Josh Hon, owner of the folding bike manufacturer Tern, has, in a sense, absorbed his expertise from his mother’s milk: he is the son of folding bike pioneer David Hon, the man behind the Dahon brand. With his own brand, Tern, Josh took the folding bike out of the budget niche in which his father David had mainly operated on the Asian market. Technical improvements, higher-quality materials, new models with electric assistance and a modern, fresh look have made Tern a brand that is well received by a young audience through specialist retailers.
The Wheel in Practice
The Link B7 is “the most affordable way to ride a Tern”, as brand spokesperson Chris Allmendinger puts it. The specific technology – featuring robustly constructed, high-quality and reliable folding joints, a telescopic extension and handlebar clamping – works superbly on the B7: despite the long, unsupported tube lengths, there is never any sense of instability whilst riding. The joints and their locking mechanisms are finely adjustable. The contact points – handlebars, saddle and pedals – are roughly where they would be on a standard bike. You sit slightly closer to the ground, but in a relaxed position that feels just right. Compared to a standard bike, the wheelbase is about eight to ten centimetres shorter, and the small wheels also roll less smoothly than 28-inch wheels: the bike reacts more strongly to load changes, centrifugal forces in bends and braking than a standard bike.
The Tern Link B7 in detail
The Tern Link’s light weight and low centre of gravity also have a significant impact on its overall handling. Consequently, it feels a little more twitchy and ‘jittery’ to ride. The seven-speed derailleur, which has a limited range of gears for reasons of cost and weight, noticeably restricts gear selection as soon as you want to accelerate uphill or downhill. The V-brakes provide very efficient stopping power (in dry conditions) and can be operated easily with minimal hand force. At first, the long cable lengths on the handlebars are irritating due to their play, but they are necessary to make full use of the extension length of the height-adjustable handlebar stem and to allow the bike to be folded without any snags.
Not entirely without compromise
In the city, the Tern Link gets you around with the agility of a weasel and is highly manoeuvrable. Tern has deliberately omitted a lighting system: it adds around two kilos to the weight, and routing the cables would be relatively complicated due to the folding mechanism. A battery-powered front and rear light, which is easily removable and wireless, is the better choice. For those in the know, the folding process takes around 25 seconds. The package, measuring 85 x 69 x 34 cm (length x height x width), can be stably parked on the seat post once it has been pushed through. The folded bike counts as a piece of luggage on trains, can also be taken on buses and trams, and in most transport networks it is even carried free of charge when unfolded as a 20-inch bike. Stairs – for example, to the bike storage room, the office or the train platform – are no problem with the folded Tern Link: simply use the front of the saddle as a handle. This allows you to carry the bike package comfortably and with good balance.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Extremely flexible and versatile; quick to set up and take down; predictable handling
- Minus: Too bumpy for long distances; very narrow gear range; short seat post (telescopic seat post available for riders 1.75 m and taller)
Key details of the Tern Link B7
- Price: 849 euros
- Frame size: universal
- Weight of test bike: 12.7 kg
- Permitted total weight: 120 kg
- Frame: Aluminium, welded, foldable
- Fork: Tern 20-inch, V-brakes
- Circuit: Shimano Tourney, twist grip
- Translation: 52/14-28 teeth, 7 gears, 200 %
- Brakes/ø: Generic V-brakes
- Tyres: Schwalbe Road Cruiser 47-405
- MYBIKE rating: 3.4
Conclusion on the Tern Link B7
This compact 20-inch bike is nimbly manoeuvrable – ideal for short journeys and for use in combination with public transport or a car. Thanks to its sophisticated design, the Tern can be folded up quickly at any time, is easy to stow away, and can be taken on buses, trams and trains with ease as a piece of luggage.