Why I love the Tern verge x11? One word….performance. This bike is good..maybe too good. #Ternverge #foldingbike #perfomance Instagram: / brian_s_downey Twitter: / anxious_vegan Music: ES_Cool wet sand by Oman www.epidemicso...
I got an X11 and honestly, the brakes are perfectly fine; they inspire so much confidence and now I'm a hydraulic disc brake convert. I just wish overall it's even lighter for faster climbs. Mine came out a little over 24 lbs/11 kg with fenders and pedals, so there is no way you're competing with disc road bikes at 17-20 lbs. I'm not sure what it is about it, but just feels so good pedaling it. It is not a road bike replacement, but roadies occasionally pass by me with a thumbs up, prob wondering why someone is pedaling a kid's bike so fast and blocking the lane. And I have a lot of bikes, including a Brompton. I have nicer road bikes for group rides, but the X11 is just such a quick, convenient bike for short rides if you can stand flat bars. And that's exactly what it is, a flat bar road bike. Nobody will win any races in a flat bar road bike and nobody will take you seriously, but it is just perfect for spirited rides at party pace with occasional burst of sprints, fold it up, bring it into a brewery, have some beer, and never carry a lock. If money is not an issue (I got mine used), I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the great review! Because of your review I am now enjoying the Tern Verge P10, and loving it! It goes so fast, and it is so much fun to bike on it. Folding is easy, and even I can lift it in the car (woman, 1.60m). The breaks are not too strong at all, but maybe that's the difference between the Tern P10 and X11. Anyway, your video has had great impact on my biking experience, and super happy with it, thank you! Greetings from the Netherlands
I am a short Asian man, 1.6m too, and am thinking of buying this bike too. First, I want to buy an eBike but the cost of replacing battery is too high after a couple years. However, I like this bike because it is fast and has small wheels (20 or 24 in max) but with a large crankset and multiple speed. I am little bit worried about this brake on P10 but you mentioned it is not like X11. The cost of P10 is much better than X11, too. Thanks
@@seemovielove3597e P10 is a great bike I have it. And you can knock some weight off it by using a lighter saddle, seat post and pedals. I got mine down to 24lbs from 25.8lbs doing this. And it's easier to ride now. And that bit faster. The brakes are very powerful. And you need to learn to brake with two fingers instead of a full hand. After a few rides it becomes easy. And you will be fine. The X11 is amazing but at £800 more than the P10. Its not worth that extra expense unless money is no object. Knock a few pounds of weight off the P10. And it's the better bike for the money.
I have a brompton 2022 and a turn vectron s10 2018 ebike……that weighs over 40 pounds and the hydraulic brakes work great! I am way too careful and don’t ride near anyone to have a problem with those super brakes! Great video! Keep riding, I am 73 and have total of 8 bikes, ride 40 - 50 miles everyday (even on a stationary bike on the inclement weather days} and hope to ride like this another 25 years if they will let me!
why do you own both a vectron and a Brompton? when do you use which? Doesn't it make more sense to have a trekking diamond frame and a Brompton for travel?
@@swish6143 The Brompton fits in smaller places than the vectron does. I took the Brompton on vacation in the trunk with all our luggage, and with the vectron it would never fit. Love both bikes!!! I will try and wear them both out. :)
Yeah man, i'm in the very western italian alps (cuneo) and just got a special foldie, Atala Tender, it's maybe the only real folding bike in Europe with a triple crankset. Like the Khs's bikes in the us and east asia. Only limit, it's just a city/trekking bike, i still have to rig it but will probably swap to cassette (non screw-on freewheel) wheels, etc. I am going to fit a 11-34 rear. I've started all this because 10 years a go i was living in the uk and owned a legendary Dahon Speed Pro TT, with both outer (9) and inner hub gears (3) so 27s total. It was one of the fastest folding bikes ever (i, like other owners, could match roadies without great effort and i'm only amateur). I sold it 'by mistake' haha now regret it. ...PLOT TWIST: if a little business goes well in the new year, then i've spotted this Verge P10 (which i like because more robust than x11 and even the old x10 i guess) and with 50-40 low gear i think i'll have solved all my wishes: speed, and mountain passes! Plus, it has discs (they often report of burnt tubes and tires when going down superfast on the small wheels ans heating rims when braking). I already got the Tender in so will keep it for relaxed 'folding tours'... Well, just said this all for the record and would be cool to hear your and anyone's thoughts/suggestions... fingers crossed everyone... ciao! :)
I had a bad wreck on my Forte last week. There was rock or something on the street and I didn’t see it in time. The front wheel bounced up and the bike went out from under me and I hit the street hard. I was embarrassed and jumped right back up and thought I was ok, but the next morning I was really soar. It sucked also because the chain popped off the drivetrain and I had to fix a greasy chain with no water or towel so then my hands were filthy until I could get to the Walgreens bathroom. It really has shattered my confidence too. I mean something like that could happen at anytime. I haven’t really done much biking since then. It’s unfortunate too because the weather has been so nice for cycling. Anyway, I sympathize with you when you mentioned having a wreck and a hurt knee.
Just watched a guy, Heng Choo Chian, in Taiwan talk about his P10. Loves it. I'm sold, if I could only afford it. // Nope. Wrong again; he's from Malaysia.
I can’t argue with that sir but the folding style of a Brompton is unbeatable on my opinion. But for sure Tern verge can smoke Brompton T- line with bigger chain ring options.
I agree with you regarding break. Have a personal experience falling off hitting the break. Not sure if that because of geometry of the design but tern verge X11 looking more promising.
The trick with the P10 Is to delicately pump the breaks. You don't make a sudden hard press on the levers. You can also loosen the pressure. So they aren't so responsive.
I've been thinking about getting a tern since seeing your review on it and speaking to a chap on the Lancashire coast ( Blackpool) who had one.Defo consider it once I've sorted my house improvements out and the cost of fucking living reduces. Great vid a usual.
@@mpg1fam Exactly. When I pay hard earned money for a bike. I like to keep it for a while. Leaving it on the streets where I live. It becomes a target for a pro thief.
I love the Tern X11. I test rode one a few weeks ago. I'd love for Tern to make a high-end super lightweight Titanium X11. No cheap aluminum. No cheap plastic. Tern has to come up with an answer to the Brompton T-Line.
Set the brake levers so only your fingertips can reach them and its fine. You then cant over pull them. The beauty of high quality Hydraulic brakes is they will last for years without maintanance. Because it takes so little pressure to stop the bike. Ive had my X11 since 2019. And the brakes still work amazing..
I too really like basic mechanical disk brakes. I think they are easier to maintain and they usually make squealing noises to warn others you are breaking. (Hey it's a feature!) Hydraulic brake have the pistons move in from both sides instead of one side so they are quiet but also fat more powerful and what I call touchy. Fir a big cargo bike or far a downhill racing bike the hydraulic brakes might be more useful but I like drum brakes and mechanical disc brakes best. Your city riding is intense and that 60 tooth chain ring is quite the set up. It's hard to get that right on a small bike.
Working mechanical discs are better than non-working hydraulic :) hydraulic pistons as I’ve learned can’t stand up to snow and rain, the piston seals degrade and are not repairable, oil starts weeping onto the discs and the pads, and braking goes to zero…. not to mention the horrible sound :) btw there mechanical calipers now that squeeze from both sides, they are more expensive but get good reviews… good to meet another drum brake fan, most people don’t know they exist…. they are perfect for winter city riding and commuting, completely sealed from water, never any maintenance, adjustment, or pad replacement, they just work day in day out for years…
The Tern is just a much better bicycle than the Brompton with the obvious exception of the fold especially for someone as tall as you and given your more performance oriented riding style, it makes for a fun and effective leisure machine. Not taming anything away from the Brompton which obviously had different strengths. Very complementary products
I'm looking for a spare/ second bike for traveling with and when hosting friends. Love my Brompton but second hand ones aren't available to check out in person here (only find in big cities hundreds of miles away) and they are just getting MORE expencive... I'm here to learn about other folders... any other recommendations?
@@NoZenith brompton are the most popular folders and if you can't find them there, there's little chance to find for example a Zizzo (excellent low cost good value for money alternative). Otherwise if it's a cheap spare bike you need, how about those sold by decathlon?
@@MrFrescocotone I'm looking at EVERYTHING. Zizzo is what I'm comparing against at this point, but I've heard a lot of issues with the stock gears needing lots of attention/recalibration and several reviews mention the chain coming off which makes me question if the frame is flexing or something? I'm open to anything at this point, min 16" tires though. We don't have Decathalon here either. (Mid-Michigan).
Would you rather own a Brompton T-Line or a Tern Verge X11? Why? I test drove the T-Line yesterday. Wasn't sure what I thought. Also, isn't there something you could do about the sensitive breaks on your Tern? Thanks.
Just bought a used Giant 20-inch folder on Sunday! It has an aluminum frame, 8-Speed Shimano Trigger Shift w/ Shimano Altus derailleur. It has mudguards & a rear cargo rack! Needs a tune-up bad! Can't wait to get gravel tires & go exploring! Once I get a good system down, I plan to ride World-Wide! Been following your channel for a while! Thanks for all the helpful tips & sharing your passion with us "Folder"-Heads! Do U have a Fan Page where I can Post my Folder? It looks really nice!😁
Hey bud, hopefully i'll get hold of a p10 but will keep it as it is, feels more robust than the x11 for roughish roads like here in Italy, i only hope he hubs/wheels will be decently fast anyway... Dunno if you or anyone has further thougnts on this... cheers!
Loving that X11! What a cool bike! I'm planning to get the P10. Would you consider swapping the hydraulics for mechanical disc brakes? I used to have the Verge S27h, which had BB7 mechanical disc brakes, and I loved them.
The hydraulics are not a problem. It's how you use them. You cant pump them hard. You have to use two fingers lightly. Instead of both hands. If you can't get used to that. You can change them down to weak disc brakes.
Is the Tern P8 still a good alternative for the P11? Can't justify the price tag on the P11 since it'd mainly be for train commuting and some park riding on the weekend.
thank for review, now oner of x11: some comments to report my experience, coming form a dahon p7 . Bike is on the heavy side for top of the line, most of the weight is due to a very stiffened frame, somehow even too much for the scope. Second disk brakes are excellent, i am 85kg + 10 kg backpack and finally, I feel confident to have modulation and reliability ( so I disagree about overkill). As final remark For the price components could be a little more esoteric and lighter, so stay under 11 kg with pedal and lights need some costly upgrades. But definitely i love x11! eventually it may be good to get low spec model and upgrade it.
Agree how the X11 brakes will affect you depends on the weight you are moving. Brian looks like 70kg. So for him it's gonna be overkill.for a 80kg plus rider plus rucksack. It's gonna be better. When I got mine the brakes scared me at first. Now I've mastered the perfect stopping tension and technique. They are a dream to use. Especially when some A--hole tries to cut me up or suddenly open their car door..
There's a Tern Verge X18 for sale on CL in my area that I can't stop thinking about. I really like what you had to say about the powerful brakes.I also had a 60T ring on my BF NWT w. a set of Velocity wheels. I could really spin that bike up & hang w. roadies. I feared no hill either. I just loved high rpm spinning on that bike.Something about the riding position, crank arm length, large ring, small wheels that just made it so fun!!!
Everyone should be ready for a hard stop on an instinctual basis, practice so that you just do it without thinking about it when needed… Throw your butt off the back of saddle as far as you can, arms straight, back level, brace one foot against the pedal forward… You can lock front and back brakes if you do it right and you won’t go down…
Hi, Great video. I have a P10 too and was wondering if you could help me - I want to change the front chain ring, but i'm new to bike mechanics and can't work out the size (BCD). Do you know? BTW: My brakes are not like yours - they are basically the same as my regular bike. Thanks.
I heard TERN recalled a ton of frames in the past for possible breaking at the headtube. There is an X18 near me for a good price but the frame recalls has me sketched out on buying it.
The X18 is amazing I've had one for 7 years. It's the fastest folding bike ever made. And very sturdy and stiff. No problems with the frame. I have over 30,000 miles on the clock. And it will probably last forever. For me the X18 and it's brother the X20 are the best folding bikes ever made period. Tern should keep making them. They are superior to the X11 and P10 all DAY. And they use V brakes. Which is all you need on a light folder. The quality of the parts on this bike blow me away. You spin the front wheel with its American classic hub. And it spins for over 12 minutes. You spin the back wheel with that 9--26 Shimano capreo cassette. It spins like it's an electric bike. Just awesome. And the Kinetix Pro X aero wheels cut through a head wind like nothing else. Having ridden a cheaper folding bike before I got it. The difference is night and day. It barrels up to 25mph on the flat easily. And hills feel like nothing on it..I can't recommend it enough. If you get a chance to get one or it's brother the X20 which is equally awesome. Get it......
Ok! I have P-10 and love it but Breaks just breaks my heart:-))) way too much! I don't like disc Breaks in general, they are not necessary for majority of riders, I had bad experience with my MTB and disc Breaks especially when you transition from rim breaks to disc, you use to squeeze hard and with disc breaks that means you are over your bike on ground:-))) Brompton the best folding bike in general!
@@ibikeunfolded yeah, now it's my fault, I get it. Anyway, good to blame somebody else for doing what I love. Riding bikes...Cheers, Chris PS I will never again regaining the feel of sorrow for not having a Bonanza bike...
breaks i know what you talking about I pay price few bruises when bike kicked me out. :-) but to be honest i dont like those brakes same as you, more fun of my regular Brompton chapt 3 bike.
Hi Brian, what is the frame material...is that alu 7xxx ?.. is 7xxx level of stiffness.. make it better performance bike than alu 6xxx frame?.. can i buy only frame set option for tern?
I’m really debating which one should I get. I love the style and components of tern but the Brompton compact design is just unbeatable. Ughhh which one should I pick sir?? 😅
Your personal needs and Budget are key here. I finally committed to a Brompton and I'm looking for something a bit more affordable as a second bike but more stable than a zizzo (I hear so much about them needing regular adjusting among other things). If you can justify the cost for the compactness, convenience and lack of significant fiddling (drivetrain is protected and you pretty much never have to adjust it) a Brompton can't be beat. It's a lifetime investment for me and is my only bike so after a year, I finally pulled the trigger! Good luck.
Buy both! I will add a tern to my two Bromptons. I will work a bit more, but I love to have choices in the morning on what I ride to work. Cheers, Chris
@@NoZenith Yeah your right about the keys. I’ve been eyeing Brompton A line but I’m not sure if I can modify it to 6+ gears. How was your bike treating you so far?
@@ibikeunfolded I owned p10 before, and the entry mt200 hydraulics doesn't bite like urs do...in fact..there are loads of p10 riders riding in the city environment without the brake issue. Is yours Deore X11 brakes?..If its stock p10 brakes...it shouldn't bite that crazy. Of course on hydraulics..fingering the levers with just one or two is all we need..if death grip...for sure likely we will fly over the bar..
@@ibikeunfolded Ok, I don't know, maybe I have just never experienced brakes that are overkill... It's just that, from your description it felt similar to when you try driving a car with tighter brakes compared to what you're used to. Yes, the first few times you try to slow down you're going to overdo it, but eventually you get use to it
Go up a super steep hill and then ride the brakes down. You'll be thankful for them. I had a folder with hydraulic brakes on it and going down near 40 vert saved my life. The brakes held well. I had a BBS02 mid drive motor with 19.0 ah battery running near 40mph on a flat road , throttle only. THOSE overkill brakes now shined.
And my LightweightH6LXBrompton actually has excellent brakes, which I have used to the full during a looong serpentine decent with frequent "cattle prevention tubes" over a hole in the road. I had to brake fully down to be able to walk over, or around them with my bike, through a self closing gate to the side. I was in doubt about how the brakes would function in the beginning, but my Brompton never let me down!!! I know it is possible to buy a titanium fork for a Brompton-type bike, with room for a disc brake/wheel and I was tempted to buy one for my front, but not anymore, after having experienced how really good the original brakes actually are, during a controlled braking, using both brakes of course! And I also own a superlight MTB with double caliber, top Shimano brakes (XTR9120) and oversize, different size discs, so I do know how disc brakes function, when they are top quality, above the rest.
@@ibikeunfolded this doesn't have plastic hinges does it (i haven't come across any folding bike with plastic in its hinges)? Is he perhaps talkin about part of the hinge clamp lock?
I never fold my P10. It's a work of art to look at. And I get asked questions about it on a daily. Especially by curious roadies. Who want to know how a bike this size moves so fast. My average speed went up by 4 miles. Going from my Budget carrera intercity to the P10. Its amazing.
Do you have a Facebook page I can follow. If you don’t mind I’d like to ask you a question about which bike to pick for me it seems you’re preknowledgeable and folding bikes. Thank you
where's your video with all your folders and their pros/cons? thanks. and thanks for teaching me that carbon cranksets aren't necessary cuz they can be fragile.
I've been riding this bike for about a month ru-vid.comUgkxwC0IIeIomGQVeBWg-kKJaToZkLEFIA2W and a half now and I think it's fantastic. It helps me get to work on time every day since I'm able to fit it inside of public transportation rush hour. The price is great too, people are always shocked when they ask me how much I paid for the fold up and I tell them "200". It's easy to fold and installation when it ships is insanely easy. All you have to install when the bike arrives is one foot pedal, everything else is done for you. I do recommend you carry some sort of wrench to tighten any loose screws on the handle bar and seat whenever they get a little bit loose. Other than that I think it's a fantastic bike. Easily fits in the home, can fit inside a car trunk and can even fit in subway rush hour.
I’ve had a lot of truckers ask me about my folders for the same reason. The ones that got themselves one- love it. When they are waiting for their trucks to be unloaded or on a layover they ride their bikes to the store or someplace like a park to relax.
Do you have a Facebook account that I can follow and ask you some questions about folding bikes. From watching your videos I’ve seen a few that I like but would like to pick your brains if possible thank you
