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Tern Link P9 vs 2nd hand Brompton advice

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Tern Link P9 vs 2nd hand Brompton advice

Old 08-18-12, 11:55 AM
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Tern Link P9 vs 2nd hand Brompton advice

I was set on buying a Tern Link P9 from Evans (£650, but you get £100 worth of accessories and with the bike2work scheme it ends up costing me about £440).

I can also get a second hand Brompton from Gumtree for about the same price. I'd have to fork over extra for a helmet/safety gear and I wouldn't get any bike2work benefit from it.

I'd rather have the Brompton mainly for the fold and compactness if I need to bring it on the tube and for storing at my flat. My main concern is that the bikes from Gumtree might be stolen.

I just wondered if anyone had any advice or wanted to point out anything I might be missing. I haven't bought a bike before, haven't ridden in years and just want to get back into it.

This site's been a great source of information and it's the reason I've been able to reduce my choice to a reasonable educated couple of options.

Any comments or advice would be very much appreciated. Hoping to become an active member here in the coming months.

Thanks guys/ladies!!
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Old 08-18-12, 12:23 PM
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Regarding the Brompton you can ask the seller about it's serial number(?). To be sure, ask for a pic of it and then look it up on Brompton's website. Most owners register their bike there and by looking up the number you can see if it has been reported stolen.

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Old 08-18-12, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Lao
Regarding the Brompton you can ask the seller about it's serial number(?). To be sure, ask for a pick of it and then look it up on Brompton's website. Most owners register their bike there and by looking up the number you can see if it has been reported stolen.
That's a good tip. I'd started to lean towards the Tern but maybe I'll keep an eye out for a Brompton for a while. Thanks for the input!

Does anyone with any experience in both bikes have any recommendations regarding the bikes themselves?
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Old 08-18-12, 02:34 PM
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I have a Brompton 3 speed and a Tern Link Uno, and for this one I'd actually recommend the Tern. You'll be getting WAY more for your money in this particular case. Terns ride beautifully and are built like a dream (stiff and responsive). Not saying Bromptons aren't built well, but their beauty is in the fold, not necessarily in the ride. Also, you'll have the peace of mind with a new product; you never know how much used products have been abused, even if they say it's in "excellent condition."
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Old 08-18-12, 05:22 PM
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I wouldn't even consider going 2nd hand with all the advantages of the Cycle Scheme. I would recommend Fudges Cycle store in Kensal Rise as they have loads of Brommies in stock and unlike Evans are a folding bike specialist so you can test ride a few Brommies. A new one isn't that much extra on the cycle scheme and you can make it your own. Evans have the exclusive distribution on Tern for now.

As much as I love Bromptons, I really rate the new Terns and Training Wheels makes a fair point. I saw Josh Hon's influence in the higher end Dahons such as the Jetstream and Speed Pro. This has been refined and implemented even more in the Tern frames. You have chosen a very good model for the money which would be allowed on tubes and will store fine in your flat. It will also be more versatile than the Brompton if you wanted to ride on some trails off-road too.

I love Bromptons but I'm a folding bike fan first and you have chosen 2 fine contenders. The £100 accessory offer is excellent and with the tax subsidy it sounds a winner to me. If you get it we'd love to see photos and your thoughts on the bike.

Best to test ride both bikes first if you haven't already done so!
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Old 08-18-12, 05:52 PM
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Loads of gumtree ads are dodgy, either stolen or scams. Often there's no location map and the price is a little too good to be true; the ruse is that once you contact the seller they tell you that they're actually in a part of the country other than that stated on the advert (an error of some kind) but that if you send the money they'll post the bike. Ridiculous.

I like the look of Terns but I'm not convinced by the handlepost folding to the outside, and a lot of models looks way too heavy.
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Old 08-18-12, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Training.Wheels
I have a Brompton 3 speed and a Tern Link Uno, and for this one I'd actually recommend the Tern. You'll be getting WAY more for your money in this particular case. Terns ride beautifully and are built like a dream (stiff and responsive). Not saying Bromptons aren't built well, but their beauty is in the fold, not necessarily in the ride. Also, you'll have the peace of mind with a new product; you never know how much used products have been abused, even if they say it's in "excellent condition."
That's given me a lot of peace of mind. I generally hear about people getting bike's other than Brompton's and the response gives me the impression it's because they can't afford one but good on them for trying. I'll pick up the Tern tomorrow. Thanks .
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Old 08-18-12, 06:04 PM
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Travelling on the tube with a 20" folder is a PITA, I've found. A Brompton is a touch wider than a seat, i.e. it's roughly the width of a seated person. A 20" folder is way larger so you have to be strategic as to where you sit and what times of day you bring it on etc..
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Old 08-18-12, 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by FoldingLawrence
That's given me a lot of peace of mind. I generally hear about people getting bike's other than Brompton's and the response gives me the impression it's because they can't afford one but good on them for trying. I'll pick up the Tern tomorrow. Thanks .
Aaah man, so happy to hear that and quite jealous too; I would kill to have P9 in my arsenal. While Chagzuki has a valid point with the Tern having a bigger fold than a Brommie, the ride is significantly better and it's no more cumbersome than a Dahon, plus you quickly learn to adapt with the size. Personally, I still sit in the same place on the train whether I have my Tern or Brompton. It only makes a significant difference for me when I'm grocery or clothes shopping; I look way less stressed carrying a Brompton in that case, haha. Please put up some pics when you make your purchase!

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Old 08-18-12, 11:51 PM
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I have never ridden a Brompton.

However, I have ridden (my first) century on my Tern Link P9. I've commuted with it 10 miles each way. I've run to the store, folded it up and put it in a shopping cart, then carried groceries home. It rides as well as a full-sized bike but has better handling due to the smaller wheels. I have jumped it off of curbs and I could probably jump it off of 2 or 3 steps if needed. There is no flex in the frame or handlepost. It folds quickly and is relatively compact.

The Link P9 should fit a variety of sizes. However, it was designed by Josh Hon and he's 5'9" tall. I'm the same height, and it's the best fitting bike I have.

In a city, I can't imagine a scenario where another street-oriented bike would be needed, though if you're in a hilly city, the gearing may need to be changed.

Cons: The only one I can think of is Tern apparently didn't spend a lot of time considering how to pack it into a suitcase. While it is possible, there are several small design issues that could be easily changed to make it simpler to pack. I've sent suggestions to Josh in hopes future iterations will benefit from my experience (such as, using a standard 2 or 4 bolt face plate on the stem for the handlebars with a quick release replacing 1 or 2 of the bolts, instead of just the quick release; this would allow removal of the handlebars without removing the grip and brake lever). Overall, it takes me about 15 minutes to fit it into the Tern suitcase and 15 mintues to reassemble. I have not travelled with it yet.
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Old 08-19-12, 02:05 AM
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Thanks everyone for your advice and for the suggestion on Fudges Cycle Store. I was planning on popping to the bike shop in Brixton as well today to have a last wander before putting my money down for the Tern.

Exciting! Such a nice weekend for a bike in London as well.
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Old 08-19-12, 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted by hopperja
I have never ridden a Brompton.

However, I have ridden (my first) century on my Tern Link P9. I've commuted with it 10 miles each way. I've run to the store, folded it up and put it in a shopping cart, then carried groceries home. It rides as well as a full-sized bike but has better handling due to the smaller wheels. I have jumped it off of curbs and I could probably jump it off of 2 or 3 steps if needed. There is no flex in the frame or handlepost. It folds quickly and is relatively compact.

The Link P9 should fit a variety of sizes. However, it was designed by Josh Hon and he's 5'9" tall. I'm the same height, and it's the best fitting bike I have.

In a city, I can't imagine a scenario where another street-oriented bike would be needed, though if you're in a hilly city, the gearing may need to be changed.

Cons: The only one I can think of is Tern apparently didn't spend a lot of time considering how to pack it into a suitcase. While it is possible, there are several small design issues that could be easily changed to make it simpler to pack. I've sent suggestions to Josh in hopes future iterations will benefit from my experience (such as, using a standard 2 or 4 bolt face plate on the stem for the handlebars with a quick release replacing 1 or 2 of the bolts, instead of just the quick release; this would allow removal of the handlebars without removing the grip and brake lever). Overall, it takes me about 15 minutes to fit it into the Tern suitcase and 15 mintues to reassemble. I have not travelled with it yet.
This is great info as well. I'm 5'10" so it sounds perfect! I always used to ride a mountain bike fairly aggressively when I was younger so maybe the solidness of the frame is suited better to me.

Thanks again everyone. Photos will be coming!
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Old 08-19-12, 03:52 AM
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Originally Posted by chagzuki
Loads of gumtree ads are dodgy, either stolen or scams. Often there's no location map and the price is a little too good to be true; the ruse is that once you contact the seller they tell you that they're actually in a part of the country other than that stated on the advert (an error of some kind) but that if you send the money they'll post the bike. Ridiculous.

I like the look of Terns but I'm not convinced by the handlepost folding to the outside, and a lot of models looks way too heavy.
You're a tougher critic than Mel B was on her guest appearance on the X-Factor lol. Agree about Gumtree on bikes. +1
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Old 08-19-12, 04:02 AM
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Originally Posted by FoldingLawrence
This is great info as well. I'm 5'10" so it sounds perfect! I always used to ride a mountain bike fairly aggressively when I was younger so maybe the solidness of the frame is suited better to me.

Thanks again everyone. Photos will be coming!
Good luck and look forward to the photos. Josh Hon really knows about good design and the £100 of accessories is the icing on the cake. The Tern bikes have made an impressive first entry to the market.
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Old 08-19-12, 06:34 AM
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Picked up my Link P9. It started pissing it down from the moment I handed over my money to the moment I arrived back at my place so I'm drenched. Looking forward to having a new hobby and a healthier/cheaper way to get to work though.

Thanks again everyone for all of your advice. Helps to feel like I made the right choice.

Edit: Oh, and the ride back and the test ride were great. Very sturdy .
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Old 08-19-12, 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by FoldingLawrence
Picked up my Link P9. It started pissing it down from the moment I handed over my money to the moment I arrived back at my place so I'm drenched. Looking forward to having a new hobby and a healthier/cheaper way to get to work though.

Thanks again everyone for all of your advice. Helps to feel like I made the right choice.

Edit: Oh, and the ride back and the test ride were great. Very sturdy .
Where are you in the UK? As scorching hot in West London today!
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Old 08-19-12, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by mulleady
Where are you in the UK? As scorching hot in West London today!
Bought the bike in Clapham. It's been hot all day but it was hammering down only during the trip home.
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Old 08-19-12, 08:17 AM
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I keep thinking the cyclescheme/bike to work scheme is some sort of con. I've raed all the info but still have reservations, dunno why.
Enjoy your bike and do post photos when you've got the chance.
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Old 08-19-12, 08:28 AM
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While waiting for your pics, I hope you don't mind if I ask: what's the difference between the "Cyclescheme" and the "Bike2Work" scheme?
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Old 08-19-12, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by keke
I keep thinking the cyclescheme/bike to work scheme is some sort of con. I've raed all the info but still have reservations, dunno why.
Enjoy your bike and do post photos when you've got the chance.
Not a con, might be worth checking with your place of work first to make sure they're registered but a bunch of people at my work have done it. As far as I'm aware, Cyclescheme and Bike2Work are the same thing, just names targeted at different people.

PHOTO TIME



Ridden it all day around London and Brockwell Park and it's been great! Could maybe do with a more comfortable seat but it's been an awesome day. The headtube folding mechanism needs a heavy hand to get it to fold but that's my only negative comment on it really.
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Old 08-20-12, 12:13 AM
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Beautiful bike. I agree with the whole headtube thing, although I'm sure it adds to the overall stiffness of the handlepost. Watching the nycewheels videos taught me to give the stem a couple of "hits" to get it to disengage. You'll get used to it. Enjoy your new bike! Here's a pic of my Tern to add to the thread.

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Old 08-20-12, 01:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Training.Wheels
Beautiful bike. I agree with the whole headtube thing, although I'm sure it adds to the overall stiffness of the handlepost. Watching the nycewheels videos taught me to give the stem a couple of "hits" to get it to disengage. You'll get used to it. Enjoy your new bike! Here's a pic of my Tern to add to the thread.

I never seen a black Brooks lookin' so good (except on my Brommie!)

They really are nice looking bikes, especially the frame. What weight is yours?
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Old 08-20-12, 01:10 AM
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Review from Evanscycles.co.uk customer below sum sums it up:

Had a couple of niggling issues, but they were corrected by Evans at my convenience.
Since then the bike has performed extremely well. It's a joy to ride and easy to fold away and carry on public transport or pop in the boot.
The design is modern and the black with red trim colouring is awesome. Many of my friends and work colleagues have commented on how smart the bike looks and amazed at the weight and portability.
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Old 08-20-12, 01:18 AM
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Ahh thanks mulleady. The Link Uno runs at 11.5 kg, or approx 25 lbs. I switched out the the saddle and pedals, so the weight pretty much stayed the same because the Brooks was heavier than the stock saddle but the new pedals were much lighter. If Tern could somehow knock off 3 lbs from their Link frame, I'm sure Dahon would be in big trouble, haha.
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Old 08-20-12, 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Training.Wheels
Ahh thanks mulleady. The Link Uno runs at 11.5 kg, or approx 25 lbs. I switched out the the saddle and pedals, so the weight pretty much stayed the same because the Brooks was heavier than the stock saddle but the new pedals were much lighter. If Tern could somehow knock off 3 lbs from their Link frame, I'm sure Dahon would be in big trouble, haha.
Doubt it'll be lighter because most of the weight is in that massive folding hinge! the handlepost hinge is twice the size of the dahons and brompton joints but you can easily feel the difference once you start riding it! Also really slick black brooks you got! didn't expect you to upgrade that already, i got the brown one for my uno cause I have the grey frame and wanted it to really stand out

Oh yeah folding lawrence if you do alot of multimode commuting and drag the bike along the tube alot you might want the trolley rack accessory since you have the Link model it's made for it and makes your bike no harder to drag around than a laptop bag.

But if you don't really need to take the tube as often then I wouldn't recommend it because it's a little heavier than the normal rack you have on there already.
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