Brompton M2L Features:
The M2L is a popular Brompton model for easy city riding. The M-style handlebars are compatible with many of the front-mount bags, and the 2-speed derailleur makes shifting easy. This is also lighter than the corresponding 3-speed models.
All of our Brompton models are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Tires, with a better grip and flat resistance than the standard Brompton tire. These tires are ideal for city riding.
The Brompton M2L is great for city riding. It is durable, lightweight, and can be stowed easily in small places. Finally, a bike that will fit into a small apartment without the awkward shape and hassle!
| Specifications | |
| Frame | Brompton Chromoly Steel |
|---|---|
| Folded Dimensions | 22.2 inches high x 21.5 inches long x 10.6 inches wide |
| Folding Time | 10-15 Seconds |
| Weight | 24.22 lbs. |
| Tires | Schwalbe Marathon tires |
| Tire Size |
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| Maximum Load | The bike is designed to carry a maximum load of 250 lbs plus 50 lbs of luggage. |
| Maximum Rider Height |
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Brompton standard seat, brooks saddle, steel seat post, extended seat post, and titanium seat posts.
Lighting sets, folding pedals, mudguard sets, and everything else.
Brompton bags to hold the bike, to hold groceries, to hold just about anything. Also hard cases for airline travel and covers to protect the bikes shine.
Standard Yellow tag tires, Kevlar, Schwalbe Marathon, Stelvio, and tubes.
Choosing the right tire for your Brompton folding bike is an important way to ensure you get the ride you expect. For example: Brompton's kevlar tire won't feel the same as a Schwalbe Kojak tire. They just roll differently on the road. It's not hard to pick the right tire once you know what's what, and by the end of this article you'll know more than most about Brompton folding bike tires. So lets dive in and get to know what makes one Brompton folding bike tire different from the next.
There are differences in materials and design which make one tire faster or more durable than another. With Brompton folding bike tires there are a few options to choose from. The first is a tire designed by the creator of the Brompton folding bike. It may seem odd that a folding bike company would designed their own tires, but the engineers were not satisfied with anything on the market, and so they built their own tire with the specific demands upon a 16 inch wheel in mind.
The Brompton tire is fast and relatively light, with decent puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. The kevlar version of the Brompton tire provides a much higher degree of puncture resistance and is a good bet for regular commuters. You can tell the difference between a Brompton tire and a Brompton kevlar tire by the colored strip on the side wall: yellow for regular, green for kevlar. For the Brompton purist there is no other tire. The next step up in durability is the Schwalbe Marathon.
At our shop based in New York City, we get people riding folding commuter bikes through some very rough streets. With that in mind, all our Brompton folding bikes are equipped with Schwalbe Marathon tires. These tires have a bit more meat than the Brompton tire and can withstand the beating of New York's city streets better than any other. A different rubber composition and tread pattern make the Schwalbe Marathon one very grippy Brompton folding bike tire for all weather riding. This durability comes at the price of being a little slower and a little heavier. If you'll be commuting every day, rain or shine, on more demanding terrain you'll need a tire like the Schwalbe Marathon, built to take the abuse. This tire is also great for folding bike travel. If you're into racing your folding bike on the side however, you should consider the Schwalbe Kojak Brompton folding bike tire instead.
When people race Brompton folding bikes, you see the Kojak name on their tires. These Brompton folding bike tires are light, fast, and slick. If you want your Brompton folding bike to stay ahead of the pack, you'll want to have Kojaks. There is some puncture resistance, but the trade off for speed is a vulnerability. You can still commute on these, but you'll have to be much more careful about riding over road debris.
Spend a few moments considering how you'll be riding before choosing a Brompton folding bike tire. The rougher the terrain and the harder you ride the more likely you'll be happy with a Brompton kevlar or Schwalbe Marathon tire. If you're into racing or go-fast leisure riding you should consider a lighter faster tire like the Kojak. Whatever you decide to do, riding your Brompton folding bike is sure to be a blast.
Play with options and figure out exactly what you want from your Brompton folding bike. Use our custom Brompton folding bike tool to help, it makes building the perfect Brompton folding bike quick and easy.
Picking the right Brompton folding bike handlebar will ensure a comfortable riding position. This is one of the many small details of choosing a bike (like picking the right Brompton folding bike tire) which can seem confusing at first, but don't worry. Making the right choice is easy when you know what to look for. The Brompton design is such that forward and back adjustment of the handlebars is limited to maybe an inch. Any more than that and the Brompton will not fold up properly. The only thing you have to focus on is handlebar height.
To save weight and simplify the Brompton folding bike design, Bromptons do not have adjustable handlebar stems. Instead, 3 handlebar options are available which cater to different rider styles. To help you pick the perfect handlebar for your Brompton folding bike, I've highlighted the key aspects of each below.
The M type is the original Brompton folding bike handlebar. Thanks to several slight tweaks in shape and curvature over the years which have optimized performance, functionality, and safety, the M type handlebar has endured the test of time and remains the standard of excellence to which all others are held.
The M type is perfect for riders over 5 feet tall who prefer an upright to neutral stance. By upright I mean your back will be straighter and your shoulders more over your hips. Having an upright stance is good for commuting as it keeps cars and pedestrians in your field of vision. The M type also goes a long way to reducing the fatigue of raising your head by aligning the neck and back in a straighter position. Most Bromptons used as folding commuter bikes have M type handlebars.
The S type is sought after by road bikers who buy Brompton folding bikes. If you are used to riding with a more road or racing stance you will appreciate the lower height of the S type Brompton folding bike handlebar. The lower stance reduces wind resistance and makes the whole bike a bit more aerodynamic. In addition to proving a lower stance the S type is the lightest and simplest handlebar. With the S type you get a clean look and a faster ride. Because of the low handlebar height the only Brompton folding bike bag you can mount on the front carrier block is the S-Bag.
You may be thinking you like both of these bars so much, why can't you get the best of each? Well that's exactly what you get with the P type Brompton folding bike handlebar. This bar, ideal for folding travel bikes, offers 2 riding stances: the upper for hill climbing and city navigation, and the lower for fighting headwinds and cruising at speed. The upper grip is an inch higher than the M type and the lower grip is an inch lower than the S type, so you really get a wider range of handlebar height. Bike tourists will tell you: the more options of hand position the better the handlebar for long distance riding. Because of the options it provides the P type is the best Brompton folding bike handlebar to reduce fatigue on wrists and arms.
Take a moment to consider how you'll be using your Brompton before selecting a Brompton folding bike handlebar. The right handlebar will facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable ride and go a long way to guaranteeing a great Brompton folding bike experience. Use our custom Brompton folding bike tool to juggle all the options and create your perfect folding bike. Don't hesitate to contact us either, at NYCeWheels we want to make sure you pick exactly the rightBrompton folding bike for you.
Some people are fair weather cyclists and some people will ride through a thunderstorm. We've all heard you can't please everyone, but the folks at Brompton folding bikes try their hardest to do just that. Compared to other folding bike manufacturers they may seem to lack in variety on the surface, but where other companies focus on producing many wildly different folding bikes, Brompton focuses on taking the Brompton folding bike design and making it infinitely customizable.
Along with choosing from 3 different Brompton folding bike handlebars and setting yourself up with the right Brompton folding bike tires, choosing whether or not you want a rack and fenders is one of the most important parts of customizing your Brompton folding bike. And just like with the handlebars and tires, it's not as complex a choice as it seems at first. Let's take a look at each model to figure out what Brompton folding bike version works best for you.
The E for Empty which denotes this version of the Brompton is not meant to detract from it in any way. It simply means there are neither fenders nor a rack. The E version is not only the cheapest option it is also the lightest, fastest, and cleanest looking. On the other hand, the E bike is less stable when folded (the Brompton usually rests on its rear fender), won't protect you and your clothing from water and mud on the road, and in line with its lightweight appeal it does not come with a air pump.
People usually choose the E type for its slick look and lower price tag, though the weight savings is nothing to scoff at either. For leisure riders and fair weather cyclists this is the ideal Brompton folding bike. If you're looking for even further weight savings check out the titanium Brompton.
L Bromptons have fenders with mudguards. This adds a bit of weight and price to the bike, but it's well worth it. Even if you don't plan on riding your Brompton folding bike in the rain, you will occasionally find yourself either caught in it or riding through puddles the day after. Fenders are a practical option which most people are very happy with in the end.
The R Brompton has a rack and fenders. I call the R bike the ultimate Brompton folding bike because it is ready for anything. The fenders keep you clean and dry while the rack provides plenty of extra storage space should the need arise. The Brompton rear rack can easily hold 20 lbs of luggage and folds right under with the rear wheel to double as a very stable flat surface on which to park the bike.
R Bromptons are the most direct decedents of the original Brompton folding bike and remain true to the no task too big mentality. People tackle everything form fully loaded tours to daily errands with these folding bikes. With the addition of Eazy wheels and a front basket the R Brompton can be rolled along half folded like a shopping cart, a popular way to go light grocery shopping. Having a rack makes the Brompton folding bike more stable and easier to roll when folded.
Be sure to think carefully about how you will be using your Brompton folding bike. You don't want to end up trying to race a bike meant to carry cargo or tour on a bike without fenders and a rack. Use our custom Brompton folding bike tool to play with options and juggle features. It's sure to help you build your perfect Brompton folding bike.
There is no doubt that having lights on your Brompton folding bike, or any bike for that matter, dramatically increases your visibility to motorists. High visibility is important whether you're riding through a crowded city or a country road. It's no coincidence so much cycling clothing patterned with eye catching designs and fluorescent colors. But being safe doesn't mean being extreme or paranoid. It simply means taking steps to protect yourself on the road. Equipping your Brompton folding bike with a lighting system is an easy and practical way to ensure you have a high degree of visibility to both motorists and other cyclists. Fortunately lighting has always been part of the Brompton design and there are three high quality lighting options to ensure your seen.
Don't worry if you know nothing about bike lights or hub dynamos. There's really nothing to it. Just like our articles on Brompton folding bike tires, Brompton folding bike handlebars, and Brompton folding fenders and rear racks, this article walks you through the important details of each option so you can decide for yourself what suits you best.
Battery powered Brompton folding bike lights, like all other lighting systems available from Brompton, can be safely folded within the bike itself. This is the lightest and simplest lighting solution which Brompton offers. With a rear light specifically designed to resist the shock of folding under the bike, and an easily detachable front light, battery powered Brompton folding bike lights provide a reliable and inexpensive lighting solution. The only downside is that you have to buy replacement batteries, however infrequently.
Your Brompton folding bike can also be equipped with a high quality and durable front hub dynamo lighting system. These Brompton folding bike lights are powered by electricity generated by rotation of the front wheel. That means no more batteries and no more fiddling alignment of older bottle dynamo systems. The two hub dynamo systems offered on the Brompton folding bike finally put to rest long standing issues with lighting which Brompton has been struggling with for years. You can equip your Brompton with the best in hub dynamo lighting from either Shimano or SON. This is the ultimate lighting system for long distance touring, serious commuting, and anyone who will be riding a lot at night.
The Shimano hub dynamo was specially adapted by Shimano to fit the Brompton folding bike. This quality hub dynamo delivers very effective and reliable performance at a lower price. The Busch & Muller halogen front lamp remains illuminated as long as the front wheel rotates and the rear light will remain illuminated for some time after the bike has stopped. This ensures you good visibility even when coming to rest at traffic lights and stop signs.
If you want the best lighting available for your Brompton folding bike equip it with a SON hub dynamo. These hub dynamos are renowned for their efficiency, durability, and reliability, giving years of trouble free use. In addition to a bright Busch & Muller LED front lamp and automatic light-sensing function, the SON hub dynamo has a front and rear stand lights. That means even when you come to a stop the front and rear lights will remain illuminated for some time before starting up again.
There are a few downsides to the hub dynamo systems. First, they add a small amount of weight to the bike. The Shimano adds 446 grams, whereas the SON adds a mere 236 grams. Either way, it's not that much more than a battery light set and far easier relative to the convenience of never dealing with batteries again. Secondly, equipping a titanium Brompton with a hub dynamo will mean the loss of the super light front wheel. That means a slightly greater weight gain for titanium bikes. And lastly, because of the wiring extra care must be taken when removing the front wheel to fix flats or replace the tire. That said, hub dynamos are easy to use and nearly maintenance free. They are the best lighting solution for your Brompton folding bike.
You don't want to be caught late at night without good lighting for your Brompton folding bike. Be safe and pick out a good set of Brompton folding bike lights. It is the easiest way to ensure you are seen and, aside from practicing good riding habits, the best way to be safe. Use our custom Brompton folding bike tool to figure out exactly what features you want on your Brompton folding bike. It's fast, easy to use, and fun, just like the Brompton.
This article is part of a series written to help you build the perfect custom Brompton folding bike. You might also be interested in our articles on Brompton folding bike tires, Brompton folding bike handlebars, Brompton folding bike fenders and racks, and Brompton folding bike lighting. Just like this article, each one walks you though the options so you can quickly make an informed decision. But that's for later. For now, read on! Pretty soon we'll have narrowed down the choices and found the right gearing for you!
Brompton folding bikes come in 1, 2, 3, and 6 speed gearing options. It is important to select the right Brompton folding bike gearing if you want to get the most from your Brompton. Let's start by laying out the criteria on which you will make your decision.
Keeping in mind your thoughts on these three criteria, consider the following paragraphs as a guide to each gearing option.
The lightest and simplest option for Brompton folding bike gearing, a single speed Brompton is also the least expensive. With only one speed on a high quality hub you will never have to think about gears and will benefit from a very clean looking bike with fewer cables running from the handlebars. This gearing is not appropriate for riders who will frequent hills but is very well suited to a purist who deals with mostly flat ground.
A two speed Brompton folding bike gearing is great for city riding and areas with fewer hills. With two speeds you have one gear for cruising and one gear for starting up and for hills. Our sales guy Mark commutes from Brooklyn with a 2 speed Brompton. It is a great option for commuters who will have to carry their bikes up and down stairs and into public transit as it only adds about .4 lbs to the bike. Thanks to an excellent Brompton proprietary shifter design you also get near perfect chain alignment all of the time. This reduces long term wear on the drive train and makes the power transfer from your legs to the wheel more efficient. Two speeds is definitely the best option for people looking for a multi gear option which is also light weight.
The three speed Brompton folding bike gearing uses an 3 speed gear hub to provide 3 well spaced gears. Because Brompton only uses top of the line gear hubs from Sturmey Archer and SRAM, you get an efficient and maintenance free multi-gear system that will last for years without issue. There are so many advantages to gear hubs we can't go into too much detail here, but if you want to learn more read our article on Brompton hub gears.
Three speed is the ideal Brompton folding bike gearing for commuters who have to deal with longer distances and more hills. There lowest gear on the three speed is lower than that of the two speed. That means it can more easily climb hills and is a bit easier to start up. Three gears also give you the ability to adjust your gearing a bit depending on how tired you are. Gear hubs are by nature a bit heavier than derailleurs (the three speed is about 1.5 lbs heavier than a single speed) but in return you get a simple to use and maintenance free multi-gear system. Three speed Brompton folding bike gearing is the best bet for everyday commuters in mildly hilly areas, city commuters who deal with hills regularly, people want to take a Brompton folding bike yachting, and leisure riders who want a bike for all occasions.
If you plan on riding long distances or in very hilly areas the 6 speed Brompton folding bike gearing is for you. The combination of a specially engineered Brompton Wide Range gear hub and Brompton's own two speed derailleur system will give you 6 evenly spaced gears. That means enough low end to get up most hills, the high end to cruise at speed over long distances, and 4 intermediate gears for everything in between. The 6 speed Brompton folding bike gearing option has all you need to tackle any terrain. It is a perfect Brompton folding travel bike.
If there is a gearing option which doesn't quite meet your needs you can have it lowered to make pedaling easier and, in some cases, raised to go faster. These adjustments cost a bit extra are well worth it if you feel they are necessary. Each adjustment can also be made after purchase.
So now you're pretty much an expert on Brompton folding bike gearing. Ready to come apply for a job here at NYCeWheels? You can be our Brompton gearing specialist. But seriously, take the time to figure out which gearing option is right for you. Be sure to take all 3 criteria into account: Terrain, Range of gears, and weight. Once you know what you want use our custom Brompton folding bike tool to build the Brompton folding bike of your dreams.
Brompton Eazy Wheels are plastic wheels with rubber tires which attach to the frame and rear rack of a Brompton folding bike. E type bikes with Eazy Wheels will have only two, attached to the frame, whereas R type Bromptons will have 4, two on the bike and two one the rear rack. In addition to making the Brompton folding bike much easier to roll when folded, Brompton Eazy Wheels also make the bike far more stable when parked. This is one of many Brompton accessories worth well over twice its weight in functionality.
Standard Brompton wheels are designed to be effective for light use and inexpensive to replace. They are not sufficient if you will be rolling your Brompton very frequently or rolling the partially folded package by the handlebars. If you expect to be rolling your Brompton folding bike more than carrying it you should definitely consider getting Eazy Wheels.
Because they are larger in diameter, Brompton Eazy Wheels will roll more smoothly over rough sidewalks, driveways, and train platforms. Hard rubber tires absorb some of the shocks and bumps so that your folded Brompton remains stable when rolled behind you. Gliding along on durable industrial bearings, Brompton Eazy Wheels are an effortless way to transport your Brompton folding bike when folded.
Brompton Eazy Wheels make it so easy to roll a folded Brompton, especially the R Brompton, that many people find themselves using their folding bikes as personal shopping carts. To do this you also need a front carrier block and folding basket. Imagine you park your Brompton and fold back the front wheel. As you do this the folded basket swings around over the main frame tube, open and ready to receive groceries or whatever. Drop the seat almost all the way down to lock the bike together. Now you can wheel the Brompton around by the handlebars on its Eazy Wheels, like a folding bike shopping cart! When you're ready to go just reverse the process. The basket swings right in front of the bike and you can be on your way in seconds. No repacking or stuffing in bags, just a few quick steps to go from shopping cart to folding bike.
Brompton Eazy Wheels make rolling the Brompton folding bike so much easier when folded that people who outfit their bike after years of satisfied service wonder how they could have lived without them. Aside from the front carrier block, this is probably the most useful modification to a Brompton folding bike. To play with all the options and design your very own Brompton use our custom Brompton folding bike tool. It's the easiest way to build your very own Brompton folding bike.
The Brompton luggage system is great because it allows you to attach a bag directly onto the frame, taking the weight of a backpack off your shoulders and giving you a variety of options for storage space.
One of the most unique points of the Brompton luggage system is how it attaches to the frame instead of the handlebars. This allows you to turn the handlebars freely even when your Brompton folding commuter bike is loaded up in the front. It also means the weight of the bag will always travel directly over the center line if the bike, improving balance, and because there is no extra weight attached to the handlebars the steering remains quick and responsive.
Even though your luggage is firmly affixed to the bike it is easy to snap it on or off. Simply pull the quick release trigger below the carrier block to release your bag and press the bag down to snap it in place.
Another great feature of the Brompton luggage system is that your bag can remain attached to the bike even when you fold it up. The bag spins around with the handle facing forward, allowing you to fully fold you Brompton and pull it behind you by the handle. If you put the cover bag over it while doing this your Brompton could easily be mistaken for a piece of airline luggage. No problem taking this folding bike inside.
As if it couldn't get any better, Brompton makes 6 different cycling bags which fit any needs. Let's take a quick look at some of the bags.
There are a few fancier bags offered by Brompton that are made for special uses:
So there you have it, all the Brompton bags laid out one after another. If you have any questions about Brompton bags you might want to stop by our shop to see each one in person. Thanks for reading, check out all the other great Brompton accessories too!
