Tern frame problems, hinge design?
 

This came up in a couple of threads here recently and it got me curious so I went digging a bit. I found some references of broken frames and a subsequent recall around the 2017 time period. That was 3 years ago. It seems there was a lot of time between then and now for other changes to be made. The main change that appears to have been made is the switch from a dual pin hinge to a single pin hinge.

However, the frame failures that I came across were the weldment between the hinge and the frame, not the failure of the hinge but the weld holding the hinge and the frame pieces. A change in pin design would have 0 affect on the weldment failures.

Does anyone know of any process changes to the manufacturing, specifically the hinge to frame weldments, that have addressed the faulty weld issue? Or are there still known frame failures in later model (post-2017 recall period to current models) Terns?

I am looking at some options for my girlfriend. We've talked about folders before but it will be a while before we do anything for her.

Given the history of Tern frame-weld failures, why would anyone take a chance with so many other good alternatives out there which dont have a history of failures?

My first folder, a $300 Zizzo EuroMini Urbano has been nearly flawless over almost 4 years now and owes me nothing. It's a great bike (with a lifetime frame warranty as well) and despite my other bicycles gets ridden very frequently.

The point is, it's a buyer's market with lots of product to pick from.

Unless...you HAVE TO HAVE a Tern....but then I'd ask why ?

Look at the thread dedicated to the tern frame breakage, and you'll see that frames are STILL snapping. I'd say buying a tern is a crap shoot. I own a Tern Joe P24, and it's never had a breakage issue,...or does it? Do I want to be the first? I worry every time I ride it,...and it was my favorite folder.

Grumpy old men

You work for tern? Are you a shill? I think you're just quite immature,... Post a comment that actually says SOMETHING.

Ditto what TDS 101 said. Roger

At first this didn't make any sense to me, but it seemed odd enough it caught my attention so I went digging...

I was just after information when I started this thread, but apparently I agitated a beehive. In any event, now the comments make some sense... but again, I was just after information - more recent experience with frame failures beyond the recall that tds101 mentioned.

No problem. This all started in a strange fashion. We all sometimes disagree, but making things personal lets me know we're either dealing with an individual with a hidden agenda, or someone who's just a child. I make mistakes, I correct AND get corrected. We've even had full blown feuds on BF. We eventually move on.

Now, I'm a tern owner, and quite a few others on this forum are as well. When we share information we don't do it to insult others, we do it out of concern. That's why I originally commented. I don't trust tern, and bikes keep having failures,...even newer models. If you look at that thread I shared, you'll notice new additions from time to time, and if you follow links within, you'll see it's definitely an ongoing problem with tern. And, if I'm not mistaken, there might be other threads posted with this issue here in the forum.

Apparently they still think that focusing on marketing and media manipulation is more important/profitable than learning how welding works. But I liked the "old men" accusation. Thanks for the laugh!