Brompton x Tour de France: how it’s made

The Tour de France is an annual spectacle of commitment, suffering and sweet euphoria. The roads and mountains provide the perfect backdrop on which the world’s best cyclists fight for victory.

With a unique opportunity to create two bikes that embody the spirit and culture of the race, the Brompton design team set about paying tribute with the new Brompton x Tour de France bikes.

The frame design

The Brompton folding bike is transformed into a moving canvas. The narrative of the our designed into every element. Subverted race day photography from Pauline Ballet and Charly Lopez forms a print around the frame. At first glance it’s a pattern, but as you look again the fans and the riders reveal themselves. Flags flying high, the pack moving through – you can almost hear the noise.

Frame photography

Pauline Ballet

Based in Paris and a previous winner of Rouleur’s Photographer of the Year, Pauline Ballet’s images are famed for capturing the drama and iconography of the sport.

© Pauline Ballet

Charly Lopez

Award-winning sports photographer Charly Lopez is known for his adrenaline-filled shots and breathtaking aerial perspectives.

© Charly Lopez

How it's made

Each and every frame is hand built in our London Factory, individually powder coated and then specially printed. The innovative sublimation print technique creates a super smooth, lightweight and long-lasting finish that’s resistant to rain, dirt and UV rays.

Step 1

The unique photography designs are transferred on to a thermoforming film using specialised inks.

How it's made step 1

Step 2

The film is vacuum formed around the frame.

How it's made step 2

Step 3

The frames are placed inside a custom-built machine and heated to a specific temperature.

How it's made step 3

Step 4

The heat facilitates the cross-linking of the polymers, effectively transferring the print to the frame. Pressure is applied to ensure the ink penetrates deeply.

How it's made step 4

Step 5

Once cooled, the film is removed, et voila!

How it's made step 5

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