Heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour has collaborated for the first time with Brompton Bicycles, the makers of the iconic folding bicycle, to create a capsule collection for men and women that focuses on the best outerwear for urban cycling along with a limited edition Barbour Brompton bike. Both British brands are renowned for their style, innovation and practicality and this is a partnership that is bound to attract attention the attention of discerning cyclists.
this is a gorgeous collaboration which perfectly marries urban practicality with heritage styling and British craftsmanship
I was invited to test ride the limited edition Barbour Brompton bike at London’s Freecycle event in one of the partnership’s lightweight waterproof jackets. I’ll admit, on Saturday morning when the sun was blazing in Central London I was a little concerned that I might melt in a waterproof jacket on the bike; but, as luck would have it, the heavens opened as I pedalled away from the Brompton Junction store in Covent Garden and the weather remained cool and damp for the rest of the day – fate, perhaps?
I’ve been wanting to ride a Brompton for ages. I see people out and about on them all the time and I’m always intrigued: what is a Brompton like to ride? Do you have to pedal extra hard because the wheels are so small? Are they difficult to fold? Well, now I know! They’re an absolute joy to ride, you don’t have to pedal extra hard, and the folding mechanism is, frankly, genius. My only regret is that I don’t have a commute which would make owning one useful, more’s the pity: I live 30 seconds from the railway station so there really isn’t any need to hop on a Brompton to get there. Bummer. I want one so much I almost feel like we should move house to accommodate a new commute…
The new range combines the best of Brompton and Barbour and the pieces will provide years of dependable service with an inimitable British style
The Barbour Brompton bike is a heritage green affair with gold lettering and I’m not sure a bike can get much more British. It’s a thing of beauty and, if you’re lucky enough to be able to use one for your commute, it’s a thoroughly stylish way to get around town.
The Barbour Brompton jackets and accessories compliment the bike beautifully in a range of olive green and navy. If you’re keen to avoid hi-vis and glaringly bright hues, these jackets definitely offer a more subdued, classic cycling look. They don’t look bike-y, either, so if you’re looking for a jacket you can wear on and off bike, one of these could be the answer.
The men’s Merton jacket in navy and sage and the women’s Bromley jacket take Barbour’s new innovative Dry Wax, a hard wearing waxed cotton in a pure hydrocarbon which feels crunchy to the touch and is extremely water repellent, whatever the weather. Functionality is key – with four storage pockets, mesh tartan linings to remove excess heat, two way zips and reflector strips, these jackets are vented for breathability and have a longer back length to protect the wearer. Articulated sleeves allow for ease of movement on the bike. They are especially designed for rainy days when protection is essential against the elements, particularly on the office commute!
The jackets are designed to be worn on and off the bike and will appeal to urban bike riders who love Barbour style
The waterproof breathable men’s Newham jacket and women’s Brent jacket (the style I’m wearing) come in a choice of colours and offer a safe haven from wind and showers. They’re ideal to wear on warmer days or to add over layers. The jackets in simple uncomplicated silhouettes with left breast diagonal chest pockets take a Barbour signature zip, inner windcuffs and reflector strip across the longer length back. These jackets are versatile and ultra lightweight, keeping you thoroughly dry in a downpour but folding neatly into a Barbour x Brompton shoulder bag in navy or sage once the weather improves.
If you need extra storage for your commute, the Barbour x Brompton Tarras bag (pictured below, bottom) fits neatly onto the bike and offers plenty of space for files, lunch, water and other essentials.
The Barbour Brompton bike comes with a Tarras bag and is available as an M6L model, with a brown Brooks B17 saddle with the main frame and extremities finished in Gloss Barbour Green. The Special Edition bike, including Barbour Tarras Bag, retails at £1350.
Ian Bergin, Director of Menswear and Accessories, Barbour said “Barbour and Brompton are two brands renowned for their innovation – Barbour with their iconic jackets and Brompton with their personal transport solutions. This collaboration is all about practicality and fitness for purpose and fits the ethos of both brands. The jackets are designed to be worn on and off the bike and will appeal to urban bike riders who love the Barbour style combined with technical features, all engineered for performance.”
Will Carleysmith, Chief Design and Engineering Officer at Brompton said “At Brompton we are all about meticulous attention to detail, both when designing our bikes and when manufacturing them in London. Spending time with Barbour at South Shields it was immediately clear our two companies share the same attitude. It’s been great to work with a UK brand that combines deep manufacturing craft with clever design and such an iconic look. The new range combines the best of Brompton and Barbour and the pieces will provide years of dependable service with an inimitable British style.”
We say: this is a gorgeous collaboration which perfectly marries urban practicality with heritage styling and British craftsmanship.
See the full range at Brompton.