Tern’s Latest Folding Bike Fits in a Suitcase

Tern BYB

At Eurobike last week, Tern unveiled the BYB, a new folding bike that is 30% smaller than typical 20-inch wheel folding bikes, and is Tern’s smallest yet. The bike transforms into a small and slim package thanks to new folding technology.

The BYB is the culmination of four years of focused work by the team,” stated Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. “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.”

Typically, you need to carry a folded bike to bring it with you. To make your life easier on public transport, 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 can be done with one hand, just like rolling a suitcase.

For flying, the bike folds and fits into its own specially-designed hard-shell suitcase, the AirPorter Slim (sold separately). Sixty seconds and your bike is packed and protected for your next flight—no tools or disassembly required.

With 20-inch wheels, the BYB has a ride quality advantage over folding bikes with smaller wheels. Add the stiffness and durability of the Tern frame design, a comfortably long cockpit, and premium componentry—and you have a better ride.

We spent a lot of time debating wheel size at the start of the project,” stated Hon. “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.”

Tern thought that a bike designed for commuting should let you bring your stuff, so in addition to its own accessory line, the BYB is also compatible with a range of Ortlieb and KLICKfix panniers and bags to help you carry more.

The new Tern BYB lineup includes two models: BYB P8 starting at €1195 and BYB S11 at €2295. The first production run has already arrived in stores.

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