Ken Robertson of Illinois was nice enough to take some time away from his studies of prairie grass (Ken is a retired professor of botany at the University of Illinois) to review David Henshaw’s history of the Brompton folding bike. Thanks Ken! Here is Ken’s review:
Brompton Bicycle, by David Henshaw
First, I have to admit that I do not own a Brompton folding bicycle (yet), and my interest in Bromptons, long dormant, only recently has blossomed. Thus, my interest in this book.
Like the Brompton folding bicycle itself, this book is compact yet full of features. With narrow margins and little white space, the book contains a substantial amount of information, as well as numerous photographs and drawings illustrating the text. It is a very British book down to the typeface, Gill Sans, which was designed by British sculptor Eric Gill and is the same used in the London Underground. The book reminds me of books about 1950s British cars and motorcycles; in fact the author co-authored a book about the Hillman Imp and another on British railroads since the 1950s. He is well versed with folding bicycles as well, editing online a to b: the sustainable transport magazine.
The first two-thirds of the book is a matter-of-fact, straightforward chronological history of the Brompton folding bike, beginning with its basic design in 1977, the early attempts to license the design, then on to the trials and frustrations of starting production. Each engineering change and Mark series is thoroughly documented.
The story of the Brompton folding bike is put into context within the broader history of folding bikes and the British bicycle industry in general. The latter, sadly, has suffered. Today, it is telling that Brompton is the largest bicycle manufacturer in England.
For one who has seen recent full page ads for the Brompton folding bike in magazines like Bicycle Times, it comes as a surprise to learn that throughout most of the brand’s history there was no advertising. The philosophy was that the bikes sell themselves on their own merit. Another change is color availability. While Bromptons today come in many colors – from classic and sedate to bright and vivid – for years only black or red were offered. (Still twice as many as Henry Ford’s dictum for the Model T…)
The last third of the book covers several diverse topics, beginning with Brompton folding bicycles adapted by third-party vendors. Some are fitted with disk brakes, derailleurs, different internally geared hubs, and electric assist motors while others are converted into tandems, three-wheelers, and recumbents. This is followed by an extremely useful section on maintaining the Brompton folding bike that is abundantly illustrated. The final short section depicts various ways that Brompton folding bikes are used – commuting, carrying goods, touring, and accommodating kids. Three appendices record chronology, serial numbers by year of production, and production/profit figures.
This book will appeal to existing Brompton folding bike riders and well as those do not own one. Shortly, I plan to switch the category to which I belong.
review by Ken Robertson
