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Tern Bicycles

Tern BYB

Have you ever wished you could take your bike with you everywhere you go, without the hassle of lugging around a full-sized bicycle? Well, the Tern BYB electric bike might just be the solution you've been looking for. Picture this: you're on a multi-modal commute, hopping on and off buses, trains, and trams. Carrying a full-sized bike around would be impractical, but with the Tern BYB, you can effortlessly fold it up into a slim package and take it with you wherever you go. It's like having a bike that's always ready to ride, no matter how you're getting around. One of the standout features of the Tern BYB is its unique tri-fold design. Unlike typical folding bikes that fold vertically, the BYB folds horizontally, resulting in a significantly reduced footprint. This not only makes it easier to store under your desk or in tight spaces, but it also means you can even pack it in a suitcase for air travel. Imagine the freedom of exploring a new city on your own bike, without having to worry about rentals or shared bikes! When it comes to performance, the Tern BYB doesn't disappoint. Despite its compact size, this e-bike is no lightweight when it comes to handling a load. With a weight of just 31.5 lbs and a load capacity of over 250 lbs, it's suitable for riders of various sizes and abilities. Plus, the company's standard 20" wheels provide a smooth and grippy ride, even on rough roads. The Tern BYB is powered by an 8-speed gear system that works seamlessly with its powerful motor. This not only ensures a smooth and efficient ride, but it also reduces noise and improves battery efficiency. And for those moments when you need to navigate through traffic or weave through city streets, the rigid suspension fork delivers stability and speed, making maneuvering a breeze. Safety and convenience are also at the forefront of the Tern BYB's design. It's equipped with a user-friendly V brake system that's easy to maintain and replace. Plus, the sturdy 6061 Aluminum shell can handle all kinds of weather, ensuring that your bike will stand up to the elements. And if you're worried about storing it outdoors or during inclement weather, you can easily add a cover to protect it, just like a tent. While the Tern BYB has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, it's important to note a few minor drawbacks. Firstly, the greater gear range may not be ideal for beginner or unfit cyclists, especially when traveling downhill. Secondly, getting the spinner wheels going while it's folded up can be a bit finicky. Lastly, finding the perfect seatpost-to-handlebar distance may require some trial and error, as the seatpost height is higher. In summary, the Tern BYB electric bike offers a compact and convenient solution for urban commuters and bike enthusiasts alike. Its slim-fitting tri-fold design, lightweight construction, and powerful motor make it perfect for mixed-mode commutes and travel adventures. With its impressive performance and thoughtful design, the Tern BYB is a top contender in the world of folding e-bikes.

Rating

4.8
3
Expert Reviews
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Price
$1,699.00

Type
eBike

Class
Class 1

Release Year
2019

Brake Type
Rim Brakes

Drive Type
Mid-Drive

Frame Material
Aluminum

Basics

Gears
8

Max Range (mi)
66 mi

Max Range (km)
106 km

Top Speed (mph)
28 mph

Top Speed (kmh)
45 kmph

Watts
400

Weight (lbs)
32 lbs

Weight (kg)
14 kg

Weight Capacity (lbs)
231 lbs

Weight Capacity (kg)
105 kg

Wheels
2

Wheel Diameter (in)
20 in

Wheel Diameter (mm)
508 mm

Wheel Width (in)
1.6 in

Wheel Width (mm)
41 mm

Use Cases

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10 Reasons to Buy the Tern BYB

  • The Tern BYB electric bike has a slim-fitting tri-fold, which reduces the overall footprint, makes it easier to travel with on mixed-mode commutes, and convenient enough to store under the desk - or even place it in a suitcase for air travel.
  • Since the BYB electric bike folds horizontally, the wheels are made to spin independently, allowing the rider to trolley it through security.
  • The e-bike by Tern weighs only 31.5 lbs at its full size, and handles a load capacity of over 250 lbs, which makes it quite convenient to take up on climbs.
  • The wheels of the Tern BYB e-bike are the company's standard 20". They are grippy on rough roads, handle a lot of weight well, and absorb bumps along the way - so every ride is smooth.
  • The Tern BYB electric bike has an 8-speed gear which works with the powerful motor's acceleration, reduces the noise level and proves to be more battery-efficient.
  • The Tern BYB electric bike is fitted with a rigid suspension fork that is stiffer on the road at high speeds, so maneuvering around the traffic isn't just smoother, it's also faster and more stable.
  • The BYB electric bike is equipped with a V brake system which is user-friendly, efficient on the hubs, and easy to maintain. Not to mention, it is commonly available, so replacing it isn't a pain.
  • The Tern BYB electric bike is outfitted with a sturdy 6061 Aluminum shell that resists wear and tear, rust, and handles all kinds of weather well.
  • To shield against bad weather, or to store the Tern BYB e-bike safely for longer, a cover can be added on top like a tent when it's folded.
  • The step-through frame of the Tern BYB electric bike is adjustable and able to fit riders as short as 4'10", or as long as 6'5" comfortably.

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Tern BYB

  • The Tern BYB has a greater gear range, which may not be suitable for beginner or unfit cyclists, especially while traveling downhill.
  • It’s a tad finicky to get the spinner wheels going while it's folded up.
  • The e-bike has a higher seatpost, so it may take some trial and error to get the seatpost-to-handlebar distance perfectly adjusted.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Tern BYB electric bike seems to perform well and may just be one of the best foldable e-bikes on the market. It checks off all the boxes for a reliable commute. The 8 speed gears could prove complicated if you’re a beginner rider, and the higher seatpost can be an annoyance for some, so keep those qualities in mind before deciding!

Scores

Ride Quality
4.9

Build Quality
4.9

Design
4.8

Value
4.5

Score
4.8

Reviews

Reviews of the Tern BYB

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