rex615- I think Tern borrowed heavily from Dahon. In fact, most of Dahon's design team and patents went to Tern (or are shared between Dahon and Tern), and Josh Hon still owns two of the three Dahon companies. My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong), is that Josh had a huge influence on many of the Dahon designs and likewise at Tern. Much like when Grant Peterson left Bridgestone and started Rivendell Bikes. Josh's design philosophy is going to be a common thread between Dahon and Tern, and even many of the parts (ie, Biologic and various patents) are going to be recognizably Dahon-esque.

I think what Josh and the new Tern designers tried to do with Tern was use their knowledge of Dahon as a solid foundation, then improve on it. I suspect this move was not only due to their family rift, but also because a smaller, single company would be more agile than the tri-headed huge international label of Dahon. In that regard, Tern could move more quickly to implement what they believed to be improvements (ie, more standard parts, improved stiffness in front end and joints, etc.).

I've never ridden a Dahon, so I can't speak to how it compares to their recent offerings. I do know that my Tern is a very comfortable bike and it fits me very well. I've never done a century, but I don't think I'd have any problem doing it on my Tern. I told my wife tonight, it makes me want to strap the lights on it and after everyone's gone to bed, get it out and cruise around town. It's really a pleasure to ride.