Summer Brommiedays: Trip to France with my T-Line (bikepacking / travelling)

Hi guys, I'd like to share my experiences with my new (to me) 2022 T-Line.

I recently bought it used – a bit of a "man-math" decision, as I had previously fallen madly in love with the CHPT3, but then realized that for not much more, I could get a titanium beauty. Yes, I could have saved some money by getting a P-Line, or even a C-Line (which I test rode), and perhaps the absence of carbon (and less titanium) would even be beneficial for touring. Anyways, I let my heart overrule my brain and here I am with a T-Line – and I am very happy with it!

I am under the impression that there is less content online on the T-Line compared to other models, and even less of it (with a few exceptions, like Brompton Family Time on YT) shows it being properly used. So I might be a bit of an oddball, but I treat the T-Line like any other bike. I ride it like I stole it (if my lungs can actually keep up). On smooth tarmac and rough gravel. I jump the occasional curb. I take it on the train and slide it under the seat. It's fallen on its side once, and it's collecting scratches instead of dust. Yes, my heart weeps, but then again, it's a bike, and a great one at that, and I want to use it. Not sure if I'd feel the same way about a CHPT3.

And so last week, I took a trip from Switzerland to Camargue in southern France. Most of that journey was done by train, cycling mostly took place along the beautiful coast. First stop and ride-out was in Lyon, where I had a good three hourse to explore the riverbanks of the Rhone and Saône, as well as the pittoresque old town. Quite bike-friendly with lots of bicycle lanes available or being constructed. Great bike bistro near the river to have a drink: Velcroc. Instantly connected with a fellow German bromptonian there while sipping iced coffee.

Lyon, Rhone riverbank

Then onwards to Nîmes by TGV which was packed, but fear not if you travel by Brompton: it fits under the seat easily. From Nîmes a last regional train to the town of Lunel, and then via a great bicycle path to Marsillargues, where I stayed at beautiful Château de Teillan. A few shorter rides in the area exploring lovely little villages were followed by a longer one: short train ride to Aigues-Mortes, visiting its old town, then down to Grau-du-Roi and La Grande Motte, which I find absolutely fascinating with its 1960s/70s futuristic-brutalist architecture.

Aigues-Mortes, old town and harbour

T-Line resting in the shade, Grau-du-Roi harbour

La Grande Motte, night shot from another trip

Soon, I was off again towards Carnon along dunes and a straight gravel road along the Rhone canal – built into a lake (Étang). Quite spectacular. Onwards to Palavas-les-Flots and finally a cooling swim in the sea (it was 35°C plus that day, and a distance of nearly 30kms, mind you). Absolutely worthwhile to add 2kms to visit the 12th-century Maguelone cathedral built on a peninsula in the Étang. From there, you can cycle back to the mainland (Villeneuve) and take a train to Montpellier, or via Palavas, crossing the Étang and take a tramway to Montpellier. Or, of course, ride it all on your Brompton.

Feet, and tires, finally in the sand

A few words regarding my luggage: I used a Lumabag front bag for the ride, which conveniently doubles as a backpack. Fantastic bag with lots of room and several compartments on the in- and outside. Water-resistant waxed cotton (which I haven't yet put to the test as I haven't seen any rain, amazingly). I then added a light daypack which I carried on my back for the one-week journey in total. I haven't got a luggage rack (yet), which might be a worthwhile addition for longer tours. It would allow me to even out weight distribution and add more packing volume as well as increasing comfort.

Lumabag with pretty yellow inner lining

To sum up, I had a great trip and the T-Line performed very well. I appreciated its lightness in public transport, its ride quality and sturdiness while riding, and the fact that it generates interest from fellow riders and acts as a connector. Drawbacks so far have been minimal: the known headset/stem/handlebar squeaking noises, as well as tightening the hinge bolts to 7Nm as per the recent memo. No other issues, just pure riding joy.

Thanks for reading and happy riding!