I'm looking for a folder for 10-20 mile training rides (not commuting), and think I have narrowed it to the Tern x18 and Reach R20. Any reason to choose over the other? My only requirement for the bike is that it fold small enough to get into my apartment and that it have either drop or bull handlebars. The Swift would be a clear choice except that it doesn't seem to fold quite small enough for the apartment, and I don't want to have to take it apart after every ride. Are there any others I should consider that may be cheaper than the Ten of Reach? Suggestions welcome.

Thought about a vertical stand for the bike? Makes it take up a small footprint.

Where are you located? BFold of New York City has all of the bikes you mentioned.
Might be a good way to see all of them side by side. Depending on configuration; a
Bike Friday might be cheaper than the Tern and R20.

bfold.com

Unless you require the folding feature of the Tern I would go with the Reach.

The Reach has the advantage of a rigid frame, dual suspension and disc brakes.
All that and it still weighs less than the Tern according to the specs.

Correction: Looks like the Reach R20 does have a folding feature, not sure.

The Reach will be much more comfortable to ride fast .. road shock to your body will be reduced substantially over a non-suspended folder running high pressure, small cross section tires ... however, it does require a front wheel removal to fold to it's most compact state.. I've had an earlier Reach Road for years.. fantastic bike .. still riding it regularly..

I have a Verge X18 and I love it! Reach would be a better riding bike but as you mentioned that you need something that can fold to get into your apartment. Then X18 is the way to go. BFold does have a Verge X18 and it's on sale.

Let's see Tern vs Reach....go with the Reach!

I think almost all frequent members of this forum would feel the same.

Thanks,
Yan

Reach!!!

Like Bruce Metras I have owned Reach for about a decade. Mine is the Off-road full suspension model and it has been a great bike. No regrets, and if I didn't have a Helix on order I would be tempted to upgrade to the current model Reach with disc brakes, better cable routing, and a lighter suspension fork.

Buy the Reach!

Reach. Reach. Reach.

Thanks much for the replies. I'm going to give both a ride and compare the folds. Re Bike Friday, I had thought the were more of a take-apart bike than a folder. If not I may need to include them in the mix.

The Bike Friday Tikit was made as a fast folder / Brompton alternative with 16" / 349 wheels. Mine originally came with flat bars and a twist shifter. I changed it to drop bars and brifters.

There were two versions, the Hyperfold version (which mine is), where you push the seat mast forward to start the folding process; the non-Hyperfold version required you to turn a knob to start the folding process.

Sadly, the Tikit went out of production so that BF could make the PakIt, but Tikits are still available on the used market, which is where I got mine. Note that there was a recall on the Tikit stem, so if you get one, ask the previous owner if the recall fix was performed. If not, send it to Bike Friday to have them do the recall fix.

It depends on personal preference, of course, and your size to a degree. I love my Tern x20 and x10 but I need to use the extended seat post. I'm about 6'3". I don't like drop bars on the Reach but it is certainly a nice ride as well.