Rock & Rolla
Bike review
The urban transporter: you're gonna want one really bad!
THE SKINNY
Tern's Link platform consists of a series of bikes that is catered to the urban commuter and touring rider.
There's the affordable Link C7 for the budget concious cyclist, uno and duo for the younger set, the Link D8, which is very much a beginner's induction into the world of folding bikes, the P9 - for those who demand performance and P24h, Tern's answer to the long-distance cyclist with a wanderlust.
Oh! I nearly missed out on the Link D7i, the one and only bike with an internal hub gear, which is not available in the country.
If you like a bike with clean lines where form follows function, the Link P9 has everything that it takes to take you on a ride to work, train commute and as a fitness tool.
Its 9-speed drivetrain is smooth and responsive and if you are a strong cyclist, it is capable of yeilding a top speed of 35km/h on the straight.
Compared to its more affordable cousin, the Link D8, the P9 is built with premium components and weighing-in at 11.5kg, you can easily lug this bike into any RapidKL monorail, LRT and the KTM Komuter (as long as you bag it).
What I like about this bike is how fast it folds and unfolds as well as its capability of taking a cyclist whose maximum weight is at 110kgs.
This means, all you Godzilla-sized guys out there can get one!
PERFORMANCE
The Link P9 is an aluminium-framed bike, but despite that, it handles really well and is capable of delivering a smooth handling.
Throw-in the frame's double-truss design and OCL joint (Tern's patented folding and locking mechanism), you get a bike that is strong and firm.
And oh yeah, the guys at team Tern had also solved their handlebar's locking hinge issue by redesigning it to accommodate a longer pin.
This means, the lock-up is firm and solid.
I took this bike out on a spin to work and its able to deliver an average speed of 25km/h on cruising mode.
Downhill, this baby can easily roll at 49km/h effortlessly.
With a 52T chainring and a high-gear ratio of 32T, this bike can climb without losing momentum.
And when you down-shift the gear to its 11T cogwheel, this folding bike can fly!
The power to weight ratio on this bike is just fantastic.
Shifting between gears is smooth with the SRAM attack grip-shifter, but as a word of caution, do check the cable tension on the shifter to avoid chain-slips.
THE FINAL WORD
With a pricetag of RM2.8k, the Link P9 is a no-frills bike which is targeted to the serious foldie.
This is a bike you might want to consider as an upgrade when you move up the ladder, demanding for a faster, leaner and reliable two-wheeler.
I wished the fixed length stem is a little bit longer so that I don't have to lean forward too much and the answer to this is a VRO syntace handlebar which is only availble on the more expensive 'X'-series bikes from Tern.
Spare the petty stuff, the Link P9 is a bike that would give you years of service when you demand it.
Best of all, Tern also manufactures bags, carry on covers, racks and other essential commuting accessories to go with this ride.
For more information, check out www.ternbicycles.com on the range of colours and accessory option for the Link P9.
Till the next issue, ride safe and stay happy!