The "Chilli Api" : Tern Link N8

The competition is heating up...

What that would be a docile bicycle distributor is now cranking-up their efforts to compete with a rival and a new player from the North to dominate the beginner and intermediate-level folding bike market.
After five years of enjoying the publicity and limelight, the guys who are responsible for bringing Tern Bike into Malaysia are finally giving the customers a run for their money since the Dahon agency was taken away from them.
Otherwise, they would remain in slumber and the mistakes from the past are still haunting them till today.

The low-down..

Okay, what on Earth is the "N"-designate on a 20" Tern folding bike? 
I was told by the head-honcho over a simple lunch meeting that the N-bikes were meant for the Japan market where riders need a "smaller" frame.

A compact package: the Link N8

Pricing factor: a winner! 

The Tern Link N8 is priced below RM2K.
This makes it a highly desirable bike to own for beginners who are working on a tight budget.
What's nice, is the fact that good components are used for the bike.
Schwalbe Kojak tires are stock-standard on the Link N8 and for the city commuter, a set of SKS fenders are fitted onto the seat stay and fork assembly. This is handy if you are riding in wet areas.
Tern didn't cut any corners with the N-spec bike by giving their customers Shimano components 
You'll find a Shimano Tiagra rear derailleur and a Shimano non-series 8-speed single shifter on the bike.
What I find a bit jarring, is the crankset and the pedals. Other than that, the bike is faultless.

A versatile and compact bike: the Link N8

Set to soar

What I personally like about Tern bikes: especially the Link platform, is the fact that you can accessorize the bike for any riding levels.
Put a cargo rack on the rear, you are in business for a multi-modal commuting ride or even bikepacking trips around Peninsular Malaysia.
Based on the decent component package and a good pricing factor, I think the Link N8 will enjoy a good and captive audience here in Malaysia.

Where to buy? 

Head down to Johnny Ng's My Bicycle Shop in BU4 in Bandar Utama. Call him at 016-632 2599 for an appointment to view the bike. In the Klang Valley, Tern bikes are sold 
at Rodalink outlets in Desa Hartamas, Bangsar, Bandar Botanic and Putrajaya.