TERN folding bike. Thinking about getting the D7i

[artsenna]

My wife is thinking about getting a bike under the cycle scheme to get to work (which is only about 2.5 miles).

We live in a flat so need a folding bike. Looked at Brompton and the cheapest is 865 pounds before accessories. Wont be using on train much so do not need that small a fold. Also put off by the small wheels. But Evans says they hold its value extremely well.

Tern is the next popular choice (offshoot from Dahon). Starts from around 300 pounds but we are interested in the D7i (500 pounds) as these comes with hub gear. We are novices and thought we cld do without having to maintain a shift gear or derailler.

So any advice will be appreciated

1. is it really worth the extra for a Brompton

2. anyone with experience of hub gear v derailler

 

[scruffybitch]

get a very good lock, leave it indoors at work, otherwise it walks.

bromptons do hold value well (check on evilbuy) considering you buy the bike half price youll get it all back should you sell. I understand they ride quite well, but will be wobblier than a trad tourer. Made in UK too I believe, must be "greener" than shipping something in from the far east.

Is it worth it ? Your call.

How about a moulton ? For short rides I reckon a folder is better, less faff.

modern hub gears are great, less filth than a derailleur and no mech to get smashed, increasingly relevant as wheel size shrinks. No maintenence issues with derailleur, doddle to adjust if needed, same as brakes.

 

[Jason P]

I've a Ridgeback Vitesse, basically a rebadged Dahon, with the Shimano 7 or 8 speed hub (can't remember which) and it's a cracking bike. Goes well, a bit squirrelly till you get used to it but made my 5 mile commute in to London a breeze - and folded up well enough to store in the boot overnight. The Bromptons are an easier fold but the ride isn't as good IMHO, I prefer the 20" wheels of the Dahon. Don't go for Moultons - they're separable not folding, and whilst they're great (I've a Pashley Moulton TSR27) with a fantastic big-bike feel they're not quick or easy enough to separate to be practical. It's really only for transportation rather than fold to get on the tube a la Brompton.