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Rider safety

  • The Brompton is designed for loads not exceeding 110kg (rider) plus 20kg (luggage), and for use on roads and well-made paths; it is not designed for cross-country riding or for higher loads, both of which may overstress the frame

  • Do not try to alter the height of the handlebar stem

  • Before riding, check that the clamps are in place and tightened

  • As with all bicycles, take care when cycling in the wet or over a gritty surface. Rain may impair the effectiveness of the brakes, and wet metal (e.g. drains, etc.) is particularly slippery on a bike

  • Bear in mind with small wheels that you should take extra care on a gritty surface or when riding obliquely across a groove or step in the wet.

  • Use lights, front and rear, when riding after dark

  • Keep the gears and brakes properly adjusted, and ensure control cables are in good condition

  • S Type Do not use any front luggage except the S Bag

  • P Type There are no brakes to hand on the lower grips

  • Aluminium Components Like all lightweight machines, the Brompton features aluminium alloy parts which have a finite design life before failure; in normal use, the risk of aluminium fatigue failure is remote, even after many thousands of miles, but the risk of failure increases with use, especially with hard riding or severe loading.

    As such a failure could cause injury, we recommend that these items are checked regularly and that the hinge clamp plates, handlebar and chainset be replaced every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometres), or more frequently on a bike subjected to particularly hard use.

    For the handlebar on an M Type, an alternative to replacement is to fit a cross-bar