Brompton might not be the world’s biggest folding bike manufacturer but many people consider it the best one when it comes to build quality. Actually, this is not my first Brompton folding bike. A few years ago, I tried the Brompton S1E but it failed to impress me; that was an expensive bike with a subpar riding experience.
I was quite disappointed but I decided to give it another try since many people suggested that the 3-speed and 6-speed one have better performance. So, I got a new folder, the Brompton M6L Black Edition. Let’s check it out.
Specifications & Features
- Weight: 25.8 lbs (11.7kg)
- Folded dimensions: 23″ x 21.5″ x 10.6″
- Speeds: 6
- Frame: Brompton High Tensile Steel
- Fork: Steel
- Stem: Steel
- Shifters: Brompton 2017 trigger shifters
- Chainset: Brompton 50T
- Rear Sprockets: Brompton 13T & 16T
- Chain: Brompton 3/32″ Chain
- Brakeset: Brompton dual-pivot calipers with Fibrax cartridge pads
- Brake Levers: Aluminium
- Handlebars: Brompton 2017 M Type riser bar – Black
- Grips: Brompton M Type
- Rims: Double Wall – Alloy – 28 Spoke
- Front Hub: Brompton Standard
- Rear Hub: Brompton 3-speed BWR (Brompton Wide Range) Hub with Derailleur system
- Tires: Brompton Kevlar Tyre (37-349)
- Saddle: Brompton Saddle with molded grip and rear light bracket
- Seatpost: Brompton Standard Seatpost
- Lighting: Reflectors only
- Pedals: Brompton folding pedal on Left, alloy cage flat pedal on Right
Unboxing Video
Product Images
Performance
As compared to my previous Brompton bike, the new version has some changes. It features the classic M-type handlebar instead of the S-type one. You can see the differences between all handlebar types in this post. The M-type handlebar might not be as sporty but it is the most popular one because it is suitable for a more leisurely upright ride.
Besides, the Brompton has mudguards, so your clothes won’t get dirty when you ride on wet roads. The most notable difference is that this bike is equipped with 6 gears. So, we have a 2-speed left-hand shifter and 3-speed right-hand shifter. On the left shifter, you can select + or – for a higher or lower gear. On the right one, you have 1, 2, or 3 for a low, medium and high gear. That means we have the following 6 speeds: 1-, 1+, 2-, 2+, 3-, and 3+. The 3-speed hub gear might make a big jump and the shifter gets damaged if you don’t change gear sequentially in the right order. Another important rule is you keep pedaling when changing the derailleur gear and stop pedaling when changing the hub gear.
Brompton owners are often very proud that their bikes have the smallest folded size and so, more portable than any other folder. However, Brompton has some tough competitions now after Dahon officially released the new Dahon Curl. Another concern is that the Brompton is not really lightweight. My Brompton weighs 25.8 lbs while the expensive 6-speed Superlight Brompton could save just less than 2 lbs. On the other hand, my Dahon EEZZ D3 with aluminum frame weighs just over 21 lbs. This is not a big problem if you don’t have to carry the bike upstairs. I use the elevator, so I almost never have to lift the Brompton up. You can easily roll the Brompton anywhere after folding it. My Brompton made some noises when I rolled it in the folded position, fortunately, the issue was fixed.
I used to think that Brompton bikes are expensive because of the high cost of a UK-based factory, however, that’s just one of the reasons. The build quality of the Brompton is top notch and I can feel that they care about every single detail of the bike.
The frame design remained unchanged over the years but there are actually some improvements in every new version. For instance, the new Black Edition features a revised M-type handlebar for better hand position, new gear shifters with a visual indicator, an integrated bell, and lock-on grips. What I love the most is still the folding mechanism, that’s a smooth and easy process that no other bike can compete with.
The wide range of gears provides a much better experience on this bike. If you plan to purchase a Brompton, I recommend you get at least a 3-speed one. The bike doesn’t require much effort to get started and the speed is on a par with lighter Dahon bikes. According to my bike computer, the average speed is 10mph and the maximum speed reaches 20mph. Climbing some moderately inclined hills is quite exhausting and obviously, the Brompton can’t compete with bikes with bigger wheels.
An advantage of the Brompton is that it comes with a lot of accessories and components can be found easily. Apart from the Brompton mini pump and a smartphone holder that come with my bike, you can visit a Brompton dealer and find a lot of nice bags, or upgrade your bike with some premium parts.
Conclusion
Pros
- Compact folded size
- Smooth folding/unfolding process
- Some improvements over the previous versions
- Stable and fast rides
Cons
- A little complicated to change gears
- Expensive
The Brompton M6L Black Edition is more expensive than a majority of folding bikes on the market. It is not a perfect bike but it has its own characteristics and people love the amazing build quality. Another reason to buy a Brompton is that its resale value is much higher even when you’ve used it for years.
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i buy from you how much
My advice is simple. If you want a Brompton, get a Brompton, not a copy.
I have been riding and selling folding bikes since the ’90’s and have ridden many designs. I’ve even been invited to bike factories to watch production and test products.
Dahon has been trying to get the Curl to market for years. Compared to a similarly equipped Brompton, the Curl is heavier, more expensive, transfers more vibration to the rider and takes a little longer to fold/unfold. Strangely, the angular v-shape of the top tube is similar to a design that Brompton discarded years ago. The Curl’s telescopic stem induces flex and makes the control cables bulge far in front of the bike when unfolded.
The Brompton has been in production in London since the late 70’s. They’re made to order to an incredibly high-quality standard by craftsmen who earn a living wage of $1000+/wk (the Dahon is produced in Shenzhen, China where factory workers earn an average of $300/wk).
Over time, Brompton has made incremental improvements with an eye towards backward compatibility so owners of older bikes can improve their bike rather than buy a new one. Compare that to our experience with older Dahons where finding proprietary parts can be impossible or impractical.
Dear Sir,
If I want to order Brompton Black Edition M6L with delivery to Cyprus,what the price will be & delivery dates?
B/R
Firas
Dear Sirs, allow me to post an ad meant for true Bromptoneers and collectors: 2 S6L Edition NINE STREETS, brand-new, still boxed, all papers, photos on (serious) request, paypal accepted, shipping worldwide, located in Austria, for 2,500 each to be sold
I bought a 6 gear Brompton new from Evans in Edinburgh in 2017 and flew abroad where I rode everywhere. That bike was in the bike store again and again with gear issues over the next 6 weeks. A bit even dropped off it on one ride and I couldn’t change gears at all. Then the front tire started deflating regularly and quickly despite no tire issue. Eventually the store had to get replacement parts, after I contacted Brompton for help. All within 2 months of purchase. My husband bought the same model at the same time and has had no issues at all. It spoiled my holiday as I could not trust the bike to get me places. The local bike store sold Bromptons and was surprised by the extent of the problems, said it must be a dud bike. But Evans refused to replace my Brompton, just gave it a service. So don’t believe just because its a Brompton it will be reliable. It’s still a dud. Needs the gears fixed again. I don’t trust the bike and wouldn’t buy one again.
You have gone to Evans, there is your issue.
Brompton is very good bike to ride , before purchasing it we need to look into genuine product.
Hi,
I’m looking for Brompton M6L nickel titanium edition 2018, anyone know where can I get it and ship to USA? Thank you.
One big issue is your saddle position.
Its too far forward and you need to level it out, this will give you a very different bike position and change the ride.
Bromptons are not expensive, every part is replaceable and can be made to last for 20+ years, none of that cheap aluminium rubbish.