Already owning a road bike, a mountain bike, and a touring bike, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by those charming folding bikes I often saw around town. The idea of having one to casually ride around the city for coffee meetups or conveniently store in my car for spontaneous trips sounded incredibly appealing.
However, choosing the right folding bike wasn’t easy. I wanted something stylish yet durable, a model that folded quickly and compactly, all within a reasonable budget. This meant diving into research, comparing options, and making a carefully considered decision.
Brompton – The Dream Folding Bike
When it comes to folding bikes, enthusiasts can’t help but be captivated by Brompton. It’s the gold standard of folding bikes—an absolute dream to own. But, as expected, such prestige comes with a hefty price tag, making prospective buyers think twice before taking the plunge.
First designed by Andrew Ritchie in 1975, Brompton bikes continue to be handcrafted in a single factory in London. They are adored worldwide for their sleek design, impeccable quality, and unparalleled folding efficiency. A regular user can fold the bike and pack it into a suitcase in just 20 seconds. Its compact size allows for easy storage in a car trunk or seamless transport on trains, buses, and ferries—without restrictions or hassle.
After watching numerous videos demonstrating the Brompton’s rapid folding mechanism, I was truly impressed. This feature alone made it my top choice.
Brompton offers four main product lines: A Line, C Line, P Line, and T Line. The A, C, and P models share similar designs, materials, and sizes, differing mainly in the number of gears and accessories.
As of the time of writing, the official website (www.brompton.com) lists the A Line 3-speed model at £950, the P Line Urban at £2,319, and the C Line 12-speed at £1,299—excluding shipping, import duties, and VAT.
While Brompton is undoubtedly worth every penny, not everyone has the means or the passion to invest in one. Sometimes, dreams remain just that—dreams.
Brompton Lookalikes – Affordable Alternatives
For those who admire Brompton’s design and functionality but can’t justify the cost, there are more affordable alternatives on the market. Some folding bikes mimic Brompton’s signature style and features while offering a much lower price point.
For instance, the 3 Sixty 6-speed, made in Korea, costs around $1,000, whereas the Litepro, produced in China, is priced at approximately $500.
If you love the sleek aesthetics and ultra-compact folding mechanism of a Brompton but can’t afford one, a 3 Sixty, Litepro, Oltre, or any other similar folding bike could be a great option. However, apart from Brompton replicas, very few folding bikes can match its compactness and efficiency.
The Practicality of Folding Bikes
For cycling enthusiasts who frequently travel for work, those who commute but park their cars several kilometers away, or those who need to transfer between different modes of transportation, a folding bike offers undeniable advantages:
1. Easily transported on public transit, including planes, trains, and buses.
2. Compact and convenient for storage at home or in the office.
3. Saves time and taxi fares when navigating the city.
4. Can be rolled like a trolley when folded.
5. Capable of carrying luggage or gear.
6. Reduced risk of theft compared to standard bikes.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
As much as I dreamed of owning a stylish Brompton, my budget led me to a more practical choice—the 3 Sixty 6-speed from Korea. While it looks identical to the Brompton, I can’t be certain it matches the original’s quality. Nevertheless, I’ve tested it on buses and long rides, and overall, the experience has been fantastic!
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Mr. Old Man, 3/2025
