8 Best Tern Bikes of [Year] (Tern Electric & Folding Bikes Ranked)

Tern is a reputable cycling brand that offers premium quality bikes for a comfortable riding experience. The company’s mission is to lead the world to a more sustainable future where people use bikes for commuting instead of cars. 

In this article, we’ll review Tern bikes in detail which will help you understand whether they suit your biking needs or not.

About Tern Bicycles

Tern Bicycles is a trademark of Mobility Holdings Ltd.

It’s a Taiwanese company founded back in 2011 by the son and wife (Joshua Hon & Florence Shen) of the founder of the Dahon company.

It offers some of the best electric and non-electric bikes in different markets across the globe, and you can also test-ride them before buying.

While they’re a little more expensive than most bikes, they offer exceptional product quality and riding experience.

However, Tern has now started manufacturing affordable e-bikes like Quick Haul with Bosch Active Line.

The company also offers cycling accessories such as storm shield, storm box, clubhouse, and more. These accessories are compatible with most bikes that Tern offers.

Another important feature about Tern is that it follows eco-friendly business practices to protect the environment.

Despite being a young company, Tern has successfully made its position as one of the best cycling brands in the world.

8 Best Tern Bikes 2023

While Tern specializes in folding folding electric bikes, a significant portion of its product line-up consists of non-electric cycles. Read the following reviews carefully if you want to buy a non-electric Tern bike.

1. Tern Verge – Best For Commuting

Tern Verge bikes are best for commuting because they’re compact, fast, lightweight, and practical.

According to the company, these bikes are tuned for speed because of the features they bring to the table.

Some models of this line-up, like Verge S8i also come with additional accessories such as lights, fenders, and a rear rack, making them more practical.

There are four different models available in the Verge line-up, including Verge X11, Verge S8i, Verge D9, and Verge P10. They come with 20 or 22-inch wheels and a lightweight aluminum frame ideal for speedy commutes.

You can easily take these bikes on public transport and store them indoors because of their folding functionality. The Verge line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’8” to 6’3”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 10 seconds
• Brakes: Shimano, hydraulic disc front and rear brakes
• Material: Hydroformed Aluminum
• Drivetrain: 8 to 11 speeds

Pros

• Lightweight, fast, and compact
• Best for commuting
• Come with a durable aluminum frame
• Folding design
• Easily foldable

Cons

• Not suitable for uneven surfaces

---

2. Tern Node – Best For Tall People

The Tern Node line-up offers bikes with 24-inch wheels, which means they’re lightweight and fast.

Three different Node models are available in the line-up, including Node D8, Node D7i, and Node C8.

They all have V brakes, puncture-resistant tires, folding handlebars, and a single hinge folding frame. The folding process is pretty easy, and you can fold any Tern Node bike within 10 seconds.

The C8 model has an 8-speed Shimano tourney, D7i with a 7-speed Shimano Nexus, and D8 with an 8-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain.

The D8 and D7i models also come with a rear rack. The maximum weight capacity is 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms. The Node line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’ to 6’5.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 10 seconds
• Brakes: V, aluminum, linear spring front, and rear brakes
• Material: Tern Node Aluminum
• Drivetrain: 7 to 8 speeds

Pros

• Decent speed and weight
• Offer durable aluminum frame
• Great folding design
• Good for commuting
• An excellent option for taller people

Cons

• Not suitable for tight storage spaces

---

3. Tern BYB – Most Compact

The Tern BYB line-up offers some of the smallest 20-inch Tern bikes.

Surprisingly, these bikes are 30 percent smaller than traditional 10-inch folding bikes. This line-up features a unique folding mechanism that allows the BYB bikes to have smaller folded dimensions so that you can easily store them in small and narrow places.

This line-up has two different models: BYB P8 and BYB S11.

The former comes with an 8-speed, and the latter comes with an 11-speed drivetrain. The frame of these bikes is made of aluminum, and they have a maximum rider weight capacity of 231.5 pounds.

The company has installed V-brakes instead of disc ones to decrease the price.

Additionally, they fold as small as possible for easy storage, but the folding time is very long (30 seconds). The BYB line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 30 seconds
• Brakes: Kinetix SpeedStop front and rear V-brakes
• Material: Aluminum, TriFold patented technology
• Drivetrain: 7 and 11 speeds

Pros

• Minimal folded dimensions
• Folds as small as possible
• Lightweight
• You can use it for commuting
• Fit easily in the car

Cons

• Long folding time

---

4. Tern Eclipse – Best For Wet Weather

Most folding bikes come with upright geometry and small wheels, but that’s not the case with the Tern Eclipse line-up.

There are three different fully foldable bikes in this line-up, and all of them have 26-inch wheels. They are incredibly fast because of their large wheels and are relatively lightweight.

You can easily fold these bikes whenever you want to take them on public transport or store them. The three models of this line-up are Eclipse D16, Eclipse P20, and Eclipse X22.

The D16 comes with an 18-speed, P20 with a 20-speed, and the X22 with a 22-speed drivetrain.

All of them have premium quality disc brakes and hydroformed aluminum frames. The Eclipse line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 10 seconds
• Brakes: Shimano Deore, hydraulic disc front and rear brakes
• Material: Hydroformed aluminum
• Drivetrain: 18 and 22 speeds

Pros

• Fast and big foldable bike
• Quick folding time
• Disc brakes for all-weather stopping power
• Decent folded dimension

Cons

• Little bit expensive

---

5. Tern Link – Best Value

The best thing about the Tern Link line-up is its affordability.

These bikes are designed for people who can’t afford other more expensive Tern bikes. This line-up has five different models, including Link A7, Link B7, Link, C8, Link D7i, and Link D8, and all of them come with 20-inch wheels.

The Link C8 folding bike is one of the best-selling products by Tern because of its decent price point, a durable frame, and unique geometry.

Additionally, these bikes are equipped with a 7-speed or 8-speed drivetrain for proper performance.

The frame is made of aluminum that you can fold within 10 seconds for easy storage. Because of their low-price tag, the Tern Link bikes come with V-brakes, but they still offer the Tern’s advanced puncture-resistant tires.

The Link line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 10 seconds
• Brakes: V, aluminum, linear spring brakes
• Material: Aluminum
• Drivetrain: 7 and 8 speeds

Pros

• Most affordable
• Best selling line-up
• Easy to maintain, use, fold, and store
• Compact and lightweight

Cons

• The quality of different components isn’t the same as other Tern line-ups.

Tern Electric Bikes

If you’re looking for an E-bike by Tern, read the following reviews and choose the best products that suit your needs.

6. Tern HSD – Best Tern Electric Folding Bike

The Tern HSD is the basic lineup of electric bikes.

It offers cheaper and smaller bikes compared to other e-bike line-ups by the company. The Tern HSD line-up offers lightweight and compact cargo bikes with a low center of gravity.

They come with the latest technologies such as flat-fold design to make use, maintenance, transportation, and storage easier.

The frame of HSD bikes is made of premium-quality aluminum that can easily support the maximum rider weight of 264.6 pounds.

The short-travel suspension forks make the riding experience more comfortable by eliminating road vibrations and chatter. This functionality allows you to ride these electric bikes on unpaved roads.

All the HSD models come with fenders, a rear rack, and rear and front lights. You can fit one extra seat for children or one pannier set on the rear rack of these bikes pretty easily.

You’ll get 20 to 28 mph speed with the help of the Bosch drive unit, depending upon the HSD cargo bike model you buy.

In addition, these bikes can easily cover a distance of 74 miles within a single charge. The HSD line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 264.6 pounds or 120 kilograms
• Folding Time: 5 seconds
• Brakes: Magura MT4/Shimano, hydraulic disc brakes
• Material: Aluminum, patented design
• Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400/500

Pros

• Great for commuting and recreational use
• Come with a powerful battery
• Quick folding time
• High maximum rider weight limit

Cons

• Support single battery

---

7. Tern GSD – Best Performing E-Bike

The Tern GSD is a bigger, more expensive, and better-performing line-up than HSD.

If you have to carry a lot of cargo on your bike, need to ride fast, and cover longer distances, you can’t go wrong with any GSD electric bike.

These are some of the most sophisticated electric bikes available, with premium quality aluminum frames and patented technology. Each GSD electric bike can support the maximum rider weight of 264.6 pounds.

They are equipped with the Bosch Cargo Line Motor, which allows you to reach the maximum speed of 20 mph.

Depending upon the GSD cargo bike, you can cover a distance ranging from 42 to 128 miles.

This line-up model also features a flat-fold design that allows you to park your e-bike easily.

Because of all these features, the price of the Tern GSD e-bikes is higher than the rest. The GSD line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’11” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 264.6 pounds or 120 kilograms
• Folding Time: 5 seconds
• Brakes: Magura MT5, 4-piston hydraulic disc front and rear brakes
• Material: Aluminum, patented design
• Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400/500

Pros

• Exceptional performance
• Dual battery construction
• Quick folding
• Cargo bikes

Cons

• Extremely expensive

---

8. Tern Vektron – Best Value Folding Electric Bicycle

If you need an electric bike at a budget-friendly price with basic features but optimal performance, you should go with the Tern Vektron line-up. 

There are three different models of Vektron, including the Vektron D8, Vektron S10, and Vektron Q9; they all come with a rear rack where you can add one seat for kids or one set of panniers.

The frame of these electric bikes is made of aluminum, which is sturdy and durable, just like other Tern bikes.

The top speed of the Vektron models is 20 mph, and the distance they cover on a single charge ranges from 25 to 70 mph.

However, the folding time of these bikes is higher than the HSD and GSD models, and the Vektron line-up also supports lower maximum rider weight.

The Vektron line-up is recommended for people with heights ranging from 4’10” to 6’5”.

Features

• Maximum Rider Weight: 231.5 pounds or 105 kilograms
• Folding Time: 10 seconds
• Brakes: Magura MT4/Shimano, hydraulic disc brakes
• Material: Aluminum, patented design
• Battery: Bosch PowerPack/Bafang M400 400 Wh

Pros

• Affordable electric bikes
• Good for commuting
• Powerful motor

Cons

• Maximum rider weight is low
• The range could be better

How To Choose the Right Tern Bike for Your Needs

If you’re searching for the best Tern bike, consider the following factors to choose something that perfectly matches your needs.

Frame

All the bikes that Tern offers are made of high-quality aluminum. You won’t need to worry about durability while buying a Tern folding bike. 

However, some Tern bikes feature harder and more durable aluminum alloy. That’s why you should always pay attention to the frame material.

Speeds

The drive train or the battery power determines how speedy it can get. Different Tern bikes come with different drivetrains and battery powers. If you need to climb up steep roads or hills, we recommend you go with a folding bike that offers multiple gears.

Folded dimensions

If you need a Tern folding bike for commuting purposes or have limited storage space, you should use the product that offers minimal folded dimensions.

It’ll allow you to fold your bike within seconds, take it on public transport, or easily store it in a small space.

Planned Use

Before buying a folding bike, the most important things you should keep in mind are your needs and planned use.

For example, if you need a bike for commuting, you can go with the Tern Verge line-up. On the other hand, you should go with the Tern HSD or GSD line-up if you need a folding bike that can carry kids or work as a cargo bike.

Electric or Non-Electric

Tern offers both electric and non-electric bikes, and choosing between the two is a matter of preference. 

Electric bikes come with additional components and features that allow you to ride without pedaling. They also have pedals that you can use if the battery runs out of juice. If you’re on a budget, you should go with a non-electric bike.

Alternatives

Tern is not the only cycling brand out there that offers premium-quality bikes. There are some other companies like Brompton or Dahon that offer durable bikes with advanced features.

Tern vs. Brompton

Tern offers a broader range of top-end electric and cargo bikes compared to Brompton.  Brompton bikes are lighter and more compact.

So, if you need a modern-looking bike with advanced features such as a rear rack, fenders, and powerful motor, you should go with Tern bikes.

On the other hand, if you need a compact and lightweight bike for daily commuting, the Brompton bike will suit you better.

Tern vs. Dahon

As mentioned earlier, the company Tern was made by the son and wife of the founder of Dahon.

Tern and Dahon share many patents; that’s why many of their models appear pretty similar. Some models of Tern perform better than Dahon, while others are outperformed.

You should carefully read the specs and features of each bike if you find it difficult to decide between Tern and Dahon.

People Also Ask

The Bottom Line

Tern is one of the most reputable brands across the globe that offer top-of-the-line electric and non-electric folding bikes. We hope this guide will help you choose the most suitable Tern line-up to buy a bike that meets all your unique needs.