Brompton C Line 12-Speed Folding Bike

Overview

A 12-speed folding commuter bike with a hand-brazed steel frame that folds to a compact size in about 20 seconds. Built for city riders who need to carry the bike onto trains, under desks or into small storage spaces.

Brompton's fold is the whole point here: at 26.4 lb the bike is light enough to lift and roll like a suitcase, and the compact package is what separates it from a standard commuter bike. The 12-speed drivetrain adds range for hills and longer rides compared with Brompton's lower-speed models, and the steel frame carries a 7-year warranty.

• Folds in about 20 seconds
• Hand-brazed steel frame, 7-year warranty
• 26.4 lb with Schwalbe Racer tires
• Three handlebar height options

Who it's for

Urban commuters who need to combine cycling with public transit, car storage or office space limits. Not the choice for riders who want a lightweight bike purely for speed or off-road use, since the fold mechanism and steel frame add weight compared to a dedicated road or gravel bike.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

The 12-speed gearing gives more range than Brompton's simpler 1-, 2- or 6-speed models, which matters for hills and longer commutes rather than flat, short trips. Setup out of the box is limited to attaching the saddle, and the hand-brazed steel frame is built for repeated daily folding rather than being a one-time trick.

Specifications

Closest rivals on specs

Cmsbike Quick Fold 7-Speed Folding Bike 16 Inch

ZiZZO Via Aluminum Folding Bike 20 Inch

• Wheel Size 16 vs 20 inches (-20%)

ROCKBROS MBS Aluminum Folding Bike 20 Inch

• Maximum Weight Recommendation 242 vs 220 pounds (+10%)
• Wheel Size 16 vs 20 inches (-20%)