Brompton has introduced the new T Line folding bike, claiming to be their lightest folding bike ever. After 3 years of R&D and building a dedicated factory in Sheffield, the T Line has finally come to life.
New Features
The frame is engineered in titanium and strengthened by orbital and tig-welding in the new factory. Then it is finished with new component and tuned in London factory. There are two models of the T Line folding bikes, which are T Line One (single speed) and T Line Urban (4 speeds). According to Will Carleysmith, Brompton’s chief design and engineering office, the bikes have been totally revamped and the only thing carried from classic model is the brake. They upgrade all components and fine all possible ways to reduce the weight. The upgrades include a new front end (fork and headset), carbon crankset, steel-armored carbon seat post, and drivetrain (derailleur, gearing options, etc.).
Brompton uses a titanium frame as it features the highest strength to density ratio, great impact strength and corrosion resistance. As the result, the T Line is among the lightest folding bikes on the market, weighing from just 7.45 kg (16.42 lbs); It is even significantly lighter than the P Line (originally known as Superlight) which weighs 9.65 kg (21.27 lbs). As compared to the original all-steel version, it weighs 37% less and it is comparable to a carbon road bike.
Despite the full front-to-back makeover, the T Line bikes still have the iconic design which folds down to a third of its size. The design is fine-tuned with new self-aligning hinges, spring-loaded handlebar catch, larger rolling wheels, and an easy-grab carbon saddle. All those details make the folding process and transportation much easier.
How to Buy the Brompton T Line
During the launch, the T Line is a super exclusive model and will be sold in-store only at NYC Brompton Junction Store. They won’t ship the bike or accept phone/online orders. There will be just 50 bikes available in the first batch; Buyers must sign up for a ballot system to have a chance to buy the new folder. Winners will need to complete the purchase on Brompton.com and pick it up in person at the NYC store. Brompton said that more US shipments could arrive throughout 2022. It will be easier to buy the bike when their factories could ramp up production volume. I really hope we could order the bikes online by then.
Brompton T Line One vs T Line Urban Specs
| Parts | T Line One | T Line Urban |
| Main frame and front frame | Grade 9 titanium large diameter tubes, orbital and tig welded main frame with cast titanium bottom bracket manifold. | |
| Headset and Stem | Grade 9 titanium diameter tubes with integrated headset and spring loaded steerer catch hinge. | |
| Rear Frame | Advance Superlight rear frame with replaceable hanger, redesigned suspension block and new 54mm roller wheels. | |
| Fork | One-piece carbon fork and steerer with magnetic pedal holder. | |
| Handlebar | 31.8mm Superlight carbon handlebar in 560mm width, available in low and mid-rise handlebar | |
| Grips | Superlight lock-on foam grips | |
| Seatpost | Superlight seatpost with carbon core and 0.3mm steel armour. Standard length for up to 33” inside leg with extended version available in store. | |
| Saddle | Superlight saddle with oval carbon rails and carbon reinforced base, lightweight padding, integrated carry handle and light mount. | |
| Seat clamp | Machined aluminium seat clamp and rear frame clip in anodized matt black finish | |
| Chainset | Superlight carbon crankset with hollow BB30 axle, integrated spider, 50T chainring and chainguard | |
| BB | FSA Mega Exo BB | |
| Pedals | Superlight cnc aluminium pedal set with left hand QR pedal | |
| Sprockets | 12 tooth | 11-13-15-18 tooth |
| Derailleur | N/A | Patent pending direct mount 4 speed derailleur |
| Chain tensioner | Advance chain tensioner with replaceable hanger mounting | |
| Hinge Clamps | Machined aluminium self-aligning hinge clamp levers and plates anodized matt black finish | |
| Shifter | N/A | 4 speed trigger shifter |
| Front wheel | Lightweight rim, double butted spokes and aluminium hub body with sealed bearings and allen key axle. | |
| Mudguards | N/A | Curved profile mudguards with titanium stays and rubberized flap |
| Rear wheel | Lightweight rim, double butted spokes and aluminium hub body with sealed bearings, newly developed 4 speed cassette and allen key axle. | |
| Tires | Schwalbe ONE with Addix race compound and v-guard puncture protection | |
| Tubes | Tubolito S-tubo 34g tube with presta valves | |
| Front carrier | Large diameter front carrier block adaptor for all types of Brompton luggage | |
| Weight | 7.45 kg (16.42 lbs) | 7.95 kg (17.53 lbs) |
| Price | £3,750 / $4,795 / €4,360 / 7,465 SGD / 34,550 CNY | £3,950 / $4,995 / €4,590 / 7,865 SGD / 37,000 CNY |
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