26.06.2019 | Reading time - 5 min(s)

Tern GSD S10 Review

Posted in: Electric Bikes, Electric Cargo Bikes

Dave from our Bruntsfield Store is no stranger to pedalling with heavy loads. (Loads of touring plus big bones!) So how would he get on with the new Tern GSD S10? A bike built specifically for heavy loading.

See our range of cargo Tern Ebike

Dave's Tern GSD S10 Review

"In the past I have done a lot of touring so I am used to a heavily loaded bike. I took this bike out for about and hour or so, trying it with a few different configurations. This bike comes with a lot of choice of accessories to suit most needs and loads. The GSD S10 is the standard Shimano 10 speed; the GSD S00 version upgrades many items including a hub gear, bigger battery and front wheel lock. Other than that you can add a huge range of bags, racks and kids bike seats and even a second battery to increase your range if desired.

Tern GSD Accessories

At 27kg the bike is on the heavier end of the electric bike scale, but then it is designed to carry weight, not to be bench-pressed! The frame is extremely strong. The load capacity including rider is a huge 180kg (200kg on the S00). When cycling you barely notice the extra weight. Big weight needs good brakes. And the Magura brakes give you plenty of stopping power going down the steepest of hills. The control unit is functional and simple. It has big buttons and large numbers on the display so that you can keep your eyes on the road. The power comes on smoothly and efficiently, which is what you need when carrying cargo. This bike comes standard with a Bosch 400Wh battery. But you can add a second battery of 400, 500 or 900Wh to increase the range to over 200km! In a low gear on a hill it effortlessly pulls you up at a gentle speed, good for taking the strain of the drive train and looking after your parts long-term.

Tern GSD control unit.

The length of the bike is only slightly longer than a standard bike and felt very similar to ride as a proper touring bike. But with the smaller wheels it manoeuvres extremely well and you can take corners at speed with confidence. The thick tyres give you plenty of grip on the rougher roads as well. There is a retention spring connection to the front fork to keep it stable. I have tried numerous folding bikes with small wheels and I was never a fan because of the flex and handling. But it feels completely different on the Tern. The folding mechanism in the handlebars is rock solid and the dual-pivot handlebar adjustment system is quick and efficient. I could stand up and pedal hard out of the saddle and it felt like a normal bike.

Retention spring connecting to the front fork for added stability.

Another useful standard feature is the central kickstand, which is super stable and balanced. So you can happily leave your loaded bike without the risk of it falling over.

Tern GSD S10 with central kickstand making the bike very stable when not in use.

Close up of the kickstand.

I tried the bike with some of the many option extras that you can get with it. On the front you can fit a rack for a crate or drinks cooler. This is mounted and moves independently from the handlebars, so that the weight doesn’t effect the steering or control. An excellent option to also consider is a bicycle handlebar mirror so you can keep an eye on the road, and your precious cargo.

Tern GSD S10 fitted with front crate.

The crate is mounted and moves separately from the steering.

On the rear you can get the huge 68L rear panniers and a tray fitted individually or at the same time. Great if you want to set up a business and transport items around. If you want to use the bike for the school-run, you can fit 1 or 2 child-seats on the back. Or instead you can fit a bench seat and sidekick footrests like a motorbike. Other accessory options are available and can be found on our or Tern’s web pages..

Rear panniers on the Tern GSD S10.

Rear rack on the Tern GSD S10.

I was surprised that I found this bike more fun to ride than I thought I would. Genuinely, this is a practical option for ditching the car. More healthy you, more healthy planet! Win-win! Whether you just want to get the wee ones about, deliver goods or take a tour, this would be an excellent choice. It has the strength, power and quality to do the job. Tern stand by their product and give you a 5 year warranty on the frame, forks and handlebar, but you can extend it to 10 years by signing up with them within 30 days of purchase.

Try it for yourself and get a feel of the future! This bike I have used is available to Demo now in our Bruntsfield store. Drop in or give us a call!"

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Tern GSD S10 Review

See our range of cargo Tern Ebike

Dave's Tern GSD S10 Review

Tern GSD Accessories

Tern GSD control unit.

Retention spring connecting to the front fork for added stability.

Tern GSD S10 with central kickstand making the bike very stable when not in use.

Close up of the kickstand.

Tern GSD S10 fitted with front crate.

The crate is mounted and moves separately from the steering.

Rear panniers on the Tern GSD S10.

Rear rack on the Tern GSD S10.