Hey guys,
I am looking at my first folder and I am just over thinking stuff way to much and figured you guys could help. I have decided on a Tern bike because of price, new features, stiffer ride. Now the problem comes down to picking one and the pricing is making me second guess my choices. My budget is 1k give or take. I need multiple speeds, rack, fenders, and low maintenance and insane durability for riding in foreign countries.
At first I thought a D7i would be a great bike, its got everything that I want but its $800. But the only part that isn't on the D8 is the IGH. The D8 is $650 the D7i is $800, that means the IGH alone is costing me $150 extra. So for $150 all I gain is the internal hub, nada else.
But if I go to the P9 over the D7i everything changes. You gain higher end everything over the D7i. The P9 is $100 more than the D7i and the only thing they have in common is the frame. Your getting a whole new high end bike. But you lose the IGH, fenders, and rack. This makes you add another $100 to replace them. On budget, great bike.
The P24H for only $50 more than the P9 adds lots more value and features. The fenders alone are like $50 so the handle bar and 24 gears are a free bonus. This seems like a amazing deal but I don't really need the 24 gears so I hesitate. Add $50 for the rack and its 1k just like I wanted. Amazing fully loaded bike.
D8 is the easy choice, fits all the needs and costs the least. But I have always had higher end bikes and parts. The 'base' model kinda scares me since I do not know how well it will hold up in time. I don't want to feel like I should have just spent the money later and got the 'power windows' if you know what I mean. Cheap now possibly pay for it later.
P24H over P9 = Awesome Deal, Every high end feature you can get for $1k. Only $50 more!
P9 over D7i = Awesome Deal, Lost IGH gained way more high end parts almost a new bike. Lost gears and handle bar over the P24H, but at budget.
D8 over D7i = ??? Deal, Gained IGH kept all the low end features... Lost tons of upgrades vs P9.
D8 = Cheap, Standard.
Ive spent the last 3 days just looking at these four bikes trying to figure out the best fit and value for the 1k budget. Ive read everything I could find, looked at every photo, watched every video.
It's starting to not make sense anymore, and I am out of new information.
Can you guys please help by giving pros and cons and what you would do given the brand and budget. I live in Central Florida there are no used Bromptons, there are no dealers, and there is no used market on craigslist.