Dinky-wheeled origami wizards Brompton have staked their claim for a share of the adventure cycling market with the Brompton Explore: a bikepacking edition of every cycle commuter's favourite folding bike.

"Celebrating cycling's inherent spirit of adventure," the Explore edition includes a 28L roll-top bag, an enhanced spares pouch and lower ratio 6-speed gearing to help riders escape the city into the great outdoors.

The Brompton Explore is a 6-speed edition that includes luggage and spares to set you up for adventure.
The Brompton Explore is a 6-speed edition that includes luggage and spares to set you up for adventure.

"Brompton riders have long pushed the boundaries of exploration," explain Brompton.

"Pedalled around the world by Heinz Stucke, ridden at the South Pole by a research scientist and taken on countless adventures between Land's End and John O'Groats, users have demonstrated that the Brompton's robust design coupled with its compact fold makes it the perfect companion for long-distance trips."

You'll even see Bromptons on the occasional sportive - I remember lining up behind one at the Mallorca 312 back in 2017.

Inspired by these trips (well, maybe not the Mallorca 312 one) Brompton's design and product teams set out to create a bike that was purpose-built for adventure:

"Tested by explorer Alastair Humphreys on a Scottish Highland odyssey and, er, Steve in Brompton's design team when he wanted to find a more scenic route to the pub, the Explore edition has been carefully spec'd and kitted out to help riders get off the beaten track."

The new bike features a 6-speed groupset with reduced gearing, allowing riders to tackle more challenging terrain and deal with the added weight of your kit.

The adventure spec is rounded out by the inclusion of a custom 28L roll top bag and special edition spares pouch.

And we think it looks pretty great, with tan wall tyres and Brooks Cambium C17 All Weather Saddle.

As with all Bromptons the Explore folds down so you can stow it away for public transport - or a packraft.
As with all Bromptons the Explore folds down so you can stow it away for public transport - or a packraft.

All you need now is inspiration on where to take it, and Brompton have you covered there too - everyone who purchases an Explore bike will also receive a copy of Brompton's new Explore book.

Created with micro-adventurer Alastair Humphreys, the book showcases just what is possible with the Brompton Explore, and includes Brompton's City Escape Guides with routes out of major cities to help inspire your next trip.

Alastair has some pedigree when it comes to adventuring by Brompton, producing an excellent film on riding/paddling across the Shetlands a few years ago. And he's done another one for the launch of the Brompton Explore:

Commenting on the new model Joel Natale, Brompton's Head of Product said: "Although the Brompton is most well recognised in the city, our global community has always used the bike to take trips further afield.

"The Brompton Explore provides unparalleled freedom to those with a sense of adventure, as 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 or perhaps just taking a more scenic route home from work."

Find inspiration and escape the city.
Find inspiration and escape the city.

The Bike

Here's a quick rundown of the spec on the new Brompton Explore:

  • M or H Type handlebar: best for extended time in the saddle
  • 6 speed with 44T chainring: lower gear range aids climbing and luggage
  • E-Version: no mudguards reduces weight and no risk of drag on gravel
  • Brooks Cambium C17 All Weather Saddle in special Giallo finish: great all round saddle
  • Marathon Racer Tanwall folding tyres: best all round tyre, now folding
  • Gum rubber grips: softer compound for increased comfort
  • Machined hinge-clamp levers
  • Black Components

Luggage & Accessories

28L roll top Explore bag: big capacity with lots of sections, ready for any adventure

  • Custom camouflage fabric
  • Fidlock closures on rear pockets
  • Integral water bottle sleeve
  • Extra load strap system for securing other items

Explore pouch with spares and accessories: everything you need to keep on the go

  • 2 Impac Inner Tubes
  • 4 Spokes​ (2 front, 2 rear)
  • 1 Chain Power Link
  • Replacement Brake Pads (front and rear)
  • Rim tape​
  • 1 3-Speed Gear Cable​
  • 1 Rear Brake Cable​
  • 1 folding Marathon Racer Folding Tanwall Tyre
  • Brompton Toolkit with extra puncture repair patches
  • Brompton Pump

The new Brompton Explore edition retails from £1,525. For more information on the new bike, and all of Brompton's products, visit www.brompton.com.

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