I Brutally Tested a $2000 Brompton Folding Bicycle

Today we ride the Brompton Folding Bicycle and explore all its unique features, like the ability to roll on its luggage rack in 'shopping cart mode'. Along the way, we're going to torture test this bike, and hope the hinge doesn't break from the abuse. When all is said and done, you'll know why the Brompton brand commands such a high price tag, for what looks like a simple folding bike.

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[pkthor]

Hey, who's that guy pulling 360's on a folding bike, in the skate park, while raining? Oh, it's Seth. It's ok.

[brandonkoh]

Internal gear hubs are supposed to only change gears under no load, and can be damaged if you try to do so under load. Thats why the internal gear hub doesnt switch gears.
But im sure someone else in the comments section has told him already.

[riveraluciano]

I think this is the first time I see someone actually trashing a Brompton in a proper context. I always saw them as extremely flimsy but also the weight and portability is a huge bonus for me living in a 4th floor with no elevator.

[timboha]

Hope you noticed your puncture patch fly out when you pulled apart the tool kit.

[arthurbates]

my dad bought one of these new in 2001 and he’s used it basically every day since commuting in london and oxford. Not sure how many of you are brits but these things are super super common in the uk and way less expensive

[colindevilbiss]

3 year C-line owner, kitted out basically the same as in the video. For me, the "shopping cart" mode is the game-changer. I bike to a grocery store, half-fold it, clip my helmet to the basket, and wheel it right in. Fill it up, pay, unfold, and ride away. Nothing else like it. Best Black Friday purchase of my life (these models were 20% off that year).

[chrisbaillie]

Seths in his 'buy the most expensive model of a weird kind of bike' era and I love it

[marcozg]

I love my Brompton (C-Line). It changed my life.
I can take it into any public transportation vehicle (which here in Switzerland, we do have a lot of), no matter how cramped.
I can make city trips completely spontanous, no reservation needed, and no extra fee.
I ride to the train station (2.5 km), then take it on the train. In the office, it fits underneath my desk.
On overnight trips, it fits into the tiniest of elevators, and I simply have it in my hotel room overnight.
I did some longer tours with it (> 30 km), it's no problem. It's not a racing bike, it's not a mountain bike. But it is a great bike to ride,
and with the 6 gears you can climb any hill and get up to speed as well.
The shopping trolley mode is a nice gimmick but gets difficult if you load heavy items (the small wheels stop turning, instead you start to slide them onto the floor...)
but is cool for small purchaces - but to me, it's more of a gimmick.

[monev]

The hub gears work very reliably, you just need to let off the torque when shifting. It's just a little weirdzy you get used to pretty quick. I guess no one told him.

[davechapman]

BMX roots stay with you forever.
Your street skills are still solid.

[Tntdruid]

You should let Sam Pilgrim take it on a test ride 😄

[west]

Seth I’m pretty sure you’re close to my age. The fact that you’ll attempt anything at a bike park, on a foldable bike and in the rain…well sir you have my respect and admiration. You’ve gotten likes from me since I discovered your channel but you have a whole new level of respect from me now 👍

[Simply_CH]

oh man, I love this review. I've had the same Brompton for over 8 years, and apart from some basic maintenance (new chain, new brakepads, new tyres) it's been doing amazing. I'll often overtake everyone, with a top speed of just below 25mph (38kmh) and a gear ratio that allows me to go as easily uphill as it is to go really scarily fast, it's a dream to ride.
Have flown with it, taken it by train, tram, bus, boat, bike (as luggage), biked on beaches, through forests, and even on the highway(by accident!). I don't see myself ever riding another bicycle ever again.

[napilopez]

Not the video I was expecting but so happy to see it. I dont think people buy Brompton's because theyre quirky so much as because theyre ridiculously versatile.

If you dont live in/commute to a city or need it for long-distance travel, get something else, but there's really nothing with the same combination of folding size, ease of transport while folded, longevity, resale value, ride quality (for its size), customer support, aftermarket parts, and cargo ability.

In NYC, the difference between the Brompton and a typical 20-inch folder is night and day in terms of where you can bring the bike in with you.

[chrisburn]

Brompton has been attempting to move their production to my local town of Ashford, UK, in a purpose-built factory with no motor vehicle access (except delivery trucks) to promote active travel. Given that it's about 5 mins bike (on bike paths) from an international station that goes to London, and near the centre of town which uniquely for a small UK town is blessed with bike infrastructure, it's a brilliant idea. Guess what? The local council is resisting it at all costs, because they can't get past the idea of being reliant on a car. It's a crying shame and a local embarrassment, holding back millions of £of local investment and jobs for a few backwards-thinking naysayers.

[sosapilot]

Awesome! My wife & I just got Brompton and we’re loving them. One thing not a lot of people seem to mention when talking about the price is that they’re made in England. Like, 80% or something of the bike is actually made in London and that adds a lot of labour cost to anything. It’s debatable whether that’s any better, obviously lots of super high end bikes are made in Taiwan, it’s not like the British are inherently better at making things, but it’s certainly a factor in the cost.

[ifitrollsrideit]

Bromptons are actually cheap. Buy one, save loads using it to multimode commute. Sell it for about what you originally paid. Cheapest bike you will ever own.
Mine paid for itself within the first year I owned it, back in 2014. ...except I'm never selling it, 'cause I love it!

Also you may have to stop peddling to change the SA hub gear but it means you can change gears whilst track standing at the lights. Which is nice.

[RottenlyMoodyChild]

I love that you are doing these videos on and promoting these active transit bikes like the Brompton and cargo bikes. Some of those r/brompton touring/gravel bike Brompton setups are dope AF! 😂

[stephenschuit]

"They" say that every time you get on a Brompton it puts a smile on your face. That is 100% true for me. I've ridden my Brompton in South Korea, Hungary, the U.S., and soon, Latvia. It's the best material purchase I've made in my life. The community, the accessories, the quality of the riding experience, are all without equal. I quite simply love my Brompton.

[WheelsonaBike]

I did not expect to see a Brompton bike on this channel! Love it! I am a proud Brompton owner and this bike is a little machine. Exceptional for multimodal transport, I toured across the state of New York on it (self supported and fully loaded), and also use it for urban rides AND shopping. If I could only keep one bike, this would be the one.