Tern Link D8 (Gen 5) review

Full review

The Link D8 is built around a comfortable ride. Tern fits wide Schwalbe Big Apple tyres with puncture protection and reflective sidewalls on 20 inch wheels, and a hi-tensile steel fork, which together take much of the harshness out of potholes and cobbles. It feels more like a small ordinary bike than many folders do.

The drivetrain is an eight-speed Shimano Claris with an 11-32 tooth cassette, covering 33 to 87 gear inches, enough for city hills and flat runs alike. Aluminium V-brakes do the stopping. Tern lists a 12.1 kg weight, so it is not the lightest, but it is easy enough to carry.

The folding system is where Tern's design shows. The frame hinge and handlepost lock quickly, and Tern says it folds in about 10 seconds into a package of 38 x 79 x 72 cm, with a Magnetix clip holding it shut. A kickstand, bell and luggage socket come as standard, but a rear rack and fenders are optional extras, so budget for them if you ride in winter.

The rider height range of 142 to 190 cm is wide, which helps if two people of different heights will share it. Compared with the Dahons it costs more but rides more comfortably; compared with a Brompton it folds bigger but is cheaper and rolls over rough surfaces better.