dahon or tern?
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dahon or tern?
Hello all,
I want to buy a single speed folding bike. Which one would last a little longer.
I want to buy either the dahon speed uno or tern link one.
Help me out guys. It will be my first folding bike.
Thank you
I want to buy a single speed folding bike. Which one would last a little longer.
I want to buy either the dahon speed uno or tern link one.
Help me out guys. It will be my first folding bike.
Thank you
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Either bike will be fine so chose the one that speaks to you. Keep in mind there is a 20% difference in price between the two. The Dahon is a proven company having been in the game for a long time. Tern not as long but comes with experience. From the Terns I have seen I think they have a better finish and that counts for something for me. I think you would be happy with either.
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I own a Dahon MU p8. I havent seen a Tern yet. I love my Dahon and have no concerns to report. That said its funny that Blakcloud mentioned finish. I stow my bike on the bus and it is getting scuffed!While I count this as evidence that Mr Foldy works for a living, if I was choosing between 2 similar bikes it is a thought.
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I have just purchased a Dahon Uno. The first thing I did was fit an SRAM Automatic 2 on it lol
This enabled me to ditch the rear brake as well (in the UK they don't sell them with coasters) and with mudguards still had the weight down to a respectable 10.5kg.
I also swapped out the main crank to a Brompton 50T which both reduced the gearing and weight.
I found the single stock gear a little low, 53T main 18T rear = 57" (I live in flat Cambridge)
I now have 50T main 16T rear so with the two speed auto that gives me 61" and 84".
The frame is slightly different on the Tern and I have heard (though I am uncertain for sure) that the hinges are slightly better on the Tern. The Tern I think is also slightly wider when folded as again the handle bar folds on the outside rather than the inside of the fold on the Dahon. I got my Dahon on a sale £280 the Tern was was over £400. You will pay another £200 for a Duo!
Shown above ready to ride. I swapped out the tyres to Kojaks and also as you see have used the Klickfix luggage mount on the front. I love that they are fitting the Brompton style luggage block to Dahon/Terns now. I am going to look out some lighter pedals as well.
Yesterday I met my daughter in the pub and took the bike folded in with me. I own a Brompton and I have say that this Dahon's fold is not a lot bigger. No one even gave me a second glance when I walked in with it.
I am going to do a separate post about my mods and experiences of this new bike.
Jerry
This enabled me to ditch the rear brake as well (in the UK they don't sell them with coasters) and with mudguards still had the weight down to a respectable 10.5kg.
I also swapped out the main crank to a Brompton 50T which both reduced the gearing and weight.
I found the single stock gear a little low, 53T main 18T rear = 57" (I live in flat Cambridge)
I now have 50T main 16T rear so with the two speed auto that gives me 61" and 84".
The frame is slightly different on the Tern and I have heard (though I am uncertain for sure) that the hinges are slightly better on the Tern. The Tern I think is also slightly wider when folded as again the handle bar folds on the outside rather than the inside of the fold on the Dahon. I got my Dahon on a sale £280 the Tern was was over £400. You will pay another £200 for a Duo!
Shown above ready to ride. I swapped out the tyres to Kojaks and also as you see have used the Klickfix luggage mount on the front. I love that they are fitting the Brompton style luggage block to Dahon/Terns now. I am going to look out some lighter pedals as well.
Yesterday I met my daughter in the pub and took the bike folded in with me. I own a Brompton and I have say that this Dahon's fold is not a lot bigger. No one even gave me a second glance when I walked in with it.
I am going to do a separate post about my mods and experiences of this new bike.
Jerry
Last edited by jerrysimon; 04-06-13 at 03:35 AM.
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I have owned the Dahon Curve, Silvertip, Mantis, and Dove.
They are all decent and dependable bikes.
That said I have test ridden the Tern Link 8 and it has it benefits and drawbacks.
The Terns have stiffer and better feeling hinges that add weight.
Since you want a single speed I would buy the Tern, it is a better bike.
The Link8 has a weird rear derailler that won't allow easy upgrades.
They are all decent and dependable bikes.
That said I have test ridden the Tern Link 8 and it has it benefits and drawbacks.
The Terns have stiffer and better feeling hinges that add weight.
Since you want a single speed I would buy the Tern, it is a better bike.
The Link8 has a weird rear derailler that won't allow easy upgrades.
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Update...
i ended up buying a dahon speed UNO for 390 out the door. Awesome bike. I really enjoy it! Thanks guys for the input!
i ended up buying a dahon speed UNO for 390 out the door. Awesome bike. I really enjoy it! Thanks guys for the input!