Brompton G-Line full review

As you might have read recently in a previous blog post, I bought a Brompton G-Line and after my initial impressions, I thought I would give a more considered review. As time goes on, it is likely more opinions will fall into line, However, I feel I have a pretty good take on what this Brompton means for me. 

Probably best if I start with what I went for:

• Medium size
• Rack and mudguards
• Alfine 8x speed internal hub
• Schwalbe G-One tyres 
• Adventure Orange colour

There wasn't really lots to deliberate on the options front, apart from the size. I am about 6' 1" so was in the cusp of going for the medium or large. I chose the medium as it just felt right for me having taking it for a test ride. It was the first size I tested and knew that it was going to be the perfect size for me before I took a large for a short run about 40 minutes later.

With the G-Line, one of the biggest changes is of course the wheel size, moving from 16 inch to 20 inch wheels. In addition to this, the tyres are much, much wider - 2 inches in old money. This along with the geometry of the bike and its wider handlebars allows for (and please do not get upset greatly by this next bit) a better ride. It is more comfortable, smoother and handles the very worst of London's roads with ease. Added to this is the fact that canal towpaths, riverside tracks and gravel paths can be tackled in relative comfort compared to its smaller wheeled relative. Saying that, I have taken and will continue to use my 16 inch Brompton bikes on such surfaces - albeit more slowly and with less ease. The G-Line is though, a more comfortable bike to ride. 

On the tyre front, I bought an additional pair of Continental Urban 2 inch diameter tyres and was going to swap to these almost straight away. I haven't done so yet and probably won't for a while as I like the Schwalble G-One's a great deal. There is always the option of going tubeless on these, which is something I need to investigate a little more.

The G-Line has hydraulic disc brakes and they work very well. They provide additional confidence in the wet stuff and in combination with the wheel size, tyres and general feel when riding it, allow me to descent hills a great deal quicker than I would dare on my 16 inch wheeled Brompton bikes. 

The 8x speed Alfine hub is quite heavy - like all internal gear hubs - but it works well. The best way to describe it would be to compare it to one of my 6x speed Brompton bikes with a 44 tooth chainring fitted. This allows for better ascending (compared to a 50 or 54 tooth chainring) but I cannot get to the same speeds on the flats as I can on my Electric 12x speed (without the motor engaged) or one of my bikes with a standard 50t chainring. 

I have used Swain's Lane as my benchmark hill for the last few years and ascended it dozens of times since I took possession of my G-Line. I found tackling Swain's easier on my G-Line than I have done on my normal 6x speed with a 44t chainring. Not sure why this is? It could be that the gearing is slightly lower than that on a 6x speed, 44t chainring setup, the larger diameter of the tyres or perhaps combination of the two. I am not sure but it is pretty good up hills. Many might spin out on the flats and would like a few gears that allow them to go faster. I have glided along at 18mph and could perhaps do more but this may be an issue for some. I am okay with the gearing though. 

The micro shifters work really well and moving from one gear to the other is slick. So far I have eased off the pedalling slightly when changing up or down but I have not encountered any issues getting the gear I desire. 

I must confess that I was going to take off the wide pedals the G-Line comes with in favour of those that are fitted to P and T Line bikes. However, I like them and they are staying. 

The bars are wide and offer a super comfortable riding position that doesn’t put any strain on the hands, shoulders or back. It also affords the user lots of bar real estate to put lights, devices etc. The new Brompton ergonomic grips are great, forgiving and highly comfortable. Really like them. 

The rear rack is a bit of a novelty to me as I have never had one on any of my Brompton bikes. The addition of the rack makes the folded position very stable and it rolls along really well. I bought some of the bungee cords and fitted them. (Shout out to the wonderful Hannah at Brilliant Bikes who arranged for a second set to be sent out when the first failed to arrive). So far the only thing I have used the rack for is to transport a large Panettone home from a posh delicatessen. It was therefore rather useful. 

I think the G-line looks rather fetching. There are original Brompton bikes that have been converted to have 20 inch wheels but to me they just do not look right?! A little like a chap wearing a lovely suit with white socks. Or even worse a three button blazer with all three buttons done up…my eyes! The G-Line looks very smart.

The mounts on the stem are useful and the Fidlock mount and bottle has worked well. I am not sure what I will use the mounts on one of the outer forks yet though, if at all. 

So, will I use it off-road a great deal? Probably not a great deal but it is nice to know I can. It is almost the G-Shock of the Brompton range - tougher and able to cope with anything. It does seem to me like the perfect bike for London and cycling adventures. The ride is extremely comfortable, inspiring confidence that it can cope with anything. It will in no way take the place of my existing Brompton bikes. They have taken me on all manner of strange adventures. My G-Line is very much a happy addition to the fleet. 

The G-Line is a bigger and heavier bike and that bigger size is also apparent in its folded footprint. You can’t get away from that fact however (if this makes any sense) it isn’t that big. I don’t use public transport a great deal but for you dear reader, I braved the masses and took the tube more than I needed to deliberately! Being the run up to Christmas, the tube has been packed but a folded G -Line wasn’t a problem. When transporting it up and down stairs, I placed the saddle on my shoulder and carried it. The roller wheels are large and brilliant for wheeling it along. If you used the G-Line for your commute every day and use lots of stairs, the 16 inch standard Brompton might be better.

 

The way the cables run, they do hang very close to the chainring. Not too bad on mine and no rubbing, yet. I have seen photos on others where it is very, very close. 

In the last few hours Brompton has issued a recall to do with the hinge pins. Mine is not affected, having the updated version already. Recalls are a thing and more to do with potential issues occurring. Brompton have done the right thing and I am sure they will look after those that need it. 

Could the G-Line have ditched the heavy Alfine hub in favour of a cassette with several cogs and a derailleur? It surely could be done and make the bike lighter in the process. It might be a thing Brompton do in the future? I do like the Alfine though, and any changes would need to give me something more before I’d change. 

So, do I like it? Yes! It is a wonderful addition to my stable and I’m already very fond of it. It rides really, really well and silently too. I haven’t mentioned that but you just glide along with very little noise. 

I’ll be frank. I will not be cycling across a field to a campsite to pitch a tent that I had strapped to the rear rack, like that Geography Master you used to have at school. Those who know me, would also suggest that my G-Line will remain quite clean. The off-road part was not in my thoughts when I parted company with the folding stuff. My G-Line will be used for all kinds of adventures in/around London and occasionally on a night ride to the coast. These can involve all sorts of terrain, especially when I go off course - which believe me can be quite often!

Do I really need a G-Line? Well, I compared it to a G-Shock. Both are tough, rugged and can handle a bit of action. The G-Shock can be submerged to a depth of 200 metres. The G-Line can handle light off-road stuff easily. I own a G-Shock and will never dive to anything near 2 metres let alone 200 metres but is good to know that I could. The G-Line can cope with lots of terrain and although I might not regularly cycle over this, it is good to know that I could! 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!