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Rides like a real bike, folds like magic. Many Brompton owners delight in collapsing their bike to the astonishment of onlookers - though the less keen-eyed may miss the whole folding performance: it's all over in under 20 seconds. The folded package measures just 565mm (22.2") high, 545mm (21.4") wide and 250mm (9.8") deep, with all the oily guts packed safely away on the inside to keep you clean. Castors on the rear carrier let you pull the package on most surfaces, rather than lift the whole weight.
Unfolded, the Brompton offers a reassuring ride, smoothed by a rubber suspension unit just behind the seatpost. It's a nippy bike, with 16" (349) wheels and a variety of gearing options: the L3 and L5 come with 3 and 5 speed hub gears respectively, while the ' T' models are additionally fitted with racks and dynamo lighting, neither of which inter fere with the fold. The full set of accessories add about 10% to the weight, bringing it to around 12.2kg - comparable to a conventional touring bike.
A quick release front bag is available, attached to the frame rather than the forks, so as not to affect the handling. A foldable basket is also offered, and the Brompton itself is available in red or black. The standard seat post adjusts to suit most riders, and for particularly tall riders, extra-long posts can be ordered. The Brompton fits in the luggage rack of a bus, in the back of a taxi, in the cupboard under the stairs and behind your seat on the train. One bike fits all!
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