Shanghai, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, British Prince William visited China and personally opened the "GREAT Britain" campaign. During the opening event, Prince William introduced an authentic British product -- the Brompton bike, which Chinese cycling enthusiasts fondly call“"Xiao Bu"”.
The Shanghai Xiao Bu flagship store is located on the elegantly situated Fuxing Middle Road and offers professional maintenance services, often attracting Brompton fans from around the world.
Different skies, shared concerns
You may not have heard of Brompton yet — this nickname "Xiao Bu," a handcrafted folding bike from London, UK, with its astonishingly fast folding technique, compact folded size, and exquisite hand-welded craftsmanship. But you can ride along with "Xiao Bu" to help change the world beneath the smog-filled dome.
The birthplace of Brompton, London, has rich and successful experience in combating smog. In 1952, as a lingering hazard of the British Industrial Revolution, "air pollution" left a deep impression on the British people. Nowadays, London is free from the troubles of smog,and Brompton has played its part in clearing London’s skies.Now,every three minutes on the streets of London,you can seea Brompton, and many celebrities from various sectors in the UK havehopped on“"Xiao Bu,"taking action to protect their own skies.
Left: British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the Xiao Bu flagship store in Shanghai during his trip to China. Right: British Prime Minister David Cameron tours the Brompton factory in London, where the Brompton CEO explains the 40-year-old hand-welding manufacturing process of Xiao Bu.
Tracing back to Brompton: Born to bring change
Forty years ago, the world’s first Brompton was born in the bedroom of its inventor. During the design process, he happened to glance out the window at the Brompton Cathedral in South Kensington, and thus named the world's only folding bicycle Brompton. Andrew Ritchie in the bedroom. During the design process, he happened to see Brompton Cathedral in South Kensington outside the window, and from then on named the world's only folding bike Brompton.
In the early 1980s, Andrew began small-scale production of Brompton. After more than ten years and overcoming numerous challenges, in 1988, just a few miles from the bedroom where the first Brompton was created, Brompton began full-time production in West London.
Once launched, the Brompton folding bike quickly won over Londoners with its convenience, elegant design, and comfortable ride, reigniting their love for cycling and inspiring more people to join in, thereby improving traffic and changing the environment. In recognition of Andrew’s contribution, the British royal family even knighted him.
Brompton Core hallmark: Handmade copper welding
40Decades later, Brompton still insists on handmade production in London. Over the years, Brompton has focused on making just one type of bike. Its unwavering dedication and superior craftsmanship have earned it the title of the world’s best folding bike.
Brompton's most distinctive manufacturing feature is its hand-brazing technique at over 1000°C. Every intricate frame of a Brompton is connected through hand brazing, making the joints stronger and more durable. Meanwhile, the main frame is crafted from high-elongation alloy steel to ensure sturdiness and resilience, forming the core guarantee of Brompton’s high quality and exceptional durability.
Customization
Brompton offers the bike users truly want, known as “B-spoke.” From frame type, gear shifting, colors to various optional parts, Brompton can be fully customized to meet individual preferences and riding experiences. Its unique folding design ensures that components like lights and cables remain undamaged, and once folded, you don’t have to worry about the chain or gears dirtying your clothes or luggage.
Redefine Mobility
Though compact when folded, the Brompton carries a big attitude. It folds quickly and becomes highly compact after folding.You can10~15seconds turn the Brompton into a neat, square little piece of luggage,making it extremely convenient to carry around.
Brompton is a personal mode of transportation that breaks the limits of distance, allowing you to seamlessly switch between trains, planes, and cars. You can also take the Brompton into a café or even store it under your office desk. Or, when only halfway folded, it transforms into a cart mode to push into supermarkets. Its lightweight and practical design offers true portability.
With its simple, elegant design and easy storage and portability, the foldable Brompton has changed cities like London, New York, and Paris with its eco-friendly cycling philosophy.
Brompton is a 40-year classic, committed to hand-brazing and focusing on this singular craft. It was voted one of the top ten most desired Christmas gifts by the British public. There are Brompton Junction flagship stores in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. In China, you too can use this small bike to change the smog under the dome and enjoy a blue sky.
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