A chat with Bear Grylls

British adventurer Bear Grylls has loved the Brompton ethos that brings adventure to the every day.

We sat with Bear to get his thoughts on Bromptons and cycling.

A photograph of Bear Grylls unpacking his Brompton x Bear Grylls luggage next to his folded Brompton x Bear Grylls bike

How did you first learn about Brompton? 

 

I’ve known Will [Butler-Adams, Brompton CEO] since we were kids and in truth I have loved using the bikes all my adult life. It’s something about the convenience and accessibility that carrying this simple bike brings. It’s hard to describe, but I love the Brompton ethos that brings adventure to the every day - I’m so proud of Will and all he has achieved. He was actually the first ever to come to our houseboat all those years ago when Shara and me first got married and I love that sort of enduring connection and friendship. 
 

What do you use your Brompton for? Where have you used it? 

I often use it for zipping across London - I’ve found it’s 100% the fastest way to get around a congested city, as well as (getting) some exercise and fresh air with it. I also love to use the bike when I’m on the road travelling overseas. It opens up so many cool places that you simply wouldn’t see if you just fly in and jump in a cab to wherever you’re going.
 

I find the super lightweight design is so easy to fold down and bring on a flight. As a team we can be found cycling to a steak house after filming, peddling to the beach for a swim or through woodland for a picnic. It just opens up so many fun opportunities beyond the reason we are visiting the place. I like that.
 

In what ways would you say a bicycle helps with an adventure? 

Firstly, it’s surprising how speedy the Brompton is, which means for those ambitious to cover more ground it can take you to some pretty remote locations than often a car can’t access. That is the beauty of it, getting off the beaten track and making new discoveries - adding a little adventure to the everyday. Load the side bags up with some simple supplies for a day trip and off you go…
 

What are your top tips for going on a last minute adventure?

Exploring local areas is so much simpler nowadays with Google maps and a phone. Most places are never far from some great little places whether a river, hiking trail, waterfall, cave or ravine. 
 

Even when I visit big cities in remote countries, I love how easy it can be to find adventure within a short few minutes on a train and then 30mins on my Brompton. That’s the magic… adventure is a state of mind and it starts with looking for the extraordinary amongst the ordinary.

Journeys on the bike

Through the city and beyond, the Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike was created for unexpected adventure.

8 incredible storytellers take us along on their unique journeys. 

GRAB A COFFEE (OR FIVE) WITH PHOTOGRAPHER DANI KM
Content creator Lucy Bohr posing with her Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike on a beach
JUMP INTO BERLIN’S BEST SWIMMING SPOTS WITH CONTENT CREATOR LUCY BOHR
Model and climber Eugenie Lee on a Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike
HANG OUT WITH MODEL AND CLIMBER EUGENIE LEE
Ceramicst Danny Dooreck with his Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike
TOUR CALIFORNIA’S BEST VIEWS WITH CERAMICIST DANIEL DOORECK
Eugenie Lee on her Brompton x Bear Grylls bike An image of the Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike laying in the grass

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