Between two Terns

[idanyd]

Hi everyone,

I have an option to buy either a 2017 Tern Verge N8 or a 2016 Tern Link D8, for about £500 each. Both are advertised as hardly used.

Since I've never owned (or even ridden) a Tern before, I'm not sure what should I look out for. So I'd appreciate any advice on the matter.

What are the strengths of each model? Which one would you take? Is that a reasonable price to pay for these models in your opinion?

Cheers!

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Buy them both, one good Tern deserves another.

 

[chriswoody]

As Liz mentions above, the Link D8 is over priced. However, having owned a Dahon Vybe D7 I really wouldn't recommend buying one over a Tern. It was the most cheapest, nastiest piece of rubbish I've ever had the displeasure to own. I flogged it after a year and good riddance.

I've now owned a Tern Link Uno for the last two years, essentially the single speed version of the Link D8. Really nice bikes, no matter what others would say. I use mine as a daily commuter and it's been faultless over the last two years and a pleasure to ride.

All that said however, I would definitely be tempted by the Verge for that price, It's the next series up from the Links and has a better frame and better specced components.

The key thing to check with the Terns is the year of manufacture, they had some shoddy manufacturing in the early days which resulted in some snapped frames. Tern's reaction to the whole thing was less than commendable as well.

http://www.ternbicycles.com/2014-linkocl-limited-voluntary-recall-faqs - is a good place to start.

As for the rest, just make sure it all works just like any other bike. Nothing too special to check.

 

[idanyd]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Some more information about me and my needs:

- I'm about 6". My old Brommies (which I loved but they were stolen, hence searching for new bikes) were the H6L. I went for the H since the M handlebar and the standard seatpost are a bit short for me.
- I rode a Dahon yesterday. I think they were the Vitesse D8. They had no adjustable handlebar, and it felt too low. The Verge have not adjustable handlebar, whereas The Link D8 come with the adjustable Andros stem, so I guess that's a plus for them.
- The bikes' main purpose is my daily commute - about 6-7 miles each way, of which about 2 miles are on gravel alongside the Thames. The rest is road.

Regarding prices:

The best price I can find for new 2016 Link D8's is 628, from Athleteshop:
https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/tern-link-d8-f ... y-196954

For the 2017 Verge N8, it's 895, from Damian Harris:
https://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/pr ... lding-bike

eBay searches didn't bring up anything interesting. A few old Link C7's, which I don't want, and a few expensive Link D8's.

 

[vickster]

These guys specialise in Folders, might be worth a look (shops in Chiswick / Epsom)

https://fudgescyclestore.com/category/bikes_folding

 

[Milkfloat]

If you used to own a Bromptom then I think that pretty much anything you go for will seem vastly inferior.

 

[Cycleops]

I've always fancied one of these:
https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/urban-bikes-c4/folding-bikes-c155/qix-folding-bike-2016-p16759