Brompton Folding Bike

Brompton has been steadily making it easier for people to get out and ride for years. Their new class of folding bikes allows you to take your cycle just about anywhere, on any trip.

© Umberto Brayj | Flickr

Most bikes are bulky, hard to dis- and re-assemble and inconvenient to carry around. The Brompton folding bikes solve all these problems. Designed with urban commuters in mind, the bikes are foldable and lightweight. That’s right — we said you can fold them.

The bikes are full-framed and made primarily of steel, so they won’t break easily. They also only weigh between 20 and 28 pounds each. The bicycles fold in on themselves and transform into a design meant to be carried like a suitcase. When folded, all the sensitive gears and cables are ensconced within the bike to protect them.

© Jeremy Tarling | Flickr

No longer will you have to worry about locking your bike on a rack outside, you can simply bring it into the office with you. The company claims that with a little practice, the average user can fold each bike within 10 to 20 seconds. They have a wide array of pre-designed bikes available for purchase, or you can design your own.

To be honest, they are a bit silly looking and different than what you’re probably used to. The quirky appearance, though, might be outdone by the usefulness and versatility they provide.

Brompton Bike Riders in Shimogo-machi, Fukushima, Japan © Hiroki ONO | Flickr