Tern HSD S8i Review

Tern Hsd S8i Electric Bike Review
Tern Hsd S8i
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Active Line Plus Ebike Motor 50nm
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Powerpack 400 Battery Pack
Tern Hsd S8i Andros Adjustable Stem Swept Back Handlebar Ergon Grips
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Purion Display
Tern Hsd S8i Optional Front Rack Tray
Tern Hsd S8i 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brake Magura Mt4
Tern Hsd S8i Valo 2 1 Integrated Headlight 190 Lumens
Tern Hsd S8i Herrmans H Trace Two Led Rear Light
Tern Hsd S8i Mid Step Frame Bottle Cage Bosses
Tern Hsd S8i Side Kickstand Optional Pannier Bag
Tern Hsd S8i Velo Hybrid Saddle Telescope Seat Post 30 9
Tern Hsd S8i Atlas H Rear Rack Extra Long
Tern Hsd S8i Gates Carbon Belt Drive 63 Tooth Beltring With Guard
Tern Hsd S8i Schwalbe Big Ben 20 2 15 Reflective Tires Puncture Resistant
Tern Hsd S8i Shimano Nexus Inter 8 Internally Geared Hub
Tern Hsd S8i Folded Handlebar Standing Upright On Rear Rack
Tern Hsd S8i Midtail Cargo Utility Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Midtail Cargo Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Utility Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Standard Electric Bicycle Charger
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch 4 Amp Ebike Charger
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Tundra
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Matte Black
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Red
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Limon
Tern Hsd S8i Electric Bike Review
Tern Hsd S8i
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Active Line Plus Ebike Motor 50nm
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Powerpack 400 Battery Pack
Tern Hsd S8i Andros Adjustable Stem Swept Back Handlebar Ergon Grips
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Purion Display
Tern Hsd S8i Optional Front Rack Tray
Tern Hsd S8i 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brake Magura Mt4
Tern Hsd S8i Valo 2 1 Integrated Headlight 190 Lumens
Tern Hsd S8i Herrmans H Trace Two Led Rear Light
Tern Hsd S8i Mid Step Frame Bottle Cage Bosses
Tern Hsd S8i Side Kickstand Optional Pannier Bag
Tern Hsd S8i Velo Hybrid Saddle Telescope Seat Post 30 9
Tern Hsd S8i Atlas H Rear Rack Extra Long
Tern Hsd S8i Gates Carbon Belt Drive 63 Tooth Beltring With Guard
Tern Hsd S8i Schwalbe Big Ben 20 2 15 Reflective Tires Puncture Resistant
Tern Hsd S8i Shimano Nexus Inter 8 Internally Geared Hub
Tern Hsd S8i Folded Handlebar Standing Upright On Rear Rack
Tern Hsd S8i Midtail Cargo Utility Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Midtail Cargo Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Utility Electric Bike
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch Standard Electric Bicycle Charger
Tern Hsd S8i Bosch 4 Amp Ebike Charger
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Tundra
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Matte Black
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Red
Tern Hsd S8i Stock Mid Step Limon

Summary

  • A high-quality midtail electric cargo bike that can stand vertically to save space! Available in eight colors (four for the S8i configuration) but only one frame size. Slack seat tube angle and two seat post segments provide a range of fit options for short and tall riders alike.
  • Lighter and less expensive than the Tern GSD model, the HSD (which stands for Haul Stuff Daily), comes with premium fenders, custom suspension fork, adjustable-angle Andros stem, and ergonomic grips for added comfort. Compared to the GSD, it offers a lower weight capacity overall and can only handle one child seat
  • Comfortable and stable Schwalbe Big Ben tires provide puncture protection and reflective sidewalls to keep you visible. Premium integrated lights with excellent headlight position and aiming. Magura hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power with extra-large 180mm front rotor. Capable but quiet Bosch Active Line Plus motor pairs nicely with the lightweight and reliable Bosch PowerPack 400... Tern chose the faster 4 amp Bosch ebike charger!
  • Bosch Purion display is not removable and does not provide USB charging or smartphone app support... but it's less likely to get damaged when folding the stem. Limited 105 RPM pedal cadence from Bosch Active Line Plus vs. Performance Line. Gates Carbon belt drive is quiet and reliable, the Nexus 8-speed internally geared hub is durable and can shift at standstill, but these features add cost and the IGH adds weight

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Tern

Model:

HSD S8i

Price:

$3,799

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Cargo, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, 10 Year Frame

Availability:

Canada, United States, Europe, Worldwide

Model Year:

2020

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

55.9 lbs (25.35 kg) (64.9lbs As Shown with Racks and Bags)

Battery Weight:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.05 lbs (3.19 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16.75 in (42.54 cm)(Folded Size 39 cm x 86 cm x 84 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

16.75" Seat Tube, 20.25" Reach, 18.5" Stand Over Height, 31" Minimum Saddle Height, 43.5" Maximum Saddle Height, 27" Width, 46" Wheel Base, 68.5" Length, Folded Size: 64" x 15.9" x 34"

Frame Types:

Mid-Step, Folding (Patented OCL Joint, DoubleTruss Technology)

Frame Colors:

Red, Limon, Matte Black, Tundra

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour MOBIE A32 Coil Suspension, 70mm Travel, 32mm Stanchions, Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, 100mm Hub Spacing, 15mm Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt, Novatec Hub with Sealed Bearings

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Axle with Flats, 15mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Atlas H Rear Rack Bosses, Luggage Socket™ Head Tube Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 Shimano Nexus 8 Internally Geared Hub

Shifter Details:

Shimano Nexus 8 Half-Grip Twist Shift with Optical Gear Display on Right

Cranks:

Tern Branded, Forged 6061 Aluminum Alloy Cranks, 170mm Length, 63 Tooth Gates CDX CNC machined Beltring Alloy Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo Urban with Alloy Core, Plastic Platform, Non-Slip Rubber Surface

Headset:

Tern Flux Pro Taper, Angular Contact Bearings, Physis Integrated, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"

Stem:

Tern Andros (Gen 2), Forged Aluminum Alloy, Tool-Free Adjustable Angle, 70mm Length, 300mm Steering Post Height

Handlebar:

Tern Sweep, 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Swept-Back, 670mm Length, Tern Andros Adapted (Aluminum)

Brake Details:

Magura MT4 Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Back Rotor, Dual Piston Calipers, Magura Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergon GP1, Ergonomic Rubber, Locking

Saddle:

Tern HSD Branded Velo, Hybrid Comfort

Seat Post:

Tern Telescope, 2014 Aluminum Alloy, (34.9mm-30.9mm)

Seat Post Length:

285mm, 300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

34.9mm, 30.9 mm

Rims:

Tern Atlas H, Double Wall, Aluminum Alloy, 35mm Wide, ETRTO 406x35, 32 Hole Front, 36 Hole Rear (With Brass Spoke Nipples)

Spokes:

Sapim, Stainless Steel, Double Butted, 14 Gauge, Black with Black Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Big Ben, 20" x 2.15" (55-406)

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 Bar, Reflective Sidewall Stripes, RaceGuard Puncture Protection, ECE-R75 Ebike Certification

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

SKS Plastic Fenders (70mm Width, Stainless Steel Hardware), Dedicated Trailer Mount, Atlas H Rear Cargo Rack (60kg 132lb Capacity, Extra-Long, 6 Point Mounting, Vertical Stand Bars at Rear, 25" Long x 5.75" Wide, Fits One Thule® Yepp Maxi, Yepp Nexxt Maxi, or Bobike® GO Maxi Child Seat - No Adapters Required), ABUS Shield 5650 Frame Lock (ABUS Keyed-Alike to Battery Lock), Tern Valo 2.1 Integrated Headlight (45 LUX, 190 Lumens), Herrmans H-Trace Integrated Rear Light (Two LED), Ursus Adjustable Length Rear Mount Kickstand, Flick Bell, Optional Cargo Hold 37 Panniers, Optional Kontti Basket, Optional Market Basket, Optional Shortbed Tray, Optional Hauler Rack, Optional Quick Release CMT, Optional Transporteur Rack, Optional Luggage Truss CMT, Optional HSD Cache Box, Optional Hold 'Em Basket, Optional Go-To Bag, Optional HQ Bag, Optional Captain's Chair, Optional Sidekick Joyride Bars, Optional Sidekick Footrests, Optional Sidekick HSD Wheel Guard

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, Rubber Handlebar Retention Strap, Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt, Fits Riders 150cm to 195cm (4’11” to 6’5”) Tall, Heavy Duty OCL+ Folding Joint (Rated to Exceed ISO 4210 and EN 15194 Standards), Stainless Steel Hardware, 1.7lb 4 Amp Bosch Standard Charger, Max Total Weight 170kg (374lbs), Max Rider Weight 120kg (264 lbs)

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Active Line Plus (Gen 3)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters (Eco: 35, Tour: 40, Sport: 45, Turbo: 50)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerPack 400, 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

396 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Purion, Fixed, 1.75" Grayscale LCD, Buttons: +, -, Walk Mode, (Hold + for Lights, Hold - to Cycle Through Readouts, Hold - and Press Power to Change Units) (Removable, Symmetrical Integrated Buttons for Right or Left Handed Users)

Readouts:

Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, eMTB, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range, Lights

Display Accessories:

Micro-USB Port on Right Side of Display for Diagnostics and Software Updates Only

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque over 1,000x Per Second, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 40%, Tour 100%, Sport 170%, Turbo 250%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)(25 km/h in Europe)


Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Tern. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Tern products or Cit-E-Cycles who built the bike and provided support. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Tern Electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • Tern is a leader in the folding bicycle space, and an early adopter of electric bike technology. They helped to pioneer folding ebikes and compact electric cargo bikes. The HSD midtail cargo model blends folding with utility, and is available in three different flavors as follows:
    • $5,199 Tern HSD S+ with Bosch Performance Line motor and Enviolo Sport 380 continuously variable transmission (CVT) drivetrain with AUTOMATiQ auto-shifting. Also includes a Thudbuster suspension seat post
    • $3,799 Tern HSD S8i with Bosch Active Line Plus motor and Shimano Nexus 8 internally geared hub
    • $3,199 Tern HSD P9 with Bosch Active Line Plus motor and Shimano Alivio 9-speed rear derailleur (11-32 tooth cassette)
  • The lightest model is the S8i at 55.9lbs because it uses a belt-drive vs. a chain and cassette. It’s probably about as quiet as the S+, since that model also uses a belt, but weighs about 2lbs less because the ENVIOLO continuously variable transmission contains traction fluid and requires additional sensors for automatic shifting. My own preference for the HSD would probably be the P9, because I am an active rider who prefers fast shifting and I don’t mind doing a bit of extra maintenance. The Bosch motor controller provides shift detection for the derailleur setup, but not the ENVIOLO or Nexus hubs. Those drivetrains can be shifted at standstill and may require less maintenance overall. Still, in my experience, they aren’t as efficient or quick as a traditional chain with derailleur.

Pros:

  • Tern is respected company with years of folding bicycle, folding electric bicycle, and electric cargo bike expertise and leadership. They spun off of Dahon years ago, another well-recognized folding bicycle company. Their folding handlebar design, proprietary Andros adjustable stem, and unique telescoping double-seatpost hardware feel sturdy and safe
  • Most electric bikes are rated to carry 250lbs or maybe 300lbs but the HSD can handle up to 375lbs! That’s enough for an adult rider and child or small adult passenger. The bike offers great utility for getting groceries, lumber for a project, or school gear, and the thick thru-axle and premium tires (with puncture protection) offer peace of mind
  • Safety is a big deal to me because I sometimes ride in the early morning and evening, surrounded by traffic. So, I love the bright color options here, as well as the reflective tires, reflective stickers on the frame and pannier bags, and the premium integrated lights that run off of the main battery. The headlight is especially great, being positioned high up at the handlebar vs. low on the fork
  • Some electric cargo bikes feel flexy because they are so long, and lack the proper materials or reinforcement. Some position the battery or motor at the rear vs. the center of the frame, but the Tern GSD felt very solid and stiff. They did a great job balancing approachability with a mid-step frame and stiffness/strength
  • The motor used here is one that I have reviewed hundreds of times before on other electric bikes and it has earned my trust as being reliable. Both the Bosch Active and Performance Line motors offer smooth controlled power delivery, and they measure your pedal input over 1,000 times per second! The motor controller listens for rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque. If you get the P9 version of the HSD (with a 9-speed derailleur), the Bosch motor controller also offers shift detection, to help reduce stress on the chain, sprockets, and derailleur
  • While the HSD S8i and P9 only come with a Bosch Powerpack 400 (vs. 500 on the S+), this is still a great battery pack in terms of weight, durability, and replaceability. You can even upgrade to a Powerpack 500 later on, and it will work with the same interface
  • I love how the battery pack can be charged on or off the bike, this is convenient for those who commute to work and need to fill-up for a long ride home or errands and then home. The battery has a built-in handle for easy-safe handing, and is shaped to make it easy to fit into backpacks and bags (if you want to bring two for extended journies). I appreciate that the S+ and S8i models get the faster Bosch 4 amp charger for quick fills vs. the P9 which only gets a 2 amp charger
  • Power and range are important but so is stopping, especially with a heavier bike and potentially more gear or multiple passengers. The Magura hydraulic brakes here are fantastic! You get adjustable-reach levers and extra large dual-piston calipers which spread out force and improve cooling. The front disc brake rotor is 180mm vs. the rear 160mm, and it offers improved mechanical advantage and cooling as you stop and weight shifts forward on the bike
  • Good kickstand choice and position, while it’s not a double-sided kickstand like the GSD has, it helps to cut down on weight and should be easier to deploy and stow for most riders. I expect that it would work fine for most cargo and even a child passenger… though the bike will tip to the left side vs. being perfectly level
  • So many awesome accessories! Whether you’re taking people or cargo, there are plenty of ways to stow gear. You could start off with a baby seat, then upgrade to a padded child seat with handlebar, and continue to transport a young adult (as long as you don’t exceed the max rack weight of 132lbs
  • The front rack design is excellent, note that the tray and basket mount directly to the head tube and won’t impact steering. This is important for carrying heavy loads, and when parking due to the side-mount kickstand design
  • The promotional videos show a man riding with a dog trailer, and Tern has designed a dedicated trailer mount for the HSD! This is wonderful, because sometimes it can be difficult to get a trailer setup with ebikes that have internally geared hubs and disc brakes (due to caliper mounting position)
  • The swept-back handlebar, Ergon ergonomic grips, and plush Velo saddle make the bike a lot more comfortable than it could have been. I especially enjoyed the suspension fork, which offers compression adjust, lockout, and preload adjust (to pre-load the spring for heavier riders). For even more comfort, you can lower the tire pressure a bit (just don’t go too low or it could cause a pinch flat, they recommend 30 to 55 PSI)
  • With a very approachable 18.5″ stand over height, you can easily step-thru the frame vs. having to swing your leg up and over the saddle or over the rear rack (which might be loaded with cargo or a child seat). I like that the top tube and portions of the side stays have clear plastic stickers to keep the paint looking nice. I also appreciate that Tern has added a bottle cage mounting point on the top tube!
  • Tern chose premium ABUS locking cores for this electric bike, and included a frame lock to secure the rear wheel! This frame lock is also made by ABUS and uses the same key as the battery pack, so you won’t have extra clutter and confusion each time you need to access the locks
  • The fenders are extra wide, sturdy, and have flexible mud flaps at the ends. The chainring guard offers full-coverage of the front sprocket, to help your pants or skirt avoid touching the belt or chain. In my experience, belts tend to be quieter, cleaner, more reliable, and longer lasting than chains. For me, the chain and derailleur is appealing simply because it’s so tight and quick for shifting. Hubs don’t shift as quickly and the ENVIOLO CVT isn’t as tight or efficient as the Nexus 8 or 9-speed cassette derailleur combo
  • Being able to fold the handlebar allows you to stow the bike on its side to save space… this could make sense in the trunk of a car or the bed of a pickup. I noticed that the pedals were not folding, so consider some quality metal folding pedals like these to make the bike even flatter… or to reduce scraping and gouging that a protruding pedal can cause
  • The four stand points at the rear of the rack allow this ebike to stand upright, saving space in an elevator or closet. This is a feature that many of the Tern products now offer, and it works pretty well… just be careful about where you park it so nobody gets hurt if the bike is bumped and tips over

Cons:

  • Depending on the HSD version you choose, it can get pretty expensive… especially when you factor in accessories! This is a premium electric bike, with great dealer availability for setup and support. The custom frame with cut-out for use with belt drives also adds to the cost. In general, this product is more expensive than some competing utility and midtail cargo ebikes
  • While I love that the seat raises so high, it wasn’t clear how you’d be able to raise the handle bars to match without some special accessory, the Andros adjustable stem helps a lot, but some other folding electric bikes have telescoping handle posts to address this. Tern followed up after this review went live, explaining that they do offer taller handleposts (the folding steerer column/stem piece) and that their local dealers can order and install them!
  • Tern has chosen slightly wider 2.15″ tires (for comfort and stability), but the HSD can still feel jarring on bumpy terrain because the 20″ wheel size has a higher attack angle (running into bumps and falling into potholes vs. spanning them). By contrast, the GSD has wider 2.4″ tires… but even it can feel jarring compared to a larger wheel size. I have found that lowering the tire PSI can improve comfort a bit, and you can purchase a 30.9mm suspension seatpost to replace the upper rigid portion of the stock seat post. This will improve back, shoulder, and neck comfort for people with sensitivity or longer trips
  • The smaller 20-inch diameter wheelset makes this ebike easier to mount, load, and stabilize when starting or stopping, but it also brings the kickstand and derailleur lower (if you get the P9). The clearance on this bike is less than a full sized ebike and some cargo models with larger diameter wheels (24″+), so be careful when parking near a curb or other low obstacles
  • The Bosch Active Line motor can feel a little limited when facing a formidable hill and is best suited for city riding, there is also a bit of a clunk when stopping, something that is common in the Active Line motors. For extra power, consider the S+ model with a Performance Line motor for faster 120 RPM cadence support (vs. 105) and even more power at 65nm of torque vs. 50nm with Active Line Plus
  • The Bosch Purion display panel isn’t removable and it doesn’t have an active USB charging port like the Intuvia, Kiox, or SmartphoneHUB, but it’s much more compact and simpler to use. It might also avoid damage when folding the handlebars on the HSD
  • Interestingly, a lot of the wires and cables on this ebike are not internally routed. This is atypical for a premium purpose-built product, but may have been done to reduce pinching when folding and to improve serviceability. Some of the cables stuck up and blocked the headlight a bit too… not a lot, but they were there.
  • It’s nice that they ABUS keys work for both the battery and frame lock, but they are actually locked into position when the frame lock is open! This is a bummer if you have multiple keys on a keychain, because they will hang down and jingle around (or possibly snag your pants/dress). You could just leave one of the two keys in the cafe lock at all times, but then someone could lock your bike and steal the key or battery… so you basically have to lock it every time you stop, and that sucks!
  • The thicker gauge tubing on the rear rack may not be compatible with standard panniers and clips. The thicker tubing was probably used for strength, to help support the official Tern pannier bags and increase the overall capacity for the optional child seat or Captain Chair that Tern sells.

Useful Resources:

More Tern Reviews

Tern HSD P9 Review

  • MSRP: $3,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021

A high-quality midtail electric cargo bike that can stand vertically to save space! Available in three colors but only one frame size. Slack seat tube angle and two telescoping seat post segments provide a range of fit options for short and tall riders alike. This is a proven ebike in my opinion, one that is available in four configurations depending on your appetite for technology, power, and range. The P9 is the most affordable, uses a weaker motor and smaller battery, and is the second lightest in the group.. Lighter and less expensive than the Tern GSD models, the HSD (which stands for Haul…...

Tern Quick Haul P9 Review

  • MSRP: $3,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

One of the most affordable models from Tern, the P9 is a Class 3 speed pedelec capable of 28mph (45km/h) top speeds. It offers a unique blend of utility, efficiency, and sport handling. The frame comes in one size and handlebar telescopes up and down, but does not fold. Two color options, hundreds of dealers in North America, extensive high quality accessories.. Great side mounted kickstand, but you can upgrade to a center stand for added stability…...

Tern Vektron Q9 Review

  • MSRP: $3,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

A premium folding electric bike with Bosch drive system and leading warranty, sturdy and quiet with plenty of adjustability (seat post height and stem angle), smart accessories help you carry gear and stay dry without noise. The folding joints are thick, sturdy, and don't have sharp edges, both latches have two-step…...

Tern GSD S00 Review

  • MSRP: $4,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

A sturdy, reliable, non-flexy, compact electric cargo bike with plenty of accessories to transport kids or even other adults, rated to haul up to 400 lbs. Highly visible with reflective tires, frame and bag decals, and integrated LED lights, great fenders…...

Tern GSD Review

  • MSRP: $3,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A sturdy, reliable, non-flexy, compact electric cargo bike with plenty of accessories to transport kids or even other adults, rated to haul up to 400 lbs. Available in three fun colors, highly visible with reflective tires, frame and bag decals, and…...

Tern Vektron Review

  • MSRP: $3,400
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A premium folding electric bike with Bosch drive system and leading warranty, sturdy and quiet with plenty of adjustability (seat post height and stem angle), smart accessories help you carry gear and stay dry without noise. The folding joints are thick and sturdy but don't have sharp edges, both latches have…...

Tern Node D8 with BionX Review

  • MSRP: $2,750
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

High quality folding frame from Tern combined with sophisticated, durable and quiet drive system from BionX. Four levels of pedal assist and regen as well as regenerative braking and variable speed…...

Tern Link D8 with BionX Review

  • MSRP: $2,700
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

High quality folding frame from Tern combined with sophisticated and quiet drive system from BionX. Four levels of pedal assist and regen as well as regenerative braking and variable speed…...


Comments (8) YouTube Comments

Dar
5 years ago

I’ve been riding my HSD P9 with my toddler in a Qibbel Air on the back for a few months and I love it! I just wanted to throw it out there that it seems like the ABUS lock on your tester was faulty. I have never once had to leave the key in the lock, I only ever put the key in if I need to lock it up.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hey! Thanks for providing that info about the lock, sounds like I might have received a European spec lock or just had some issue with it? It’s wonderful to hear that you’re out riding with your toddler, having fun :D

  Reply
Nc1
5 years ago

That isn’t correct, at least for the HSDS+ I bought. Even the literature I got with the bike tells you that you can’t remove the key from this particular Abus lock until it is engaged. This is one of the complaints I knew about before I bought the bike. More significantly, I really dislike the automatic shifting! With the Covid-19 closure of stores I didn’t get a chance to ride the bike before I bought it, but I got it at REI so fortunately, it’s going back! Also, larger riders should be aware that the Cane Creek elastomer that comes with the S+ is a #5 rated for riders under 200 lbs, and they are out of stock of #7 elastomers. This means that I cannot ride this bike without risking damage to the suspension seat post. Normally, I assume a shop would go over this with you before you buy it, but I didn’t have that opportunity and didn’t know until I read the manuals. I recommend the obvious- ride any ebike before you buy, or make sure you buy from a vendor that will allow you to return it. REI also gives you a dividend of about 10% on bike purchases :)

Ben P
5 years ago

Court, this Tern is an example of a slack seat tube angle, not a steep angle. A steep angle gets closer to vertical or 90 degrees (think triathlon bikes, where the saddle is almost directly above the bottom bracket). A slack seat tube angle makes for more laid back riding. Think Electra beach cruisers where the saddle is further behind the bottom bracket.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Ah, thanks for the terminology help, Ben! I appreciate your kindness to explain and give some examples. I’ll update the review text above to use “slack” thanks!

  Reply
Ken Cleeren
4 years ago

Hi, I’m a big fan of your bike reviews. Before i make any e-bike purchase i always search to see if you have done a review yet. Anyway, I wondering if you have a good resource you can recommend that can explain the different ride modes for the Enviolo Automatiq that are used on the Tern HSD S+. With an app you can customize the ride modes from, comfort to sport, but i have yet to find any documentation or video that can can explain me what the different configuration actually does. Does it change how quickly it shifts up or down? And if so, how does that work in combination with the cadence setting that you manually adjust.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Ken! Great question… and no, I’m sorry :P I don’t know about the app and don’t have a great recommendation for a good review or resource on it. I will try to get one of the new Terns and review it at some point though, so hopefully it will help others with the same question. Sorry for the delayed reply here too. Hope you’ve had a great weekend!

  Reply

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.