The History of Brompton Folding Bicycles
Intro
Brompton folding bikes were recently described by one enthusiast as ‘the standard by which other folders are judged,’ however; their ascent to icon status in the cycling world was a long time in the making.
Pre-history
The founder and chief designer of this long established folding bicycle company is Andrew Ritchie, not surprisingly an engineer by trade, who chose the entrepreneurial life not long after completing his degree. In 1976 when Mr. Ritchie was introduced to a ‘Bickerton’ Folding Bike backer something clicked and his quest to make a better folder began. Working away from the cramped, tiny bedroom he could see the ‘Brompton Oratory’ hence the inspiration for the name and possibly the urgency for such a compact, convenient bike.
History:
Five years later with the support of 30 friends willing to buy his folding bike ‘Brompton Cycles’ was born however in 1982 production froze as requests for capital injection met an icy response. In 1986 Andrew was assisted again by friends and customers however this time fate arranged for one of them to be a wealthy and savvy businessman by the name of Julian Vereker; fortunately he not only guaranteed a bank loan but also provided the company with sound financial advice. In1988 production resumed and by the time the company won the Queen’s Award for Exports in 1995 they were well on their way to becoming the famous UK brand we know today.
Classic yet Customized
While the Brompton folder has undergone a couple of comprehensive facelifts during its development, on the whole the bike still has the same core design with some major and minor modifications/refinements. The good people in Brompton’s marketing department inform us that ‘nothing is standard’ and provide us with a menu approach to specifications allowing us to mix and match on the internet for the combination that suits our needs. It may be said that Brompton for all the choices it offers customers really only makes one product (its design consists of a classic main tube with a hinged rear triangle) that has evolved in small, incremental steps into the folding institution that we see today.
4 Wheel Analogy
Now that it has risen to prominence in the cycling community if one were to compare the Brompton with a car it would have to be a Volvo; reliable and long-lived with low depreciation, more custom choices than ever before and the most appealing body style to date with the same unique, patented technology. Buyers are likely to spend a little extra for a superior product, will have researched the exact right bike for their needs, and aren’t likely to let it go anytime soon. At Brompton, a premium is placed on quality control and customization is also an appealing feature; 3 handlebar styles (M, S and P models), the choice of single, 2, 3 and 6 speeds plus the option of lightweight titanium parts being some of the more important options available. Like Volvo’s new offerings Brompton’s latest fare has received praised by critics and riders alike for its good looks, responsive ride and sturdiness and its trademarked, specialized technology; Brompton’s fast and compact 4 stage fold, delivered in 10 to 20 seconds, provides a key competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The Future
Retailed at 500 to 1200 pounds sterling this is the most expensive this premiere folding has ever been yet it’s selling well, has a full order book and has inspired numerous imitators. The company recently hired 30 new employees; however, they are worried about expanding too quickly. Andrew Ritchie claims that the company he founded will not chase rapid sales growth at the expense of the quality and reputation of his leading brand.
By Charlie McFarlane
[...] The history of folding bikes dates back to 1976 when Andrew Ritchie, a landscape gardener by trade tried to make folding bikes. After obtaining financial backing from friends he founded a company and named it after the famous London landmark, the Brompton Oratory that he could see from his flat where he built the first bikes. But the path was not smooth, there were numerous bumps and the idea remained on board. Then he started the journey alone with the financial backing of 30 friends. [...]