Which Brompton handlebar type do I have?

It may be simple for those us who have worked on and with Bromptons for years - but many of our Brompton spares and accessories are for specific handlebar types.

Update for 2017

For the 2017 model Brompton, a new M-type / H-type handlebar was released. It's not so high a rise as the old one, so gives less flex. It also has a less pronounced upward bend in the bars.

The change was made to facilitate two other new features for the year:

• Lock-on handlebar grips (and how the standard 130mm width meaning that other grips - such as the ever popular Ergon grips) don't need to be cut down for fitting.
• Integrated brake levers / gear shifters / bell - to keep the controls neater

To accomodate the lower rise of the handlebars and keep the fold / ride position the same, the front stem of the bike has increased slightly in length.

So - back to the original question - which Brompton handlebar type do I have .....

If you are not sure which type you have, then it makes ordering the right replacements difficult (gear and brake cables for example are pre-cut to the correct length based upon the type of handlebar your Brompton has)

So here we are ... There are 4 types of handlebar type

The original was the classic M-type, still the most popular with our customers.

Brompton with classic M-type handlebars

Brompton straight / S-type handlebars

Then in May 2005 the S-type and P-type were introduced

The S-type handlebars (shown to the right) give a sporty feel to the ride, with your head down ready for racing away from the lights during the rush hour.

Brompton P-type handlebars

The P-type handlebars (shown to the left) give the rider a variety of riding positions - hence P-type for multi position.

They are generally most popular for long distance touring where, when spending hours in the saddle, being able to ride in different positions can be beneficial.

Brompton H-type handlebars

Last but in no means least was the H-type  - introduced in January 2012 - to cater for taller riders and
the Northern European markets (Holland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden) where a more upright riding style is preferred.

The handlebars used are exactly the same as on the M-type, the difference is that the handlebar stem is approx 2cm / 1 inch longer just below the hinge.

Each Brompton handlebar type has it's own handlebar stem and cable lengths - which means you can;t just change handlebar types if you want the fold to function correctly.

Want to get some new Brompton handlebars? Then try us at Brilliant Bikes

If you are looking to buy a new Brompton  - then why not use the Brompton website - it will help guide you through making the right choice (click here) or come and visit Brilliant Bikes in Chobham where we have a large range of Bromptons including a demo in stock - you can see our list of in-stock Bromptons by clicking here.