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Proud New Owner of a Tern Link D8

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Proud New Owner of a Tern Link D8

Old 07-19-12, 09:50 AM
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Proud New Owner of a Tern Link D8

Just took delivery of the Tern Link D8 from REI. While I was about to leave the store and take the bike home. I realized there are some kinda of plastic hanging on the metal right underneath the seat post. REI staff told me it was part of the packing materials and there are no real use. After doing some investigation myself. I realized that is the chain guard piece that came with the bike. After further discussion with the staff, they offered to give me a after market piece for free. However, the guard was not long enough to prevent the chain from popping out. REI staff was nice enough to order the replacement part from Tern and arrange a repair once the part is at the store. So far, I am quite happy with the bike. I gotta admit, the Tern chain guard are made out of very cheap plastic. I assume a lot of people have the same experience?

Since I will be using the bike for commuting, I probably will need to get one of those cover bag to bring the bike on and off the bus/car. I do know Tern does have a saddle cover bag for $45 bucks. Has anyone try those Dahon bag from ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Fold...item483dc813c2

Will that fit a Tern bike in it?

In addition, any good ideas for rear panniers for folding bike without change the factory rear rack. Trying to be price cautions here

Thanks you for reading
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Old 07-19-12, 11:55 AM
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I have a bag like your link.
It's a heavy/thick material which may be good for durability but less fun to carry.
I also bought the Tern Carry On cover which is a lot lighter but well designed.
https://www.ternbicycles.com/gear/carryon-cover
It's a thin cover with carry straps vs. the actual bag above.
Since you might not actually carry the bike around, the cheaper bag might be better for you.
I like the Tern carry cover more but that's because I have to actually carry the covered bike through train stations.
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Old 07-20-12, 12:19 AM
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Congrats with new bike!

Not sure what the stock rack looks like but asuming it is a typical folder/Dahonish rack heal strike is going to be a problem. I would look into a racktop bag, you can also get them with smallish sidepanniers included. I am sure you can find a place closer to you to buy but here is a nice selection to look at: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rack-top-bags-dept564_pg1/

Do not forget to load your bike in the front. I suggest the Traveller front rack from Dahon: https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/racks.htm
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Old 07-20-12, 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by dumbface
...any good ideas for rear panniers for folding bike without change the factory rear rack. Trying to be price cautions here

Thanks you for reading
A B17 saddle with a Carradice saddle bag is the best solution, IMHO. I have a B17 Champion Special and a Carradice Nelson Longflap. I think the Nelson Longflap might be the perfect bike bag...
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Old 10-16-12, 01:40 AM
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Hey, I just got my D8 4 days ago. There was a big sale in my LBS and I bought it with 30% discount. The white-blue color theme. Original price €500 was way too much, but at €350... I couldn't resist.

I've already done about 50km on it in the city, also carried it on train 2 times. Here are my findings (short review):

- the folding pedals are terrible: already bent one axle, and they are weak when I push hard (like when accelerating on traffic lights)

- the cable outer casings are too long in the front. Unnecessary. I shortened them all by 10cm and it doesn't compromise folding or anyting. And it's better to not route them all connected togehter by the spiral thingy. Rear brake and derailleur can be routed together, and front brake separately - it's much better that way.

- the brake pads could be grippier. Will soon be replacing them.

- magnet is too weak to hold it in folded position

- folding of the handlebars on the outside increases the size significantly. Also the bike has tendency to fall on that side in the train.

+ immediately after I bought it, I adjusted the cup and cone bearings in the hubs. I can say the hubs are well sealed, but came too tightly adjusted from the factory. Best to have this checked by the shop before buying, but I prefer to do this kind of adjustments myself.

I'm quite happy with the bike. It's a lot of fun riding it. It's very different from riding a normal sized (26 or 28) bicycle.

Last edited by OndrejP_SK; 10-16-12 at 05:45 AM.
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Old 10-16-12, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by OndrejP_SK
Hey, I just got my D8 4 days ago. There was a big sale in my LBS and I bought it with 30% discount. The white-blue color theme. Original price €500 was way too much, but at €350... I couldn't resist.

- the folding pedals are terrible: already bent one axle, and they are weak when I push hard (like when accelerating on traffic lights)

- the cable outer casings are too long in the front. Unnecessary. I shortened them all by 10cm and it doesn't compromise folding or anyting. And it's better to not route them all connected togehter by the spiral thingy. Rear brake and derailleur can be routed together, and front brake separately - it's much better that way.

- the brake pads could be grippier. Will soon be replacing them.

- magnet is too weak to hold it in folded position
That's a really good deal you got.

as for the issues I have almost the same feeling and this is from riding it the entire season since may.

- Those folding pedals are crap so I ditched them once I got home for some mks removable ones which are very sturday and well built, Originals where very flexy when standing on them.
- Cable housings do seem long but I ride a link uno so I only have that one cable and the front brakes pads don't really stop on a dime my coaster brakes work much better i find after getting used to it.

- the Magnet is crap compared to the dahon ones. I look at it wrong and it just opens up, when lifting it I have to hold the outside fold else the entire bike just unfolds because the hinge is smooth like butter.

oh and the good thing for my commute is that I don't multimode. When i get there I just have to squeeze it through some revolving doors so I backpack my way there instead of fiddling with racks when I arrive. All I do is fold and go in seconds.

Last edited by Azreal911; 10-16-12 at 08:53 AM.
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Old 10-16-12, 09:38 AM
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the chainguide breaks if overtightened ..... a flaw Tern knows and they are working on it. I am out right now, but will get more down the road, its not a big deal to mail one ...... surely easy enough to add one to a order :-)
The Tern saddlebag cover/carrying system is indeed very nice, and actually affordable for what you get. for the time being youcan also use a regular saddlebag with a heavy duty lawn bag ( trash bag) in it .... better than nothing....

The front taveller from Dahon doesnt seem to be available anymore ( in USA ) I have them on order since months :-(
The Tern Spartan rack is in stock but the top is below the tires, and only allows for pannier type bags ...

Rear panniers need to be SMALL ... You need to look for smallish front panniers and than use them in the rear. A Top bag is certainly a better choice ... Again the Tern Commute bag is first class.... not cheap... but worth is and cheaper than comparable "brand" names.
Cones... well.... there is a fine line between too loose and too tight, Despite what experts are telling, new bearings will always loosen up a bit after use, so its better if the come a little on the tight side when new... but I agree. if you know what you doing a good choice to keep them adjusted perfectely ...

Folding to the outside and tipping over... yeah ... I like the folding to the outside as it is faster and without 3 different adjustments necessary to be able to get the bike together... The tipping in a train going around corners ..lol .. I installed an esge/pletscher double kickstand which holds the bike nicely, even with panniers and stuff hanging on it ...

Magnet... fine line.. too heavy and peeps cant get the bike apart ,, too loose and it flops open... Tern is aware of that and is working on a better solution ... If You think that Dahon magnets are better ( ??? ) than those are available seperately ...

Folding pedals.... yup.... there is only a handfull of ones out there and they all seem to be on the lower side. They work for 90 plus % of peeps out there, but MKS detachables. or even small non foldable pedals ( Deep design , or system pedals like the eggbeaters ) are lightyears better...

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