The Brompton Folder: A Sporty And Performance Inspired Commuting Star

The Brompton Superlight steel and titanium folding bike sit expertly at the intersection of durability, weight, speed, and compactness. The bike is built with a high-quality steel top tube, seat tube, and steerer, connecting to titanium rear triangle and fork, weighing in at a mere 22 pounds with pedals. The rear triangle folds down into the center of the bike and connects back to the frame using a rubber cylinder that acts as a rear shock absorber. This leads to a very smooth design in which the stiff titanium transfers impact to the more responsive rubber and steel. Add in tough Schwalbe Kojak tires, and despite having small 16 inch wheels, the ride experience provides a very comfy commute.

We didn’t get a single flat during testing, and the tires needed almost no additional air beyond the initial pump. The 2-speed drivetrain was more than enough to cover commuting through the city, and the small profile excels at navigating around trails and sidewalks. I was able to get this bike above 20 mph while on the road with a heavy backpack and sneakers, and it’s compact enough to fold up and fit in the trunk of a Prius C (notoriously small trunk). I wouldn’t exactly want to exercise on the Brompton, but for a grab-and-go bike that can easily fit into any car, house, or office, you couldn’t ask for more. With this bike, you’re not buying a fragile instrument, you’re investing in a reliable low-maintenance transportable bike that will last a lifetime. ($2179)