Brompton has launched a new generation of its P Line folding bike, the Mk II version coming with a new aluminium crankset and handlebar with ergonomic grips and a carbon fork. It also has Brompton’s existing Superlight Saddle.
The P Line – which evolved from the Brompton Superlight in 2021 – is designed as a lightweight folding bike for commuting and other urban riding, featuring a titanium rear frame and fork that makes it lighter than the brand’s standard all-steel C Line. The “P” stands for Performance.
It folds down to 58.5cm x 56.5cm x 27cm – in about 20 seconds, when you get the hang of it.
Brompton says, “At the heart of the P Line is a commitment to performance you can feel. Superlight components reduce overall weight for faster acceleration and easier carrying, while maintaining the strength and durability riders expect from Brompton. The result is a bike that responds instantly – whether weaving through traffic, climbing urban inclines, or accelerating away from the lights.”
The updated P Line comes with a carbon fork that’s designed to absorb road buzz and a new aluminium handlebar that’s wider than previously to “provide greater control and confidence when cornering and accelerating.”
You also get an “all-new aluminium crankset with 160mm arms for smoother, more efficient pedalling and greater power transfer”, CNC-milled aluminium pedals (the left one detaches in seconds and stows magnetically behind the fork for a more compact fold), and ergonomic grips designed to provide cushioning and support.
Inline with its high-performance ambitions, the P Line comes with Brompton’s Superlight Saddle, which is 23% lighter than the standard Brompton saddle. It features a carbon base that’s designed to flex, chromoly rails, and an integrated handle that’s intended to help when you’re carrying the bike.
Brompton says, “Practical mounts and loops accommodate Brompton luggage and lights, while the cushioning and support are tuned exactly where you need them, delivering lasting comfort across every ride.”
Like all other Bromptons, the P Line is handbuilt in London. It’s available in 4-speed and 12-speed versions.
When we reviewed the P Line Urban in 2022, we called it “a fantastic and innovative high-performance option from Brompton, but pricey.”
We said, “The Brompton P Line is a fabulous machine. It rides beautifully; it’s chock-full of clever features; it weighs just a fraction over 10kg; and it is a Brompton, after all.”
> Read our 2022 review of the Brompton P Line Urban
Prices for the Brompton P Line Mk II start at £2,399. Head over to Brompton’s website for more prices.
We have a new Brompton P Line in for review here at road.cc so find out how we get along with it in the coming weeks.
4 thoughts on “Brompton unveils P Line Mk II folding bike”
Love my C-Line but the problem with Bromptons is they last forever and I can’t justify owning two. This looks like it hits a sweet spot between price and weight.
I used to own a Brompton. It was near perfect for multimodal commutes and fun to ride. Then I moved and went to live closer to my workplace so decided to cycle to work (about 20 km one way). Result: the poor thing came apart after one year, I ended up ditching it and got a Canyon Grail, never looked back.
My personal conclusion is that a Brompton may be worth it -although they’re definitely overpriced for what you get- if you have a multimodal commute and only cycle the last couple of km but else it’s just not worth the hassle.
@Xenophon2
What part failed? Don’t they come with a warranty?
@bikes : It was not a single failure, it was a cascade. Started with corrosion which lead to a fracture in the rear triangle. That was fixed under warranty. Then came problems with the hub (I had the 6-speed version), which were no longer covered but more or less fixed by my bikeshop.
Then: horizontal (circular, to be exact) fissure in the rear rim brake surface – had to order a new wheel. Couple of months later: spoke fractures in the rear wheel -I weigh 72 kilo for 1 meter 82 cm.
To an extent, I understand. I take good care of my stuff maintenance wise but it does get used hard, I’m not the guy who wil make a detour to avoid a rut or a pothole. I’m not saying Bromptons are rubbish, let’s be clear. Do think that they’re very expensive for what you get on a strictly technical/materials level. I just rode the poor thing into the ground.
My LBS technician puts it this way: ‘if someone wants to know if a piece of kit will be able to handle hard use, they should hand it over to you. If it’s still there after a year, it’s resilient’.
Anyway, I moved away from folders and never looked back.