To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Tern. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Tern products.
Tern has recently updated their line of cargo bikes with the GSD S00. The S00 is a bit of an upgrade from the original GSD I covered in 2017, most notably with the Enviolo CVT transmission and the Bosch Performance Line CX motor giving it higher power and is really capable of handling that higher torque. It’s nice to see they also boosted the battery from a Bosch PowerPack 400 to a PowerPack 500. The price gets a bit of a bump for these premiums, with an MSRP of $4,999. Only one frame size and one color available (mango); a kind of low-step, mid-tail cargo bike which is shorter in terms of length but is lower to the ground and feels really stable. Its got these smaller diameter wheels (20”x2.4”) which provide for a bit of a mechanical advantage allowing you to accelerate and decelerate faster, giving it a zippier feel. Smaller wheels do mean you pick up a few more bumps from the attack angle, but the S00 has been equipped with these sturdy Schwalbe Supermoto X higher volume tires with reflective sidewalls and puncture protection. I really love the use of boost hub spacing with 110mm in the front and 148mm in the rear, it’s a little longer which means the spokes get a sturdier bracing angle and it really adds strength to the overall setup. The quick release thru-axles are really convenient as well. I want to go back for a minute and acknowledge that although there is only one frame size, there is quite a bit of adjustability. It has this telescoping seat post with two latches, one of them a quick release, as well as this Andros adjustable stem which can pivot forward or backwards really letting to get the fit just right. The frame itself is aluminum alloy and incredibly reinforced, the bike I review in the video is about 89lbs but without the racks and stuff about 71.5lbs, still a little heavier but its got great weight distribution and a double leg kickstand which holds it up nicely. Tern also gave the S00 battery integrated lights in the front (swivels, has an on-off switch) and rear as well as reflectors and reflective accents on the frame, bags, and even the seat pad. I am a big fan of visibility, so this is something I could consider a big win, especially if you have some more precious cargo you are carrying. Continuing around the bike its got these great ergonomic locking grips, some extra wide plastic fenders with mud-flaps to keep your clothes clean, Abus frame lock on the front wheel that is keyed to match the battery, and this nice thick slap guard to protect the frame from that longer chain. Just a lot of thoughtful touches here and there, like this handle built into the saddle, the seat post extender which actually can get quite high at its maximum reach…it is 30.9mm if you wanted to swap that out with a body float or some form of suspension, not a bad idea considering that attack angle I mentioned. But you can still tell this bike puts importance on the cargo. It’s rated to carry almost 400lbs of cargo (396lbs), has two Thule Yepp Maxi child seats, or one Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi seat, comes with those reflective pannier bags, spring loaded foot pegs for passengers, a convenient walk mode, and a deflopilator to help keep the bike steady when loading. The bike is outfitted with bosses to add up to 6 panniers in total… as a matter of fact, there are so many bosses on this bike, even some of the added accessories have bosses for anything you can think of to add! Definitely a configurable setup, the guys at Tern have had customers even make their own custom attachments. Other features include a chain blade plastic chain cover, internally routed cables, and some nice grip tape style pedals.
Driving this electric bicycle is a trail optimized mid-motor from Bosch called the Performance Line CX. It’s rated up to 75 newton meters, considerably more than the standard Performance Line and Performance Line Speed, which peak at 63nm. Given the slightly heavier footprint of this bike and possibility of carrying extra cargo, it’s a great choice. Part of me feels that the motor is overkill for this application, and it probably inflates the price a bit, but you do benefit from a special eMTB drive mode that only the Bosch CX offers. In this mode, which is the third step up just before Turbo, the motor performance can operate from 120% to 300% based on how hard you push. The other modes (Eco, Tour, and Turbo) have more limited power bands. This drive mode was introduced as a way to make motor performance more automatic and intuitive for mountain bikers who might be focusing on trail obstacles and gear shifting. For the S00, which has super smooth Enviolo shifting and is not designed for trail riding, eMTB mode is just one more way that the bike can be ridden without distraction or thought. Just hop on, arrow up to eMTB, start pedaling, and the bike will respond naturally based on how hard you pedal. All current generation Bosch Performance Line motors weigh roughly 8.8lbs, which is more than Shimano, Yamaha, or Brose drive units. The CX produces more noise, especially in high power and a higher pedal speeds, and it also uses more energy… but it’s known for being reliable and having a good network of certified repair shops. This motor responds based on three signals: rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque. It uses some of the most advanced sensors and can even sense when gears are being shifted. However, that’s not really relevant with an Enviolo CVP hub, because shifting is so fluid. Even though you can shift while the motor is operating, I find that it’s more efficient and physically easier to do when you ease off a bit. Aside from increased noise and weight, the one other trade-off with Performance Line drive units from Bosch is that they utilize a reduction gearing system that adds some pedal drag. This only happens when the motor is turned off or you attempt to pedal beyond the maximum supported speed (20mph 32km/h, or 25km/h in some markets). It’s not enough to ruin the experience, but when combined with the traction fluid drag introduced by an Enviolo CVP (especially within the first 500 miles of break-in) this ebike can seem a little sluggish. Keep this in mind when test riding at dealers and know that it will get better with time spent riding.
Powering the motor, integrated lights, and backlit display panel, is one or two 482.4watt hour battery packs from Bosch. The battery, a PowerPack 500, clicks neatly into the cage behind the seat from above, and the second one mounts just next to that. If you want two batteries, it will cost a bit extra, so do be aware of that. Extra Bosch batteries are not cheap, but it could be worth it for heavier riders, those hauling cargo or passengers, and those who might be commuting longer distances. You can charge either pack off of the bike frame or plug into one location to fill both packs in series while mounted to the bike. Lithium-ion cells, including the 18650 cells used in both of these packs, tend to be very reliable if you maintain them at 20% to 80% capacity when not in use and store in a cool dry environment vs. extreme heat or cold. I frequently store my electric bike indoors because it isn’t as heavy or smelly as a moped or motorcycle, and this keeps it clean and safe while also protecting the battery from extreme temperatures. Charging happens quickly here, thanks to the included 4amp Bosch charger, yet it’s relatively compact and lightweight compared to others on the market. Bosch does sell an even smaller, lighter charger, that delivers 2 amps. They call this the travel charger and I read many comments from people who use it at a work site or carry it along in a backpack or pannier. It’s worth highlighting that the battery and the included ABUS frame lock can utilize the same key, so you won’t have to waste time and space with three similar looking keys. In closing, the PowerPack weighs less than the PowerTube at 5.7lbs vs. 6.3lbs, but you’ll want to make extra sure to hear it click into place on the frame when mounting before rides. If you have an older PowerPack 400, it will work with the same interface as the PowerPack 500, so you can swap packs or rent and borrow if you travel frequently.
Once you’ve charged and secured the battery pack, operating the bike is pretty straight forward. The control panel consists of a grayscale LCD with four surrounding buttons. The power button is built into the top edge, a + and – button is reachable along the left front portion, and a walk mode button is built into the lower edge. Pressing the power button brings the LCD to life quickly, and a faint white glow is active at all times making it readable in low lighting conditions. I’ve created an in-depth guide to the Bosch Purion display panel, with video overview, in the EBR forums here. It’s not removable however, and the Micro-USB port on the right edge is not active for charging as is the case with the larger Bosch Intuvia. I much prefer the Intuvia for its size and additional menus (shift recommendation, clock, max speed, average speed, and trip time), and some shops can upgrade you to this display for ~$200. With Purion, you’ve got a streamlined and simple interface with the necessities including trip distance, total distance, and range estimate. You can cycle through these menus by holding the – key, and you can reset trip distance by holding – and + simultaneously for a couple of seconds. The main portion of the display is used to show your current speed and assist level. If you’d like to change units from miles to kilometers, you simply hold – and tap the power button. Anytime you change from one assist level to the next, the menu briefly changes. In my experience, the buttons don’t click in as consistent as Intuvia, and there’s no dedicated light button (hold + to activate the lights if you’ve got the CX motor), but it gets the job done. If this was the only display that Bosch produced, I might be a little more enthusiastic about it here, it is a great display, I think I’ve just grown to appreciate the charging, removability, color, and Bluetooth features on some of their nicer displays. Most of the mountain models I review here do spec Purion, to hide and protect the display. For me, it would have been worth an additional $50 or $100 in the price tag given how expensive the bike already is, but it’s not a deal killer by any means.
Finally, one side note I really wanted to touch on that could make a big difference in the lives of certain users is the storage of this bike. For those that use the S00, you may be in a more densely populated or urban type area. If you live in an apartment, or have to go up elevators, having a cargo bike as a tag-a-long can be cumbersome and in some cases, a deal breaker. Tern has remedied this by making the frame itself capable of standing up on its end, so the front tire faces straight in the air like a person standing up. It is very stable, and you can release the deflopilator as well as fold down the handlebars and use the attached rubber cinch to clamp to keep everything neat and compact. As I said before, this works wonders in elevators or if you have limited storage space like a closet, Ive been told a lot of people use and appreciate this function. While the S00 is a great bike, I do have to call a few of the tradeoffs. The Purion is a good display, but not my favorite, but I supposed it does stay out of the way. As mentioned before, the smaller wheelbase provides a mechanical advantage, but the attack angle it produces means you may feel some more bumps in the road. I will say the higher volume tires do help with this though. Also, the CVP setups like the Enviolo have a break in period, making it feel really sluggish at first. Additionally, this system although efficient, at the same time can create some drag you may notice. However, at the end of the day, there was a lot of time and thoughtfulness put into the design and I really like the additional accessories. I think the Tern did a great job with the S00 and I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to review the bike and put it through its paces.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Tern forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)
Pros:
- Tern is a well-recongized and trusted company with years of folding bicycle and now folding electric bicycle expertise and leadership, their folding handlebar post with rubber clasp, Andros adjustable stem, and telescoping seat post feel solid and can accommodate many riders
- Most electric bikes are rated to carry 250 lbs or maybe 300 lbs but the GSD can handle up to 400 lbs! That’s two adults and a child, lots of groceries, lumber for a project etc. and the thick thru-axles and premium tires (with puncture protection) earned my trust
- Safety is a big deal to me because I sometimes ride in the early morning or evening surrounded by traffic, so I love the bright color options, reflective tires, reflective stickers on the frame and pannier bags, and the integrated lights that run off of the main battery
- Some electric cargo bikes feel flexy because they are so long and lack the proper reinforcement, some position the battery or motor at the end vs. the center but the Tern GSD felt very solid and stiff, even with an adult riding on the back
- 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, it’s also very responsive and powerful, I have never felt out of control with it or like it wasn’t helping me enough on a hill, coupled with the Enviolo CVP, it only adds to the smooth experience
- I am happy the battery was upgraded to a Bosch PowerPack 500, it is an industry leading battery at the moment and definitely a nice addition
- I love how the battery pack or packs can be charged on and 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 Bosch charger offers 4 Amps vs. the standard 2 Amp which is slower
- Power and range are important but so is stopping, especially with a heavier bike and potentially more gear or multiple passengers, the hydraulic brakes are fantastic! You get adjustable-reach levers and quad-piston calipers vs. the standard dual-piston design which spreads out force and improves cooling, the 180mm rotors are almost overkill for the 20″ diameter wheelset, these are basically mountain bike brakes meant for full sized wheels
- Tern chose the kickstand well, it deploys and stows easily while offering much more stability than a single-side stand that you’d find on most traditional bicycles, I also like the spring that keeps the front wheel relatively straight for loading and steering with heavy loads
- So many awesome accessories! Whether you’re taking people or cargo, there are plenty of ways to stow gear, I especially like that there are pannier supports so you could use this for long distance touring, the front rack mounts to the head tube and stays straight as you turn (so it doesn’t impact steering) and the included pegs make it easy to bring a friend somewhere without having to spend extra money
- The swept-back handlebar, ergonomic grips, and plush saddle made the bike a lot more comfortable than it could have been, they pair nicely with the fat tires if you lower the PSI a bit (just don’t go too low or it could cause a pinch flat, they recommend 30 to 65 PSI and I was riding at 30 PSI as a 135 lb rider)
- Wider tires increase the size of your contact patch for grip, provide stability, and offer float on soft terrain like grass, they might not roll quite as efficiently as a more traditional 2.15″ diameter but they are perfect for dealing with heavier loads
- With a lower 20″ 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), I like that the top tube and portions of the side stays have clear plastic stickers to keep the paint looking nice
- The fenders are extra wide, sturdy, and have flexible mud flaps and the chain guard offers full-coverage of the front sprocket and chain going back pretty far… so your pants or dress should stay clean
- My understanding is that you can charge both batteries from the single charging port on the bike, this is convenient because you don’t have to remember to unplug one battery and plug the second in (this is only relevant if you buy a second battery and leave both packs connected to the frame)
Cons:
- Last time I reviewed this bike, I listed one of the pro’s as the $4k price, this year there is a price bump to $5k which may put some off, but it must be noted that you get an Enviolo CVP, Bosch CX mid-drive, and PowerPack 500 battery (which is a $800 value in itself) so although it is not lower price point anymore, it is defiantly a worthy upgrade
- Even with the fat 2.4″ tires (vs. the Tern Vektron’s 2.15″ tires) the GSD can still feel jarring and unstable compared to a full sized bike, I lowered the PSI to 30 (the lowest on the 30 to 65 pressure range stamped on the tire) and that helped a bit but I still might get a seat post suspension for the upper 30.9 mm portion and use a shim like this
- The smaller diameter wheelset makes the bike easier to mount, load, and stabilize when starting or stopping but it also brings the kickstand lower, the clearance on this bike is less than many other cargo models so be careful when parking near a curb or other low obstacles
- Very minor complaint here, but the Bosch Performance Line motors have a reduction gear that creates some friction when pedaling vs. a 1 to 1 pedal ratio, the smaller sprocket also brings the chain very close to the frame tubing which could create some noise or nicks on bumpy terrain
- For how compact and little this e-bike looks, it’s actually pretty heavy at 71.5lbs because of the additional reinforcement tubing, long rear rack, thicker rims, and fatter tires
- The compact Bosch Purion display panel is not my favorite because you cannot remove it and the integrated Micro-USB port is not active for charging accessories (just performing software upgrades and diagnostics), seems like a missed opportunity when you potentially have two battery packs to draw from and are using your phone for GPS or music etc. but I do see how the larger Bosch Intuvia might not have fit with the adjustable Andros stem setup
Resources:
Tara
5 years agoI’m eyeing this bike as a car replacement, but wondering where city-dwellers store it. I only have half a flight of steps to go up and down, but even that seems like too much with such a heavyweight bike. Is it only for people in elevator buildings, or is there a secure way to lock it up on the street, like people do with actual mopeds/motorbikes?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Tara! I know what you mean… most ebikes do weight a lot, and are difficult to carry or push up stairs and even get through doorways. You’ll probably end up with some scratches on the door and frame, as well as the railing of the stairs over time if you do bring it in. Still, that would be my first choice given the cost and quality of the bike. It can handle rain and elements, but it will start to look dirty and require more drivetrain maintenance over time (cleaning, lubricating, adjusting by a shop or you). Keep in mind, you can reduce the weight of the bike by about 6lbs if you remove the battery pack. It might take less time to do this and bring the bike inside vs. locking it up every day. Do you even have room inside? I think that half a flight of stairs is totally doable if you push it up or even try to use the walk mode feature. If you decide to use a lock, get a high quality u-lock and use a long cable to loop through the front and back wheels. Make sure you lock through the frame in such a way that even if a thief removed the stem, fork, handlebar, and front wheel, they couldn’t get the main body of the frame. Have the u-lock or folding lock go through one of the main three windows of the frame (just behind the seatpost, just above the motor, or just below the top tube there). I like ABUS locks, but Kryptonite is good too. Cables can be cut more easily, but one of these extra long ones should do well in adding a layer of protection for your wheels. There can be a market for stolen bike parts, but these wheels aren’t normal, so will be less likely to be stolen. The quick release saddle and seat post could be easily stolen, so consider a saddle leash cable to go through the saddle rails. Here’s a guide with video of me showing how I lock my bike :) Also, if you do buy an ABUS lock, check with your dealer about getting it keyed to match your bike! This way, you only need one key to unlock the battery and your bike lock ;) here’s some more official info on that.
ReplyTara
5 years agoHmm, food for thought! I don’t have room indoors, but a semi-sheltered outdoor space that would still be more secure and somewhat more sheltered from elements. Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful answer!