The Tern GSD Cargo Bike Hauls It All—and Then Some

Price: $3,999 (with single 400wh battery); $4,799 (with dual 400wh + 500wh batteries)
Weight: 59.6 lb. (claimed)
Use: Commuting, errand-running, cargo hauling
Battery Life: Up to 150 miles (w/two batteries, depending on mode)
The right bike for: Giving up your car, but still having the means to haul a couple of kids to school, hit the grocery store, run to the post office, and stop for a case of beer—all on the same battery charge.

Buy Now More Images

Built around a heavy-duty alloy frame, the GSD eschews many of the traits of other cargo bikes: long wheelbases, bigger wheels, and especially, an unwieldy ride. Yet it boasts an extensive capacity, nimble handling—even fully loaded, thanks to a short wheelbase and 20-inch wheels—and enduring range in a package not much bigger than most non-cargo e-bikes. The stout frame holds a 250-watt Bosch motor that gives up to 275 percent of your power back to the pedals and reaches 20 mph. The GSD has room for two battery packs, extending the batteries’ combined range to a claimed 150 miles and making the Tern one of the longest-lasting e-bikes on the market. A laundry list of accessories and a (claimed) 396-pound carrying capacity round out the GSD’s status as an epic day-tripper.

Bicycle part, Orange, Red, Vehicle, Bicycle frame,

The GSD has a long wheelbase but short 20-inch wheels, to achieve the same length as a regular bike.

Trevor Raab

One Bike, Copious Accessories
The Tern GSD can be configured in so many different ways that it might as well have its own model range. In base trim with one 400wh battery, the GSD will set you back $3,999. Get it with a second, 500wh battery for $4,799, or buy the spare later for $945. The à la carte accessories menu includes a smattering of reasonably priced seat pads, panniers, foot pegs, trays, and racks—a full list of which is available on Tern’s website. It also comes in three colors: beetle blue, silver blue, and orange.

Tern GSD detail gallery

Orange, Vehicle, Car, Automotive design, Wheel,

Dual Batteries

Two Bosch batteries give the GSD up to a 150-mile range.

Trevor Raab

Quality Motor

A Bosch Performance Line motor propels the GSD to 20 mph.

Trevor Raab

Integrated Rack

The integrated rear rack fits two Thule Yepp Maxi child seats.

Trevor Raab

Double Kickstand

The Hebie dual-leg kickstand supports 175 pounds.

Trevor Raab

Bicycle part, Orange, Red, Bicycle frame, Vehicle, Bicycle, Bicycle wheel, Bicycle handlebar,

Step-Through Frame

A 50cm step-thru height is accessible for riders of all sizes.

Trevor Raab

Integrative Design for Every Trip
To fix the problem of transporting and storing a hefty e-bike, the GSD’s handle post (essentially a tall bar/stem combo) folds down to allow the bike to fit in the back of a car, truck, or SUV. The GSD’s rear rack doubles as a stand, allowing the bike to rest vertically for storage. Other smart details include a durable twin-strut center stand, an SKS chain guard, and a telescoping seatpost that accommodates riders from 4-foot-11 to 6-foot-5. Built-in lights and an easy-to-read display for the Bosch motor complete the package.

Bicycle handlebar, Bicycle part, Bicycle, Vehicle, Bicycle accessory, Technology, Bicycle saddle, Hybrid bicycle, Recreation, Road bicycle,

The integrated Tern Valo front light shines 150 lumens on the road ahead.

Trevor Raab

Starting and Stopping a 60-Pound Bike
Whether you have e-assist or not, a cargo bike needs the gear range to tackle (almost) any terrain. A simple 1x drivetrain from Shimano’s Deore line handles the shifting duty, moving the chain over a 10-speed, 11-36t cassette. The motor has four settings controlled from an easy-to-reach thumb button on the handlebar: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo. Braking is courtesy of Magura 4-piston MT5 hydraulic disc brakes, and front and rear thru-axles support Tern’s own Atlas 20-inch heavy-duty cargo wheels shod in Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires with puncture protection and heavy-duty sidewalls.

Stopping a loaded-down GSD is easy, thanks to Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic discs.

Trevor Raab

Living with the Tern GSD
The Tern GSD handles more like a conventional bike than any cargo bike I’ve ridden. Our test bike weighed nearly 70 pounds with two batteries, a front rack, and front and rear panniers. While in motion, it never felt that heavy, but the mass was evident while lifting or pushing the bike around the garage (this was helped by a saddle handle and walk feature on the motor).

Optional SideKick Cargo Hold panniers each boast a 62-liter capacity.

Trevor Raab

I mostly rode the GSD for errands and the morning school run. Even during slow-speed rides, it never felt tippy or awkward. The motor cuts in and out of e-assist without surges. With two batteries installed, the range exceeded the claimed 150 miles for most of the time I tested it. That said, the range was affected by cargo weight and the motor setting—I chose Turbo most of the time—but it still managed more than a week of daily commuting per overnight charge.

I never got close to the nearly 400-pound cargo limit, but I did schlep a week’s worth of groceries in the rear panniers, my 9-year-old son on the back platform, a case of beer on the front tray, and canned goods in the front Ortlieb panniers. The GSD hauled everything I could strap on it. More important, its usability expands the rider’s perception of what a bike can do.