Crazylegsmurphy

Hello Everyone,

After days and days of research, and a few trips to local bike shops, I finally decided on a Tern Link P7i.


So far I am loving the bike, but I have a few important questions that I hope I get answered so I can enjoy this bike for a long time. I realize this could potentially be a long post with a lot of questions, but I appreciate any information that you guys can provide me.



1. Magnet Replacement

I am wondering if anyone can think of a more mechanical solution?

To be honest, the magnet solution just isn't working. The magnet isn't strong enough, or consistent enough to hold the bike together. I will be traveling with this bike soon and the last thing I want is it flipping open and knocking over a wine display, or smacking someone on the shins on the train. I am thinking some kind of clasp solution or something. Ideally I wouldn't have to carry extra gear (bungee cords, plastic inserts, etc), but could replace the magnets.



2. Packing for Flights

In a week I will be heading to Australia, then to Berlin. I would like to take the bike with me, but am unsure about how to go about packing it. I have a large suitcase, but the bike will probably need some disassembly. What is the best way of packing this bike for safe / compact travel?

Also, is there anything I need to do to the bike such as releasing tire pressure, loosening brake/gear cables to keep it from being destroyed?



3. Gear Clicking

When I hit 5th gear and up, there seems to be a clicking noise coming from the rear of the bike when I peddle. Should I be concerned about this?



4. Basket & Cables

I have purchased the Tern Luggage Truss (Basket TBD), but am finding that the cables often get stretched and twisted when I fold the bike. I haven't tried it with a basket yet, but I am concerned that they will constantly rub and stretch which may shorten their lifespan. Is there anything I can do to secure the cables to the frame so they aren't in the way?



5. Basket Choices

I didn't buy a basket yet because I'm not exactly sure what is the ideal solution for my need. When I am in Australia and Berlin, I will primarily be using the bike for fitness. However, every few days I plan on biking to the supermarket to pick up groceries. For those of you that do a lot of city travel, what would you recommend for a front basket (backpack, case, etc)?



6. Rear Light

One thing I really liked about another brand of bike is that the front tire generated power for both the front, and rear lights. Does the Tern bike have the ability to power a rear light as well?



7. TSA and Airlines

When traveling with a folding bike on airlines, is there anything I should know to avoid issues? I would like to avoid extra charges if possible, as well as making sure it's treated with a bit of a light touch (fragile stickers). I will be traveling from Arizona to Canada. Canada to Australia, then from Australia to Berlin via the following airlines. If anyone has any information or experience with these airlines I would love to hear it.

Arizona - Australia - US Airways

Canada - Australia - Air Canada

Australia (Sydney - Melbourne) - Qantas

Australia - Berlin - Singapore Airlines & Lufthansa



8. Upkeep

I want to keep my bike in top form as long as I own it, but am a little unsure what maintenance should be done on a folding bike. Is there anything I should be doing regularly to make sure it has a long life?



9. GPS and Theft

From what I understand, Berlin is pretty bad for bike theft. Ideally I will be able to take my bike indoors when I'm shopping, but I am wondering if there are any special things I should know about locking this particular bike?

For example, I realize I will have to lock the seat to the frame as well, but what else?

In the event it gets stolen, has anyone had any experience with the GPS tracking devices for bikes I've seen on the net?


10. Handlebars

Has anyone modified the handlebars so they don't require the rubber clasp to hold them down?

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the rubber clasp, but this seems like the perfect place for magnets. It would be cool to see if anyone has come up with a different solution for keeping the handlebars in the folded position.



I think that's about all for now. I really, really appreciate you guys taking the time to read this post and give me your feedback. If you need any clarification or anything, please don't hesitate to ask.


CLM

Foldable Two

RE: #3 & #8 - best way to successfully ride a bike (or six bikes, in our case) is to learn to maintain and adjust them yourself. Saves time and $.

Some local shops and co-ops have lessons - either free or for a fee. It doesn't take a lot of tools either to fix flats and adjust brakes, shifting, seats, handle bars, etc.

Lou

smallwheeler

that's a damn nice bike.
1.
dahons and terns (maybe they will change) have a lot of cool gadgetry on them that doesn't often work or last for long. case in point, the magnet catches. a velcro strap will be more effective, and if you get the kind with reflective material, it can also double as a cuff guard.

Foldable Two

As my wife pointed-out to me, if you bought it from a local bike shop, they likely offer a FREE tune-up after 30-days or so of riding. If not, they should.

Lou

folder fanatic

No problem. I will discuss the things I know for sure about.

The magnet system of latching the 2 halves together is a nice feature of some of the modern clam shell opening/closing type of bikes on the market today. It provides a temporary quick latching of the 2 folded up halves together. For my ancient Raleigh Twenty which does not use magnets in this way, I prefer to use a Velcro webbing strap as shown below. It is far for secure in holding the halves together when the bike is traveling with/without a bag, in a enclosed space (like a car boot or closet), or inside a suitcase.

I suggest you take your bike back to your dealer for your new bike's first post sale tune up. It will be addressed far better than it can be here.

I use bags with frames when I attach one on one of my folding bikes-the Brompton. Sometimes I find that the frame is in the way as it is bulky and cannot fold down into a smaller package. That is why I use my simple clip directly on the handlebars bags (see photo below) when I have use for one. The major drawback of a bag over a basket is the ability to carry some more weight inside. I limit the weight to no more than about 10 pounds (4.50 kg) in the front when I use the simple clip on bags.

I find that the selection of bags and/or baskets is a personal one. The choices of the styles for myself evolved over time as the needs of what they are used for demanded the types I made (I sew my own bags). See below for examples.


Even if your Tern has the ablilty to power a rear light (or even a front one), I would always use secondary lights along with the ones that the bike has.

The best people to guide you in airline policies concerning bicycles are the airlines themselves. Do contact them before going to the airport.

They need the same maintenance as a regular bikes. My Brompton was bought new. While it is now 7 years old, people think it is a new bike. My secret? I keep it indoors inside a bag when not in use. I only rode it in the rain one time. And when I did I wiped it down afterward, cleaned off and oiled the chain and other movable parts. Even when I don't choose to ride the bike in harsh weather, I still wipe the the bike down after each use and lube it from time to time (depending on how often I use it).

I have no use for locks, GPS devices, or anything else like that. I simply never lock my bikes up. Never. I keep them with me at all times. No exceptions. I live in one of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles. My bikes are all fine. I do register all my bikes here when I buy one new or used: https://www.bikeshepherd.org/. Basic registration is free. It is a world wide service-perfect for you. PPlus it does not hurt to register your bike online at Tern: https://www.ternbicycles.com/support/registration

Come back from time to time and visit.

tcs

#2 - Probably something like this.

badmother

Make sure you do the folding in the right way, especially the stem. I suspect the tern is close enough to the Dahon to fold in much the same way. My magnets on my Dahons do not engage if I do not Fold it the right way, If I do they are strong enough. You posted no picture of your bike, but if your stem is adjustable:

Try to lower the stem before folding. Make sure The handlebar is in the best position for folding. Also loosen the quick release on top of the stem (holding the bars) and twist the bars so that the brakelevers are pointed upwards.

Make sure the right pedal is in the best position, down but slightly forward.

If you do the stem fold in the right way your magnet problems and your cable/truss problem should be solved.

There are plenty of tutorials on the net of how to pack a 20" bike for air travel. search the net and practie. Post pictures and ask if you have problems.

FoldingLawrence

1. Magnet Replacement

I am wondering if anyone can think of a more mechanical solution?

To be honest, the magnet solution just isn't working. The magnet isn't strong enough, or consistent enough to hold the bike together. I will be traveling with this bike soon and the last thing I want is it flipping open and knocking over a wine display, or smacking someone on the shins on the train. I am thinking some kind of clasp solution or something. Ideally I wouldn't have to carry extra gear (bungee cords, plastic inserts, etc), but could replace the magnets.

I've spoken to Tern about this and they're working on a replacement magnet which will be available at some point next year. Someone on the Tern forums has made a clip which fits over the top of the magnets and pulls them together, couldn't find it after a quick search but I'm sure if you do some digging you should be able to find it.


2. Packing for Flights

In a week I will be heading to Australia, then to Berlin. I would like to take the bike with me, but am unsure about how to go about packing it. I have a large suitcase, but the bike will probably need some disassembly. What is the best way of packing this bike for safe / compact travel?

Also, is there anything I need to do to the bike such as releasing tire pressure, loosening brake/gear cables to keep it from being destroyed?

Have you seen the Airporter Mini?

chagzuki

Tern have stated that they're aware of the magnet problem and better/stronger ones will be available soon.

Edit: got there a bit late with that one.

cplager

+1. Learning how to tune your own bike is all of the above as well as empowering. Youtube has a great many videos on most things you'll want to tune/fix/replace on a bike.

cplager

Bike Friday has one of the best systems I've ever seen for this: buy your own suitcase and then turn it into a bike trailer.

Release 1 ATM of pressure (1 bar or ~ 15 PSI) from the tire, but not much more. Bubble wrap or the big bubbles from Amazon, etc. isn't crazy. You want the bike to be almost snug, not too tight and not too loose. And make sure the rear derailleur is protected (I think this is what is most likely to get bent; you might just want to take it off).

In any case, practice packing and unpacking before you actually need to do it.

Good luck and have fun,
Charles

Crazylegsmurphy

Amazing!

Thank you so much everyone. Your replies so far are really helping answer some of these questions. I'll attempt to reply to as many as I can without this thing getting super crazy long.

1. Magnet Replacement

smallwheeler, folder fanatic, badmother, chagzuki & FoldingLawrence

I was messing with the magnet a bit last night. I moved it closer to the bike, adjusted the position, and even really concentrated on how the bike was folded. I then picked it up, gave it a shake and it swung open. I then tried to wheel it using the handlebars while folded, and that didn't work out amazing either. The magnet just doesn't have the strength to hold that much weight together in my opinion. It doesn't help that the tire can move back and fourth, this sliding action is where most of the magnet loses it's strength because anyone who has messed with rare-earth magnets knows that the only way to get them apart is to slide them apart.

I headed down to Home Depot and found these two options.






They have various lengths ( I was thinking the 1/2 Inch), which if I were to replace the screws, with bolts, it may work quite well. The hook would just kinda dangle while riding, and when I fold it up, I could just quickly hook it around the other one. The only questions are whether the hook will hold, if this effects warranty, and whether this will put stress on the frame?

I have velcro cuff guards, and velcro strips that I may resort to. I would love to find a solution that didn't require much work, or would require me to carry around and fish out extra stuff when I want to enter a store or a train.

If Tern is working on a new solution, that would be very cool. I hope they come up with something a little more practical. Even if they just did clasp mechanism like the Bromptons use for the handle bars that would be cool. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

badmother The Terns fold slightly different I think. The handlebars go on the outside of the bike and then held on with a rubber thingy. I much prefer the Brompton solution, but it's not horrible. Either way it really doesn't effect the fold of the bike, but just how small you can get it.


8. Upkeep


Foldable Two, cplager & folder fanatic




The thing I'm mostly concerned about is making sure the folding bits are well maintained for safety and longevity. I think I'm pretty okay with the basics (brakes, shifters, seats, etc.), but the folder has some extra things that I'm not used to seeing on a bike. for example the internal drivetrain.

I agree with you guys though. I really should take some time to find someone to teach me the basics, or look online for tutorials / books. As long as there is nothing I need to be specifically concerned with, then this answers my question.

Foldable Two Yes, the shop I got it from will tune it up on Saturday before I leave for my trip. I'll bring it in and get it looked at.



Again, I really appreciate you guys taking the time to answer my questions. I need to run out for a bit, but I'll respond to the rest shortly.

smallwheeler

nooooooooooooooooo!

please dont attempt to install that outhouse door latch onto your bicycle. use the velcro strap. it's a good solution.

fusilierdan

+1 to this link https://www.gaerlan.com/dahon/pack.htm

My wife and I took our bikes on a trip last month. We used standard suit cases 62" per airline regulations. I used pipe insulationhttps://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pi...&storeId=10051 to cover the seat post and handebar stem. Then I used foam wrap https://www.q-sport.com/foamprewrap.html to cover the frame. I used velcro straps to hold the wheels in place.

There's some photos here https://s1081.beta.photobucket.com/us...16921369444788 of the bike in the suit case.

We marked the cases fagile put pictures of hte assemble bikes and a note saying what it was inside the suitcase.
feel free to ask more questions.

Also Velcro straps are your friends.

Pinigis 

I could not agree more. If you live in the US, email me with your address and I will send you a couple of velcro straps.
Paul@origamibicycles.com

vmaniqui

+1. can't beat the velcros.

brakemeister

regular suitcase........... a little more dissambly but no hassle .... ( I sell the AIrporter and the Mini ..... The Mini is good too, a little more dissambly than the airporter but worth it as well, plus its a nice suitcase , albeit more expensive than a regular samsonite or similar)
Velcro strap is the solution
dont worry about the cables being pushed aside a bit when using a basket ....
Baskets ..we do have a million or two different choices.... lol
Clicking ..if it doesn go away pretty quick by itself, go to the dealer and have him check this
rear light.. we do have a B&M light , led which works well with the generator hub. you will need to run a cable to the front wheel.

Theft ... either get a big lock ..... or take the bike with you.... we sell the hiplock brand and its pretty safe, BUT if somebody wants our bike its gone, no matter what ...

TSA Airlines... they are silly and do whatever they want... I travel with a Mini AIrporter and have not received any grief, Airporter before that.. had to pay once extra.... but despite some posts who make their experience sounds like a cakewalk .... it all depends on the mood of the lady at the counter... I wouldnt want to put myself in a predicament like that...

Handlebar rubber clasp .. whats wrong with the one supplied. they work very well ... you dont like the magnets on the wheel, but you want to switch the rubber tstrap to magnets ? Doesnt make sense... lol :-) leave it or use a velcro strap also ...

Have fun with your bikes and the travel ..I am somewhat jealous
thor

Crazylegsmurphy

Hey Again,

Sorry for the delay. I've never been in the USA for thanksgiving so I have been taking advantage of all the sales and food.

So where were we? Ahhh, right....

2. Packing for Flights

folder fanatic, FoldingLawrence, tcs, badmother, cplager, fusilierdan & brakemeister

Wow, thanks for all the great advice for traveling!

I called all the airlines and asked them what the policies were. It was a strange mixture of responses. Some airlines had no idea that bikes could even fold into a suitcase and they were at a bit of a loss since no policies were in place. Some, actually have policies for folding bikes and if they're no larger than a standard suitcase are charged simply as additional luggage.

Your advice on packing is amazing. I am heading over to Home Depot and the sports store to pick up foam, tape, and anything else I need. One of the strange things I noticed about the commercial systems were rubber/plastic bits that fit into where the tires sit. I'm assuming this is to keep the forks from being bent out of shape. I'm going to pick up some plastic tubing just in case.

It turns out that almost all the airlines require the bike to be in a hard case to be covered by insurance. Many of them also require certain parts to be disassembled as well. I asked my dad what he recommended, and it turns out he owns this ( https://bikefriday.com/thestore/produ...,h2CICpC1hwsZ2 ). He said that it's an older version, but it should still do the trick. The one thing I'm not sure about however is the extra weight the Bike Friday case has. I'm only allowed 23kg (50lbs) and so far the bike is 34lbs, and the case is 12lbs. With the extra few accessories (helmet, gloves, clothing, etc), I'm not sure I can afford the extra luxury.

I am looking to take advantage of this Black Friday craziness for a hard case, and if I find one I'll try and post some photos if I run into issues.



1. Magnet Replacement

Hehe, whoa. The gate latch thing isn't a big hit around here. Thank you Pinigis for your offer, but I have a lot of velcro back home I can use. Now, I'm not saying velcro won't work, but from what I can tell, it won't be the most trouble free solution either. Ideally I wouldn't wrap the tires because I would like to have the option of rolling it in stores, or on the train. That would mean always spending an extra 5 - 7 seconds or so wrapping up the frame in velcro strips. Not a big deal, but not ideal either.

Before I fully dismiss the latch idea, can you guys give me some thoughts as to why it's not a good idea? I understand it may not be the most fashionable solution, but if it's safe for the bike, and I can reach in and latch it in less than a second, then is it really that bad of an idea? I'm fully aware it looks kinda "ghetto" but my main concern is being able to roll/carry the bike without it flying open. I'm much more concerned with being yelled at by an angry German who just got a bike in the shins, than a few people who scoff at the "Millennium Flacon" treatment.

brakemeister

There is nothing wrong with it, I just really like that satisfying "click" that the Brompton has. I have to admit, that is a nice solution. The rubber, while functional, does tend to flex a bit. It's hard to get the stem in close to the bike without putting a lot of strain on the rubber bit. Also, with time and exposure to the elements rubber tends to break down and get weak. Because the handlebars are so much lighter than the rest of the bike, it just seems like a better fit for a magnet system. Having one magnet hidden inside the frame, and the other hidden inside the handlebars, it would be a nice elegant solution in my opinion.

It's not really a big deal, but I hope Tern opts for another solution in future designs.


Thanks again everyone for your answers. I think I pretty much have most of them answered at this point. The only things I'm still wondering are your thoughts on the gate hook, and an additional question I'm going to add after this.

CLM

Crazylegsmurphy

I have been riding around and realized something was missing from my bike. I even stopped a few times wondering why it felt wrong, and it dawned on me that I don't have a water bottle on the bike.

I've been searching around online for one, but before I pick one up I wondered if you guys have any thoughts? I want the water bottle holder to not interfere with the folding in anyway (obviously), and be as low profile as possible. I also want it to fit the style of the bike (Tern Link P7i) as well.

Also, where do you guys usually install your bottles?

Thanks,

CLM

edwong3

Doesn't your bike have the bottle cage braze on cap screws on the top of the main frame tube like the other models?

Crazylegsmurphy

Yup, it has a bunch of holes in the frame (two on top, and two on each side). I'm just wondering if that is where most of you guys mount your bottles, or do you opt for a different location on the bike?

Azreal911

I find it too low so i use this:

https://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...ottle-cage.jsp

else if that's not to your taste here's most styles:

https://nordicgroup.us/cageboss/#KLICKFix_Bottle_Klick_

FoldingLawrence

I don't think the holes on the side are for bottle cages.

brakemeister

waterbottle I like the twofish velcro mount ( yeah I am also selling them ..lol )
the holes on the side are for a Trolley Rack ..... ie the short tube, where one would insert the seatpost to have a nifty handle to pull behind... https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/biologic.htm
some pics there ...

Thor

JGaerlan

Packing your Bike ?

Practice...practice and practice. Do it a few weeks before your trip. Pack it in the suitcase a few times with all the load you intend to carry.
Better still, take a sequential picture, print and put in plastic protector

TSA !
Make sure you label your suitcase - OPEN THIS SIDE UP. You hate for these guys to open it the wrong way and everything falls off the case. Bungee cord everything. Put parts in see thru bags so they dont have to take apart the bike to see what's crammed underneath. Don't overpack it.

No matter what, have a nice trip !