Cycling tech's many niches, from streamlined time trial bikes to fat-tired adventure bikes, are part of what makes it so fun. Perfectly embodying this spirit is this super-lightweight Brompton-inspired folding bike.
Created by weightweenie.b, this carbon fibre folding bike tips the scales at 3.935kg – nearly half the weight of Brompton's lightest model, the 7.45kg T Line.
Weightweenie.b is a small group of weight weenie Brompton enthusiasts dedicated to sharing their knowledge on folding bikes that break the UCI’s minimum weight limit – as charmingly niche as it gets.
Brompton-inspired frame
While the frame isn’t made by Brompton, it features the same folding mechanism as the British icon, with the bike folding into three parts, and the rear wheel tucked under the frame.
Weightweenie.b says the bike is made by CarbonDryJapan, and is currently out of production – as are many of the components.
The creator of the bike says he stumbled upon the frame through a local collector and decided to dedicate it to a 3.X build – that being a bike that weighs under 4kg.
The lugs, which house the folding mechanisms, are made from CNC-machined aluminium and are bonded to the carbon fibre tubes.
Carbon weave features on nearly every component – this is the perfect bike for pootling around the paddock at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The bike has a single brake, with a Brompton-specific Ciamillo B1 biting into the carbon rim. This is paired with an Extralite brake lever.
In recent years, we have seen lightweight component manufacturers eyeing up the lightweight Brompton space, with Schmolke releasing a range carbon parts last year, including rims, handlebars and seatpots.
While an impressive feat of engineering, weightweenie.b says this bike has been created for the soul, and as a statement as to how light a folding bike can be made, rather than something truly practical to be ridden day-to-day. That doesn't make it any less charming.
