Hi Brompters, I am the proud owner of a green 6 speed Brompton. I use it 2-3x a week to cycle from the train station to my office, it’s a 15km ride each way, which adds up to about 60-90km each week, plus the odd trip to the shop.
While riding is fine, I do find that the energy efficiency on such long commutes isn’t always ideal, as I find myself pushing hard to keep up with other e-bikers going at 25km/h in Paris.
I’ve had my eye on the G-Line for a while (space black oh yehhh) and was wondering if you think that it would make my commute a little smoother and less draining…. Curious to hear the thoughts of people who upgraded their Brompton to a G-Line.
Thanks and happy riding 🙂
by No_Barber6814
11 Comments
To add – I upgraded the tyres to Conti urban contact which made a significant difference, and got some nice MKS pedals…
Get some better tires and keep them inflated properly. The G line will make your ride more tiring. It’s a heavier bike with more friction in the tires.
Got a G line thinking I’d ride it way more than my C Line and I really don’t. It’s the CHPT3 v4 if it’s dry and the C line the rest of the time. I get the train to London from Somerset and the G Line was a bit of a pain to get on the train and is much much heavier
If you want your commute to feel less sluggish, I recommend the P line (or T line if you have the money!) instead. The reduced weight and derailleur helps make the P line feel a lot more responsive and efficient than my C line or G line.
I would recommend a 12 speed T line, I find it is much more comfortable, quicker and stiffer than a P or C line (G line is slower and less efficient than T line but G line is really fun to ride!) if you have the resources (or long term) get both T and G line. g line has bigger wheels and over time (or with exercise you will get stronger and G line will feel lighter to carry) all the best to you!
Edit: I find the G line is especially great in rain, snow, and non asphalt
I have both. I do pet care and I’m in and out of clients homes so portability is important. G line works better for me when I have less short sessions but a longer significant commutes sometimes out of the city limits, often using both paved and gravel trails. When I have a bunch of 15 minute and a half hour sessions on my route, the c line works better for coming in and out of different clients foyer spaces, sometimes getting on a bus or Uber if necessary.
I did make some adjustments to my G line as I have a pinched nerve and the angle I was at with the standard handlebars positioned me where I was more prone to going numb in my arm. I sacrificed a bit of the compact of the fold with the nice dudes at Brompton Junction in DC’s help for a different set of handlebars that feel better. It’s still folds just not quite as tight.
With or without the handlebar change, the G line is not quite as convenient if you’re going into a store. You can still do it it’s fine but you don’t have that shopping cart type convenience because it will tip over, at least with the roller racks that are standard. I know some people have upgraded the roller rack with something that balance is better so consider that modification. It might be helpful. I will probably be doing that myself at some point
You can use your C line on gravel like the G line if you have the right tires like marathon greens or marathon plus but the G line is a smoother ride.
Both are good, c line a bit more for the portability and convenience, G line a bit more for how it handles on different terrain. You don’t absolutely have to have one or the other, so I like having my options.
Ive got a G Line and still kept my M6,yes the commute will be alot easier bigger tyres more comfortable handlebars and much more robust,and going for the space black what a beauty yes you’ll love it.
This is a great video that provides a comparison of drive train efficiency on a brompton vs a large bike.
https://youtu.be/F98oQ7Xo5mI?si=OzJngw2JlIPMHX5z
Get a P, or a T if you’ve got deep pockets.
I love my P!
Regardless of bike you’re going to struggle keeping up with ebikes for obvious reasons.
No sense in trying to keep up with ebikes. You’re not really doing the same activity as they are.