I took the chance to test ride the new G-line today as it was in the DC Brompton Junction DC this weekend. Personally, I just needed some time on the bike after a long week and it was great to finally do so and not have cold and clouds in the way. Here are my quick impressions, and some links to photos. I took along the way.
Oh, I should add that I have to Brompton's personally. A M3L (before it was called a C-line, A-line, or B75) that's been quite modified. Has a 5-passed hub, carbon handle bar, and several other tweaks. And a 4-speed T-line. No mods there other than changing grips and adding inner-bar ends.
Overall impressions
It was a fun ride. Feels like my gravel bike (which has an 11 speed internal hub). Felt hella smooth on the rocky parts of the tow path. And given a few tweaks def makes for a solid longer distance bike.
Feels a lot like the T-line. Like a whole lot. But is double the weight.
A lighter version of this would need a different style handlebar. It would be hella faster for sure.
Side note: it was after this pic I'd seen @seeker1938 and thought it good to see just how fast the G-line could get up to speed. I wasn't disappointed. Check out his post as he might have been convinced to purchase the G-line.
Wish it could shift multiple gears at once like my gravel bike. Also the handbars are too wide for my tastes. I get the weight complaints but swapping out the seaport for the lighter one that’s on the T-line would make it feel just a touch better IMO.
The launch colors work well… mixed colors could be fun with this. Tires work quite well. Slicker tires for those folks who don’t do loose gravel would make this bike fly on streets and paths
https://flic.kr/p/2qNsWrm https://flic.kr/p/2qNrNX9 https://flic.kr/p/2qNrQTi
Definitely makes me intrigued about the electric one. If you’ve not yet ridden it, you should. It’s the same Brompton but not the same, in a good way.
https://flic.kr/p/2qNqMaa https://flic.kr/p/2qNrXMx
I know that we have had a lot of good conversations across the channel. But hopefully this a few folks in the USA who might be taking a look at the current/smaller Brompton this newer,. More than happy to answer any other questions.
Oh, and u/hazihasi was there right after me and has some solid impressions too. He and I ended up biking and chatting for a bit afterwards. And yer, green is def the best Brompton color https://flic.kr/p/2qNsUYM
Not sure if the other gentleman I chatted to is here, but if so, he’d be great to hear from as well as he rode the L-sized model.
by arjwrightdotcom