Celebrating 50 Years: The Brompton 1975 Edition
Fifty years ago, in a small London flat overlooking the Brompton Oratory, engineer Andrew Ritchie sketched a vision for a new kind of bicycle. Inspired by the shortcomings of existing folding bikes, he aimed to create a "magic carpet for the city" a bike that was not only rideable but also completely portable.
In 1975, he designed a bike with an ingenious three-part fold that could transform into a compact, locked package in under 20 seconds. This was a radical departure from the norm and the beginning of a journey that would establish a global icon.
The company, Brompton Bicycle, was officially founded in 1976. However, success wasn't immediate. Ritchie faced years of rejection from banks and established bicycle companies before he began hand-building the bikes himself from a small workshop.
His determination paid off when, in 1987, a fellow enthusiast and founder of Naim Audio, Julian Vereker, provided the crucial investment needed to scale production. This led to Brompton setting up its first proper factory in a railway arch in Brentford, West London.
Our original store in Sutton was appointed to be the first Brompton dealer in London, and now operating from our Sheen location, we have been proudly stocking and servicing the bikes ever since. Brompton has evolved from a small-scale, handmade operation into the UK's largest bicycle manufacturer, producing over 100,000 bikes annually. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has been unwavering. While the core design remains largely the same, every detail has been refined over time.
Innovations like the Superlight model, which introduced a titanium frame and forks, and the Brompton Electric, developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, show the company's commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to its original design philosophy.
Today, every Brompton is still hand-brazed by skilled craftspeople in its London factory, with each bike carrying the unique mark of its maker. This dedication to craftsmanship has made Brompton not just a brand but a powerful symbol of British engineering and design.
Brompton's success extends far beyond the UK. It's one of Britain’s great exports, selling its bikes in over 50 countries across the globe. Brompton's unique design, combining compact size with full-size rideability, makes it the perfect solution for urban commuters worldwide, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the dense metropolises of New York and Bangkok.
This global reach has made the Brompton an accidental design icon, as recognisable in some cities as a London bus. The company's growth is a testament to the universal appeal of its product and the trust people place in its quality and utility.
The 1975 Edition: A Tribute to Legacy
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Brompton has unveiled the 1975 Edition. This limited-run bike, with only 1,975 units available worldwide, is more than just a bike; it's a piece of history.
The most striking feature is the "Thermal Fade" lacquer finish, a unique and beautiful design that mimics the vibrant colours that appear on the frame during the hand-brazing process. This semi-transparent finish allows the distinct work of the brazer to shine through, making each bike truly one-of-a-kind.
The bike's aesthetics are further enhanced with gold highlights, a nod to its golden anniversary. These gold-anodised parts can be found on the cranks, hinge clamps, and logos, adding a touch of elegance and celebration.
But this special edition is not just about looks. It's built on a 12-speed C-Line platform, offering a wider gear range for tackling various terrains and making urban commuting even smoother. It also includes several exclusive accessories:
Brazer's Coin: A collectable brass coin embossed with the initials of one of the 52 expert brazers in the London factory, a personal tribute to the artisans who build these bikes.
1975 Edition Saddle: A lightweight, carbon-based saddle that is 23% lighter than the standard Brompton saddle, featuring a special design with an integrated carry handle.
1975 Edition Bottle Holder and Small Zip Case: A practical and stylish set for carrying essentials and staying hydrated on the go.
Celebrate 50 years
The Brompton 1975 Edition is a perfect blend of heritage and modernity. It embodies the company’s history and its future. For a Brompton enthusiast, it's a highly collectable item that represents a significant milestone. For a new rider, it's an opportunity to own a piece of a legacy, a bike that is not only a fantastic tool for urban living but also a work of art.
A testament to the vision of Andrew Ritchie and the dedication of the countless hands that have built these bikes over half a century. Owning one is a celebration of that enduring spirit. Buy here.