ROCK & ROLLA - continued from previous page..
Without batteries, the Joule III produces enough clean energy to power up the Valo II headlight and the best part is this:
When you stop, a pair of dimmer LED lights would remain lit till the dynamo takes over.
To keep the rider visible, a Spanniga rear light is wired to the Joule III.
It has an automatic stand light and like the Valo II, it would remain lit even when you stop.
Tern has taken care of the lighting on this bike to enable its user to travel in any condition.
And when it comes to folding, the bike folds in less than 15-seconds.
The patented N-Fold technology allows a seamless operation when you transit from cycling to packing your bike for a bus,
train or car ride.
For a 24" bike, the Eclipse folds neatly into a compact package.
It measures about 42 x 89 x 76 cm when folded and could be covered in a carry-on cover for transport or temporary storage.
When depolyed, the bike rides really firm and comfortable.
The secret is the wide 24 x 21.5 Schwalbe Big Ben tires.
These are also puncture-protected and the tire threads are really grippy.
Okay, all the bells and whistles aside, how does it handle?
Being the heaviest bike in Tern's stable, (15.8kgs) the S18 is meant to be used in harsh conditions.
It rides very well and is capable of delivering a really comfortable ride in the roughest roads Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya can provide.
When you hit a pothole, the bike literally chews it up.
The Andros steering system provides riders with a versatile riding position.
It could be set to accomodate the rider's style.
And when properly-set, the Andros steers like any other bike. It's never twitchy and gives the rider a solid control of the bike.
On the long straights and climbs, the bike has an 18-speed drivetrain.
TOP LEFT: The Andros steering systems provides solid and stable handling on the road.
TOP RIGHT: The Valo II headlight yields 150lumens of illumination.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Green power generated by the Joule III dynamo hub.