Brompton vs. Tern: Which Is Better?

Buying a folding bike is an excellent purchase for avid but space-conscious bikers. Several brands, such as Brompton and Tern, promise the best quality and features, but how do they compare?

Brompton and Tern are reputable folding bike brands offering high-quality bikes.

However, they cater to different user needs. Brompton is optimal for urban commuters, with features designed to ensure clean, compact, and convenient travel on public transit. Tern provides a ride geared towards distance and varied terrains, making it an ideal choice for rural or long-distance riders.

When considering which brand to go with, consider your needs, such as: 

• Whether you will often transport it folded
• Whether the smallest possible folding size is essential to you
• The terrain you are going to ride on
• The distance you are planning to bike
• How much weight are you able to carry
• Your budget

Keep reading more about how Brompton and Tern stack up in these categories.

Comparing Features of Brompton and Tern Folding Bikes

You can expect Brompton to focus on portability and having the smallest folded size on the market. Tern prioritizes rideability instead, and thus, their portability is more akin to a standard bike with folding only for storage.

Brompton	Tern
It uses magnets to stay folded	Folds with a larger footprint
Weighs 20-30 lbs.	Weighs 15-26 lbs.
Chain covered when folded	The chain is uncovered while folded
Locked in place when folded	Uses magnets to stay folded
Higher starting price	More bike for your buck
Thin profile and barebones frame	Wide wheels and aluminum frame
No included kickstand	Kickstand
Starts at £900 (1110 USD)	Starts at £405 (500 USD)

Which Features Are Most Important for Portability?

If your goal is to have a bicycle you can fold and carry around, then prioritize a bike with the following:

• A small folding size
• A locking mechanism to prevent it from coming unfolded while being carried
• A design to prevent you from getting chain grease on your or someone else’s clothing
• A weight you can comfortably carry

Which Features Are Most Important for Rideability?

If you will primarily be riding the bike when it is not being stored and you are not worried about its ability to be carried while folded, then look for the following:

• Wider Wheels (improves stability)
• An Aluminum Frame (more responsive)
• A design that evenly distributes your weight on the wheels
• Built-in shocks (to reduce jarring on rougher terrain)

Brompton Folding Bike Features: A Deep Dive

Brompton has three folding bike lines: The A-Line, The C-Line, The P-Line, and The T-Line. Most Brompton bikes share the exact base specifications as the A-Line with minor differences or additional features. Notably, the P and C lines are also available as electric bikes. 

A-Line

The A-Line is the standard Brompton folding bike. Buying the previous year’s model is slightly cheaper, but not by much. This bike can set you back between £900 and £1000.

Specifications

• Weighs 11.6 Kg.
• Size when folded is 645mm (H) x 585mm (W) x 270mm (D) (25.3” x 23” x 10.6”)
• Hollow tube steel frame
• Saddle seat with integrated carrying handle
• Non-folding composite pedals
• 3-speed drive train
• 6061 forged aluminum crank with 44T chainring and chainguard
• 349 x 35C puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires

Available Add-ons

While The A-line is primarily a barebones model, you can purchase the following aftermarket accessories: 

• Mudguards
• Front Carrier
• Pump

C-Line

The C-line is their more customizable bike line and contains two models – The Urban and The Explore. Each allows for three handlebar configurations, a range of colors, and includes mudflaps. C-Line bikes will cost between £1200 and £1500. 

The Urban

This model is a two-speed bike. The Urban is lighter than most Brompton bikes (11.3 kg.) and has a folded size identical to the standard A-Line. This bike is optimal for a casual commuter if you have the budget.

The Explore

The Explore is Brompton’s attempt to create a more rugged bike. However, while it is six-speed, it lacks most of the features needed for a comfortable long-distance ride and maintains its’ racer wheels and steel frame.

P-Line

The P-line is Brompton’s performance line. These bikes are super light at a mere 9.9 kg. and have the standard Brompton folding size. Key differences other than weight from the classic A-line include:

• Folding left pedal
• An included front carrier
• Optional roller rack

The Brompton P-Line can cost anywhere from £2,300 to £2,500, depending on your chosen options.

T-Line

The T-line contains two models, the T-Line Urban and the T-Line One. These are by far the most expensive bikes Brompton offers and cost up to £ 5,000 depending on customizations.

However, they are also the only Brompton bikes to ditch the steel frame for titanium, which brings their weight down to just under 8 Kg.

The Urban

This four-speed bike is overkill for most consumers but might scratch the itch for a high-performance commuter bike. Everything on this bike screams innovation, from the Schwalbe ONE tires to the carbon core and 0.3mm steel armor seat post.

The One

This model is identical to The Urban, except for its drivetrain. This bike has only one gear and doesn’t mess with a Derailleur. In return, you’ll save a sizable chunk of change for losing this feature.

Tern Folding Bike Features: A Deep Dive

Most Tern bikes are designed to replicate the rideability and versatility of a traditional bicycle while incorporating space-saving technology. As a result, they’re slightly heavier and less compact than Brompton bikes but include essential features such as:

• Suspension
• Wide tires
• Aluminum frames
• Cargo space
• A Kickstand

In addition to being better suited to long-distance and cargo use, Tern bikes also start cheaper than Brompton. One of their entry-level models, the Link A7, costs just under $500.

Tern offers a much more comprehensive range of bikes than Brompton (there are 11 separate bike lines), but all their folding bikes fall into three categories: standard folding, ultra-compact folding, and flat-folding. 

Standard Folding

When you decide to get a folding bike, these bikes are likely what you are thinking of – the wheels sit on top of one another to save space during storage. In this category are models like the Vekron S10. While folded, Tern standard folding bikes come in around 40 × 85.5 × 67.5 cm (15.7 × 33.7 × 26.6 in).

Ultra-Compact Folding

These bikes are designed to be transportable even on airlines and have an optional suitcase-reminiscent storage bag. Tern bikes in this category include the BYB line. When folded, Tern ultra-compact folding bikes are 33 × 81 × 51 cm (13 × 31.9 × 20.1 in).

Flat Folding 

While most people don’t associate folding bikes with those that fold flat, they shouldn’t be discounted. Tern’s flat-folding bikes have folding pedals and handlebars designed to store vertically.

The result is a bike that requires only the amount of space as a potted plant and can easily be stored in a car or a small apartment.

Tern BYB vs. Brompton

Tern’s BYB (Bring Your Bike) series is a relatively recent entrant in the folding bike market, aiming to combine compact size with ride quality and strength.

When stacked against the iconic Brompton, the Tern BYB holds its own in terms of foldability, boasting one of the smallest folded sizes in Tern’s lineup.

The design is tailored to urban commuters, featuring a frame that’s 30% smaller than traditional Tern bikes, making it apt for tight city spaces and public transportation.

On the other hand, with its decades of refinement, Brompton offers a time-tested design known for its quick fold, lightweight, and small footprint that’s hard to beat.

In terms of ride experience, both bikes cater to urbanites seeking convenience and performance.

Brompton’s nimble design and three or six-speed options have garnered a loyal fan base.

In contrast, the Tern BYB, with its adjustable handlebar and seat post, emphasizes personal customization and ergonomic comfort.

Ultimately, the choice between Tern BYB and Brompton comes down to personal preference, as both bikes offer a blend of compact design and reliable performance, each with its own set of strengths.

Tern vs. Brompton: My Verdict

When choosing between a Tern and a Brompton folding bike, the biggest question you need to ask yourself is how it will be used.

For consumers who want a simple, lightweight design that can fold into a carriable package, go with Brompton.

If the features of a standard bicycle and the potential for rough terrain are more important to you than being able to carry your bike while folded, then Tern is ideal. 

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