Brixton

Brixton

Brixton is not a brand that has hit the mainstream yet, but its combination of European design and Chinese manufacturing makes for a compelling balance between style, equipment and price. The upcoming Crossfire Storr and Layback models take Brixton a further step forward.

Both the Crossfire Storr and Layback are still officially 'concept' bikes, but it's worth noting that Brixton has never made a concept that hasn't become a production machine. Both models are likely to reach showrooms eventually, although probably not before 2024.

Crossfire Storr

The Crossfire Storr is the more conventionally appealing model, taking the existing Brixton Crossfire 500 platform and A2-legal, 35 kW twin-cylinder engine and wrapping it in an on-trend Adventure bike package. 

There are overtones of Husqvarna Norden in the styling, with an oversized circular headlight, split across its centre with 'Brixton' branding, set in a near-vertical, tapering front fairing, but practical elements abound including sensible bumper elements built into the side panels to shrug off scratches, even providing a home for a small first-aid kit on the right-hand side. The suspension and wire wheels come straight from the existing Crossfire 500X scrambler, so there are few barriers to turning the Storr from concept to production model.

Layback

The Layback is very different and breaks new ground for Brixton by being the company's first electric offering. An ultra-simple scooter designed to appeal to youngsters graduating from BMXs and skateboards, it features an exposed steel tube frame surrounding and protecting a battery and electronics package between the rider's legs. The footplate is made of bent plywood like a skateboard deck. There's front suspension in the form of USD forks, but the rear end is a hardtail, clamping a hub-mounted electric motor set into the back wheel and doubling as the rear brake. A spring and damper support at the back of the rider's seat add some comfort. Brixton makes no claims for performance, but the presence of licence plate bracket and street-legal lighting show it's at least fast enough to be classed as a moped or scooter, not simply a power-assisted bicycle.