Tern Verge N8 folding bike, 20", black, 8 Speed

The Tern Verge N8 is a folding bike built for practical urban cycling and commuting. Unlike its smaller Brompton rivals, the Verge uses 20-inch wheels and a traditional lateral fold, giving you a bike that's easier to ride over rough roads and longer distances whilst still being compact enough to store or carry when needed. At nearly five years old, this particular example has been well maintained and recently given a thorough refresh that brings it back to working condition.

The frame is straightforward steel construction, and the bike runs an 8-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain paired with V-brakes. This is a no-fuss setup that's easy to service yourself if something needs attention, and the larger wheels mean puncture repairs are genuinely manageable roadside without needing specialist tools. The 20-inch tyres soak up poor road surfaces better than smaller-wheeled folders, making the ride feel less jarring over potholes and rough tarmac. The most recent service in early 2025 included new front and rear wheels supplied by Tern, fresh Schwalbe Marathon tyres, new V-brake cantilevers and blocks, and new cables throughout, so mechanically the bike is in solid working order.

In day-to-day riding, the Verge handles the mixed demands of urban cycling well. The 8 speeds cover a reasonable range without being overly complex, and the upright position gives decent visibility in traffic. The bike originally sold for around £850 and represents the kind of honest engineering you find in Tern's range, designed to be ridden regularly rather than treated as a precious object. The larger wheels and tyres mean it's genuinely suited to longer commutes and less predictable road surfaces, which is where it distinguishes itself from smaller folding alternatives. Mudguards and a kickstand come with the bike but have been removed by the current owner, so you can refit them if you prefer that setup.

This bike works well for commuters who want something more substantial than a pocket folder but still need the option to fold and carry, or for anyone doing regular mixed-mode journeys that combine cycling with public transport. The practicality of the larger wheels and the straightforward maintenance make it suited to riders who want a folding bike that actually gets used rather than fussed over.