Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike 2024 in Matt Black

Manufacturers reserve the right to change specifications without notice based on availability at the point of assembly.


Andrew Ritchie was working as a landscape gardener in London during the 1970s when he came up with the idea for his folding bicycle. As an engineering graduate from Cambridge University, he used his knowledge to build the first prototypes in his bedroom – from which he could see the Brompton Oratory (hence the name). Brompton Bicycles was founded in 1976.

However, the road to becoming the biggest bike manufacturer in the UK was not smooth. Raleigh Bicycle Company wasn’t interested in the prototypes Ritchie had built with money he had borrowed from friends. He therefore decided to build the bikes himself. Initially, Ritchie and one employee built and sold 50, then, with some funds raised from shareholders, 50 turned into 500. Things really took off in 1988 after Ritchie secured £50,000 and moved production to a factory in Brentford.

Today, Brompton's are still manufactured in West London, despite the high rents and rates. This is to ensure that every Brompton is hand brazed and produced to perfection.

What’s so good about Brompton folding bikes?

Ultimate portability: Thomas Ernst, a Brompton dealer from Zurich, holds the world record for quickest Brompton fold at 5.19 seconds (watch the video). When folded, the Brompton can be taken on buses, trains, planes, into shops, and will hardly take up any space in your home or work. The fold of the Brompton is, arguably, the quickest and easiest of any folding bike.

A great ride: The 16″ wheels means that you will get excellent acceleration at the lights, leaving all those roadies eating your dust (for about 20 metres at least). Unlike many folding bikes, the Brompton does not sacrifice ride quality for practicality. Brompton's are light and fantastically manoeuvrable, while the rear suspension smooths out bumps in the road, making them perfect for urban riding.

Renowned quality and durability: Brompton does not cut corners either in its choice of components, or in its production. All Brompton's’ are hand brazed and hand built at the London factory, assembled using components that have undergone rigorous in-house and independent testing.

How do I choose my Brompton?