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Ceramic coatings are commonplace in the automotive and aerospace industries due to their durability, impact protection and lightweight qualities. More recently, ceramic coatings have been applied in the cycling industry for use on frames and smaller components like jockey wheels.

Cerakote is one of the leading brands in ceramic coatings famed for its lightweight yet tough coating that boasts improved abrasion resistance and increased strength and hardness compared to its powder coated counterpart. Components benefit from the coating as it keeps the moving parts running smoothly with less resistance.

So, in our pursuit of constant innovation, the Brompton T Line is available with a Cerakote finish. This T Line Ceratech not only looks good but also has a ceramic finish that will ensure your bike is protected from corrosion and looks great.

Benefits of Cerakote

We've already learned the basics of Cerakote, and there's more to come.

Lightweight

A coating that's 40 microns thin weighs very little. Compared to powder-coated Brompton frames, you're looking at a saving of around 300g. For the weight weenies among you, that's a big deal.

While the T Line is otherwise available in a raw blasted finish, Cerakote offers the ability to bring colour to your bike without the weight penalty.

“Cerakote feels like it’s part of the material,” says Phillip Henschke, Senior Design Engineer here at Brompton and the brains behind the T Line Ceratech project. “You can still feel every peak of each weld bead, you can still see the smooth transitions on the tubes,” he explains. “This is not a coating that you can hide the flaws behind, it feels part of the titanium rather than an addition to it.”

Durability

More adventuring means increased chances of chips, dings and marks on the frame. Sometimes it just can't be avoided. We build bikes for the long haul and we want your bike to be your best friend for decades to come.

Cerakote is highly resistant to these scratches and abrasions. So, if your bike is more than just a piece of art, a ceramic coating is the way to go to ensure it looks newer for longer.

It looks great

The raw blasted titanium finish on the T Line showcases the natural beauty of the material and the industrial finish complements the handbuilt product. Cerakote adds another dimension by adding a dazzle of colour while showcasing the premium TIG welds.

Easy to clean

Nobody enjoys cleaning their bike but it's just part and parcel of bike ownership. If we want nice things, we have to look after them.

The hydrophobic nature of Cerakote means it's much more difficult for dirt and road grime to stick to the frame meaning you need less elbow grease next time you reach for the bucket and brushes.

Cons of Cerakote

There are usually two sides to every story, but we're pretty confident the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to Cerakote.

Cost

A premium coating like Cerakote is usually only found on high end, boutique bikes. Cerakote is applied by hand using a spray gun and it takes longer to coat all the nooks and crannies on a Brompton frame.

As it's not a common finish on bikes and bike parts, the economies of scale simply aren't there. But we wanted to bring this exciting product to a wider market, so we offer it on our T Line bikes.

Limited colours (for now)

Cerakote is very much in its infancy within the bike industry. We hope to see it used more widely as news travels about its benefits. While it's still in its niche, we've chosen colours that complement most tastes and lifestyles, and that stand up to our rigorous quality requirements. Who knows what the future will bring!

8 steps of the Cerakote coating process 

1. Degreasing

The bike frame is soaked in a cleaning solution to remove all the oils, grease and residue from the titanium manufacturing process. Without this step, the coating won't stick to the metal, so it's essential to do it properly.

2. Masking

Any functional areas like threads, contact points and logos are masked off using heat-resistant tape and plugs. This ensures clean lines and preserves mechanical performance.

3. Sandblasting

The frame is blasted with aluminium oxide to create a consistent surface texture. This step maximises coating grip and long-term durability.

4. Final prep

After sandblasting, the frame is air-cleaned and baked to remove hidden contaminants to guarantee a clean foundation for coating.

5. Mixing

Cerakote is mixed with a catalyst according to strict weight ratios. Precision and accuracy are key to optimal results.

6. Spraying

Using high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray guns, thin, even layers are applied with expert control. The result: a smooth, professional-grade finish with ideal film thickness.

7. Flashing

After spraying, the frame rests at room temperature to let the solvents evaporate. This prevents defects and is essential preparation for curing.

8. Curing

The frame is baked at a specific temperature based on the titanium material and the coating type. This final step locks in performance creating a strong, reliable and beautiful finish.

What do our experts say?

When Phillip and his team started work on the T Line Ceratech, they had one goal in mind: to enhance the T Line.

“We are constantly finding ways to innovate and improve our bikes, and inspire people to use them as much as they can,” says Phillip. “Part of getting people excited to ride their bike is getting them excited about their bike, and as human beings that often relates to colours.”

The T Line is the lightest Brompton ever made and its aesthetic is celebrated by riders all around the world.

“We chose Cerakote because it allows us to add colour without compromising the other qualities of the T line.”

Maintaining and cleaning a Cerakote-finished bike

With such a unique coating on the frame of your bicycle, you may be wondering if you need any special tools or cleaning equipment to keep it at its best. The answer is no!

You can clean your T Line Ceratech with your usual bike cleaner, brushes and cloths. Just make sure you hose the bike first to remove any gravel, sand or grit before wiping it down. The grit can be abrasive and could scratch the coating.