The Tern Orox S12 is a heavyweight, coming in at a substantial 83 lbs. The aluminum frame comes in two available sizes and accommodates riders ranging from 5’1″ to 6’5″, ensuring a proper fit for most cyclists. At 5’11”, I felt engaged and comfortable, although I’d probably have picked the larger frame size instead of the medium we tested.
One standout feature that sets Tern apart from other direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands is its commitment to professional assembly. In an era where DTC bikes often leave buyers fumbling with Allen wrenches at home, searching through YouTube videos to help them with assembly, Tern takes a refreshingly different approach.
Every Orox S12 is shipped to a certified Tern dealer for assembly, or in areas without one, to the nearest Bosch retailer of the buyer. This attention to detail helps make sure your bike arrives ready to ride, with no mechanical skills required.
When it comes to build quality, we thought the Orox S12 delivered a ride experience that justifies every penny of its premium price tag of around $6,500. The frame felt solid as a rock, with a fit and finish that seemed durable and long-lasting.
During my test rides, I encountered zero rattles, flexing, or mysterious noises – just pure performance. One minor quibble: on particularly rough gravel, the center-mounted dual-leg kickstand chattered a bit, but it’s just the kickstand, not a genuine flaw.
Comfort-wise, the Orox S12 struck a balance between utility and ride quality. While it lacks suspension, the beefy frame and wide 27.5×4″ Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires soak up vibrations really well. On my off-road rides, I found dropping tire pressure helped smooth out the terrain.
The bike’s geometry borrows from mountain bike design, featuring an 800mm handlebar with a slight rise, complemented by an Ergon e-mountain saddle and lock-on grips. It has a front rack rated for 55 lbs and a rear rack capable of hauling a staggering 220 lbs. The bike’s overall payload capacity is 380 lbs on pavement and 314 lbs off-road.
Powering the Orox S12 is Bosch’s renowned Performance Line CX motor, delivering up to 85 Nm of torque and 340% support. What sets this motor apart is its natural feel – it provides assistance that seemed like it was my own power, but I just happened to now ride like a pro (minus my physique, for some reason that hasn’t changed).
The Orox S12 truly shined in its component selection. This isn’t your average e-bike; it’s a two-wheeled tool built for riders who demand control and performance. From the Magura 4-piston brakes to the Shimano Deore XT 1×12 drivetrain, it’s loaded with performance-oriented parts.
The Tern (in-house) custom-made double-walled wheels with boost thru-axles, wrapped in 27.5×4″ Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires (with optional Vee Snowball tires for winter warriors), complete a package that’s ready for anything.
Tech-savvy cyclists will appreciate the Orox S12’s advanced display and tracking capabilities. Built-in power and cadence sensors cater to data-hungry riders, while turn-by-turn navigation ensures you’ll never lose your way.
Dare I say, just toss out your Garmin and Wahoos?
Tern hasn’t skimped on accessories, either. From tow bars for trailers to child seats and bikepacking gear, the Orox S12 can be customized for nearly any adventure. An optional second battery, stored in an insulated frame-mounted bag, can double the bike’s range to an impressive 200 miles.
Overall, the Tern Orox S12 is a tour de force in the e-cargo bike world. It combines solid construction, thoughtful design, innovative tech, and premium components into a package that’s as versatile as it is capable.
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