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Brompton S6L-X review

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$1926.41

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A wide-eyed Ben gets to grips with the Brompton, still one of the best folding bikes out there, even after nearly 30 years

BikeRadar verdict

4.5 out of 5 stars

"The best fold, though the ride won’t appeal to everyone "

10 comments
Wed 16 Sep 2009, 9:00 am BSTBy

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For many the terms folding bikes and Brompton are synonymous. The company have three models in their range – distinguished by their handlebar shapes – but these are made into a bewildering variety of finished bikes. And you can even go down the custom route.

The S-type we tested is the lightest, sportiest of the three, and comes with bars that are lower and further forward than on the other models. We trimmed weight from the standard model by going for the ‘superlight’ version, with titanium rear triangle, fork and seatpost. This reduces the weight by a kilogram, but the standard spec at £750 is cheaper and probably the choice for most.

  • Frame: Standard Brompton frame with titanium forks and rear triangle to reduce weight (9/10)
  • Handling: Extremely lively – almost tiller-like – fine over short commutes (7/10)
  • Equipment: Plenty of assorted extras: lights, mudguards, bag and pump all present and correct (8/10)
  • Fold: The Brompton gained its reputation for good reason. A quick, intuitive and straightforward fold results in a bike that’s compact in all three dimensions (9/10)

The Brompton fold is still the benchmark; it proved pretty intuitive and trouble-free. And unlike some rivals, the Brompton was a doddle to carry up steps without getting in people’s way.

Inevitably a bike with small wheels and a long stem is going to present some handling issues if you’re not used to riding one. The feel is incredibly direct and lively, and there’s also noticeable flex in the stem. But in practice this is something you get used to very quickly, and small wheels do get up to speed rapidly in traffic.

Our model came with six speeds, but depending on the type of riding you’re planning, you could go for one, two, three or six gears. In addition to this, 12 colour options are available.

The rule of thumb is that the shorter the ride and the flatter your route, the fewer gears you’re likely to need. For hilly cities like Bath and Bristol, where we did the testing, half a dozen seemed the right way to go.

It’s true that the Brompton’s ride won’t please everybody, but if you are looking for a bike with an ultra-fast, fuss-free fold for everyday use, then the Brompton is still the bike to beat.

The small wheels and the lively handling mean we wouldn’t recommend riding across continents on one, but this doesn’t mean you can’t rack up serious miles on a Brompton. One of Cycling Plus’s contributors, Rob Ainsley, toured Japan on his Brompton, riding 50 miles a day.

And Rob’s not Brompton’s only fan. The novelist Will Self, in typically acerbic style, wrote last year: “If I can’t convince you that a Brompton folding bicycle is not only a superior means of locomotion, and a perfect antidote to the stresses of the modern world… then I personally guarantee to come round to your house and sort out your old Allen keys – or something like that.”

Brompton s6l-x folded: brompton s6l-x folded

What's the score with BikeRadar reviews? You can find a full explanation of our ratings here.

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User Reviews

There are 10 reviews on this post

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 comments

  • Got an M type. Great bike. Standard gearing a little high (I don't have a climber's build), but folds quickly and well and rides nicely

  • The article lapses into areas that weren't tested such suggesting it would not be suitable for longer touring or that the handling is some how inferior to a full frame bike due to the small wheels and short stem. This is NOT the case. I have toured widely on mine 60-80 miles a day and carried a reasonable loads both onthe flat and up and down French cols. The Brompton is extremely manoeuvrable. The steering is not tiller like at all. This reviewer is talking rubbish. It is different but not inferior to full frame bikes. The Brompton is a very competent folding bike, the best on the market. It should be awarded 10/10 for folding.

  • My above review was of the article itself not the Brompton. The bike gets 5 thumbs up and 9/10.

  • There really is too much made of the steering; its direct, quick but fine at speeds up to 30-35mph (self tested). Just back from a TGV-Brompton trip to S France which included a 40 mile hilly run, and no other folder, let alone bike, would have provided the best compromise between stuffability on the trains and comfort on the hills.

    Mind you, I had the 6-speed, don't try the Col des Portes on the 2 speed.

  • The Brompton is fast im faster on it than my carbon road bike lets not forget they were raced on back in the seventies strip one down and there light just above UCI restrictions, not the most aerodynamic but very stiff and responsive, do not be surprised to see these in next years classics.

  • Well,

    Brompton is designed for a specific purpose: Commuting around urban roads and whether the user feels like, he/she can fold it and enter the metro/train/bus/car/taxi. For these purposes I find my Brompton marvellous. The steering sense might be a bit different from my other bikes, but it is something I got used to it really fast and the quality ride is exceptional keeping in mind the size of the wheels.

    Handling is OK, but needs precaution in order to learn turning in high speed. Brakes are hard, efficient and can stop the bike in a reasonable distance. I weigh 70kgs.

    However, I wouldn't use it to travel around, eventhough I own the model with 6 gears. For these purposes I have my roadbike.

    What do I like:

    -Riding quality

    -Retro Design

    -Brakes

    What I don't like

    -Price (c'mon, it's almost double from the Dahon)

    -Some minor deficiencies (broken derailleur, worn out quickly seat etc)

    -Everyone is looking at it (and not at me) when I am in the metro.

  • Got an M6L: just bought it a few weeks ago. I had the gearing with the 12% lowering option as I live in N Yorks and I ain't very fit. I lusted after one of these for years and having got one I am not the tiniest bit disappointed. Not sure about the Brooks saddle, though, it's as hard as hell.

  • I have a s6l-x I love this bike its stiff responsive and light the titanium makes a difference.Yes the steering is different but a 100 yards and you get used to it.I prefer it to all the other bikes Ive owned. if you live in a hilly area do your legs a favour and get the 12% reduced gearing

  • Bromptons are over rated. Whilst the fold is great and ride fine the quality is poor. Too many of the components on my bike are rusting badly even though it is garaged and cleaned regularly.

    I bought a P version. Bad move. The bars are too high and they flex.

    The rack is useless though I do think it makes the bike look better.

    To sum up. Good design let down by indifferent build quality

  • I forgot to say. It is overpriced as well

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Specification

Name:
S6L-X
Built by:
Brompton
Price:
$1926.41

Available Sizes:
One Size
Weight (kg):
10.828
Weight (lb):
23.9

Frame & Fork:

 
Frame Material:
Fillet brazed hinged steel main frame. Titanium rear swing arm with elastomer spring.
Fork Model:
Titanium with 1 1/8in threaded steerer, crimped dropouts
Rear Shock Model:
elastomer spring

Transmission:

 
Cranks Model:
Brompton by Stronglight, forged alloy square taper cotterless, 170mm arms, 54T alloy ring
Rear Derailleur Model:
Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub
Front Derailleur Model:
custom 2-speed
Shifters Model:
Brompton 85 and 3-speed Sturmey shifter, nylon composite

Wheels:

 
Front Wheel Weight:
850 g
Rear Wheel Weight:
1144 g
Rims Model:
Twin channel machined alloy
Front Hub Model:
forged alloy

Contact Points:

 
Saddle Model:
Fizik Vitesse, padded vinyl, mang. rails
Seatpost Model:
Brompton telescopic Ti/alu, with alloy Pentaclip seat clamp
Stem Model:
Brompton brazed steel with single bolt standard diameter clamp
Handlebar Model:
Alloy flat, 48cm (19in), standard clamp

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