Tern bikes as tourers

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Yellow Fang

Legendary Member
Location
Reading
I was looking over some Tern folding bikes in the LBS. I wondered whether one might make a reasonable touring bike. Often a problem with touring is getting the bike back on the train once you've reached your destination. What are your thoughts?
 
Location
Northampton
I have carefully considered this issue, taking your bike in train when touring. I came to the conclusion that the best option is to buy a cheap, light, folding bike bag. I can buy one for about £25.
 
I have toured all over the UK, and apart from SWT have never really had a problem.

I had more hassle getting from Portsmouth to London than from London to Inverness!


Keep away from rush hours and be prepared to be flexible
 
OP
OP
Yellow Fang

Yellow Fang

Legendary Member
Location
Reading
I have had my plans scuppered by not being allowed to take my bike on a train before. On LEJOG tours, there are usually very few places available on the trains back to put bikes, and then you have to change trains. Coming back from Ireland, I could not get my bike onto an over-packed train at Crewe. I don't want to have to risk hanging around in a town for an extra day because I cannot book my bike on a train, or have to be at a certain place at a certain time.
 

Mr Foldy

Well-Known Member
Location
Fife
The Terns may or may not be slightly better engineered, but they are much the same idea as my Dahon Mu P8. I commute 10 to 20 miles per day - depending on road conditions and connections. I personally would tour my Dahon any time. You can have more than the 8 gears that I have, but frame and comfort are fine. The convenience of a folder is amazing. I have rear rack paniers, but for touring I'd get a front rack.
 

Kies

Guest

Mr Foldy

Well-Known Member
Location
Fife
I use Ortlieb City front rollers. They fit on my standard rear rack. Same with Terns I think. No heel strike, quick release, no heel strike. I'm a size 8.
I have looked a few times at the Tern P24. I really fancy it but unfortunately my Mu matches my commute really nicely.
 

the_mikey

Legendary Member
I see my tern link D7 as more of a utility bike, great for trips to the shops, cafe, or the post office. Also great to take when travelling on a non cycle specific holiday.
 

Kies

Guest
I use Ortlieb City front rollers. They fit on my standard rear rack. Same with Terns I think. No heel strike, quick release, no heel strike. I'm a size 8.
I have looked a few times at the Tern P24. I really fancy it but unfortunately my Mu matches my commute really nicely.

I see from your avatar you sit the pannier quite far back. I should try a pannier on my standard rack, but with size 11 paddles(feet) ........
 

Mr Foldy

Well-Known Member
Location
Fife
I see from your avatar you sit the pannier quite far back. I should try a pannier on my standard rack, but with size 11 paddles(feet) ........
The Ortliebs are as far back as they will go. I have clearance and it works really well. It means a nice small folded profile too. But that's size 8 feet. With size 11s you might need the higher traveller rack to get clearance. I think that would open up full size pannier options as a silver lining.
 

MarkF

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
I have had 2 Speed 7 Dahons and would have no hesitation in touring on one, and some people have. I wouldn't want to though........

One thing, both mine lost a magnet and once lost the bikes become unwieldy. The only Tern review I've seen was in CA, the magnet fell off....................
 
Last edited:
Top Bottom