The Tern Verge X10 is as stylish as it is a great way to go out and about.
The awesomeness started at Avenue Cyclery on Stanyan, in San Francisco. The guys who run that shop are all top notch, and the service they provided was about as good as it gets. If you are looking for friendly, knowledgeable bike dudes, Avenue is the place to go.
After the pick up, which took no time at all, it was time to stop and gawk at this marvel of modern engineering. To oversimplify, it takes some mad skills to make a good bike that doesn’t fold, it practically takes a mad scientist to make one that does. The two halves of the chunky main folding joint nest together perfectly, and once clamped, have yet to squeak, groan, or complain at all. This is even more significant when considering the fact that I am right up against the recommended 250 pound carrying capacity of the X10.
The 7005-Aluminum of the spar-like frame of the X10 is torsionally stiff while providing a surprisingly supple ride. It does have to be mentioned that this frame is very communicative. Cracks, ridges, and pavement irregularities are transmitted up through the slim 20” wheels as well as the tall seat and handle posts, but this never feels particularly harsh until the bike encounters something it really shouldn’t have in the first place. Despite being constantly apprised of the road condition, the ride has yet to be overly distracting or annoying.
Overall, the X10 is a joy to ride, live with, and fold up at the end of the day. Weighing in at just 21.2 pounds and folding up to just 15” x 30” x 28” and fitted with some seriously trick components, it is a bicycle of utter convenience, great style, and beautiful design. If there is one thing that I would change, and this is a personal preference more than a problem with the X10, I would opt for a model with bigger wheels. Bigger wheels with a little more rubber wrapped around them would be much better for the dismal road conditions found all over the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you are looking for the ultimate urban runabout, look no further than the Tern Verge X10. It is a fun ride, kitted out with the coolest components, and easily the niftiest thing on two wheels. For more information about Tern, click here. Available at Avenue Cyclery in San Francisco. $1950
**Full disclosure: This bike was a loaner provided by Tern Bicycles for editorial consideration.
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