I’m looking for a folding bike and the two I’m considering most closely are the Tern Verge D9 and the Link D8.

I like that the Verge D9 has disc brakes and I have a strange attraction to its 451 wheels.

The Link D8 has a wider variety of compatibile tires but I don’t prefer V-brakes.

Do you know a strong reason to choose one over the other? A strong reason I should be looking at something else entirely?

  • Avid Amoeba@lemmy.caOP
    0·
    2 days ago

    Thanks for the info! The current model seems to come with 38c tires. I saw there’s very little variety in the 451 diameter and most are 28c. I’m thinking that if I end up needing wider tires and there’s nothing available, I could replace the wheelset with 406. Since it’s using disc brakes that should work fine. I was considering converting the front of a Link D8 to disc but it seems like 20" disc forks are much harder to find than 406 disc wheels. Have you looked into a front rack? Is it Taiwan-made or PRC-made? Have you fit fenders on it? Can it roll folded without the special rack for rolling?

    • pc486@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      1 day ago

      The 38 tires should really help on the rougher paths. Maybe I’ll pick them up when I wear out my current set.

      I haven’t tried the front rack yet. Not out of dislike but because I usually pack nothing or way too much. 🤣

      Same goes with fenders. I haven’t installed them, and probably won’t. It’s too sunny where I’m from.

      The frame is made in Vietnam. The quality is alright, not amazing but certainly appropriate for the price point. No issues with it so far and better than some frames I’ve seen from the PRC.

      It can roll without a rolling rack, but not easily. Good enough for a few feet here and there. I suggest going for the rolling rack if you want to push it around train platforms and such. The saddle is padded on the underside though. It’s nice when going up stairs.

      One more thing: the drive train is exposed when folded. Watch out for dirty chains and be careful when loading it into a car. It’s easy to damage the derailleur hanger or disk brake if it tips over. Support the bike with a box or tie it down when transporting it.