One of the biggest bummers about leading a car-free lifestyle but living in an apartment is that cargo bikes tend to be off the table. Without a significant floorsplace to store a bike that can functionally replace a station wagon, many urban dwellers are out of luck. But no longer.
In a move that defines a new category, Tern has released their new GSD, a “compact utility” e-bike that gives you all the functionality, loading capability, and power you could want in the small-footprint your heart desires.
Don’t let the “compact” in “compact utility” fool you. When fully unfurled, the GSD is the same wheelbase as your typical cargo e-bike. And it is designed to fit riders from 4’9″ up to 6’4″ with an easy adjustment, so the whole family can pilot comfortably.
The platform holds 395 pounds of cargo including the rider, meaning you can load up the kids, groceries, your dog, and still have capacity left for a reasonable set of kettlebells… or whatever you’re into. Best of all, with its Bosch Performance motor and dual battery power, you’ve got help lugging your load up to 220 miles on a single charge at a top speed of 20mph (in the US).
But the thing that makes this cargo bike so compelling is its ability to collapse into small spaces. According to Tern, within a matter of seconds the whole bike can be folded (via dropping the handlebars, flipping the front wheel, and collapsing the cargo bags) into a 1/3 of its riding volume, making it ideal for transporting by SUV or truck, taking on elevators, or for storing in compact housing or small apartments. For many, this model is a potential lifestyle game-changer.
The model comes standard with “virtually flat-proof” Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires to keep you riding on the gnarliest, broken-glassiest urban terrain and Magura 4-piston disc brakes for secure stops when fully loaded.
Plus, because safety’s first for Tern, you’ll be hard to miss in poor visibility conditions with the GSD’s reflective decals and LED lights. Last but not least, The GSD features a super stable, German made Herbie kickstand to make loading and unloading your cargo sweat-free.
The Tern GSD can be yours for $3,995 MSRP.
