Brompton vs. Tern: Which Folding Bike Is Right for You?

Brompton vs. Tern: Which Folding Bike Is Right for You?

Brompton and Tern both make excellent folding bicycles, but they are designed with different riders in mind. If you’re trying to decide between the two, it helps to look at how they compare in build, fold, ride feel, and overall philosophy.

Craftsmanship and Design

Brompton
Every Brompton, from the entry-level A Line to the ultra-light T Line, is made by hand in London. Frames are carefully brazed in steel or welded in titanium with remarkable attention to detail. Components are engineered exclusively by or for Brompton, ensuring seamless integration and long-lasting quality. These bikes aren’t just tools for transportation—they’re precision machines designed to last a lifetime.

Tern
Tern takes a global approach, with design studios in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Production happens in Asia, with frames built from lightweight aluminum. This allows for sleek styling and a range of price points. Tern bikes use brand-name components chosen for reliability and value, with higher-end models featuring premium parts for performance-minded riders.

The Fold

Brompton
The hallmark of a Brompton is its unique three-part fold, which creates the most compact folded bicycle on the market. Even the larger G Line collapses into a package small enough to fit under a desk, in a closet, or in the trunk of a small car. For commuters navigating public transit, stairs, or tight storage spaces, nothing compares to Brompton’s portability.

Tern
Tern bikes fold in half. While quick and functional, the folded size is larger than a Brompton. A folded Tern is easy to stow in a car, RV, or garage, but less practical to carry frequently through buildings or onto trains. For riders who don’t need ultra-compact portability, Tern’s fold is more than sufficient.

Folding and Unfolding

Both brands require a bit of practice, but folding soon becomes second nature.

• Brompton: The fold may look complex at first, but every model—from A Line to G Line—folds the same way. Once you’ve learned the sequence, it takes under 30 seconds to fold or unfold.
• Tern: The process depends on the stem design. With models like the Link D8, you simply lower the seat post, fold the frame in half (where magnets keep it secure), and fold down the bars. Bikes with a telescopic stem involve a few extra steps, but overall the process is quick and straightforward.

Ride and Handling

The riding experience is where Brompton and Tern diverge most.

• Brompton: The 16-inch wheels give Brompton bikes fast acceleration and agile handling. They weave through city traffic with ease, making them perfect for urban riders who want quick responsiveness.
• Tern: With 20-inch wheels and a generally upright position, Terns deliver a smoother, more relaxed ride. Handling is stable and confidence-inspiring, ideal for recreational rides or casual commuting.

Fit and Adjustability

• Tern: Offers more adjustability in handlebar height and angle, allowing you to fine-tune your position.
• Brompton: Comes in three handlebar styles—Low (sporty), Mid (balanced), and High (relaxed)—with minimal adjustment beyond that.
• Both brands: Provide generous seat post range, so you can easily set your ideal saddle height.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

• Choose a Brompton if you want the ultimate folding bike: beautifully hand-built, engineered for performance, and compact enough to take anywhere. It’s an investment in a lifetime of quality.
• Choose a Tern if you want a reliable, versatile folding bike at a lower price point, with a comfortable ride and plenty of adjustability.

👉 Whether you’re looking for a quick-handling city bike or a relaxed weekend companion, both Brompton and Tern deliver excellent folding bicycles—you just need to decide which philosophy matches your riding style.