New Bromptons G-Line vs C-Line
I received a new 12 speed C-Line today and a few months ago I purchased a G-Line. The difference between the two in terms of quality is a bit alarming.
The G-Line feels like quality and complete in almost every way with only a complaint of it being hefty. The G-Line is a smooth ride in every way. The C-Line on the other hand seems of low quality and incomplete. The C-Line pedals are of the lowest quality I have ever seen on any bike, front reflector is to high almost touching any bag you put on the accessory block and lastly the welds are sloppy and not properly cleaned prior to painting. I have had several C-Lines and none were this bad in general. I do how ever love how lightweight the bike is and the compactness of it folded is wonderful. The ride is harsh and very twitchy. If I was going out today to purchase a new Brompton it would only be the G-Line and the weight penalty and larger fold are fine as it makes the bike ride fantastic!
by randywhorton
6 Comments
C line pedals are fine IMO. But all to their own.
There is a bit of a difference between the audiences for the C and G-lines, which would flow into the “quality” distinction you are making.
The G-line, as you are aware, is an evolution *from* Brompton‘a postured as a last-mile commuter bicycle. It is designed (marketed) towards folks who are more recreational in focus with riding. And to whom a level of confidence needs to happen after much time off the bike (if you will, it’s a “weekender bike”).
The C-line is a commuter bike at its core. The decisions for its fit and finish stem from its functional design, more than its owner’s affluence. This bike is a “weekday“ shaped machine. It’s not necessarily meant to be pretty, but it can be. It isn’t polished, but it is performant to what it’s designed for.
You mention the ride… and here’s that distinction in full. A smaller wheeled bike will always be harsher (albeit, running at the lower end of the air pressure bits does make a notable differenc). It is twitchy, because (for the sake of the compact fold) it makes sense to have as little over the front wheel as possible. The G-line is pushed forward (slacker) and a few other bits. it was literally made to be more comfortable (read some details of it development here [https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/brompton-g-line-development](https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/brompton-g-line-development) ).
All of that being said, Brompton could choose higher quality materials on its classic 16in model. But then it wouldn’t be the “approachable” C-line. It would be a P-line, a T-line, or one of the many special editions. You’ve got a unique view of things having both the G and C in house, but your comparison suffers from an unintended bias due to expectations the G-line rightly formed for you. For now, the G-line is the most comfy Brompton. It was literally designed to make up for some of the negative impressions you have noted.
Please more G Line colours, a pink G Line would be really nice
Honestly, everything you said you don’t like about the C line, I’d 100% take as a trade off for it being lighter and smaller folded.
For a final mile commute, little of that matters, welds, schmelds (I’m not looking at it), comfort and twitchiness I can put up with it. In any case, none of that stops it being used as a very capable general use bike, I’ve used it on rides well over 100 miles, and in all weathers, and loved it.
Frankly, for a “standard” London-esque Brompton commute, being bigger and heavier than a current C Line would be a massive issue.
It sounds like the C Line is just the wrong bike for your use case 🤷
What’s the springy saddle like I want one for my c line thanks 🙂
So, based on the fact that you’ve owned C-lines before and they weren’t bad, basically this post should be:
**My G-Line vs. one extraordinarily shitty C-line I bought recently**