Tern BYB - Review

The Tern BYB is a very special folding bike. Tern has engineered into the bike a double fold arrangement that makes the bike fold smaller than a traditional single fold bike. Taking the opportunity of redesigning the folding bike, Tern also integrated some revolutionary features into the BYB such as the frame lock, the pannier rack and various transporting options.
The Tern BYB is available from FORM + DESIGN in Sydney Australia, address below;
FORM + DESIGN
Shop 5 (Abode Building - entry in Albany Street)
599 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065, AUSTRALIA
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
web: formanddesign.com.au

[@PRH123]

Nice. Good to see some real new innovation in this area.

[@FormanddesignAu]

We agree!

[@AnonYmous-iw6rh]

Very thorough review, thanks👍

[@FormanddesignAu]

No problem 👍

[@angeloscots7930]

I'm falling in love with these folding Terns

[@fender1000100]

They are very special. What Tern is doing over the last 10 years.

[@weekdaycycling]

I found that the two extra wheels work so well that I have to place my bike on a flat surface or else it will move away. The extra wheels, like those found in a trolley, can freely rotate.

[@popinjay3000]

the soldering on this bike is so conspicuous, could they have done anything to smooth it out?

[@ZizouTheKing22]

Brompton still smaller footprint at about same weight…

[@FormanddesignAu]

We also sell Brompton bikes. It's only marginally smaller than the Tern when folded but the footprint when folded is about the same with the Tern being taller when folded.
Where Brompton is better than BYB;
- smaller wheels (16" packs smaller)
- smaller fold
- lots of customisable options like handlebars, titanium parts, gearing
- mid section suspension using a rubber block. Only a mild affect though
- electric option available, but clunky compared to other eBikes
- same frame made for the last 50 years and easy to find parts all over the world for this bike
- street cred
Where BYB is better than Brompton;
- Bigger wheels (20" rides better)
- folds better which makes it easier to roll
- a proper catch means that it won't come undone when folded. This is especially true when you are rolling the bike folded when you are in a rush. The Tern stays locked together, the Brompton, not always.
- Better gearing with simple derailleur gears. Brompton's gearing can be frustrating to use
- Standard pannier rack and quality rolling wheels (for when folded).
- Can fit small standard panniers. It's harder to find non Brompton panniers that fit the optional rack on the Brompton.
- Has a kickstand standard, which means that you can stand the bike when you have panniers fitted to the rack or you don't fell like folding the bike.
- better everyday commuter bike. The geometry of the handlebar to seat to pedal position is more normal compared with the Brompton
Summary:
They are both good bikes. They just suit different riders and needs. The Brompton has street cred and you can get parts all over the world because they have been in production for so much longer the then BYB. The BYB is a more comfortable daily rider with better gearing.

[@sitoudien9816]

Never heard of a Brompton? The smallest folder ever. Much smaller than the Tern. Everything is a compromise. The brompton has 16 inch wheels and is harsher to ride. The Tern has 20 inch wheels, rides like a regular bike, but is not as compact. I would prefer a 18 inch Brompton is it existed.

[@FormanddesignAu]

We also sell Brompton bikes. It's only marginally smaller than the Tern when folded but the footprint when folded is about the same with the Tern being taller when folded.
Where Brompton is better than BYB;
- smaller wheels (16" packs smaller)
- smaller fold
- lots of customisable options like handlebars, titanium parts, gearing
- mid section suspension using a rubber block. Only a mild affect though
- electric option available, but clunky compared to other eBikes
- same frame made for the last 50 years and easy to find parts all over the world for this bike
- street cred
Where BYB is better than Brompton;
- Bigger wheels (20" rides better)
- folds better which makes it easier to roll
- a proper catch means that it won't come undone when folded. This is especially true when you are rolling the bike folded when you are in a rush. The Tern stays locked together, the Brompton, not always.
- Better gearing with simple derailleur gears. Brompton's gearing can be frustrating to use
- Standard pannier rack and quality rolling wheels (for when folded).
- Can fit small standard panniers. It's harder to find non Brompton panniers that fit the optional rack on the Brompton.
- Has a kickstand standard, which means that you can stand the bike when you have panniers fitted to the rack or you don't fell like folding the bike.
- better everyday commuter bike. The geometry of the handlebar to seat to pedal position is more normal compared with the Brompton
Summary:
They are both good bikes. They just suit different riders and needs. The Brompton has street cred and you can get parts all over the world because they have been in production for so much longer the then BYB. The BYB is a more comfortable daily rider with better gearing.

[@PRH123]

18 inch is a very rare size. I think they do exist, but 18 inch rims and tires are not easy to find.

[@fender1000100]

Just get a dahon K3 plus better than both Brompton and Tern. And for the money £900. As light as a pline. With 9 gears. Much better bike overhere.. And can be made even lighter than 9.8KG with upgrades.

[@cgi2173]

Should be electric.