An engineer and a pioneer, Mannering has a passion for folding Brompton bicycles. So much so that he makes them his business. A Brompton is a lightweight, folding bicycle. Handmade to order in the UK since the early 1980s, they have emerged as a distinguished brand, winning accolades such as the Prince Charles Award for Accomplishment and Design.
“They’ve always kept themselves a very English-based, hand-made, crafted company,” says Mannering. “They’ve completely managed to keep away from the whole Chinese mass produced market.”
These special cycles are sold in every European country and there’s a 14 month waiting list if you want one. So what’s their allure? Read the rest of this entry »