Brompton C Line

The Brompton C Line is the classic Brompton folding bike that has been a fixture of British commuting for decades. Made in London, the Brompton is as British as cycling gets. The C Line is the standard model in the range, sitting between the affordable A Line and the lightweight P Line. It is the Brompton that most people buy, and for good reason.

What makes the Brompton special is the fold. No other folding bike folds as small, as quickly, or as neatly. In about 20 seconds you have a package that fits under a desk, in a train luggage rack, or in the boot of a small car. This fold is the reason Bromptons exist and it is genuinely brilliant.

With 16 used listings tracked at an average price around £1,870, Bromptons hold their value remarkably well. The typical range sits between £1,450 and £1,950. Some older models sell for more than their original price. That tells you everything about demand.

What it's like to ride

The Brompton rides better than any folder has a right to. The small wheels feel twitchy at first but within ten minutes you adjust and it becomes natural. The ride is surprisingly comfortable thanks to the steel frame's natural flex and the sprung rear suspension. It handles London potholes and cobbles better than you would expect.

It is not a performance bike. Top speed is limited by the small wheels and upright geometry. Hills require effort because most Bromptons are heavy (around 12kg for a C Line). But for urban riding, train commutes, and nipping around town, nothing matches the convenience of a Brompton. The fold changes how you think about cycling and public transport.

Who it's for

Train commuters. Anyone who needs to combine cycling with other transport. City riders who have nowhere to store a full size bike. Londoners (and residents of any UK city with decent public transport). Riders who travel frequently and want to take a bike on planes, trains, and in taxis.

Brompton renamed their range in 2021. The C Line replaced the various letter codes (M6L, S6L, H6R etc). Pre-2021 models are identical bikes with different names, so a 2019 M6L is the same as a C Line Explore. The 2017 onwards bikes have improved hinges and frame finishing. Any Brompton from the last decade is a solid buy. The frame design has not changed fundamentally since the 1970s, which is either brilliantly consistent or stubbornly traditional depending on your view.