Originally Posted by
davidhunternyc
Has anyone compared the Helix Ultralight vs. the Brompton T-Line? I'm in the market for a bike. I've been following Helix since Day 1 on Kickstarter. After years of delay it seems if I order now I can get a Ultralight in May of 2024, just a month away. I took the T-Line for a test ride. I liked it but I wonder if the Helix is better?
These two bikes are very different, both have strong points and weaknesses:
- T-line is really lightweight, it weight much less than Helix Ultralight. Helix, even the Ultralight, is an heavy bike for a bike with a titanium frame (take into account that a big part of the weight reduction of the Ultralight come from the Tubolito tubes and ultralight tires).
- Whatever the claims of Helix, T-line folds smaller and its folding mechanism is very simple and reliable compared to the complex system of Helix.
-T-line has a poor transmission, the 12s with IGH is a nonsense on such a lightweight bike, while Helix has an good derailleur transmission (but I do not see any reason o use a Ethirtheen cassette with a 9t smallest cog on a 24" wheels bike).
- Brompton has a full range of accessories with an excellent front bag carrier, while there is still nothing for Helix (some accessories are announced).
- Helix has a major problem with tires: its limited to about 40mm wide and the choice of tires is very limited, there are no high end tires available for Helix (ETRTO 40x507 or narrower) while there is now a wide range of tires for the Brompton, with tires for all needs (from race road tires to spikes snow tires!).