After my less-than-satisfactory test ride of a standard Brompton, I lost my momentum and never followed through and tested other models...until recently. I'd read about the new G Line model that was being introduced, and decided that I'd wait to see what that was like, especially given my impression that the standard Brompton was too small, reach-wise, for me.
I recently got a chance to test the G Line just ahead of its introduction in the US, and I'm happy to say that it was a much better experience. Not only did it not collapse on me (I learned my lesson, and took the time to triple-check the bike shop's own double-check of the hinges that allow the bike to fold), but the reach was much more satisfactory. Indeed, I found the medium size to be the one that I liked most—the large felt a little too stretched out for what I'd want in a commuter. That just goes to show the value of an in-person demo for a bike, since at 6'0", I'm right at the cutoff between medium and large sizes, according to the recommendations on the Brompton site. The increased handlebar width, increased wheelbase, and bigger wheels of the G Line just led to a ride that I enjoyed much more than the twitchy feeling of the standard Brompton. I also strongly preferred the shifting on the G, which was based on an eight-speed hub system from Shimano.
I seriously considered ordering one as soon as orders opened, spurred on by a rebate through American Express that would have knocked $300 off the price. The main thing that gave me pause was that the electric version of the G is around the corner—out now in the UK, and coming to the US this fall. I waffle back-and-forth as to whether I want the electric or standard version. On one hand, there are a lot of steep hills where I live, including one unavoidable climb to my house, and I'm not looking for sweat-inducing exercise while commuting. On the other hand, electric bikes present challenges when traveling by air and while I don't see that as a primary use case for the bike, it's something I fancy giving a shot at some point. Besides, the simplicity and lighter weight of a regular bike is appealing.
After some thought, I decided to wait and get the electric version when it comes out, if a test ride is similarly successful. Today's very positive review of the electric version on The Verge has me feeling like I made the right call. It does bring up a couple of points that I will have to investigate on a test ride, including the fact that the electric model uses a 4-gear system instead of the 8 gears of the standard model that I liked. Assuming that the motor is enough to make that climb home doable without too much effort, I'm likely to be sold. I'm also happy to read that there are some running refinements to the initial offering, and that the speed is going to be faster, to match US regulations instead of the slower UK rules. I'm not looking for this thing to be a speed demon, but 20 MPH already feels a little bit limiting when riding my wife's e-bike in traffic, so I wouldn't want this one to be slower.
Anyway, assuming the e-bike version is as good as the review makes it sounds, I'm likely to purchase one when it debuts in the US.