And it’s easy to tote when unfolded: The underpadded seat balances perfectly on your shoulder. But its folding mechanism justifies any minor inconveniences. The gear shifters take time to figure out (requiring flipping levers with both hands while reducing pressure on the pedals). Users must let up on the pedals slightly when shifting (like with Citi Bikes), but you get used to it.
But Brompton has started offering a throwback $995 model, the B75, which is almost as good (it’s built with older parts but promises a similar riding experience). My test model was built out with six speeds, a bell, and fenders, putting its cost right at our $1,500 cap. Even the greasy chain gets folded into the middle to avoid staining your clothes. Not only does the bike compress to one-third its size, but the seat post itself locks the bike together so it won’t come apart as you carry it. Origin-8 Origin8 Road Bike Wheelset Shimano Sora Hubs 8 9 10 Speed 28h Front 32h Rear. Brompton is a folding-bike-only company, and its dedication to the category shows: Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness. Ships within United States Ships worldwide.