Bikes + Gears: Tern Link B8
Dependable bike for challenging everyday urban trips
What you need to know
- Frame: Folding, forged aluminum
- Brakes: Mechanical disc
- Tires: Kenda, 20 x 1.75"
- Transmission: Shimano 8-speed gearing, twist
- Weight: 13.6 kg
How did it go
I had a good time riding the newest member of Tern’s Link family of folding bicycle — the Link B8 for several weeks. The Link B8 has modest components and mechanical disc brakes, priced near the middle of the Link model range that beginner (and even experienced riders) will like.
The major differentiation point of the Link B8 to other entry-level bikes of Tern is its disc braking system. This has been my “wish” for some time now, for Tern to introduce to the market a Link bike that feels more dependable and have more confidence to ride whatever the weather is in places like Metro Manila (with our poor road and bike lane conditions).
The debate over which is better or appropriate for bikes, disc or rim brakes, is subjective and I won’t go there. But my two cents is that I find disc brakes reliable and useful for my trips in the city.
Perhaps it will also depend on how you store your rim brake bikes but I have had a few not-so-good experiences getting to my bike before a ride and realise the rim brakes have moved and needed adjustments.
It’s really a minor thing but having disc brakes takes that away completely. But note that disc brakes present a different set of expectations and responsibilities, e.g., maintenance, etc.
What the disc brakes give is that great stopping power when you need it even on sudden downpours and road and traffic scenarios.
Having said that, the package you get from the Link B8 is the standard quality folding bike you’d expect from Tern: (1) stiff aluminum (thus light) frame; (2) adjustable seatpost and telescopic handlepost, which allows for more riders (of different heights) to use the bike; and (3) sockets for racks (carrying cargo, bags), water bottle and mudguards.
What do I think
The Link B8 is an upgraded entry-level folding bike from Tern that everyone will like. While you can choose Link A7 or B7, it will save you a few thousands if you then decide to upgrade these if you think to can ride faster, farther and more often. Having the B8 gives us the option to go for an entry-level Tern folding bike with modest components such as the disc brakes and 8-speed transmission (gearing system).
With the ever increasing prices of petrol and goods, now is the best time to get a bicycle that you can use for most, if not all your trips in Metro Manila.
Say if you live in Antipolo and work in Makati, the Link B8 is your mobility solution — ride the bike to the public transport terminal, fold it, ride the bus or “modern jeepney”, unfold at a stop near your destination and ride.
It’s really up to you to discover how the Link B8 can make your life and daily trips — commute, errands, or just meeting friends and grabbing a cup of coffee, much better. Folding bikes (and riding it everyday) such as the Link B8 has a few tricks in its sleeves that can surprise anyone willing to give it a try.
#TernBicycles #TernLink #BetterByBicycle #CyclingIsTransport #ActiveMobility
