamo to a Superlight bike will mean the loss of thesuperlight front wheel.Battery Lighting(+158g)The LED rear lamp with integralreflectors is designedespecially for Bromptonand gives a good bright light:this stays fixed to the bike.At the front is the neat yetpowerful S-Sun 3-LED lamp,easily removed for foldingwith a quick-release. Batteriesare included.Standard Seat PillarRaises a saddle up to 995mm from the ground. If your insideleg is more than 33”/84cm, you will almost certainly need alonger seat pillar.12Extended Seat Pillar(+105g – steel; +49g – aluminium) Offers an additional60mm of elevation, though it does leave the saddle correspondinglyhigher when folded.Telescopic Seat Pillar(+364g – steel; +241g – aluminium) Offers up to 175mmmore elevation than a standard pillar yet, when lowered, thesaddle projects only 20mm above the folded package.SADDLEBrompton SaddleSporty, comfortable, practical, andeven lighter for 2010 with the introductionof hollow rails (saving 45g):this high-quality unisex saddle hasbeen designed by Brompton specificallyfor our bikes. A moulded gripunder the nose facilitates carrying,and the ingenious and incredibly lightBrompton Pentaclip allows steplessadjustment of the saddle angle.STANDARD EXTENDED TELESCOPICBrooks B17 Special (+217g)& Brooks B17S Special (+169g)This beautiful traditional saddle will give years of comfortablecycling, the leather moulding with time to the rider.Finished with hand-hammered copper rivets, and fitted withthe Brompton Pentaclip for stepless adjustment, this old favouriteis available in men’s and women’s versions.SHIMANO HUBDYNAMOShimano HubDynamo Lighting(+446g) Hub dynamos offer a veryreliable lighting solution, and thishub dynamo, specifically adaptedfor the Brompton by Shimano, offersvery good performance ata keen price. Features include aBusch & Müller halogen front lampand a stand light function at therear.SON HubDynamo Lighting(+236g) The Son hub is beautifullyengineered, highly efficient, and willgive years of reliable service. For2010 it has been further improvedby the adoption of a powerfulBusch & Müller LED front lamp,featuring an automatic light-sensingfunction and a stand light functionat the front as well as the rear.SON HUB DYNAMO13

14 15

LIGHT & QUICKMe & MyBromptonS1E-X in Orange 9.1 kgS1E - X ORANGES Type, single speed, SchwalbeKojak tyres, Superlight“I like to race my Bromptonwhenever I can, be it on myway into work, the Nocturneseries or the world champs.Opting for the firm suspensionblock ensures the mostefficient transfer of powerthrough the drivetrain.I keep my bike as light as possible;going for the titaniumSuperlight option with nomudguards or extra gearingoptions means that I stayahead of the rest.”Shannon, brazerfrom West London, UKBROMPTON SADDLES BAGS BAGFIRM SUSPENSION1617

LONG DISTANCE TRAVELLERMe & MyBromptonP6R Flamingo Pink 11.5kgP6R FLAMINGO PINKP Type, 6 speed,mudguards &rack, Shimano hub dynamo,Brompton Kevlar tyres, allsteel frame“Not only do I use my bike formy daily commute, I also takeit with me when I go furtherafield; the beauty of the Bromptonis the ease with which youcan cover great distances. Onthe Eurostar and the TGV thebikes nestled beside the rest ofour luggage, while on the openroad we cruised up and downthe hills of the Dordogne withease; the furthest distancetravelled on my bike in one day:130 km. We were astonishedby the capacity of our combinedfront and rear luggage,44 litres in total.”Kath, marketing executivefrom South East London, UKRACK SACKT BAGT BAGSADDLE BAG1819

PERSONAL TRANSPORTA Brompton will redefine how you see transport.From the city commuter to the global tourer, from those in a hurry to those taking their time, the Bromptonis a transport solution that revolves around you and your journeys.Whether you use public or private transport, or neither, a Brompton allows you to rethink, vary and adaptyour journeys at will. A Brompton sets you free from the constraints imposed by the combustion engine,weather, transport systems, bike thieves and other complications. On trains and buses it tucks into luggagespace... on planes it can either be checked in or even taken as carry-on; and it’s great to ride off at the otherend... in cars, on boats, behind the pilot’s seat of a single-prop, Bromptons are taken on trips as often as theytake their owners on journeys.And whether your trip involves other forms of transport or just your bike, when it’s over your Bromptonfits in a cupboard, under a desk or in a cloakroom, safe from theft and the elements, ready for your nextjourney by personal transport.KEY MODELSThese six bikes offer a snapshot of our full range and are some of our most popular configurations. Eachkey model is available in all-steel and Superlight spec [-X]. Weights include everything, even the removablebattery lights (yes, with batteries in them).KEY MODELS2L / S2L-XThe S Type’s sporty characteris complemented by our nimble2-speed derailleur gearing;avoiding hub gears results in alight bike that can handle mostjourneys.Supplied with mudguards andbattery lighting.10.7kg / 9.8kgKEY MODELM3L / M3L-XThe classic Brompton, featuringthe new BSR Sturmey Archer3-speed hub; a versatilecombination for the all-rounderin our Key Model line up.S2LS2L-XSupplied with mudguards andbattery lighting.11.5kg / 10.5kgM3LM3L-XKEY MODELP6R / P6R-XWith a rear rack for additionalluggage carrying and 6 wellspacedgears, more kit meansmore weight; but the P6R isdesigned with longer trips,rather than short commutes,in mind.Supplied with mudguards, rearrack and Shimano hub dynamolighting.12.4kg / 11.5kgP6RP6R-X24 25

TRANSPORTINGWEIGHING IT ALL UPFor all the options and B-spoke possibilities, the question weare asked most often at bike shows is, “How much do theyweigh?”Weight does matter; people don’t buy bikes to save on buyinga barbell. But weight isn’t everything. Ride quality, frame alignment,pedalling-efficiency and reliability are all likely to provemore important in use, yet risk being overlooked by a fixationon weight. And the compactness and balance of the foldedpackage is at least as important as weight in determining theease with which a folded bike may be carried.We are constantly striving for new ways to reduce the weightof our bikes – our products are, after all, renowned for theirportability. But removing weight from bikes is not a zero-sumgame, and it’s certainly not something we do at all costs. Wecould incorporate many more lightweight materials into ourbikes, but those that don’t already feature have been rejectedfor shortcomings in longevity, reliability or robustness. Wewant our bikes to stand the test of time, and robustness sometimessimply weighs more.Finally, treat brochure data with caution, as not all bikes areweighed equally... Brompton uses true weights, meaning weweigh our bikes with pedals and wheels/tyres attached; if mudguardsare fitted, we weigh those too... We take the romanticview that you want to know how much your bike really weighs,not how much it weighs if we remove some inconvenientlyheavy parts.Cover and SaddleBag (+295g)A cover is often useful,especially on public transport.The zip-up BromptonCover is quick to fit andremove and can be drawntight around the base ofthe bike using its drawcord.The cover comes in asaddle bag for storage.B Bag (2.4kg)Made of tough nylon with 5mm padding to give a degree ofprotection for your Brompton when travelling. The base isreinforced, and has integral castors: there are extra pockets,and it comes with a shoulder strap as well as carry handles.Packs down flat for storage.Eazy Wheels(+85g/+43g)4 tyred rollers (2 when fittedto a Brompton withouta rear rack) with industrialbearings allow thefolded bike to be smoothlypushed around. A rubberbung in the seat postcan be used as a brake toprevent unwanted rolling.B BAGB Pod (5kg)For those seeking even more protection for their Bromptonwhile travelling, the B Pod offers a rigid moulded EVAshell, with the Brompton strapped securely in place within.Although it cannot be folded down like a B Bag, the B Pod isdesigned to be as manoeuvrable as a wheeled suitcase, witha telescopic handle and integrated wheels, offering door-todoorportability and a worry-free way to take a Bromptonon holiday or business. (Available from June).P.S. The answer to the question is: “Actual weight depends onmodel and configuration, but ranges between 9kg and 12.5kg,or 20–28lbs.”26

LUGGAGE FOLD OUTBrompton luggage is designed tocomplement our bikes, offering acomplete personal transport solution.A BagNew for 2010. Although the Bromptonluggage range has found a homein even the most formal of boardrooms,there has long been a demandfor a more conventional “work bag”.This attaché case is handmade in thefinest traditions of artisanal leatherworkbut has a dedicated space for alaptop; ideal both for the city playerand the style aficionado.Capacity 9 litres; dimensions 420wx 300h x 110d; comes supplied witha leather shoulder strap and a highvisibilityrainproof cover.FRONT LUGGAGEBrompton front luggage options are based on our Front Carrier System; luggage is attached via a frame that latchessecurely onto a tapered block. It takes a second to attach or release your luggage and the load is attached directly tothe main frame, with little effect on steering. All volumes include external pockets; dimensions are approximate andexternal.T BagRemodelled for 2010, the T Bag is the successor to theTouring Pannier, incorporating a more modern design andimproved materials and finish. It boasts considerably morecapacity than any other bag, and a roll-top system with nylonclips for closing. There is a pocket and a bottle-pouch at theback, a zip-up pocket inside and three elasticated net pocketsaround the outside to stow things for the ride.Capacity approx. 31 litres; 420w x 300h x 270d; comes suppliedwith a shoulder strap and a high-visibility rainproofcover.O BagNew for 2010. Ortlieb,the most respected namein waterproof cycle luggage,has created a bag foruse exclusively with theBrompton front luggagesystem. The O Bag featuresthe finish and functionalityone expects fromOrtlieb and will be offeredin two colours – all-blackand pink and black.C BagA messenger-style bag with a Velcroandbuckle-fastened flap. A multitudeof pockets, finished with water resistantzips, keep those small essentialssafe and dry, while a bright liningmeans an end to searching for smallitems in the dark recesses of your bag.Capacity 25 litres; dimensions 420wx 300h x 170d; comes supplied witha shoulder strap and a high-visibilityrainproof cover.Folding BasketThis is our simplest item ofluggage – a large, open-topcontainer, ideal for shopping.Its shape is maintained by asimple bracing frame whichfolds flat for storage. Capacity24 litres.Capacity 20 litres; dimensions500w x 300h x 150d;comes supplied with ashoulder strap, but there’sno need for a rainproofcover.REAR LUGGAGEAlthough many prefer the“clip-on/clip-off” convenienceof our front luggage; the rearrack offers useful additionalcarriage possibilities, thoughthe contents must obviously beremoved before ‘parking’ andfolding.S BagRemodelled for 2010, this smaller messenger-style bag has alow profile and plenty of compartments to store the paraphernaliaof modern life. A bright lining and waterproof zipsare among the improvements, while a removable front panelallows the bags to be personalised with different designs.Capacity 20 litres; dimensions 420w x 260h x 170d; comessupplied with a shoulder strap and a high-visibility rainproofcover.Rack SackWith stiffened sides and built-inVelcro straps to secure it, theRack Sack is purpose-designedfor the Brompton rear rack,offering a very secure, showerproofsolution.Capacity 16 litres; comes suppliedwith a shoulder strap.

Folded size:585mm wide x 565mm high x 270mm deepWarrantyIf your bicycle has a manufacturing defect, we will replacethe defective part free of charge if we are notifiedwithin five years (in the case of the frame) ortwo years (in the case of other parts) of the date offirst purchase of the bicycle. The Brompton is for useon roads and well-made paths. It is not designed forcross-country riding: this can overstress the frame, andthe tyres and wheels are unsuitable. For full warrantyterms and conditions please refer to the website oryour owner’s manual. To activate your warranty pleaseregister your bike in the My Brompton section of theBrompton website.Product specifications may be changed;weights and dimensions may vary slightly © 2010Brompton Bicycle Ltd.Kew Bridge DC, Lionel Road South,Brentford, TW8 9QRtel: + 44 20 8232 8484www.brompton.co.ukThe Brompton name and logo, and the term“B-spoke”, are registered trademarks of BromptonBicycle Ltd.Thanks to:Models: William, Jorn, Thorleif, Diego, Kanako, Dori,Jess, Mark, Cecilie and all the Brompton staff thatfeature in this brochure.• Peter Hughes for studio photographywww.photoview.biz• Anna Batchelor for outdoor photographywww.annabatchelor.com• Gilles & Cecilie for AD, photo and graphic designwww.gillesandcecilie.comPrinted by:PrintHouse Corporationon 9Lives Silk 80% recycled FSCMixed Sources Paperwww.printhouse.co.ukVisit www.brompton.co.uk for more information.You can also try a Brompton at your dealer... it’s theonly way to see if it’s really as good as we say.