When considering essential upgrades for new Brompton bicycles, the hinge clamp plates stand out as my foremost recommendation. This narrative delves into the development and significance of the hinge clamp plates, revealing how they not only emerged as Brompfication's first product but also catalyzed the inception of something far greater.

My personal journey with Brompton folding bikes began 20 years ago in Copenhagen when I acquired my first Brompton. While I cherished the bike, it was evident that there were opportunities for improvements. Gradually, I began customizing my bike to better suit my needs.

At the time, the Brompton Talk forum was the premier hub for connecting with fellow enthusiasts. It was here that we exchanged ideas and insights on refining our bikes. One topic extensively discussed was the functionality of the hinge clamp. Any Brompton owner knows that as soon as the clamp plates' terminals are free of the frame's hinge flanges, the hinge clamp plates begin to rotate. This becomes particularly troublesome when unfolding the bike, as the clamp plates must be manually aligned with the frame's hinge flanges before the lever bolt can be tightened, thereby slowing down the fold. One suggested solution was to extend the terminal on one side of the clamp plate, thereby preventing rotation when turning the lever bolt. I recall that at least one forum member reached out to Brompton with a suggestion to alter the design, but unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful.

Fast forward to 2010, when I had relocated to Bangkok, bringing my modified Super Light Brompton with me in my suitcase. I was thrilled to learn that a Japanese company named Kamoya had turned the ideas from the Brompton Talk forum into reality. I immediately wrote to them, eager to buy two sets of Hinge Clamp Plates, but to my great disappointment, they replied that their English was not proficient enough to facilitate sales outside of Japan. Shortly after, during one of my frequent walks around Chinatown in Bangkok, I discovered an area behind the main train station, Hua Lamphong, filled with small machinist workshops. That afternoon, I returned home inspired and began designing hinge clamp plates and lever bolts. Leveraging my technical background and drafting skills for a practical purpose was exhilarating. A few days later, equipped with technical drawings, I returned to the area in search of a workshop that could manufacture my designs.

As the first small production run was being manufactured, I was occupied with naming my fledgling business and designing a webshop. At that moment, I wasn’t sure if my dream of turning my passion for folding bikes into a viable career would succeed, but I knew it was worth the attempt. I remember the launch as though it were yesterday.

On a Friday afternoon in September 2010, I launched Brompfication's webshop, Facebook page, and other social media platforms. Within just five hours, I had my first customer, and by five days later, everything was sold out! I was astounded and exhilarated by the swift success.

Kamoya's decision not to sell their clamp plates to me indirectly led to the creation of Brompfication. This move, in turn, inspired other companies to enter the market, ultimately enriching the variety of customization options available to Brompton users. This sequence of events underscores how a single company's initiative can catalyze broader industry developments, providing more choices for consumers.

In 2016, during my visit to the Taipei Cycle Show to meet with one of my distributors, I had the chance to converse with Brompton's Asia-Pacific Managing Director. He expressed concerns about the plethora of customization options available, which Brompton did not view favorably. I respectfully disagreed, pointing out that these modifications demonstrated the strength and growth of the community around the brand. He revealed that my products were being used by Brompton's own engineers and were even present on the desks of the design department. Knowing that the people who design Bromptons themselves found value in my innovations was an incredibly affirming moment.

To conclude the story of the Hinge Clamp Set, Brompton introduced what they call Self-Aligning Hinge Clamps with the launch of the T-Line in 2022. It took about 20 years from when the idea was first suggested by members of the Brompton Talk forum to its realization. This milestone not only testifies to Brompton’s adaptive approach but also represents a broader trend within the cycling industry towards greater customization and personalization. The fact that a venerable company like Brompton has incorporated similar innovations into their mainstream product line suggests a significant shift. It underscores the industry's recognition of consumer demand for more tailored and specific cycling experiences, influenced by dedicated enthusiasts and smaller innovators.

Home

Hinge Clamps, Clear

024

USD 29

Fed up with constantly adjusting the hinge clamp plates whenever you fold your Brompton? Look no further than Brompfication's Hinge Clamp Plates. Our solution ensures the hinge clamp plates remain stable, eliminating rotation when engaging the lever bolt—making folding your bike a breeze.

Home

Titanium Hinge Clamp Set, Clear

020

USD 79

Fed up with constantly adjusting the hinge clamp plates whenever you fold your Brompton? Look no further than Brompfication's Hinge Clamp Set. Our solution ensures the hinge clamp plates remain stable, eliminating rotation when engaging the lever bolt—making folding your bike a breeze. Crafted from titanium and aluminium, our Hinge Clamp Set with Lever...

Home

Titanium Hinge Clamp Set, Brass/Clear

022

USD 79

To complement the raw lacquer Brompton models, we've crafted this version of our Titanium Hinge Clamp Set with polished brass handles.Fed up with constantly adjusting the hinge clamp plates whenever you fold your Brompton? Look no further than Brompfication's Hinge Clamp Set. Our solution ensures the hinge clamp plates remain stable, eliminating rotation...

Home

Hinge Clamps, Black

025

USD 29

Home

Titanium Hinge Clamp Set, Black

021

USD 79

Home

Titanium Hinge Clamp Set, Brass/Clear

022

USD 79

Check Out Our Hinge Clamp Sets Here

We make improvements to what is the greatest folding bike in the world!