Is the Tern Verge S8i any good? Worth getting for $2,100? Also S8i or Brompton for
10-30-16, 11:55 AM
#26
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My Brompton and my Swift probably weigh very close to 30 if not more. The Brompton has fenders, both have bags and dual SPD pedals, leather saddles, ergo grips and short bar ends. I also have a tool roll with pump, cut down 15 mm wrench, tire irons some allen wrenches etc. All this stuff adds weight, but also reliability and comfort. I guess my point is a naked bike with plastic pedals, foam grips and an overstuffed saddle may weigh less but for me, anyway, isn't a pleasant ride.
10-30-16, 12:06 PM
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Load her down 12boy...
My Brompton and my Swift probably weigh very close to 30 if not more. The Brompton has fenders, both have bags and dual SPD pedals, leather saddles, ergo grips and short bar ends. I also have a tool roll with pump, cut down 15 mm wrench, tire irons some allen wrenches etc. All this stuff adds weight, but also reliability and comfort. I guess my point is a naked bike with plastic pedals, foam grips and an overstuffed saddle may weigh less but for me, anyway, isn't a pleasant ride.
Starting with a 31.5 pound bike and adding to it along with at least one bag of work gear? Most ladies I know would have a tough time with a 20 pound bag of gear including her purse and a 31.5 pound bike up and down subway stairs in a bimodal commute.
Loading up a folding bike with bags, racks and tools is not a problem, if you are not folding it and taking it onto mass transit every day.
10-30-16, 12:08 PM
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My Brompton and my Swift probably weigh very close to 30 if not more. The Brompton has fenders, both have bags and dual SPD pedals, leather saddles, ergo grips and short bar ends. I also have a tool roll with pump, cut down 15 mm wrench, tire irons some allen wrenches etc. All this stuff adds weight, but also reliability and comfort. I guess my point is a naked bike with plastic pedals, foam grips and an overstuffed saddle may weigh less but for me, anyway, isn't a pleasant ride.
10-31-16, 05:38 PM
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I tend to agree with Joe.
For starters I would look at the best selling Dahon---the Mariner--.
Nice wide gearing---Fenders, Rack.
Very close to the same folding as the Tern.
I would Never buy a generator front hub. LED lights with just 3 AAA batteries will last most people a full winter season of riding and cost just a few dollars. The drag of the generator hub and the added complexity of wires running all over your bike for the lights---bahhh.
By definition your bike as a daily folded commuter will get beat around. Snag one of the wires on your generator lights? Ugg.
The modern folders rarely have issues with the chain coming off.
These are the priorities in your purchase from my point of view.
Fenders ---yes
Rack---yes/no--I would really try to just take enough stuff with me that fits in my Messenger bag and not use a rack if possible--simple and light as possible
Easy Fold --yes
As light as reasonable---yes
Rides well---yes
Mariner 26 pounds --S8i 31.5 pounds---that is a big jump
Buying a Mariner is a great test of your theory of biking/ dual mode commuting. It will do anything your S8i will do, is lighter, faster, and much simpler. Any bike shop can work on it cheaply. Don't be afraid of your local bike shop, they are most likely very easy going knowledgeable guys. If you have a problem with your S8i IGH there are not many bike shops that work on them.
If you don't like the Mariner after trying it you can easily sell the Mariner for $400. A $180 loss from your purchase.
If the S8i doesn't work you will be lucky to sell it for 1k---Expensive folders are hard to resell without a significant loss. Bromptons will lose less in a short term resell $1400 down to $1k.
There are a couple of Stocking Brompton shops---like nyce---that you can go try the bike you are interested in and take it home with you.
The gearing on the Mariner and the S8i is far superior to the gearing on the Brompton. My opinion.
I have an IGH Dahon and a Swift.
I hope this helps. Folding bikes can add a lot of fun to your life. Always tossing it in the trunk of your car when traveling is a huge plus.
Good luck
All of my bikes weigh less than 30 pounds, even my full suspension mountain bikes---31.5 is a very heavy folder.
For starters I would look at the best selling Dahon---the Mariner--.
Nice wide gearing---Fenders, Rack.
Very close to the same folding as the Tern.
I would Never buy a generator front hub. LED lights with just 3 AAA batteries will last most people a full winter season of riding and cost just a few dollars. The drag of the generator hub and the added complexity of wires running all over your bike for the lights---bahhh.
By definition your bike as a daily folded commuter will get beat around. Snag one of the wires on your generator lights? Ugg.
The modern folders rarely have issues with the chain coming off.
These are the priorities in your purchase from my point of view.
Fenders ---yes
Rack---yes/no--I would really try to just take enough stuff with me that fits in my Messenger bag and not use a rack if possible--simple and light as possible
Easy Fold --yes
As light as reasonable---yes
Rides well---yes
Mariner 26 pounds --S8i 31.5 pounds---that is a big jump
Buying a Mariner is a great test of your theory of biking/ dual mode commuting. It will do anything your S8i will do, is lighter, faster, and much simpler. Any bike shop can work on it cheaply. Don't be afraid of your local bike shop, they are most likely very easy going knowledgeable guys. If you have a problem with your S8i IGH there are not many bike shops that work on them.
If you don't like the Mariner after trying it you can easily sell the Mariner for $400. A $180 loss from your purchase.
If the S8i doesn't work you will be lucky to sell it for 1k---Expensive folders are hard to resell without a significant loss. Bromptons will lose less in a short term resell $1400 down to $1k.
There are a couple of Stocking Brompton shops---like nyce---that you can go try the bike you are interested in and take it home with you.
The gearing on the Mariner and the S8i is far superior to the gearing on the Brompton. My opinion.
I have an IGH Dahon and a Swift.
I hope this helps. Folding bikes can add a lot of fun to your life. Always tossing it in the trunk of your car when traveling is a huge plus.
Good luck
All of my bikes weigh less than 30 pounds, even my full suspension mountain bikes---31.5 is a very heavy folder.
Thanks a lot, this helped. I heard Dahon bikes are low quality bikes so I avoided them. If I get any bike, I'm sticking with it for years. Reason why I like S8I compared to other bikes is I want a belt drive with IGH that has support from multiple local shops. Brompton is nice and all but don't have belt drive or IGH. Folding size is important but not that important. Bike Friday's bikes are over my budget. I'm just going to test ride some bikes and go from there
10-31-16, 06:01 PM
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You are very welcome Chosen one..
I like to write and share my opinions---thoughts...
The Tern and the Dahon are built in the same factories. Father started and owns Dahon, son owns Tern---I guess not really sure how it works.
Enjoy your new folding bike adventure.
I like to write and share my opinions---thoughts...
The Tern and the Dahon are built in the same factories. Father started and owns Dahon, son owns Tern---I guess not really sure how it works.
Enjoy your new folding bike adventure.
10-31-16, 09:51 PM
#31
On yer bike
OP, strongly suggest you to go visit Bay Area Bikes in the east bay. They not only carry both Tern and Brompton, but are fans of both bikes as they serve very different purposes and appeal to different riders. The staff are great and nothing will help your decision more than seeing and riding the bikes.
11-01-16, 06:13 AM
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Fairly certain the two brands have few if any overlapping factories. I know the majority of Tern are made in Vietnam and pretty sure that most Dahon are made in China.
OP, strongly suggest you to go visit Bay Area Bikes in the east bay. They not only carry both Tern and Brompton, but are fans of both bikes as they serve very different purposes and appeal to different riders. The staff are great and nothing will help your decision more than seeing and riding the bikes.
OP, strongly suggest you to go visit Bay Area Bikes in the east bay. They not only carry both Tern and Brompton, but are fans of both bikes as they serve very different purposes and appeal to different riders. The staff are great and nothing will help your decision more than seeing and riding the bikes.
I've asked and knew the companies were related, I did not know they used different factories.
11-01-16, 09:24 AM
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If you are near SF then go to Warm Planet Bikes in the City and check out what he has. Good shop. Also, there are Bike Fridays on CL in the Bay Area all the time (3 right now). +1 Brompton if fold is primary but you should test ride one. Bromptons don't have different sizes, just different handlebars and seatposts so it may or may not fit you comfortably. I have no issues taking my Bike Friday on Bart and it fits on the bus racks (20" wheel) on AC transit and Muni. Can't say anything about the Tern except their frame track record scares me. If you want to test ride a Brompton, check out Blue Heron bikes in Berkeley. After you test ride, if the Bike Friday feels the best to you ( it may or may not) then I suggest saving up for their belt drive. Over the life of the bike, the extra cost is nothing and they hold value well for resale. I've reached the point where getting exactly what you want makes sense, otherwise you are always wanting something else. They have deals on their pre-loved bikes right now and also usually a discount around the holidays. https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...-56-cm-302461/ or a belt drive tikit https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...ve-55cm-33037/
Last edited by linberl; 11-01-16 at 09:40 AM.
11-02-16, 02:50 AM
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If you are near SF then go to Warm Planet Bikes in the City and check out what he has. Good shop. Also, there are Bike Fridays on CL in the Bay Area all the time (3 right now). +1 Brompton if fold is primary but you should test ride one. Bromptons don't have different sizes, just different handlebars and seatposts so it may or may not fit you comfortably. I have no issues taking my Bike Friday on Bart and it fits on the bus racks (20" wheel) on AC transit and Muni. Can't say anything about the Tern except their frame track record scares me. If you want to test ride a Brompton, check out Blue Heron bikes in Berkeley. After you test ride, if the Bike Friday feels the best to you ( it may or may not) then I suggest saving up for their belt drive. Over the life of the bike, the extra cost is nothing and they hold value well for resale. I've reached the point where getting exactly what you want makes sense, otherwise you are always wanting something else. They have deals on their pre-loved bikes right now and also usually a discount around the holidays. https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...-56-cm-302461/ or a belt drive tikit https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...ve-55cm-33037/
What does CL mean? I am in the Bay Area and went to Warm Planet Bike's website before but they don't list all specs and price and I got turned off by that. I don't know anything about bikes and if I go to their store, I am not sure if they overcharge their bikes and I'm not sure what their BF configuration is to see if it's worth the price. Blue Heron is a good place too? Do they sell Bike Fridays?
11-02-16, 02:56 AM
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Fairly certain the two brands have few if any overlapping factories. I know the majority of Tern are made in Vietnam and pretty sure that most Dahon are made in China.
OP, strongly suggest you to go visit Bay Area Bikes in the east bay. They not only carry both Tern and Brompton, but are fans of both bikes as they serve very different purposes and appeal to different riders. The staff are great and nothing will help your decision more than seeing and riding the bikes.
OP, strongly suggest you to go visit Bay Area Bikes in the east bay. They not only carry both Tern and Brompton, but are fans of both bikes as they serve very different purposes and appeal to different riders. The staff are great and nothing will help your decision more than seeing and riding the bikes.
Yeah that is the place I was going to go if I were to buy a bike. Do you know what they will ask from me in order to take a bike out for a test ride? Like giving them my drivers license, credit card, etc.? Or will they just let me test ride without giving them anything as collateral?
11-02-16, 05:06 AM
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What does CL mean? I am in the Bay Area and went to Warm Planet Bike's website before but they don't list all specs and price and I got turned off by that. I don't know anything about bikes and if I go to their store, I am not sure if they overcharge their bikes and I'm not sure what their BF configuration is to see if it's worth the price. Blue Heron is a good place too? Do they sell Bike Fridays?
Also you don't have to know anything about bikes to go and look at bikes that is what salespeople are for. Go and have a conversation about folding bikes and you will learn a lot from the people that sell them. Not everyone is going to try to sell you something you don't need. Just tell the shop you are researching folding bikes and go from there. Most shops are competitive and they are trying to compete against online, so prices in general are going to be good.
Also some/most Bromptons have a IGH which in internal geared hub. Their three speed and six speed are IGH, the two and single are not.
Yes, a drivers license and credit card are usually needed to test drive a bike. The store does have to protect itself.
11-02-16, 07:38 AM
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One thing ... when you testride... take the extra time ..
first let the salesman show you how to fold the bike ... pay attention to the handlebar and that the magnets engage...
Than ride the bike
After that .. stop 100 feet away from the store. Take your time. Fold the bike. Carry it the last 100 feet, through the door , up a step or two . etc etc
Thor
first let the salesman show you how to fold the bike ... pay attention to the handlebar and that the magnets engage...
Than ride the bike
After that .. stop 100 feet away from the store. Take your time. Fold the bike. Carry it the last 100 feet, through the door , up a step or two . etc etc
Thor
11-02-16, 08:16 AM
#39
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I didn't realize at first that you're in the Bay Area. There's always a good selection of folders on CL here, I would recommend picking up a used Dahon for a few hundred bucks and riding that for a while. Most people who buy a folder end up buying a more expensive one later after they've learned what they like.
11-02-16, 09:33 AM
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What does CL mean? I am in the Bay Area and went to Warm Planet Bike's website before but they don't list all specs and price and I got turned off by that. I don't know anything about bikes and if I go to their store, I am not sure if they overcharge their bikes and I'm not sure what their BF configuration is to see if it's worth the price. Blue Heron is a good place too? Do they sell Bike Fridays?
CL=craigslist. Warm Planet's website is minimal. Go there to test ride but before you buy anything post here and get some feedback on the model and pricing. They are a good shop; they won't hard sell you. They will have Bike Fridays and Dahons you can try. Blue Heron only sells one model of folder, the Brompton. But they will also let you test ride and they are right on the Ohlone Greenway so you can ride without traffic.
Find a model that feels right to you and gives you the fold ability you want, then come back here for more info. If Warm Planet happens to have a Tikit in stock then try it. Because that model has been replaced by the new Pakit, they are more expensive now but there are some good deals on the Bike Friday pre-loved page (these are fully reconditioned bikes with the same warranty as new).
But I can't encourage you enough to RIDE several models and brands before you make a decision. Your comfort level on the bike will determine how much and how often you ride it. So go have some fun and test ride. Make note of what you like and what you don't like, and come back with a report. That will give the folks here on the forum much better info to advise you.
11-02-16, 05:15 PM
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Thanks guys, I read every response and they were helpful. I have narrowed my choices to a 2017 6 speed Brompton and a Bike Friday (Tikit or Pakit, would like opinions on pros and cons of each) that's within my budget, even if it means having no belt drive. I just need to do some more research of those bikes as well as how to do my own maintenance like cleaning, lubing, etc. on the bikes before I feel comfortable and confident in buying a bike. Are these bikes rust proof except for chain? And are these bikes okay to ride in rain? And can I wash the bikes by spraying water with a hose? Also any tips on maintenance would be great. Also do Bike Friday bikes add something new every year bike most bike companies do or it's so customizable that it wouldn't matter if a BF bike was made today or 1+ years ago?
Last edited by TheChosenOne; 11-02-16 at 05:22 PM.
11-02-16, 05:53 PM
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Thanks guys, I read every response and they were helpful. I have narrowed my choices to a 2017 6 speed Brompton and a Bike Friday (Tikit or Pakit, would like opinions on pros and cons of each) that's within my budget, even if it means having no belt drive. I just need to do some more research of those bikes as well as how to do my own maintenance like cleaning, lubing, etc. on the bikes before I feel comfortable and confident in buying a bike. Are these bikes rust proof except for chain? And are these bikes okay to ride in rain? And can I wash the bikes by spraying water with a hose? Also any tips on maintenance would be great. Also do Bike Friday bikes add something new every year bike most bike companies do or it's so customizable that it wouldn't matter if a BF bike was made today or 1+ years ago?
As for riding in the rain, I've had no problem with my Bike Friday. I do have Kool Stop pads on the brakes and I think they are the very best especially in wet weather. Some people prefer disc brakes, which you can get on newer Bike Friday models. Bike Fridays use regular bike parts but I believe Brompton requires a fair amount of proprietary gear.
Just my two cents - don't decide without riding. If you can't find a shop with the Bike Friday model you want, call them in Eugene and they will hook you up with someone local to let you ride theirs.
If I had the money, I'd get that pre-loved alfine belt drive tikit on the Bike Friday site (linked to it earlier).
11-02-16, 07:13 PM
#43
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I've had no rust on my Bike Friday in the Bay Area, but I do keep it indoors. If you keep your chain lubed you won't get rust there, either. There are a ton of online sources for maintenance as well as books if that's your thing. Water is fine but you need to be careful not to get it in certain places. I clean my bike using Clorox disinfecting wipes (no bleach, that's important in any wipe) and rinse using my water bottle so I can control the water discharge easily. Sometimes if I'm lazy I use a drip off the hose. No hard spray. Bike Friday frames are the same as they were years ago pretty much (they fold on the other side now). A used Bike Friday can be a great deal; I bought used a 2003 and it was in great shape. The components change but if you order new you can specify what you want. If you buy used, you can take your time and upgrade bit by bit if you want (that's what I've done).
As for riding in the rain, I've had no problem with my Bike Friday. I do have Kool Stop pads on the brakes and I think they are the very best especially in wet weather. Some people prefer disc brakes, which you can get on newer Bike Friday models. Bike Fridays use regular bike parts but I believe Brompton requires a fair amount of proprietary gear.
Just my two cents - don't decide without riding. If you can't find a shop with the Bike Friday model you want, call them in Eugene and they will hook you up with someone local to let you ride theirs.
If I had the money, I'd get that pre-loved alfine belt drive tikit on the Bike Friday site (linked to it earlier).
As for riding in the rain, I've had no problem with my Bike Friday. I do have Kool Stop pads on the brakes and I think they are the very best especially in wet weather. Some people prefer disc brakes, which you can get on newer Bike Friday models. Bike Fridays use regular bike parts but I believe Brompton requires a fair amount of proprietary gear.
Just my two cents - don't decide without riding. If you can't find a shop with the Bike Friday model you want, call them in Eugene and they will hook you up with someone local to let you ride theirs.
If I had the money, I'd get that pre-loved alfine belt drive tikit on the Bike Friday site (linked to it earlier).
Where should water not make contact on a bike? If I needed to clean the bike I was going to spray water everywhere on the bike. Seems like that is easiest way to clean a bike
11-02-16, 07:38 PM
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11-03-16, 11:24 PM
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So all bike stores will have a test ride bike and and bikes that they'll sell that are barely touched/ridden? Also lets say I buy a bike online from a different state, what happens if the bike needs to be worked on and am able to use warranty? We send it back and don't have to pay shipping? Once warranty expired we just go to a local place to get it looked at when we need to?
Last edited by TheChosenOne; 11-04-16 at 01:28 AM.
11-03-16, 11:42 PM
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Usually true. But I recently took Brompton up on their 'one day test ride' offer. After going through the features and fold/unfold procedure the salesman handed me the bike, told me where to return it on the following day, and sent me on my way without having shown any ID or collateral. The store where I returned it was similarly unconcerned and didn't even ask my name.
11-04-16, 08:08 AM
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Also lets say I buy a bike online from a different state, what happens if the bike needs to be worked on and am able to use warranty? We send it back and don't have to pay shipping? Once warranty expired we just go to a local place to get it looked at when we need to?
----------------------
The Tern has mostly regular parts, minus the folding handle post for example, EVERY bike store can work on it. Warranty is really only for broken stuff, any dealer can handle that with a simple phone call to Tern. If I have a warranty than I usually pay for the shipping back and forth ... Or I send a part to install yourself ( or dealer ) ...
There are not many Tern Internet authorized dealers out there. All three of them will take care of you, that's why they are authorized dealers. Or at least thats the idea. Anyhow I never had a problem solving Tern or Dahon warranty cases
----------------------
The Tern has mostly regular parts, minus the folding handle post for example, EVERY bike store can work on it. Warranty is really only for broken stuff, any dealer can handle that with a simple phone call to Tern. If I have a warranty than I usually pay for the shipping back and forth ... Or I send a part to install yourself ( or dealer ) ...
There are not many Tern Internet authorized dealers out there. All three of them will take care of you, that's why they are authorized dealers. Or at least thats the idea. Anyhow I never had a problem solving Tern or Dahon warranty cases
11-04-16, 09:30 AM
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So all bike stores will have a test ride bike and and bikes that they'll sell that are barely touched/ridden? Also lets say I buy a bike online from a different state, what happens if the bike needs to be worked on and am able to use warranty? We send it back and don't have to pay shipping? Once warranty expired we just go to a local place to get it looked at when we need to?
For servicing, which is not the same as the warranty, you find a local mechanic you like or do it yourself. I know some shops give one year or even two years of free tuneups with their bikes, so that is something you would want to offset in cost if you buy online. Wear and tear is not warrantied; that's pretty much only for stuff that actually breaks like the frame or a rim or a part that fails before it should.
If it helps to give you an idea of costs, I recently had my Bike Friday given an overhaul (completely stripped down to bare frame then fully cleaned and reassembled and fully tuned) and I also had it painted while it was down to the bare frame. Bike Friday charged me $408 for all of it. I had a friend driving north who dropped it and picked it up so I did not have shipping fees. For what they did, that was very reasonable. I bought the bike used so I felt this was a normal expense on a 13 year old bike (looks and rides like a new one now).
A tuneup, not including any needed parts, at Warm Planet is $60. It is $80 at most other Bay Area places unless you get a winter special (Mike's Bikes goes down to $60).
You should at least learn how to do the basics, adjust brakes, shifting cables and derailleur, patch a tire, change brake pads. If you keep up on that stuff during the year, a once a year tuneup should keep your bike in great shape.
11-04-16, 08:09 PM
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11-05-16, 12:26 PM
#50
On yer bike
From Tern's recall notice, they had factories in China (2014) and Taiwan (2016). I think they are like Apple, global company with no factories, HQ in Taiwan, design engineer in Finland, production who knows where. They subcontract their builds. In that sense, I kinda like Brompton. They are old school, using fiddly twisty clamps, gas pipes, only one frame design and they own their factory (main fabrication works). Keep it simple and stupid. All that is true until the electric bike comes out .
.
