REVIEWS
Review of Tern Folding Bikes for Cycle Touring
Folding bikes offer additional flexibility as they can be packed up and put on a kayak or inflatable boat for example. Storage is the main benefit, although there is a philosophical angle behind the benefits of small wheels vs big wheels in terms of rolling resistance and weight. Here is a nice set up I was lucky to come across in Cornwall.
Picture of the Tern Verge Tour from the product website
Tech Spec
- Front Spartan™ Rack and rear Tern Cargo Rack™ for hauling a load
- Andros™ adjustable handlebar stem so you can find the most comfortable riding position during long days in the saddle
- BioLogic PostPump™ for on-the-road maintenance and repairs
- BioLogic Joule™ 3 electricity-generating hub and powerful wide-beam Valo™ 2 front light
- Extreme gear range (22 – 117 gear inches) for loaded hill climbing
- Frame lock seatstay bosses for convenient security
- Folds in under 10 seconds to go on trains, planes, buses and boats
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What Tern Say about the Bike
Whether you’re on a long distance trek or your daily commute, the Verge Tour carries you and your load with sure-footed confidence. The mile-eating bike stands out from head to toe with front and rear racks, an extra-strong cromoly fork, elongated seatstays and ultra-wide 27-speed gearing.
Video of the bike
My first impressions of the set up
- Pannier racks for carrying luggage
- Mudguards give protection to yourself and luggage from road spray
- Small wheels roll fast
- Hub gears are low maintenance
A built in lock is convenient for security when dipping in and out of a shop or cafe
- The Ortlieb luggage is waterproof and reflective
- A bar bag is convenient for wallet phone etc
- Bar ends and ergonomic grips are comfy for longer journeys
- A belt drive instead of a chain is more efficient and less prone to. Dirt
- Durable and puncture resistant Schwalbe tyres
Avid BB7 brakes cable operated easy maintenance, powerful, don’t wear the wheels out
- Comfy leather Brooks saddle
- Fold-up for convenience and access where you couldn’t take a bike usually
The adjustable stem height is a convenient feature
Buy Tern Bikes from Rutland Cycles *
Cons
- Small wheels not good for potholes
- Smallframe suboptimal for long-distance
- Ground clearance is less with small wheels
I’ve heard the pump inside the seatpost isn’t very durable
Conclusion
This is a beautiful touring bike that also offers the extra versatility of folding
Buy Tern bikes at Rutland Cycles:
Disclaimer
- These aren’t my bikes. If they are yours, please get in touch. I photographed them in St. Mawes, Cornwall.
- Links with * are affiliate links. I might be a bit of money at no cost to you.