When you think of 12-speed shifting, you probably think of Shimano Dura-Ace, Sram Red, and Campagnolo Super Record. Now it's the turn of the most iconic folding bicycle silhouettes on the market to follow suit.

Brompton has introduced a new 12-speed system to the majority of its lineup, offering more shifting gears and, in some cases, better mileage. However, the way 12-speed shifting is made has changed considerably.

Let me interject before you (like me) stretch your imagination of a 10-52 cassette on 16-inch wheels. This 12-speed shifter combines Brompton's proprietary 4-speed derailleur from the Brompton T-line and P-line, which I have reviewed in the past, with a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub.

The new system will be deployed on the T Line, P Line (both electric and acoustic models), and the C Line of electric models; the C Line's Explore and Urban and A Line will retain their respective drivetrains.

This is not the first time Brompton has combined hub gears and derailleurs, but it is the first time it has used four-speed shifting. As with the C Line Explore, the rider will have two sets of shifters, one for the hub and one for the derailleur. The right hand controls the hub gear and the left hand controls the derailleur. The right hand controls the hub gear and the left hand controls the derailleur.

If you are curious about what the drivetrain looks like, check out our review of the Brompton Electric P-Line.

The entry-level model with 12 speeds will be the Electric C Line, weighing 17.3 kg including battery and priced at £3,150.

Stepping up to the P Line, with a titanium rear end and fork, the acoustic and electric models weigh 10.5 kg and 16.3 kg, respectively, and are priced at 2,450 and 3,895 pounds.

Finally, the T Line Explore can be made all-titanium. This one costs 4,725 pounds but weighs only 8.8 kg.

International pricing is still unknown, but will be updated shortly.