The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has brought about a cycling boom in the UK, with record numbers of us jumping on our bikes for exercise and to avoid crowded public transport. One of the most sought-after models of the moment is the Brompton – a folding bike designed for city life. If you’ve got your eyes on one and are wondering where to buy a Brompton bike in London, check out our guide to 5 of the best bike shops in the city.
1. Brompton Junction, Covent Garden
The Brompton Junction in Covent Garden is the flagship retail location of the Brompton brand, which sells bikes made in London all over the world. The location of the store is the site of the workshop where Britain’s first hobby-horse bicycle was made and sold.
The shop includes a bike showroom, a shop selling parts, clothing, helmets, and other accessories, and a workshop for repairs and maintenance.
All the staff here are super helpful and passionate about bikes, and they’ll help you to get what you need whether you’re buying your first bike or you’re a seasoned cyclist. You can even take out a bike for a trial run.
Note, due to health and safety protocols at the current time bike sales are by appointment only.
76, Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9JS
Open 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm Saturday, and 12 – 5pm Sunday.
brompton.com/find-a-store/brompton-junction/london
2. Phoenix Cycles
This small, independent bike shop specialises in Brompton and Moulton bikes and sells only British-made bicycles.
After you’ve bought your Brompton bike, it’s recommended to service it every six months to a year. Phoenix Cycles can usually offer same-day servicing and will offer you a courtesy Brompton so you’re not stranded while you’re waiting.
59A Battersea Bridge Rd, Battersea, London SW11 3AU
Open 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Monday and Sunday.
phoenix-cycles.co.uk
3. Velorution
“Premium urban lifestyle cycling store” Velorution has several stores across London, with the flagship being in Marylebone.
Velorution offers a selection of Brompton folding bikes and electric bikes, along with bags and other accessories. If you’re not 100% sold on a Brompton, you can browse other premium bike brands including Schindelhauer and Moustache.
If you you need more time to decide after browsing and testing out bicycles, take a break to enjoy a coffee at the in-store café.
75-77 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LR
Open 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm Sunday.
Velorution.com
4. Condor Cycles
Condor Cycles has been in business building custom bicycles since 1948 and they have everything you could possibly want from a bike shop. If they don’t, they’ll order it for you.
As well as stocking their own brand bikes, Condor is a certified bespoke Brompton retailer and can help you to build your dream bike to your ideal configuration and in your favourite colours. They also stock the full range of accessories and spare parts.
There are always at least 4 demonstration bikes in store showing the range of handlebar styles and gearing. You can also test ride the Brompton electric bicycles.
49-53 Grays Inn Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8PP
Open 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm Saturday, closed on Sunday
condorcycles.com
5. Compton Cycles
If you’re in south east London, Compton Cycles in Catford offers an impressive selection of bicycles and specializes in Brompton bikes.
There are around 60 pre-built configurations of Brompton bikes available, or you can opt to custom build to your own configuration. There’s also a wide selection of parts and accessories.
23-25 Catford Hill, Catford, London SE6 4NU
Open 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday, and closed on Sunday
