Brompton C-Line and T-Line Test: Are These the Ultimate Foldable Bicycles?

After a month riding the C-Line in steel and the T-Line in titanium, Mobiwisy gives its verdict on Brompton, a benchmark brand in folding bicycles.

Brompton is more than a brand, it has become a generic term for some when talking about folding bicycles. Because the British company, born in the 1970s, has made it a specialty to the point of democratizing it. Of course, many brands offer such bikes, increasingly diverse: affordable prices, wheel sizes, folding systems, electric options, etc.

Bike Overview: 5/5

Today, Brompton’s lineup includes 4 models. We took the C-Line and T-Line for a test. The C-Line is basic, with a steel frame, weighing 11.2 kg (1 kg in the 4-speed version). The T-Line is the 2022 new release with a titanium frame that reduces weight to 7.4 kg or 8 kg in the 4-speed version. Between the two, the P-Line was already introducing some titanium to go below 10 kg, and the C-Line has an electric version. Lastly, the A-Line is a budget entry above 1,000 euros but with a weight approaching 12 kg.

A Brompton doesn’t look like a traditional bike but more like a mini-bike. The C-Line respects the original design introduced in 1975 and launched in 1982, with three distinct parts that fold: the rear and frame, the fork and front wheel, handlebar. The wheels are only 16 inches, compared to 24 to 28 inches for regular bikes. The low frame is practical for all sizes—even for taller riders like us—and for women to ride. Brompton can also customize according to each person’s morphology. The large seat tube—titanium on the T-Line—is adjustable to everyone. For equipment, Brompton includes mudguards with splash guards, as well as battery-powered lights. But no kickstand for these folding bikes.

Folding and Handling Brompton Bikes: 4/5

Riding a mini-bike can be intimidating if you’re used to a traditional bike. With its small wheels, tiny handlebar, and light weight, initial fear can take over. However, Brompton is surprisingly easy to handle. Primarily, it’s the comfort that surprises. Despite its tiny Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires, it doesn’t feel like a budget bike, and it performs quite well in this regard. Although very durable, the titanium of the T-Line absorbs less shock and vibrations from the road, making it less comfortable. It also has less grippy Schwalbe One tires, which are better in the rain. And regardless of the model, it uses pads instead of discs, which suffice for braking given the wheel size.

Brompton C-Line 2022 transmission — Various transmissions are available: single-speed, 6 speeds or 4 with derailleur, 2 speeds, and here 3 speeds in the hub

With a fairly active riding posture, putting weight on the handlebar and the front, the Brompton C-Line is easy to control. Sportier riders appreciate it, while those seeking an upright and comfortable position for daily use may find it less suitable. No wobbling sensation either, as seen on the T-Line. Much lighter—4 kg less—this folding bike is even too light, making it more sensitive to road variations and turns. The higher center of gravity makes handling a bit more challenging.

As for gears, the 3-speed system in the C-Line Utility is very easy to use. It’s enjoyable to shift gear at traffic lights and intersections, and the highest gear still provides enough torque to exceed 30 km/h without effort. That’s where the T-Line falls short. Its “Urban” 4-speed version, at least, struggles to go over 25 km/h when pedaling through thick traffic. The derailleur is also less practical in city riding and had issues with shifting smoothness.

Folding and Handling Brompton: 5/5

The strength of Brompton lies in its folding system, which hasn’t changed in nearly 50 years. How does it work?

Start on the left side of the bike. The first step is to push a lever behind the seat tube to slide the rear of the bike toward the frame. Next, loosen the first handle on the frame, pivot the front of the bike to the right. A plastic piece locks the front section onto a tube resting on the rear wheel. Then, lower the saddle—this step locks the previous ones and prevents the front wheel from swinging. Finally, loosen the second handle on the bottom of the handlebar to let it fall to the right. It automatically locks onto the rest of the bike via a metal tip in a hole. And that’s it!

*Folding steps for the Brompton C-Line, between 15 and 20 seconds*

To unfold everything, do the reverse: reposition and tighten the handlebar, put the front wheel back in line and tighten, then lift the rear to restore the original position of the rear wheel. It takes about a week to become familiar and master it. Folding takes just 15 seconds, unfolding around 10 seconds. Note that small wheels at the rear help move the bike while standing with the rear wheel slid out.

As for the T-Line, the locking levers are different (light plastic rather than metal). They don’t impact folding or unfolding speed. However, the latch locking the handlebar is less secure. It requires multiple attempts to lock, and a slight knock can unlock it. On the plus side, the titanium model allows removing the left pedal—mounted on a support designed onto the bike—to make folding even more compact.

Price of Brompton Folding Bikes: 2/5

Brompton is a very practical, comfortable, and lightweight folding bike in its T-Line version. But it is very expensive. The C-Line is already costly at 1,529 euros starting price, reaching up to 1,714 euros for the “Urban” two-speed version. The T-Line is out of reach for most budgets. With 4,479 euros for a single-speed and 4,709 euros for our 4-speed version, it’s a luxury product. That’s the price of titanium, but it’s incredibly satisfying to carry your bike easily by hand without struggling! Now, we just need to test the other lightweight French bike claiming 6.5 kg, the Vello.