Brompton’s first-ever compact folding bike with 20″ wheels debuted last fall, but only now can you get the wide-tire G Line folding gravel bikes in the US. Brommie fans have always loved the compact, go-anywhere lifestyle of the bikes that fold down smaller than a suitcase – so small they’ll fit under your desk at work, in a train, a plane, a taxi, any car trunk… pretty much anywhere. But you never could fit very wide tires in them, so while you could commute to work or travel the world with your Brompton, you couldn’t really go much beyond where the pavement ends. That all changes with the G Line, and a set of off-road capable 2.1″ gravel tires!
Brompton G Line 20″ adventure-ready folding gravel bike
I dove fully into the details last autumn, and you can read here to learn more. But the important points are this:
- standard 20″ wheels with 2.1″ wide (54mm) puncture-resistant & tubeless-ready Schwalbe G-One gravel tires
- steel frame and aluminum fork
- hydraulic disc brakes
- 3 bike sizes available (S-L) so you get a proper folder fit
- still folds down in just 20 seconds to less than 27″ high x 29″ long x 16″ deep
- weight as low as 30.6lb (13.9kg), and…
- now available in the USA, shipping this week!
What’s new?
What feels like the biggest deal here to me is the G Line making the jump from Brompton’s traditional but obscure 16” wheel size to the bigger and much more common 20”. Think of its rollerover improvement like going from 26” to 29” wheels. Plus, now you can find lots more compatible tires – from road slicks to gravel to XC-ish mountain bike tires (like on high-end kids’ bikes!)
The bigger wheels also forced Brompton’s hand on making a slightly longer wheelbase, which boosts overall rider fit AND more stable handling.
It’s still a compact folder, but should ride now more like a full-sized bike.
“Now, as more and more people look to escape the city, exploring roads and trails less traveled, 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.”
– Will Butler-Adams, Brompton CEO
Brompton G Line – Pricing, options & availability
The new Brompton G Line gravel folder has already been available as a pre-order recently, but this week they actually start shipping. $3300 will get you a standard Brompton G Line in one of 3 cockpit sizes (S, M & L) and your choice of 3 colors – Adventure orange, Forest green & Traildust white. The single US build includes an 8-speed Shimano Alfine hub, the integrated (but removable) roller rear rack & full-coverage fenders. Order today, and Brompton will start shipping on Wednesday, March 6th!
The electric version with its 250W hub motor will be coming to the US next fall.
