Bromptoneering or bust

We received a kind text from Dave at Treadly Bike Shop on the Monday before the ride. He offered to lend us a Brompton G-Line demo bike. We picked that bike up on Saturday. We were determined to get some mud on it that afternoon. We also did a few other important tests.

Q: How many Brompton G-Lines could you fit in the back of a Subaru Impreza (without folding the seats down)? A: One

Q: Does the Brompton G-Line fit the Ikea Kallax? A: Almost – the demo had an extended seat pole which was good for the tall riders – but it meant that the seat doesn’t quite fit in the Ikea Kallax.

Q: Is the Brompton G-Line a good bike to go to the Sunday Farmer’s Market? A: Certainly. The only variation we made was to remove the toolkit so we could lock the bike up.

The most important test, however, was shortly to arrive with the July 2025 Social Ride. The G-Line would be would be passed around amongst the Adelaide Bromptoneers to try out on our 20km circuit through suburban streets and river valleys!

Adelaide Bromptoneers responded well to one of the warmest and driest days this winter. Fifteen Bromptoneers started their journey from The Suburban Brew in Glynde. We cycled through the eastern suburbs to reach the first stop at Treadly Bike Shop. We admired all of the Brompton gear in Treadly Bike Shop’s window.

Just after Treadly Bike Shop a motorist (who I think was a Brompton owner) asked about our rides. Fortunately, we had one of our new posts cards at hand and passed it through the open car window. Perhaps we will have another Bromptoneer join the fold for the August ride?

We were in need of nutrition and hydration. While we did pass near another microbrewery – they fortunately were not open yet! We continued on passing by St Peter’s Town Hall and the Chinese Consulate (we did smile for the cameras) on our way to our second stop at Marbella Cafe Locale in Royston Park.

We were at the half way point. The route diverted towards the River Torrens and Lochiel Park for some beautiful verdant landscape. We were too preoccupied with the enjoyable ride through this area to take photos. So we’ve included some photos from our the test ride (which was a little wetter) featuring Helen’s red bike. If you have got some photos, let us know and we can update this ride report with them.

Finally, after the climbing in and out of the Torrens Valley we followed fourth creek towards the ultimate goal – beer and BBQ at the Suburban Brew in Glynde. The company, beer and BBQ were fantastic and it was certainly helped along by pleasant weather. We used the outdoor area to share the convivial atmosphere with our Bromptons that had served us so well. Some extra colour and sound were provided by some local hot rods.

The conclusion from the Adelaide Bromptoneers is that the G-Line is a very competent bike. While some Bromptoneers preferred their own Brompton – others could easily see themselves riding one. The G-Line isn’t for everyone – but it is an important part of the Brompton line up. It gives potential Brompton owners a choice – just in the same way as electrification gave a choice. All kinds of Bromptons and their Bromptoneers are welcome at Adelaide Bromptoneering.

On Monday morning after the Social Ride, but before returning the G-Line to Treadly Bike Shop, I took it for ride on some the Adelaide Parklands’ dirt trails. It showed itself to be a stable and very competent bike on dirt. In early June, I rode from Adelaide to Burra on parts of the Mawson Trail. I have no doubt that the G-Line would have handled that trip perfectly.

If you’d like to do The Suburban Brew in Glynde ride again (or for the first time), then the July 2025 social ride post has the necessary details and links to GPX files etc.