Brompton story

[mvrider]

A good read:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23239764

When Mr Butler-Adams joined Brompton in 2002, it was making 6,000 bikes per year, and employed 24 people. The company was profitable, but in no way able to keep up with demand.

Fast forward to today, and Brompton makes 40,000 bikes a year, and has 190 workers. Its annual turnover is set to hit £28m after growing by more than a quarter in each of the last three years.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/68651000/jpg/_68651065_brom1.jpg

[harlond]

Thanks, I enjoyed that. A Brompton would be nice to have. N+1.

[A.Danger]

True: Brompton doesn't advertise. They don't need to because the bikes get so much attention that the owners become tasked with public education. When we travel with our Bromptons (frequently) we get asked dozens of times a day about our bikes. It's something we didn't anticipate when buying them. We love them because we can carry them on the plane and put in the overhead compartment. But if you're considering buying: know you just signed up for Brompton outreach. As a side note: 85% want to know what you paid for it...

[mike p]

A Danger, that was my first thought.......what do those things sell for?
MV Rider, good article. Thank you.

Mike

[jbrainin]

Not a bad article, but it contains one misstatement: there has been a Brompton clone. It was made in Taiwan by a company called Merc. The primary difference between the two bikes is that the Merc was made from aluminum.

@mike p: Bromptons range in price from ~$1200 to $2400.

[fiamme red]

I thought Bromptons were TIG-welded, I didn't know they were fillet-brazed:

http://ninelittletubes.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/now-i-can-almost-braze-properly/

[A.Danger]

Yes, they are brazed! My Brompton is a "clear-coated" one he speaks about in the article. Brompton puts their most skilled folks on brazing the frames that get clear coated instead of painted. Welds show and they're pretty-dang nice!

[d.vader123]

Whatever happened to that electric brompton project that got a little buzz a few years ago?

I was really interested in an e-brompton.

[BobbyJones]

Whatever happened to that electric brompton project that got a little buzz a few years ago?

I was really interested in an e-brompton.

If you are interested in an e-brompton check out the guys at NYCEwheels. I rode one a few weeks ago and it's amazing. If the range and reliability are what they say its a winner.

http://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-electric-bicycle-motor.html

[A.Danger]

They're around. There are aftermarket kits available or you can actually order them right from Brompton!