Brompton has today unveiled the Brompton Explore, its own take on an adventure bike that’s designed to take you on longer expeditions out of the city.
If adventuring on a Brompton strikes you as odd, let's not forget that the small-wheeled folding bike has already been pedalled around the globe by Heinz Stucke, ridden at the South Pole by a research scientist and completed countless journeys between Land’s End and John O’Groats over the years.
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With the bike’s compact nature lending itself well to upping sticks and heading out of the city with only the essentials in hand, Brompton has drawn upon its surprisingly rich heritage of exploration.
Developed with micro-adventurer Alastair Humphreys, the Brompton Explore is claimed to be purpose-built for expeditions, with increased comfort and carrying capabilities, and adventure-friendly spec choices.
“The Brompton Explore provides unparalleled freedom to those with a sense of adventure,” says Joel Natale, Brompton’s head of product. “It’s as simple as packing the bag and jumping on the nearest bus, train or plane to escape the city for a long weekend.”
The Brompton Explore will retail from £1,525, with several options available direct from Brompton's website.
Brompton Explore specifications, price and options
While the bike itself is still recognisable as a Brompton, it’s had some subtle spec changes to make it more suited to loaded and long-distance riding.
It comes with several buying options, and a choice of M-type or H-type handlebars. These are the best suited options for long-distance comfort according to Brompton. The Explore can also come with or without mudguards.
Lower gearing
The Brompton Explore has a 3-speed internal gear hub with two sprockets, giving you 6-speed gearing that's claimed to be lower than on standard models (although the actual gear ratio is yet to be confirmed).
We do know that it’s paired with a 44t chainring, though.
Schwalbe Marathon Racer Tanwall folding tyres
The Explore sports 16 x 1.35in Schwalbe Marathon Racer folding tyres to give the best all-round comfort and durability. Plus, it’s bang on trend with the tanwall.
Matching the tyres are gum rubber grips in the same tan colour. Their softer compound is claimed to provide a more comfortable ride over long distances.
Saddle upgrade
Keeping things comfy at the rear is the Brooks Cambium C17 All Weather saddle. This is a good choice for longer riding, and when we reviewed it we found it to emulate the comfort of a broken-in leather saddle, but straight out of the box.
Adventure essentials
Brompton has tried to make sure the Explore is equipped with everything you might need to get out on your first adventure.
It comes with a decent-sized bag, a pouch with essentials included, and a brochure to inspire you to plan your journey.
28-litre roll-top bag
Up front there’s a custom Camo fabric roll-top bag with a 28-litre capacity. It features Fidlock closures on its rear pockets, a dedicated water bottle sleeve and an extra load strap system for securing additional accessories.
In keeping with the brand’s long-standing bag mount system, the roll-top bag fits securely to the front of the bike.
Explore pouch
If you’re heading away from civilisation, you need to take your essentials with you.
Brompton has made this super easy by supplying each model of the Explore with a purpose-built pouch, complete with the necessary contents, which include:
- Two Impac inner tubes
- Four spokes (two front, two rear)
- One chain quick-link
- Replacement brake pads (front and rear)
- Rim tape
- One 3-speed gear cable
- One rear brake cable
- One folding Marathon Racer folding Tanwall tyre
- Brompton toolkit with extra repair patches
- Brompton pump
