Brompton unveils first 20-inch model and adds disc brakes

Brompton has unveiled the brand’s biggest innovation in 50 years, its first ever 20″ folding bike, the G Line.

Delivering comfort through an entirely new frame, all-new 20” wheels, and Schwalbe custom made for Brompton, tubeless-ready tyres to enhance the capability of the bike, the G Line is Brompton’s latest engineering feat – creating improved feel, with the same foldable design.

The G Line is also the first Brompton to come equipped with disc brakes for all-terrain, all-weather riding.

With a Shimano 8-gear system that helps to cover a variety of terrains, the hub gear is tucked away inside the rear wheel.

“The G Line truly is the one bike to do it all. Brompton owners are passionate about their bikes but it has always been a bike optimised for cities.” said Will Butler-Adams, CEO at Brompton.

“Now, as more and more people look to escape the city, exploring roads and trails less travelled, it was the right time to take everything that makes the Brompton so special, and make it capable of going beyond the urban environment and into tougher terrain.”

Marketed as the brand’s “most capable bike ever”, the G Line has been tested over 250,000km, first to meet industry standards, then to meet Brompton’s, to tackle everything “from dusty singletrack to rain-soaked cobbles”.

“We created the G Line to be the best one-bike solution for the city and beyond,” added Will Carleysmith, chief design and engineering officer at Brompton.

“It’s the most capable Brompton yet, with the ability to deliver on all sorts of surfaces, with the feel of a full-size bike.

“Yet it transforms into a compact package that stores and travels easily. In a world full of possibilities, G Line is your one-bike route to anywhere.”

The G Line fold is designed fto retain a compact form-factor, akin to that of its 16” predecessor, measuring 690mm (h) x 730mm (l) x 402mm (w) in a size small.

Folding the bike halfway allows owners to steer with the saddle or tow with the handlebar. The G Line stays locked together and glides like a wheelie suitcase.

The G Line is available in three size options (small, medium and large) retaining one frame size, but differentiated through stem lengths.

It utilises the brand’s Wide Platform QR Pedal Set and also features all-new Brompton Ergonomic Grips to provide additional cushioning and support.

Alongside the launch of the G Line, Brompton is also announcing the Electric G Line.

“We designed the Electric G Line bike and e-system as one. Every element is meticulously engineered from scratch to work together in the city and beyond,” Tom Kerr, G Line Design Lead commented.

“From brilliant on and off-road handling to easy charging and storing in small places, everything feels seamless with this bike.”

An all-new electric system brings greater capability to the rider. Designed with an understanding of riders’ needs, the Electric G Line features new advanced software and hardware for optimal performance, self-diagnostics and latest features available through future software updates.

As an e-bike that can go anywhere in all weathers, the Electric G Line’s all-new 250-watt rear hub motor offers stability and traction on all ground throughout three levels of assistance.

In Brompton’s in-house R&D facility, the motor was put through its paces on a 24/7 durability rig, with 20+ motors going through a combined mileage of more than 1,000,000km.

Brompton’s best battery to-date delivers a claimed 345-kwh of power via a more efficient system, all to fit within the Brompton fold.

Using this power, riders can explore from 20-40 miles (30-60km) in one go and when it comes to charging, the battery pack can be removed with a click and plugged in anywhere.

Brompton e-bikes are independently certified and accredited – UL2849 and EN 15194 compliant and the brand is actively supporting greater regulation through the Battery Breakdown Safety Bill.

Bluetooth connectivity between the e-bike and the Brompton Electric smartphone app means the latest system upgrades happen over the air.

Owners are notified of new features available and can use the dashboard on their phone to control power modes, maximise battery life, track distance and more.

When it comes to gearing, the Brompton Advance 4-speed system works with the rear hub motor and power modes to deliver everything needed and fits inside the fold.

Ergonomically designed in-house to suit the pedal style on electric bikes, the Brompton Saddle (wide) delivers comfort and stability.

The saddle features a carry handle under the nose for easier towing and lifting as well as loops for Brompton lights and luggage.

A dedicated array of G Line specific accessories have been created, allowing owners to run a rack, mudguards, a variety of bags, add water bottles, and store a toolkit inside the frame.

G Line is also compatible with Brompton’s extensive existing bag range.

Each steel frame is handmade and quality assured in the brand’s London Factory, and comes with Brompton’s seven year frame warranty.

All models available in Forest Green, Adventure Orange, Traildust White

  • G Line 8-Speed – £2,395
  • G Line 8-Speed with Rack and Mudguards-  £2,495
  • G Line 8-Speed with Lights – £2,480
  • G Line 8-Speed with Lights and Rack – £2,580
  • Electric G Line 4 speed – £3,495

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