The G Line Brompton

[simongt]

When I saw the 'sales pitch' gumph on e-mails & YouTube, I thought this could be a bike worth having but now, having looked into the detail more closely, I'm not biting.
Originally Bromptons were offered with a lot of options, but the G Line comes with two; size / colour, three of each and nothing else.
When I asked about having a smaller chainwheel fitted by Brompton they said no, it's up to me to do any modifications after I've shelled out around £2400 on one.
Also, it's noticeable how many have not been altogether happy with the very wide handlebars; 65cm., or the angles of the rise & sweep and swapping them for another type of bar post purchase.
If you look at the tutorial on removing the rear wheel in the event of a puncture, it's pretty involved and using a torque wrench is recommended for reassembly.
How many of us carry a torque wrench as a matter of habit I wonder - ?
G Line - ? I'll pass.

 

[Drago]

I wasn't a fan, although the ride comfort/quality was sumptuous for a folder. It felt leaden and ponderous compared to the hilariously fast and lively Intercity Disc 9 (at less than a fifth the price) that id ridden there on.

So I too passed.

 

[wafter]

Shame as it looked like they'd made some legit improvements over the shocking inadiquacies of the 16" models.

I also wonder if it's a niche too far and they wouldn't have been better off improving all the stuff that's wrong with the other models.. However, I suspect that most owners give far less critical thought towards their costly little toff-o-skate slowly eating its own hands than I, while this creeping autophagy keeps the dealer network fed and new parts / bike sales bouyant..

 

[Drago]

I think if they hadn't tried to bestow it with rough stuff ability it might have been better. A fast rolling 20 was my hope.

I am hoping for a lighter-wheeled and skinnier tyred road oriented version, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[wafter]

I think if they hadn't tried to bestow it with rough stuff ability it might have been better. A fast rolling 20 was my hope.

I am hoping for a lighter-wheeled and skinnier tyred road oriented version, but I'm not holding my breath.

Yeah, it's almost like they were working through the final touches to a vanilla 20" model just as the gravel craze hit and they climbed enthusiastically atop the bandwagon..

 

[Kevberlin]

I’m going to test ride one next month, but on the face of it I do agree with Drago regarding the provision of a more road orientated version. It is also annoying that any deviation from the standard spec, such as a 50 chainring in place of the 54, is an aftermarket customer expense only.
it will be interesting to see how I feel post test ride.

 

[oxoman]

I've only seen one in the flesh and it was being ridden at the Dirty Reiver. Spoke to him at a feed stop about it and he said he was happy with it apart from the gearing. He was going to make it easier as he was intending to bikepack with it.

 

[wafter]

I've only seen one in the flesh and it was being ridden at the Dirty Reiver. Spoke to him at a feed stop about it and he said he was happy with it apart from the gearing. He was going to make it easier as he was intending to bikepack with it.

I've spotted a fair few around Oxford recently - nowhere near as many as the 16" jobs, but then you'd not expect that given the disparity in the time they've been available and likely more niche appeal of the G.

Not had an opportunity to speak to any owners yet, although I'd not go out of my way to outside casual conversation as I have no intention of buying one..

 

[Ian H]

We've had a few Bromptons on long AUK events, including London-Edinburgh-London. We'll see if any G-Lines turn up.