The Brompton G Line

[simongt]

This new offering from Brompton appears to tick many boxes for those who want something that will do a bit more than a regular Brompton.
Reviews are generally favourable with the occasional caveat which obviously, is understandable.
Now to the point. My two current 'normal' bikes, an '81 Dawes Fox and a '91 Super Galaxy are getting a bit much to 'get my leg over', probably down to age; 72 and the 40cm. pin in my right femur.
However, I still cycle as much as possible on my Brommy M3 which I've had for about 10 years and love it to bits as an urban bike, so my thoughts are how about selling the two Dawes on and getting a G Line - ?
Handling apparently is very similar to a 'normal' Brommy, but the larger frame, bigger wheels & tyres etc. give it a lot more flexibility for less forgiving routes and longer distance than I would normally do on my M3.
Advice is to have a test run on one before committing which makes sense.
Anyone any thoughts on the G Line - ?

 

[Kevberlin]

I’m in a similar position. I too have a Brompton (6speed) that I enjoy riding and a “normal” road bike with 531 frame.
Im thinking the G Line will provide a better ride for more distance outings. In my case I live in hilly terrain. The 8 speed Alfine hub with a 44 chain ring (to replace the standard 50) will give plenty of gearing.
Reviews are generally positive with the standard caveat on the extra weight. It is reported that handling is less twitchy and it feels/rides much more a “normal” bike. Reports say it’s very comfortable.
My nearest Brompton dealer will have a demo bike in stock during early July so I’m going to take a ride. It’s a medium frame model that should suit my 5”11” stature. I thought about just buying direct from Brompton but then resolved that a test ride is more sensible. We will see.

 

[a.twiddler]

I can see the attraction of a Brompton as I have a 16" one and it's been a lot more versatile than I'd anticipated. Since Brompton dealers are better than most for allowing test rides, I would certainly try and blag an extended test ride before splurging on a new "G" line. There are a lot of 20" folders out there, and if you can satisfy yourself that it's at least as good as the others (Brompton fold aside) it's all good. The extra flexibility is useful, but the difference between a 16" fold and a 20" fold is very noticeable.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi there, not been on here for a few years.
I bought a G line in April and I love it.
It's a remarkably capable bike and feels not unlike a full sized bike. Once you're riding it you forget its small wheels. The standard tyres soak up rough surfaces. I've even done a local (Peak District) mtb route on it.
I bought it specifically for touring and, following the lead of a friend, have fitted 50t and 38t chain rings. If in hilly country I change these with my foot (at standstill). A front derailleur is not an easy option. It works better than it sounds. I have already done a 3 day, 2 night camping trip and fitted all my kit into two Vincita bags. Used trains to start and from finish. The rear bag has rucsac straps so with that on back, front bag in one hand and bike in other, public transport is straightforward.

I can get all I had in 5 bags on my Thorn Sherpa in just these two.
Planning on a French trip next spring.
BTW I'm 71 and still managing non electric.

 

[Drago]

Leisure Lakes had one, so I hopped on my Intercity Disc 9 and rode across for a test ride.

After the journey there on the lively ID9 the G Spot felt lumpen and ponderous and the off road utility wasn't enough to compensate for that jn my mind.

It wasn't a bad bike, it was comfy and the ride quality was delicious, but the sub £500 folder I'd ridden to the appointment ran rings around it in pretty much every dynamic regard.

I was disappointed, as I'd hoped that a 20" Brompton might be the one for a big unit like me. If they want me to part with that kind of cash it needed to be the best folder in the world, or certainly up there rubbing shoulders with them, but it wasn't in the ballpark.

 

[Drago]

The extra flexibility is useful, but the difference between a 16" fold and a 20" fold is very noticeable.

Having said that, a Z fold 20 incher has been perfectly adequate for me on trains, the tube and in the boot of taxis, and has never once presented any kind of issue, problem or inconvenience (beyond taking a few extra seconds to fold/unfold.)

 

[Kell]

I've sat on the small one, and ridden the large one.

Large was too big, small was too small (Goldilocks anyone), but at the time they didn't have a medium.

I went in last week to try the medium at Brompton Jct Covent Garden, but they're not doing test rides at the minute as they've had too many bikes stolen.

When I rode the large, I felt it was cumbersome - especially compared to my Brompton.

But it felt good to ride. I've been looking into trying to get the medium out for a test ride, but it won't be too illuminating as my commute contains a cat 4 hill and the area around Cvt Garden is flat.

I need gear 1 of my 6-speed, but on the flat I also need gear 6. Looking at the various charts, I'm also slightly concerned that the spread of gears won't be quite enough for me. Before I bought my current bike, I hired one for a month to see if would suit me.

Now that they've changed to the Alfine hub, I'm surprised an 11-speed option isn't available from the factory. I feel like I'd be all over an 11-speed option, but not at the cost of having to spend a further £600 (plus re-lacing the wheel) on top of the bike.

 

[T4tomo]

I went in last week to try the medium at Brompton Jct Covent Garden, but they're not doing test rides at the minute as they've had too many bikes stolen.

Why don't they just take a credit card hold for its value? Its not rocket science...

 

[Kell]

Why don't they just take a credit card hold for its value? Its not rocket science...

They used to use a system where they'd take your card, put a penny on it to check it was valid, then lock it into a box and give you the key. You get it back when you bring the bike back.

I guess it's possible these days with 'tap and go', to go in with a stolen card and just ride off with the bike.

 

[Drago]

No such qualms at Leisure Lakes, but ive bought from them several times and they remember me from when I was a copper.

 

[simongt]

Hunting round to find a G Line for a test ride with the Brompton agents isn't easy in this neck of the woods. As all the review videos recommend a test ride before a purchase, makes sense.
The most interesting response I had was from, maybe no surprise here, Evans. Their branch in Cambridge, an hours drive at least, is that they stock several G lines so a test ride wouldn't be a problem. However, the test ride ( company policy ) comprises a tootle around the shop and not anywhere outside.
Then the manny said that anyway, it rides the same as a 'normal' Brompton. Eh - ? So a bigger heavier frame with bigger rims & tyres and rather longer wheelbase is going to rIde the same - ?
Am I missing something here - ?