Great thoughts. I just put an order in for the Tern Node di7. I am new to the folding bikes, and after doing all my initial research, had pretty much decided on the Tern Link D8, as that was really getting a lot of love as a great bang for the buck folding bike. Then I ran across that very knowledgeable review that you referenced, where the guy actually compared the Link D8 to to Node Di7. And of course he stated that the Di7 was his personal favorite. I can certainly see why. For Ann additional $300 or so over the Link D8, one really gets a lot of desirable additions. I am really glad I ran across that review because exactly as you say, there is no info out there about what a good buy this bike is, bang for the buck.
Check Priority Bycicles folding bike - $700 for belt drive, 7 hub gears, very similar design to Tern. My only bike is a 3 speed Brompton A line. I use it to bike to work 6 miles/day (10 km) and my apartment is only 325 sq. ft (30 sq. m), so I prefer a smaller bike.
In our part of the world, a B has become a status symbol rather than a real performer. I just can't justify it's price to performance value compared to a lesser priced Dahon, Tern or other noteworthy foldy less than a quarter of it's price with more gears , lighter , etc. You do look handsome riding a B though ...
Having used Shimano Internal Hubs for the past 12 years or so, the no fuss, no adjustment, no chain drops or parts replacement is well worth the small increase in weight. One caution though with the Nexus 7 speed, it isn't one of Shimano's best hubs. You will have a narrower gear range & it is important NOT to mash on the pedals when climbing any hills as the internal shift pawls are not that strong. Other than that, they are great for casual or city riding. You could also rebuild your rear wheel with the Alfine 11 hub for better gearing & still only be another $500. into your bike.
I've always owned Bromptons and also have a Tern D8. I totally get why the P line would be disappointing gear wise, it's got less of a range than even the Brompton 3 speed. I have a 6 speed which I do enjoy but it can get a bit annoying with more complex combined hub and derailleur but I agree with you, I don't always need to have such a compact package. My Tern D8 feels more stable and comfortable on longer rides. It's 10 years old and still looks great and I've never even had a flat on it. I'm now upgrading the gears to an internal 11 speed Alfine. I love internal hub gears, the ability to shift while stationary and the low maintenance aspect and the range will be so much better than what I have on my Brompton.
Thanks for sharing your experiences as those two brands have been under consideration. Next time park before doing a video, hard to watch you on a busy road and repeatedly taking your hands off the wheel
Great thoughts. I just put an order in for the Tern Node di7. I am new to the folding bikes, and after doing all my initial research, had pretty much decided on the Tern Link D8, as that was really getting a lot of love as a great bang for the buck folding bike. Then I ran across that very knowledgeable review that you referenced, where the guy actually compared the Link D8 to to Node Di7. And of course he stated that the Di7 was his personal favorite. I can certainly see why. For Ann additional $300 or so over the Link D8, one really gets a lot of desirable additions. I am really glad I ran across that review because exactly as you say, there is no info out there about what a good buy this bike is, bang for the buck.
If it’s one thing I’ve learned by being in the bike biz for most of my life it’s that the bike isn’t the thing that’s slow…..
🤨🤨🤨
Right. It’s the wheels, hubs, bearings and tires. 😬. Like-for-like it might be the engine but we all know some bikes ARE faster than others…
Check Priority Bycicles folding bike - $700 for belt drive, 7 hub gears, very similar design to Tern.
My only bike is a 3 speed Brompton A line. I use it to bike to work 6 miles/day (10 km) and my apartment is only 325 sq. ft (30 sq. m), so I prefer a smaller bike.
You will get another one. Skip the tline that ive got. Get the kwiggle.
In our part of the world, a B has become a status symbol rather than a real performer. I just can't justify it's price to performance value compared to a lesser priced Dahon, Tern or other noteworthy foldy less than a quarter of it's price with more gears , lighter , etc. You do look handsome riding a B though ...
Having used Shimano Internal Hubs for the past 12 years or so, the no fuss, no adjustment, no chain drops or parts replacement is well worth the small increase in weight. One caution though with the Nexus 7 speed, it isn't one of Shimano's best hubs. You will have a narrower gear range & it is important NOT to mash on the pedals when climbing any hills as the internal shift pawls are not that strong. Other than that, they are great for casual or city riding. You could also rebuild your rear wheel with the Alfine 11 hub for better gearing & still only be another $500. into your bike.
Love this. Great feedback!!
@Eanicus so I guess you were not getting passed by the seniors on the Tern Node di7? Ha
I've always owned Bromptons and also have a Tern D8. I totally get why the P line would be disappointing gear wise, it's got less of a range than even the Brompton 3 speed. I have a 6 speed which I do enjoy but it can get a bit annoying with more complex combined hub and derailleur but I agree with you, I don't always need to have such a compact package. My Tern D8 feels more stable and comfortable on longer rides. It's 10 years old and still looks great and I've never even had a flat on it. I'm now upgrading the gears to an internal 11 speed Alfine. I love internal hub gears, the ability to shift while stationary and the low maintenance aspect and the range will be so much better than what I have on my Brompton.
Thanks for sharing your experiences as those two brands have been under consideration. Next time park before doing a video, hard to watch you on a busy road and repeatedly taking your hands off the wheel
Brompton and Tern both overrated. The Dahon MU SL is the greatest folder of ALLTME hands down. Light..fast and damn it looks good.
lol!
So are you selling the brompton?
Yeah