Brompton is bringing the T-Line to Germany! This means that the British folding bike classic with high-quality and lightweight titanium tubing will soon also be rolling on German roads. The 16″ collapsible bike from the heritage brand has hardly been touched for almost 50 years – but now even more so. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest model!
After the T-Line is already available in Singapore, China and in the home country Great Britain, the high-quality folding bike will also come to Germany in early Summer. The revised version of the Brompton folding bike is made entirely of high-quality light metal titanium and uses carbon components – resulting in a low weight. The usual intuitive 4-step folding mechanism remains unchanged. The bike can be folded into a handy suitcase size in no time and, thanks to the lightweight materials, weighs less than your usual hand luggage.
Steel frame becomes titanium – still made in UK
In the comprehensive everyday bike comparison test (to the overview article), we already tested a steel-made Brompton M6L (to the review) from the brand’s C-Line. Compared to the 12.6 kg steel model, the all-new titanium foldable bike – weighing around 8 kg – is a real flyweight. In order to save a whopping 4.6 kg, Brompton relied on the expertise of a company from Sheffield that specialises in titanium manufacturing. The T-Line bikes are welded by hand in the UK and fitted with lightweight carbon components. Handlebars, cranks and fork are made of those light fibres and reduce the weight even further. According to the manufacturer, the bike weighs only 7.95 kg in the Urban version with mudguards and 4-gear rear derailleur, which is suitable for everyday use. If you want something even lighter and simpler, you have the option of choosing the One configuration, which – as its name suggests – does without gears and mudguards. The purist model weighs in at a record-breaking 7.45 kg.
The folding mechanism of the Brompton T-Line Urban 2022
In just four steps, the Brompton T-Line is transformed from a city speedster into a handy trolley. The rear frame simply folds forward and serves as a bicycle stand at the same time. The 2 wheels on the rear frame together with the third on the mudguard ensure a secure stand on level ground. Then the bike is folded in at the top tube, the handlebars are swivelled downwards and everything is secured against unintentional unfolding via the lowered seat post. After 2 or 3 practice runs, this can even be done with a degree of elegance.
The specifications of the Brompton T-Line Urban 2022
Due to the folding mechanism, the Brompton relies on numerous in-house developments for the brand new titanium collapsible bike. One of them is a special rear derailleur to compensate for the problem of variable chain length when folding the rear wheel. The rear derailleur has 4 gears in total and spreads gears sufficiently for rolling terrain. The gear lever relays the gear selection by a single trigger, which must be pressed to downshift and pulled up for a heavier gear. In addition to the shiftable drivetrain, the Urban configuration features full mudguards which, in combination with the rubber flaps, keep your shoes nice and shiny.
Carbon and titanium – the new folding bike from Brompton relies on the finest materials and catapults the classic bike into a modern and more performance-oriented future.
Unlike the Brompton M6L model we already tested (to the review), the new T-Line has to do without features such as a pump attachment, a pump itself, a hub dynamo and lights. For this reason alone, the British were able to save quite a bit of weight. If you want to ride after sunset or before sunrise, you can’t do without the clip-on lighting. And better bring a pump, too.
Features such as the carbon fork, carbon cranks, carbon handlebars and carbon saddle rails show at the same time that much more than just cosmetics have been done here. While the folding mechanism is basically unchanged, the entire rear triangle of the frame had to be completely redesigned because of the four-speed drivetrain. Manufacturing one’s own rear derailleur for a change? We don’t know many bike manufacturers who would dare to do that and we salute Brompton for their efforts! Fundamental changes have also been made at the front. The head tube has been updated and now holds large, integrated bearings from FSA instead of the traditional and relatively fiddly screwed 1-inch solutions. Speaking of bearings: Brompton has also given its latest model external and screwed bottom bracket bearings instead of the traditional ones with a square axle. Unlike our test bike, the T-Line bikes come with the tried and tested front carrier block. It is the mounting standard for all accessories and bag solutions.
The Brompton T-Line Urban 2022 on test
The T-Line Urban is the sports bike among the folding bikes. With its low weight and pleasantly wide carbon handlebars on the direct and precise front, the Brompton positions the rider in a sporty way. The steep seat and steering angle give a direct and agile riding experience – which does, however, require some getting used to. For all Brompton newbies we recommend to shift down a gear on the first rides – you now have 4 alternatives here 😉 – and to get to know the bike properly. Once you have adjusted to the super agile handling of the Pocket Rocket, it is an absolute guarantee of fun in everyday riding. It’s so easy to whiz around bends and through the traffic jungle that builds up in front of the traffic lights.
The Brompton is so highly agile and manoeuvrable that it can be rotated on a beer mat in a pinch.
With the rather narrow and 16″ small Schwalbe tyres, you should also pay attention to railway tracks and avoid larger potholes, as the condition of the ground is passed on quite directly to the rider. The volume of the tyres is quite small compared to conventional city bikes, so you should adapt your riding style accordingly – the motto is to steer clear of obstacles rather than ride over them. With a cornering king like the T-Line, taking bends is much more fun anyway!
But the Brompton doesn’t just flourish in inner-city traffic, it can also really score on long distances! Fold the bike up in no time and take it with you on the next bus or train, and even long distances can be easily covered. Going to a restaurant by bike and then, after 2-3 glasses of wine, preferring to take a taxi home? No problem. The 7.95 kg bike fits in any boot and is sure to amaze those around you. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can cover the last mile(s) in style.
The Brompton T-Line is a key player in the daily mobility mix of sporty folding bike fans. It is super flexible and, due to its low weight, can implement the Brompton folding concept better than any other collapsible bike from the British. Carry the bike up to the 4th floor Easy! Style? You bet!
If you are looking for a classy folding bike and value premium workmanship, you will find it with the Brompton T-Line. The titanium frame and the carbon components not only keep the weight low, but also ensure a high-end look and feel. Coupled with the sporty, agile handling, the Brompton is the perfect companion for urban commuters with exclusive quality demands and a passion for traditional companies with history.
For more information, visit brompton.com
Words: Julian Schwede, Benjamin Topf Photos: Benjamin Topf
