Folder for out in sticks commuting

bogmonster

Hi,

I have never been a keen cyclist and never really got on well with cycling - I used to do a fair amount of hill walking, rock climbing, cross country running and caving but never could manage cycling. I live 21 miles from work and have a hilly commute (top of Mendips into Bath and back). Anyway, I am recovering from an illness, ME, that totally knocked me for a few years. I am slowly recovering but suspect I will never totally recover. I need to start getting some exercise but I need to start slow and build up very gradually. I can't afford a relapse of ME and that could be brought on with too much exercise.

Before I became ill I did cycle the 42 mile commute ocassionally but it was hard going for me so being of a technical mind I built an electric bike from an acient Dawes Horizon I bounght as a kid (I am over 40 now).

I decided that the sensible thing was to part drive and part cycle to work. A folder that could go into the boot and not be visible sounded sensible so I could decide on the way if I wanted to cycle part way of just drive in. Where I park (assuming I don't cycle) is about 1/2 mile walk into work and it is not safe to leave a bike on display in the car. I'm close to buying a Tern D8.

I have taken my son's MTB in the car and did the last 7 miles on that (it is too small for me). Found that tough on the way out of Bath up the hills.

I also did just shy of 20 miles on the electric Dawes today and that was quite easy going. Amazed the battery was not killed due to lack of use and charging.

I am not really sure what my question is? I guess it is about other people's experiences with bikes like the Tern D8. How do they hold up over time, especially in poor weater and in the winter when the roads are salted? Is it realistic to expect to be able to commute 7 to 10 miles each way in moderately hilly areas?

My thinking is that I will use the Dawes for longer rides in until I lose weight, get some fitness back and am happy a relapse is not on its way. The folder I will start 4 miles out and try and slowly build up over time.

The niggle I have is would I be better to get a tricross (edit - I think that should read cyclocross - not big in with bike lingo) bike instead of the folder and accept that I must cycle if I have loaded it into the car?

Sorry for the very confussed post, BM.

IanLD

Have a Tern Verge P18 and have used it quite often on my commute. I find that the lack of variation in position doesn't make it the best bike for climbing hills.

It can be done but isn't as efficient as my hybrid, mountain bike, or road bike.

The main plus for me is being able to fold it up and put it in the boot where it can stay out of sight until needed. Full size bikes either mean folding the rear seats down or putting the roof bars on to carry them.

It isn't too bad weight wise which does help a bit on the hills.

I fitted Schwalbe Winter Marathons to it for use on icy paths and found it was the bike I used most in these conditions as I do not have clipless pedals on it. Coped well once I'd fitted mudguards although the rear mech needed cleaning more often as it is so close to the ground. Only time it got a bit lively was on deeper slush when the front wheel didn't cut through the same as a full size bike would have.

On slicks, it rolls well and once you are used to the more twitchy handling, it is easy enough to ride. Potholes etc need to be avoided a bit more, but I've had no issues over 30+ mile runs on it.

As I've said above, main weakness is the lack of alternative positions and it is a bit sit up and beg compared with the rest of my bikes, but I've still been able to climb everywhere I've gone.

Replaced the folding pedals with Wellgo QRD-M138 removable pedals which are much better than the cheap folding pedals it came with.

I use it now mainly for the short run from where I park to the office and back. Days when I cycle to the station and then cycle home I'm on full size bike just now, but will put the studs back on and use the Tern once the paths get icy again.

Tern are quite well built bikes and with mudguards, I've had no issues with rain that differ from any other bike.

bogmonster

Thanks Ian,

I have butterfly bars on the Dawes electric - needed to swap out the drop bars because I could not find brake levers for drop bars with the motor cut out switches. I am thinking of using similar bars on the Tern. I beleive I will need to use a stem extender (aber halo is one option) as the tern clamp will only acommodate flat bars so I hear. I hope this will give me more options and allow me to get my head down out the wind.

For pedals I was also thinking removable with those new strap thingies (can't remember the name) that are like toe clips without the front cage. Alternatively fixed pedals would also work for me in the back of the car.

BW, BM.

p a t r i c k

Hi

I have had no experience with the Tern bicycle you mention, in fact I had to Google to find it on the 'net and see what it is.

I wonder how much money you are interested in spending?

When I have purchased new bicycles I spend a reasonable amount of money on them and keep them for a long time. I think it works out cheaper in the long run.

Reading your requirement I think that Birdy would suit rather well. You would have no concerns about whether it would be okay to ride 20 miles on one, you can ride hundreds of miles on them it you wish.

They do fold well, and I think that they are the best folding bicycle for going a decent distance. You will enjoy riding them and you won't be wishing you were riding something else. It is the kind of bicycle you will wish to go riding for pleasure on.

More expensive as you will see:

Birdys at Avon Valley Cyclery (foldingbikes.co.uk)

but worth it imho.

If you can find a dealer near you who stocks them you could perhaps go for a test ride on one. Then the extra money required will start to seem like a good investment.