Tern GSD S00 E-cargo bike in Review

A 115 kg rider on the smallest bike in the test – is that a recipe for disaster? We sent our biggest man to check whether the Tern GSD S00 E-cargo bike is bombproof. Equipped with Bosch Performance CX motor, 1,000 Wh capacity dual battery system and two bottles of beer, the 173 cm short Tern had to show us what it’s made of!

Click here for an overview of the best cargo bike in review

**Tern** GSD S00 | Bosch Performance Line CX/1000 Wh
42.8 kg | € 4,999 | manfacturer’s website

The issue of urbanisation is more present than ever and young people, in particular, are migrating to the cities. Everyone wants to study, party and be a part of the hip crowd. However, space in crowded cities has become as scarce as toilet paper on supermarket shelves in the spring of 2020. Cargo bikes are en vogue but the problem is that most of them are simply too bulky for city folk. All except the 173 cm short Tern E-cargo bike!

Heavy feet? No problem! The frame is nice and low, so you hardly have to lift your feet to get on. This is more comfortable and a much better solution than the Riese & Müller Multicharger GT Vario! With the handlebars folded in, the Tern measures just 83 cm tall and 41 cm wide, which should allow it to fit in any garage, under the staircase, or even in the back of an estate. You no longer have any reason to make your way through life in the big city without an electrically powered cargo bike!

Heavy feet? No problem! The low-slung frame means you hardly have to lift your feet to get on.

**Won’t stand for it**
The stand doesn’t work. It’s too difficult to fold out. You have to lift the Tern slightly to get it on the stand. With a 40 kg load, you’ll need strong arms! Unfortunately, it’s not secure even when you do manage to get it on its stand.

**All the right angles**
The rear carrier is built very precisely, showing superb workmanship.

**Telescopic**
DThe telescoping seat post offers a huge adjustment range despite the short seat tube.

Tern GSD S00

€ 4,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 75 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerPack 1000 Wh
Display Bosch Purion
Brakes MAGURA MT5 180/180 (f/r) mm
Drivetrain Enviolo Cargo 380 %
Tires Schwalbe Super Moto-X 20 x 2,4" (f/r)

Technical Data

Size One size
Weight 42.8 kg
Length 173 cm
Width 40,5 cm
Height 83 cm
Perm. total weight 200 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) - kg

Specific Features

collapsible steerer
can be stored vertically

**Fold it**
You can fold the handlebar within seconds, allowing the Tern E-cargo bike to fit in the back of your estate

**Good combo**
The rim and tire combination proved to be one of the more comfortable solutions in our cargo bike group test.

**Beautifully integrated**
The lamp is sensibly integrated into the handlebar so that it follows the direction you’re turning and lights your way even with the front rack stacked high.

Most cargo bikes are the centre of attention wherever you go, with everyone guaranteed to turn their heads as the extra-long bikes glide by. Not so with the Tern! It’s not much longer than a regular bike and the designers clearly focused on practicality over looks – the wow-factor is close to zero here. The racks are super practical, designed with the exact dimensions to fit 600 x 400 mm Euro boxes. You can even put your crate of beer on the optional front rack, within easy reach of the handlebar. Coincidence? We think not! There are a lot of accessories available for the Tern GSD S00 and the panniers offer plenty of storage space with their 37 L volume! Footrests for adults, mini handlebar for kids and various rack options make the Tern a very versatile cargo bike.

**Jacket** Ralph Lauren Polo Cordjacke | **Shirt** Ralph Lauren Polo Cordhemd
**Trousers** Ralph Lauren Polo Cordhose

Form follows function. Style factor? Low. When developing the Tern E-cargo bike, quality and functionality were clearly prioritised over looks.

The riding position is spot on too, even for giants like our test rider Benedict. Despite the short seat tube, the telescoping seat post gives you an enormous adjustment range and the quick release on the stem makes it easy to adjust the height and angle of the handlebars. The stand is less well designed. To fold the stand in, or out, you have to lift the Tern slightly, which takes quite a bit of strength if you’re carrying a load of 40 kg not to mention the bike’s own weight of 43 kg! Unfortunately, the bike isn’t very stable when you do get it on its stand, which is too short, feels a little wobbly and also moves if the ground you’re standing on isn’t level.

Ad break: in his side hustle as a test and stunt rider, the 115 kg Benedict pushes the limit of every cargo bike. Primarily though, he’s a distiller of some of the finest liquor in the world, which you’ll only discover in the best bars. Alternatively, you can order from him directly at WeWantFunk.com.

The assistance of the old Bosch Performance Line CX motor is powerful enough with a torque output of 75 Nm but falls behind when compared to the Bosch Cargo Line motor. Thanks to the Bosch Dual Battery System with a capacity of 1,000 Wh, you’ll be able to cover three-digit figure distances before having to recharge, though of course, this depends heavily on the terrain and the load. The minimalist Bosch Purion display only provides you with the most basic information and doesn’t offer navigation or other bells and whistles. Unfortunately, the Tern Valo Direct lighting system isn’t on par with the competition, falling short of the quality of the Supernova light fitted to the R&M Multicharger GT Vario.

Tuning tips: none

Once you’re going, the Tern GSD S00 E-cargo bike is surprisingly comfortable on cobblestones and other uneven surfaces, despite its small 20” wheels and rigid fork and seat post. It’s the high-volume tires together with the wide rims that make this bike so comfortable. The cargo bike-specific Enviolo Cargo drivetrain left a lasting impression on the members of our test crew, though, unfortunately, not a positive one! The 380% gear range simply isn’t enough and we couldn’t get up steep climbs even without hauling any cargo. The E-cargo bike feels nervous at slow speeds despite the steering stabiliser and only calms down as you go faster. Loaded up, the Tern delivers a convincing performance. Despite relying on racks, the centre of gravity of the load is very low thanks to the small wheels, which is particularly beneficial when cornering. However, you do have to be careful to distribute the weight of your load as evenly as possible. If you put too much on the rear, the front becomes too light, making the handling even more nervous. The easiest way to even out the load is with the optional front rack installed.

Conclusion

The Tern GSD S00 E-Cargo-Bike doesn’t only score for its very compact dimensions. It is also the perfect pack mule for small and heavy loads or taking bigger kids to kindergarten and indeed, handles much better when carrying a load than empty. However, it isn’t as suitable for trekking and weekend excursions as the R&M Multicharger. With the sex appeal of a family estate, the Tern doesn’t cause much of stir, but it’s a reliable workhorse with a well thought out concept.

Tops

can be stowed anywhere thanks to its compact dimensions, even fitting in the back of an estate!
well thought out concept, standard euro boxes fit the rack perfectly
comfortable tire-rim combination
convenient manoeuvring handle on the saddle
low-slung frame

Flops

limited climbing capabilities due to the limited gear range of the Enviolo Cargo drivetrain
nervous handling, especially without a load
old generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor
wobbly stand that is difficult to fold out

You can find out more at ternbicycles.com

The test field