Tern Link P7i and Swoop D7

Tern is a new folding bike company, which split from Dahon. They now offer a wide range of folding bike designs. Similar to Bike Friday and Brompton folding bikes, there are meant for people who want to travel with their bike, who need to keep a bike in small space, or who have a multi-modal commute which does not allow standard-sized bikes.

Tern Link P7i

The Link P7i, "The equipped one" as they say, comes with almost everything you could want. Dynamo hub and lights, a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal gear hub, rear rack, fenders, and chainguard  (attached directly to the chain) are included. There is a bracket on the front of the frame to attach a bag or front basket, which does not affect the steering. It is available for $1200 at Clever Cycles and other shops.

Tern also sells the Swoop d7i for $1000. It also has a rear rack and optional dynamo lighting, with a 7-speed hub, and a standard chainguard.

Tern Swoop d7i

And at the high end, they offer an Alfine 11 speed IGH equipped bike with disc brakes and dynamo lighting, the Eclipse S11i:

Tern Eclipse S11i

Reviews: 
NYCEWheels Video - Eclipse S11i
Lovely Bicycle - Swoop d7i
London Cyclist - Link
Turbo Bob - Link

Specifications: 

Link p7i

GENERAL INFO Color:  (Black/Grey) Wheel Size: 20 inch wheels Speeds: 7 Weight: 14.2 kg Folding Time: 10 sec Folding Size: 38 x 79 x 72 cm Frame Sizes: One size Gear Inches: 33" - 81" Rider Height: 142 - 190 cm Max Rider Weight: 110 kg FRAME Frame: 6061-Alumnium Fork: Aluminum, 6061-AL COCKPIT Handlepost: Physis T-Bar, aluminum,  Stem: Andro Headset: cartridge bearings Handlebar: K6061-AL Grip/Bars Tape: BioLogic Arx Saddle: BioLogic Como PRM Seatpost: BioLogic PostPump 2.0 Seatpost Clamp: Syntace, stainless bushing BRAKES Brakes:  V-brakes Brake Levers: BioLogic integrated bell

WHEELS Front Hub: BioLogic Joule II dynamo Rear Hub: Shimano Nexus 7  Spokes and Nipples: Stainless steel, brass nipples Rims: Kinetix Comp by WTB, doublewall, CNC sidewalls, powder finish Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme, 42-406, RaceGuard puncture protection, Reflex TRANSMISSION Shifter(s): Shimano 7 spd twist Crankset: Kinetix Supra, forged 6061 cranks, 6061 chainring, CNC chainguard Cassette/Freewheel: SRAM for hub gear Bottom Bracket: Cartridge, sealed bearings Chain: RustBlock, GST coated, 3/32" Pedals: Suntour folding, alloy body EXTRAS Chainguard: BioLogic FreeDrive Kickstand: Premium single, aluminum Clip System: Magnetix 2.0 Luggage Socket: Yes Front Light: Valo, HiLux LED with StandLight Rear Light: Spanninga Premium, LED Fenders: SKS, stainless hardware Rack(s): BioLogic Portage 20, tubular aluminum, KlickFix compatible

Eclipse

GENERAL INFO Color:  (Black/Polish) Wheel Size: 24 inch wheels Speeds: 11 Weight: 14.7 kg Folding Time: 10 sec Folding Size: 42 x 89 x 76 cm Frame Sizes: One size Gear Inches: 30" - 120" Suggested Rider Height: 148 - 195 cm Max Rider Weight: 115 kg FRAME Frame: 7005-AL TIG welded  Fork: aluminum, 6061-AL COCKPIT Handlepost: forged aluminum Stem: Andros, Headset: cartridge bearings Handlebar: double-butted 7050-AL Grip/Bars Tape: Ergon GP1 BioKork Saddle: Kore Sola for Tern Seatpost: 7050-AL Seatpost Clamp: Syntace, stainless bushing BRAKES Brakes & Levers: Avid Elixir

WHEELS Front Hub: BioLogic Joule HG, disc Rear Hub: Shimano Alfine, 11-speed Spokes and Nipples: Double-butted 18/10 stainless, Rims: Kinetix Pro, niobium alloy Tires: Big Apple 50-507 TRANSMISSION Shifter(s): Shimano Alfine, 11 spd. Crankset: FSA Vero, ISIS BB, CNC Guard Cassette/Freewheel: Shimano for hub gear Bottom Bracket: American Classic, ISIS Chain: RustBlock, GST coated, 3/32" Pedals: MKS EZY QR Shifter Cable & Housing: Shimano EXTRAS Chainguard: BioLogic FreeDrive Kickstand: Premium single, aluminum Clip System: Magnetix 2.0 Luggage Socket: Yes Front Light: Valo, HiLux LED with StandLight Rear Light: Spanninga Premium, LED Fenders: SKS, stainless hardware Rack(s): BioLogic Portage Racks

Brompton

While not made in the USA, like the Bike Friday folding bikes, Brompton folding bikes are often touted as the bike with the most compact folded size and a very quick fold. This makes them a good option for people who need to combine a bike trip with trains or buses which do not allow full-sized bikes, or who want to fly with a bike when visiting another city. They fold down to a package that is a few inches larger than their 16 inch wheels.

The bikes and most of the special components are made in England, and there are many customization options, including all of the options we like here at Bikes for the Rest of Us: fenders, dynamo hub and lights, rear rack and a front bag or basket. Most are sold with a unique 6 speed drivetrain which combines a 3-speed internal gear hub with a tiny 2-speed derailleur.

There is no kickstand option, because the bike itself is designed stand up when folded, and there are small wheels on the rear carrier to allow it to be rolled around like a shopping cart when taken into a store. The front bags or basket attaches directly to the frame, above the small front wheel, instead of to the fork or stem as with most front baskets. This means a front load does not affect handling, and a surprising amount of cargo can be carried on one of these bikes.

Bromptons are also designed with surprisingly quick handling and a slightly leaned-forward position. This combined with small wheels, which accelerate quickly and light weight make it handle more like a road bike than a traditional city bike. The frame is meant to accomodate a range of riders, so taller people will have a more leaned-forward posture, and shorter riders are a little more upright. This can be partially counteracted by different handlebar options.

The most expensive options, including a titanium frame and fork, can cost over $3000 (above).
But the complete bike at the top of the page with 6 speeds, dynamo hub, lights, fender and the addition of a rack is under $2000. The most basic model is just over $1400.

For people in some cities, bike sharing systems, and access for full-size bikes on buses and trains, have made folding bikes less essential for multi-modal trips, but they can still be the perfect solution for some people, so it is no surprise that Clever Cycles in Portland has trouble keeping Bromptons in stock.

Bike Friday

Many have lamented the decline of American bike manufacturing, as most production frame builders have moved work to Taiwan or mainland China in the past 2 decades. Now most custom USA built frames will cost over $1000. Folding bikes or frames designed for traveling can cost even more. But it is still possible to get an affordable American-built frame on a Bike for the Rest of Us.

Bike Friday has been building frames for small-wheeled, foldable bikes in Eugene, Oregon for the past 22 years, and have gathered something of a following for their unique, customizable designs. Although most of the models do not fold as quickly and compactly as a Brompton folding bike, they are all designed to fit in a standard-sized suitcase for plane or train travel. A high-end Bike Friday with expensive components will cost $2000 or more, but they now offer an entry-level model with the same type of frame, hand-made in Oregon, matched with affordable parts (and an 8-speed rear derailleur), for as little as $798

They will add fenders, a kickstand, bell, and rear rack for a nearly complete 8-speed Bike for the Rest of Us priced at $920.95: the Pocket Companion (above)

They also will build you a "New World Tourist Nexus 8" with the premium "red-stripe" 8-speed Shimano nexus internal gear hub and rollerbrakes, Schwalbe Marathon tires, rear rack, fenders, kickstand, bell, water bottle, and a high-end front dynamo hub for about $1700 (not including the price of lights). The bike pictures has the Nuvinci hub instead:

And at the high end there is always the Infinity Drive Silk, with a Nuvinci continuously variable internal hub, Gates carbon belt drive, front and rear racks, and optional dynamo lighting for $2700.

Bike Friday makes it very easy to customize each of their models, or design a completely unique bike for people with special needs, so all of their models could be shipped to your door with a full complement of fenders, kickstand, dynamo lights, racks and bell, if desired. The Pocket Companion is cheaper due to using standard parts.

Here is the Silk 8sp (slct) with a Shimano Alfine hub and full dynamo lighting system:

They just unveiled a new "long-tail" cargo bike model, stay tuned for more about this.


Pocket Companion basic specifications:

2A MAIN FRAME:	04 New 2014 Poc Companion EP 1 1/8, 1.75 (to 220lbs)
2B FORK:	40 Companion /OSATA/HaD "V" Black 20"- 406-1 1/8
2C REAR END:	1.5 Pocket Companion - 2013-14 left fold 406V
2D SEATMAST:	01.21 EasyPack mast 1.25 X .055 (4130) x 13" Black
2E STEM /BF MADE:	BF 25.4 Adj Riser & clamp Black- Companion/OSATA quill/ahead
BARS:	MTB flat Kalloy 15degree flat bars,25.4 x 560mm
BB BEARING:	111.5mm BF Sealed 68xEnglish
BOTTLE CAGES:	Velocity Bottle Trap Black Cage
BOTTLES:	BF 21oz. water bottle white w/black lid - black logo
BRAKE LEVERS:	Alloy V brake levers
BRAKES:	Alloy V brake for one wheel - Black
CABLES:	Cable - Housing Black std w/ Decals Black or White
CASSETTE:	11-28 8sp Shimano Oem
CHAINS:	KMC Z-51 8sp chain
CRANKS:	Alloy 170mm crank 44T- DD,Tan front & other w/plastic guard
DERAILLEURS REAR:	Shimano TZ50 34T, 43 teeth - Change to SRAM for DD shifter
DESIGN / INTERNAL:	NO Front Derailleur Hanger -NONE on this bike -add if need
HEADSET, THREADLESS:	1 1/8" FSA Tap Adjust threadless, black, headset
HUB FRONT:	BF Select 28o 100mm FRONT Silver w/QR
HUB REAR:	BF Select 28o 130mm rear-Silver w/qr
MISCELLANEOUS:	Optional fenders, kickstand, bell
PEDALS:	Wellgo MTB Style (Pair) Pedal
RIMS:	Weinmann TM19 (406) 28o Black
SADDLE:	BF padded & bumpered saddle .
SEATPOST:	Kalloy #243 Sil adjust post 28.6 x 350mm
SHIFTERS/CONTROLS:	MicroShift twist 8 speed
SPOKES:	Spokes DT 14 ga. Stainless w/ brass nip
STEMS F:	Kalloy 22.2, 60mm quill, silver or black
TIRES:	Sunlight Kontact 20 x 1.75" (406) 40psi blk. hybrid tread
TUBES:	20x1.5 to 1.95" SV (406)

Infinity Drive Silk (baseline specifications without rack or lights) $2250

2D SEATMAST:	01 .1 Left Fold Mast 2010> Silk/NWT/ PR / PL std .055 CrMo
2E STEM /BF MADE:	BF Stem Riser, Adjustable for / Ahead,1 1/4" SVS
ACCESSORIES:	Custom Engraved Name Plate. Optional: fenders, racks, kickstand, bell
BARS:	MTB flat Kalloy 15degree flat bars,25.4 x 560mm
BB BEARING:	111.5mm BF Sealed 68xEnglish
BOTTLE CAGES:	Bottle Cage , Cateye Flexible
BOTTLES:	BF 21oz. water bottle white w/black lid - black logo
BRAKE LEVERS:	Tektro "V" style Brake Levers (TS360A)
BRAKES:	Avid Disc Brake, MTB F/R BB 7 w/160 Cable
CABLES:	Cable - Housing Black std w/ Decals Black or White
CASSETTE:	Carbon drive, centertrack, 24 tooth cog for Nuvinci
CHAINRINGS:	Carbon Drive Centertrack 60T 130BCD, Gates
CHAINS:	Carbon Drive belt, centertrack, 115 tooth, Gates
CRANKS:	Alloy single 170mm 130 53t crank w/chain guard
HEADSET, THREADLESS:	1 1/4" BF Threadless cartridge, alloy, black
HUB FRONT:	SRAM 406 32o front disc black
HUBS GEARED R:	Nuvinci 32o, black (w/ shifter, disc brake) (135)
MISCELLANEOUS:	BF Head Badge Brass -Yellow,Navy,White, w Gold trim
PEDALS:	None supplied std.
RIMS:	Alex X-101 Alum (406) 32o 20 x 1.5" Silver
SADDLE:	BYOS - NONE SUPPLIED
SEATPOST:	Kalloy #243 Sil adjust post 28.6 x 350mm
SHIFTERS/CONTROLS:	Supplied with hub
SPOKES:	Spokes DT 14 ga. Stainless w/ brass nip
STEMS F:	BF 25.4 Ahead for Adj Riser(we will size w/ bike)
TIRES:	Primo Comet 20 x 1.35" (406) 100psi Blackwall tire
TUBES:	20x1.125-1.5" SV (406x32-37)

Bikeshare

A New York City citibike. Credit: citibikenyc.com

For me, the biggest surprise of the last 6 years was the way that bikeshare took off in the Washington, D.C. region and how it has spread to New York City and other cities in North America. Bikeshare is the ultimate in Bikes For The Rest Of Us.

Here's a must-read: David's post about his father, who had not owned a bike in 37 years, trying bikeshare. With bikeshare, you don't have to own a bike to reap the benefits of bicycling as basic transportation.

Honorable Mention: Folding bikes can be very useful in this age of multimodal transportation. Read Tom's review of his Dahon Eco-3.

Montague Boston 8

Montague Boston 8.  Photo Credit: Montague Bikes.

Montague's Boston 8 is a folding bike that features a Shimano Nexus internal 8-speed hub and 700c tires and folds up to fit in your trunk or on a bus or train.  The MSRP is $1050.

Montague has a storied history.  Harry Montague was a Washington, D.C. bike commuter who built a full-size, foldable mountain bike in his garage in the early 1980s.  According to his Washington Post obituary (Montague died in 2011), Montague wrote letters to 40 bicycle manufacturers about his design, but no one was interested.  He then started his own business with his son building custom foldable bikes. 

In 1997, Montague made a "paratrooper bike" for the U.S. military that has been used in Afghanistan.  The paratrooper bike has been on display at the America on Wheels Transportation Museum, and it is for sale to the general public as well.

The Boston 8 and the single-speed Boston are perfect for multi-modal commutes and for travel.  Here are the 2013 specs for the Boston 8 and a video introduction:

Specifications
Color	Matte Black
Frame	Custom drawn 7005 Series. Aluminum tubing with horizontal dropouts and FIT System..
Fork	Full Cro-Mo, with CLIX™ Wheel Release System Ramped Dropout.
Rims	Alex. Alloy, 32 hole, Black. 700c.
Tires	Kenda Kwick Roller Sport 700c x 28mm slick.
Hubset	Formula. Alloy, with CLIX™ front quick release. Shimano Nexus internal rear.
Spokes	14 Gauge Stainless
Saddle	Areo Performance with “Center Gap”.
Seatpost	27.2 X 300mm Alloy.
Handlebars	Riser style 30mm rise. 530mm wide. Alloy.
Stem	Kalloy, Alloy Direct Connect, 7 Degree Rise.
Shifters	Shimano Nexus 8-speed.
Front Derailleur	NA
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Nexus internal gear 8-speed hub.
Crankset	SR Suntour. Alloy 42T chainwheel. Alloy 170mm crank arm.
Speeds	8
Brakeset	Promax. Alloy. Dual Pivot Caliper brake with Alloy levers.
Pedals	Platform trekking pedal. Aluminum Cage.
Bottom Bracket	Sealed Cartridge
Frame Sizes	17", 19”, 21”
Stand over heights	TBA
Folded Size	36” x 28” x 12”
Approx Weight	27lbs
MSRP	$1049.00