Folding Bikes - Tern Link P9 vs BF Pocket Companion

I have long wanted a Bike Friday Pocket Companion (http://www.bikefold.com/bike_friday_pocket_companion.htm) as a traveling folding bike. However, I recently saw the Tern Link P9 (http://www.ternbicycles.com/bikes/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?

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.

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

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.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3364/3660840711_ac5c5eac9f_b.jpg

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... :thumb:

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

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...

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

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

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 (http://www.ternbicycles.com/forum/got-tern-link-p9-today). Sorry, no pics yet.

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 (http://www.ternbicycles.com/forum/got-tern-link-p9-today). Sorry, no pics yet.

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.

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 (http://www.ternbicycles.com/forum/got-tern-link-p9-today). Sorry, no pics yet.

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

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1091243_-1_1563500_20000_400149

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

I started a new thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/802332-Tern-Link-P9?p=13926810#post13926810) (because I had already made my decision/purchase) and posted some pics there.