Thread: Tern Verge P20?
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Old 10-20-15 | 02:20 PM
  #26  
wilfried
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 619
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From: The Big City

Bikes: Brompton M3L, Tern Verge P20, Citi Bike

Originally Posted by feynman
Hi Winfried, have you finally chose tern P20? I am now considering it, so would like to hear your comment before I go ahead with it.
Did you mean Winfried, or Wilfried? It confuses me too. I started this thread, many moons ago.

I got a Tern P20 a year ago July, and I quite like it. I think it's a pretty good compliment to my Brompton M3L. The Brompton is now more a short distance, get around town bike, when folding convenience is primary. The Tern more of a long distance "touring" bike (not that I've gone on any real bike tours). I think I ride both bikes about equally frequently, but these days I put many more miles on the Tern.

The Tern is faster, a bit roomier, feels sportier, and rides a bit more like a "regular" bike. The gear range is much wider; it's a bit faster on the high end, and a lot lower on the low end, I think something like 25 gear inches. I haven't encountered any hills it can't handle. I do use it as a utility bike and commuter, so it has rack and fenders. I've taken it on 80+ mile rides to Long Island and Connecticut, which I probably wouldn't have done on the Brompton (I've gone 70+ on the Brompton, but in areas I know and are fairly flat), as I'm not confident it could handle the terrain. I also would have a hard time carrying enough stuff (the Brompton doesn't have a rear rack).

The Tern however, is much bulkier and more cumbersome to move around than the Brompton. With rack and fenders, it's significantly heavier. Its definitely not as good for carrying and bringing into buildings. The ride, like the Brompton, is pretty upright; I wish the stem were lower, or that it were adjustable.

So, all in all, I'm glad I have the Tern, and it allows me to go places and do things I might not with the Brompton. I still couldn't live without my Brompton though.

I hope this helps your decision. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
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