I mentioned that the real strengths of this bike lie in the details. The defining characteristic of the HSD is that Tern thought of the little things – and those “little” things stack up to make a big difference.
A glance at the spec sheet helps illustrate my point. Several components, including parts of the drivetrain and the suspension fork, were built specifically for Tern. It’s not just the components, either; just about everything is well-thought-out. For example, the stem folds down to save space, and the frame can stand up for upright storage. Yes, really.
The Bosch eShift/TRP EASI system is also part of the package. If shifting manually isn’t your thing, this bike will actually do it for you (just like an automatic transmission in a car). Generally, I found this to work very well. You can also fine tune it to shift at whatever cadence RPM you select. The only area where it struggles is when encountering a sudden hill; it still works, but it isn’t able to predict an incline, so I found myself in the wrong gear for a short time. Happily, you can still shift manually when in auto mode, so this is a very minor critique.
The Flow app is a continuation of these helpful features. Ride tuning, navigation, and security features are all part of the package here. I’d like to point out that Bosch’s app really is top notch. It’s intuitive, and the ability to adjust the power output is a very valuable option. For those that want a charged and peppy experience, I found that maxing the output to the full 700W and increasing the motor sensitivity to +5 was where the bike felt most powerful.
While Tern’s attention to detail is certainly a big part of the story here, it isn’t just flash with no substance. The fundamentals are also here, and they’re equally well-done.
The seatpost has enough adjustment range for a wide range of inseam sizes. At 6’3″, I was able to get ideal leg extension, and the reach felt comfortable as well. Tern lists the size range as suitable for riders from 4’11” to 6’9″. While I do think this bike is very accommodating, up to 6’9″ feels a bit ambitious. Riders of that height could still likely ride this bike, but it would be somewhat cramped.
The HSD is very smooth. The front suspension fork is very plush, and the bike is incredibly stable, even with cargo in the back. Despite the stability, this bike is surprisingly nimble, especially compared to other cargo bikes. With cargo in the back, the handling does change a bit, but this is expected. The bike retains its stability, but is slower in and out of corners. It would be unreasonable to add 60 lbs of cargo and expect the same agility. The steadiness under load is there, and that’s the most important part.
The rear rack is capable of 176 lbs, and a seat can be added for passenger transportation. Tern also sent us a front cargo box, which adds even further storage capacity. This bike is a prime option for hauling cargo, big and small.
It’s worth noting that in general, the HSD has a more analog feel to it. This is common with Bosch mid-drives; the pedaling experience is much more natural. If you’d prefer a more leisurely pedal experience, you can use the app’s ride tuning to achieve that – just increase the motor output and sensitivity.
Overall, the ride quality on the HSD is excellent. There are essentially no major gaps; the fundamentals are sound, and the array of features make this a great practical option.
.
.
.
#Tern #HSD #P10E #Review #Compact #Cargo #EBike #Replace #Car
Source link
