Quadratica
Regular
Just thought I'd say hello and share my (long) bike tale. After 20 years of riding hybrid bikes (Dawes) I finally got fed up of lugging a regular bike around. Difficult garden access, annoyance of putting it on my car tow-ball rack and a failing desire to 'get my leg over' the cross bar meant I tied the bike to a tree in my garden and started walking to work ( 3km) and anywhere else under 6km
Then in June 2019 I saw a fellow on a lovely little bike and I went on Google (as one does) to find out what this was. I learnt that it was a Tern (never heard of them or Dahon or Brompton). I was intrigued to say the least. After a few weeks research I decided to spend about £300 on a used folder. I wanted 20" wheels and a compact fold was inessential as it would fit in my car which has magic rear seats which lift up and on the rare occasion it would fit folded into the boot.
I trawled e-bay and found a bike based on a mid-range Tern (identical spec except name). It was from a local-ish bike shop and as an ex-display model I paid £233 (RRP £499), inc a 13-month warranty. It was spotless and basically brand-new, I felt I got a bargain.
It fitted unfolded in my car with ease, it was so easy to manoeuvre, lift, turn, invert (crucial for me). Luckily, it was a dry day so back home I took it for a spin in my park and it was a revelation! I ride at a gentle pace and the bike felt as steady and grounded as my Dawes hybrid. I am 5'10" and 70kg so it was a perfect fit, what a relief not to stoop down to the handlebar; I enjoyed the upright position, the quick uptake of speed, easy turning and sharp brakes. On this first ride two people quizzed me about it and made agreeable comments.
Back home I got to grips with the folding/unfolding and all the various adjustments and I made a custom strap to hold it in place when folded. Over the next few weeks I treated the bike to a new set of lights, a £17 GPS speedo (yes! works great!) all I need now are Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres (which I have used on my Dawes since 2009 without a puncture) but they are so expensive and I have yet to have a puncture with the Kendas on this bike.
Two weeks later I sold the Dawes I bought new in 2009 and was a little sad to see it go. I still walk to work (great exercise) but everywhere else under 10km I use my superb folding bike. I think my bike journey to this folding point is about right, I am past the age where I worry about status and appearances and as a younger man I would have scorned a folder. A few days ago in my park a lady approached me and enquired about it, she was of a similar age and belonged to a cycling club (road bike lycra type), she was very impressed after a trial and said that road bikes and all that palaver was getting too much for her and she wanted an easy bike to enjoy cycling again....I suggested that if she needed to transport/fold often then a Brompton is best if she can afford it.
I wish it would STOP RAINING as I am itching to go for a ride!
Thanks for reading.
Then in June 2019 I saw a fellow on a lovely little bike and I went on Google (as one does) to find out what this was. I learnt that it was a Tern (never heard of them or Dahon or Brompton). I was intrigued to say the least. After a few weeks research I decided to spend about £300 on a used folder. I wanted 20" wheels and a compact fold was inessential as it would fit in my car which has magic rear seats which lift up and on the rare occasion it would fit folded into the boot.
I trawled e-bay and found a bike based on a mid-range Tern (identical spec except name). It was from a local-ish bike shop and as an ex-display model I paid £233 (RRP £499), inc a 13-month warranty. It was spotless and basically brand-new, I felt I got a bargain.
It fitted unfolded in my car with ease, it was so easy to manoeuvre, lift, turn, invert (crucial for me). Luckily, it was a dry day so back home I took it for a spin in my park and it was a revelation! I ride at a gentle pace and the bike felt as steady and grounded as my Dawes hybrid. I am 5'10" and 70kg so it was a perfect fit, what a relief not to stoop down to the handlebar; I enjoyed the upright position, the quick uptake of speed, easy turning and sharp brakes. On this first ride two people quizzed me about it and made agreeable comments.
Back home I got to grips with the folding/unfolding and all the various adjustments and I made a custom strap to hold it in place when folded. Over the next few weeks I treated the bike to a new set of lights, a £17 GPS speedo (yes! works great!) all I need now are Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres (which I have used on my Dawes since 2009 without a puncture) but they are so expensive and I have yet to have a puncture with the Kendas on this bike.
Two weeks later I sold the Dawes I bought new in 2009 and was a little sad to see it go. I still walk to work (great exercise) but everywhere else under 10km I use my superb folding bike. I think my bike journey to this folding point is about right, I am past the age where I worry about status and appearances and as a younger man I would have scorned a folder. A few days ago in my park a lady approached me and enquired about it, she was of a similar age and belonged to a cycling club (road bike lycra type), she was very impressed after a trial and said that road bikes and all that palaver was getting too much for her and she wanted an easy bike to enjoy cycling again....I suggested that if she needed to transport/fold often then a Brompton is best if she can afford it.
I wish it would STOP RAINING as I am itching to go for a ride!
Thanks for reading.
