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Josh Hon, owner of folding bike manufacturer Tern, has absorbed his expertise with his mother's milk, so to speak: he is the son of folding bike pioneer David Hon, who is behind the Dahon brand. With his own brand Tern, Josh took the folding bike out of the low-cost niche in which his father David was mainly active on the Asian market. Technical improvements, higher material quality, new models with electric assistance and a modern, fresh look have made Tern a brand that is also well received by a young audience via specialist retailers.
The wheel in practice
The Link B7 is "the cheapest way to ride a Tern", as brand spokesman Chris Allmendinger puts it. The specific technology with solidly constructed, high-quality and reliable folding joints, telescopic extension and handlebar clamps works excellently on the B7: despite the long free-standing tube lengths, there is never a feeling of insecurity when riding. The joints and their locking mechanism can be finely adjusted. The contact points of the handlebars, saddle and pedals are roughly where they would be on a normal bike. The seat is slightly shorter, but relaxed and subjectively correct. Compared to a normal bike, the wheelbase is around eight to ten centimetres shorter, and the small wheels also roll more unevenly than 28-inch wheels: the bike reacts more strongly to load changes, cornering forces and braking than a normal bike.
The Tern Link B7 in detail
The low weight of the Tern Link and its low centre of gravity also characterise the overall handling. Accordingly, it rides a little more nervously and "hippy". The seven-speed derailleur gears, which are not very well graded for reasons of price and weight, noticeably restrict the gear selection as soon as you want to accelerate uphill or downhill. The V-brakes decelerate very efficiently (in dry conditions) and are easy to operate with little manual force. Initially, the long cable lengths on the handlebars are irritating due to their slagging, but they are necessary to utilise the extension length of the height-adjustable handlebar stem and to enable folding without any hassle.
Not entirely without compromise
In the city, the Tern Link is nimble and extremely agile. Tern has deliberately dispensed with a lighting system: It adds around two kilos to the weight and the cable routing would be relatively complex due to the folding mechanism. A battery-powered front and rear light, easily removable and wireless, is the better choice. The folding process takes about 25 seconds for experienced riders. The 85 x 69 x 34 cm package (length x height x width) can be parked stably on the seat post, which is pushed through. The folded bike counts as luggage on the train, can also be taken on buses and trams and is even transported free of charge as an unfolded 20-inch bike on most public transport networks. Stairs, for example to the bike cellar, the office or the platform, are no problem with the folded Tern Link: simply use the saddle nose like a handle. This makes carrying the bike package comfortable and balanced.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Highly flexible and versatile; quick to fold and unfold; predictable driving behaviour
- Minus: Too bumpy for long distances; very narrow gear range; short seat post (telescopic seat post available for riders over 1.75 m)
The most important details of the Tern Link B7
- Price: 849 Euro >> available here
- Frame size: universal
- Test bike weight: 12.7 kg
- Permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Frame: Aluminium, welded, foldable
- Fork: Tern 20 inch, V-brakes
- Circuit: Shimano Tourney, twist grip
- Translation: 52/14-28 t., 7 gears, 200 %
- Brakes/ø: No-name V-brakes
- Tyres: Schwalbe Road Cruiser 47-405
- MYBIKE grade: 3.4
Conclusion on the Tern Link B7
The compact 20-inch bike is nimble and manoeuvrable - ideal for short journeys and combined transport with public transport or cars. Thanks to its sophisticated technology, the Tern can be folded quickly at any time, stowed away easily and travels easily as luggage on buses, trams and trains.
