hopperja

I have long wanted a Bike Friday Pocket Companion as a traveling folding bike. However, I recently saw the Tern Link P9 for a very good price (pro deal, can't reveal actual cost).

I know the obvious: BF is steel, Tern is aluminum; BF is an established company, Tern is new; BF has 24 speeds, Tern has 9, etc.

I'm interested in a good quality folding bike that I can commute on, perhaps tour one day on, and can travel with. Anyone have any thoughts on the BF Pocket Companion vs. the Tern Link P9?

nsgould

Well the biggest thing I hear people say about those, is that, BF is easier to get replacement parts for compared to Tern/Dahon/etc.

The speeds only come into play if you really think that you are going to use more than the 9 on the Tern.

I can't speak with any kind of authority though, so take my points with a grain of salt.

DVC45

I'd go with the BF.
It's rated for touring and has good manufacturer support.

Mr. Jim

If you ever really want to tour I would get the BF, it's fitted and built for it, the Tern seems to be a light commuter.

vik 

I can't speak to the Tern, but my friend Amy ordered up a Pocket Sport [drop bar version of the PC] sight unseen as her first bike since she was a child. Jumped on it and rode across the Canadian Rockies, down the coast to SF, took it on a plane to Maui, then on another plane to the Canadian Maritimes where it has been toured and commuted regularly...

I helped her order her Friday and get regular thank you emails with updates on her latest adventures...

hopperja

Does anyone have any experience with the Link P9? The only reason I'm debating this (with myself, of course), is because the Tern is such a good deal. It's so new though that I can't find any end-user comments/reviews on-line. Does anyone here have anything to say?

I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the P9 in the very near future, or waiting until I can justify quite a bit more expense to the wife sometime down the road...

brakemeister

Don know what the good deal is ...... but email me off line and let me know.... and I will tell ya for sure ....
The P9 are in the country maybe since 3 weeks ..... therefore not a lot of feedback as of yet ....
I like them .. they feel fast .... good components ... if you are on the fence you can also go with the D8 which is a bargain and almost as nice as the p9 ....

thor

hopperja

I ordered the Link P9. UPS says it'll be here on Monday (02-27-12).

hopperja

It came today, and let me just say that I am very happy with it. It might be the best road bike I have (others, Surly Crosscheck, Trek 300 series, Raleigh 20). I wrote up my initial impressions at the Tern forums. Sorry, no pics yet.

Nightdiver

Nice writeup there! No postpump is a bummer though. FYI: those bosses you mentioned on the sides of the main-tube are intended for the trolley rack.

kamtsa

For the seatpost you can get an anti grease like this one. It's solved my Brompton slippage problem.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0_20000_400149

vik 

Enjoy the new Tern. Post some pictures here when you have a moment...

hopperja

I started a new thread (because I had already made my decision/purchase) and posted some pics there.