Brompton M3L Folding Bike Review

We like:

The size when folded; steering and stability; ride position; reliable components; it's British-made

We don't like:

Heavier and slower than other folders for the price

SmartPlanet judgement:

The Brompton truly is a British design icon. And rightly so -- despite being solidly unshowy, its practicality wins through. When folded it's easy to carry; folding and unfolding is done in under a minute when practiced; and when unfolded it rides well on potholed roads, weaves through traffic and is comfortable and enjoyable. It's not the fastest folder or lightest, and certainly not for the money. But folding bikes even at their best are not really for speed demons and weight weenies anyway.

Say "folding bike" to most people and chances are they'll picture a Brompton. British-made, the Brompton's small wheels have been rolling out of a west London factory since 1981. In over 25 years the company has grown steadily, with orders always outstripping supply. Continue reading...