A Whole New Way to Fold a Bike: Tern Launches the Ultra-Compact BYB Folding Bicycle

Tern’s innovative new folding bike will arrive in bike stores in July. Read more about it here!

Urban transportation specialist Tern has just unveiled the BYB, an ultra-compact bicycle that introduces a whole new way to fold a bike. The BYB is 30% smaller than typical 20″ folding bikes, and is Tern’s smallest yet. The bike transforms into a small and slim package with one of the smallest folded footprints on the market — but still offers a surprisingly solid ride.

Here is a video where you can see this folding bike in action:

Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain, said:

“The BYB is the culmination of four years of focused work by the team. We had to develop some radically new technology for this bike and the manufacturing tolerances are, in the words of our factory partner, ‘tighter than automotive’. But we’re excited because new folding bike paradigms only come along every few decades or so, and we think the BYB falls into that milestone category.”

In addition to its ultra-compact folded size, the BYB has a number of important features. 

Ready to Roll

Fold a typical folding bike and you need to carry it to move it around — not fun in large train stations. The BYB has rack-integrated spinner wheels, and stands upright within easy reach. Wheeling the folded BYB on crowded subway platforms or rolling it into an elevator — even while holding a cup of coffee in the other hand — works just like trolleying a suitcase.

Ready for Flight

With the BYB, a whole new world of flying with your bike becomes possible (and easy). The bike folds and fits into its own specially-designed hard-shell suitcase, the AirPorter Slim. Sixty seconds and your bike is packed and protected for your flight — no tools or disassembly required.

A Better Ride

With 20″ wheels, the BYB has a natural advantage over folding bikes with smaller wheels. Add the stiffness and durability of the DoubleDeck frame design, a comfortably long cockpit, and premium component — and you have a better ride.

All the Right Gear

A bike designed for commuting should let you bring your stuff, whether that’s a change of clothes, workout gear, or your laptop bag. In addition to its own accessory line (see below), the BYB is also compatible with a range of Ortlieb^® and KLICKfix^® panniers and bags to help you carry more.

See also: Our Post on Two Top Waterproof Ortlieb Panniers

Here’s more from Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain:

“We spent a lot of time debating wheel size at the start of the project. Some argued for using a smaller wheel which of course results in a smaller folded package. But smaller wheels come with a compromise in ride quality. In the end, ride quality won out because if we and our customers are going to be on a bike, putting in miles day in and day out, it has to ride well. Some people might find it a bit surprising that we’re launching a non-electric bike since the trend is going to electric. But we see micro-mobility as a continuum of different types of trips and different sorts of mobility options. An ebike lets you do the entire trip by bike and skip cars and public transport. But for many people, public transport is still the fastest and most cost-efficient option, and all they need is a last mile mobility device to get them to and from the station. Others might work in a city center that is car-restricted. For such short trips, people don’t need electric — they need a mobility device that packs small and isn’t a hassle to move and store. Hence the BYB.”

The new BYB lineup includes two models: BYB P8 starting at $1,295, and BYB S11 at $2,495. The first production run has already rolled off the assembly line, and the first bikes will arrive in stores in July. Interested riders can check with their local Tern dealer for delivery updates.

New Technology

The BYB incorporates ten separate Tern patented technologies, with highlights listed below.

TriFold Technology

BYB uses a patented new method of folding a bicycle — with two hinges in the frame and one in the handlepost. The positioning of the two hinges is incredibly complex — so complex that the patent includes a mathematical formula that describes the hinge positions, as well as alternative positions.

DoubleDeck Frame

The BYB inherits the DoubleDeck frame design and the burly trapezoidal tubing from the GSD for a stronger, lighter frame.

TFL Joint

Each hinge is also loaded with patented new technology and represents the state of the art in folding bicycle technology. The hinge rotates around stainless steel pivots sitting inside smooth Igus bearings. Levers lock shut automatically with strong aluminum pins. The TFL Joint is a complex 3D shape with internal interfaces with the frame tubes for a strong, durable connection.

Anchor Bolt

The folded bike is locked together with a strong and patented Anchor Bolt mechanism, so the bike always stays securely locked no matter how you lift or carry the bike.

Physis RF

Most folding bikes feature overly flexy handleposts which result in a ride best described as “riding a wet noodle”. The 3D-forged Physis handlepost is known for its stiffness and strength. This new RF version pairs with the stiff frame to form the foundation of the BYB’s excellent riding characteristics.

Metro Transit Rack

The Metro Transit Rack was designed to let the BYB stand vertically when folded, and features spinner wheels that make maneuvering the BYB in crowded spaces a breeze. It pulls double duty by also working with small and mid-size panniers, like the Ortlieb^® Sport Roller.

Accessories

AirPorter Slim

Built with Hinomoto^® spinner wheels and ultra-light polycarbonate, the AirPorter Slim is a custom-fit hard-shell suitcase for the BYB—no disassembly required.

Dimensions: 20.7 x 12.8 x 33.9 in

Tern MSRP: $295

PopCover

The BYB isn’t just easy to fold and trolley, it’s also extremely easy to cover—simply grab the PopCover, pop it open, and you’re ready to go.

Tern MSRP: $45

Luggage Truss CMT

The BYB features the same front Combo Mount as the Tern GSD. With the new Luggage Truss for Combo Mount, BYB riders can enjoy a wide ecosystem of baskets, bags, and panniers designed for the KLICKFix^® system.

Tern MSRP: $49

Go-To Bag

A spacious messenger bag for the Luggage Truss CMT. The Go-To Bag is loaded with features but the best might be the Fidlock^® magnetic buckle.

Tern MSRP: $140

Pack Rack

This frame-mounted front rack is small but strong. The Pack Rack can be used as a handle to trolley the folded bike and, best of all, it does not affect the folded package size.

Tern MSRP: $59

Visit the Tern website for more information.