After four years of posting blogs about turfing, these past few weeks have been a real challenge to come up with interesting content for another turf blog. However, having been out turfing recently on our Brompton C Line folding bicycles, a previous topic of conversion came to mind, that of the ultimate turfing bicycle. And there’s one model in particular from Brompton that might just be in the lineup of usual suspects. The Brompton G Line Electric.
The Brompton G Line is like your usual Brompton but slightly larger in size and with 20″ wheels rather than the usual 16″ wheels and all models have hydraulic disc brakes instead of the usual calliper rim brakes, for added stopping power. The two non-electric models come with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear while the model I’m interested in, the Brompton G Line Electric, sports a 4-speed rear cassette which gives me the option of an easy conversion to single speed. Prices start around £2400 up to £3500 for the electric version.
So, what is it about the Brompton G Line Electric that makes me think it might make an ultimate turfing bicycle? Well, firstly, it folds up just like the standard Brompton and will fit inside most car boots with ease. The disc brakes are a bonus and the tyres are chunky 50mm wide providing added comfort and capabilities on rougher surfaces. Okay, it’s no downhill mountain bike, more classed as a light gravel bike but should still cover the majority of different terrain encountered while turfing. Further features include mudguards, a rear carrier rack, ergonomic handlebar grips, water bottle bosses, and wider handlebars than the standard Brompton.
The final feature is the 250W electric motor on the rear hub which, together with the 345-Wh battery, provide a range of 20 to 45 miles (30-60Km) depending on the usual factors such as assistance level selected, type of terrain, and so on. The battery is contained inside a clip on/off bag mounted on the front carrier block. The battery also powers front and rear lights which come supplied with the bike. The Brompton G Line Electric is said to ride just like an ordinary bicycle and weigh in at around 16Kg with further 3Kg for the battery pack.
I must say I’m very tempted with the Brompton G Line Electric and while Brompton do offer electric versions of the C Line and P Line models, the G Line seems more capable of dealing with the cobbles and degraded tarmac encountered just about everywhere these days and also with the rougher off-road routes where zone makers love to place zones. I’m also interested in the idea of a single speed electric bike. It occurs to me that if electric assistance only works up to 15.5 mph, do I really need gears? The simplicity of a single speed electric just feels right.
The stock bike is pretty good but not perfect. The battery bag has around 1.5 litres free space which isn’t very much but I can always add small handlebar bag and there is a rear rack for additional luggage, if required. And the Schwalbe G-One All Round tyres are not to my liking and would be replaced with more robust Schwalbe Marathon Plus. There is also the option of upgrading the disc brakes to something better. Oh dear, here I am talking about upgrades and I haven’t even bought the bike yet! Back soon.
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