Tern GSD Gen 2 Cargo Bike Buyer’s Guide
If you are on your cargo bike journey and looking for a midtail cargo bike, you have probably encountered the Tern GSD Cargo Bike. This is your buyer’s guide to help you understand between models, key accessories, and how the GSD stacks up against other cargo bikes.
When it launched in 2017, the Tern GSD cargo bike changed many people’s ideas of what a bike is capable of. It is the same length as a normal bike but can carry two kids or an adult on the back, two batteries, and one size fits most to share it.
Fast forward to the summer of 2020 when the GSD Gen 2 cargo bike launched. The GSD Gen 2 felt familiar but like a supercharged version of the original GSD Gen 1 with a suspension fork, a more relaxed bike fit, a stronger Bosch Cargo Line motor with more assistance, and multiple models to offer more options to people. With multiple models of the GSD Gen 2, it may be unclear to figure out which model is right for you. Let’s dive in to see if I can help!
TERN GSD GEN 2 CARGO BIKE MODELS
There are 4 different Tern GSD Gen 2 models in North America. The bones of the bike across the models are all the same – a strong frame supporting up to 440 lbs of max gross vehicle weight, the Bosch Cargo Line e-bike motor with 400% Assistance and 85 Nm Torque to help you get up those hills with 2 kids on board, space for 2 batteries, and more.
The key differences between the models will be what type of drivetrain shifts the gears, and the type of Bosch controller used. There is also an LX package that adds a brighter front headlight, a Cane Creek suspension seat post, and a larger 1st battery from 400Wh to 500Wh to give you a longer range.
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Most Popular
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$4,999 - Single 400Wh battery
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$5,399 Single 500Wh Battery
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$6,399 Single 500Wh Battery
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$7,999 Single 500Wh Battery
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Description: Base GSD Model • 1x10 Derailleur Drivetrain • Bosch Purion Controller • Optional 2nd 500Wh battery |
Description: S10 with a few upgrades: • Upgraded 1st battery to 500Wh • Brighter front headlight • Cane Creek suspension seatpost • Optional 2nd 500Wh battery |
Description: S10 LX with a different drivetrain: • Enviolo Internally Geared Hub • Gates Belt Drive • Optional 2nd 500Wh battery |
Description: • Rohloff e14 Electronic Speedhub system • Bosch Intuvia Controller • Limited Edition anodized hubs • Optional 2nd 500Wh battery |
Base GSD Model
• 1x10 Derailleur Drivetrain
• Bosch Purion Controller
• Optional 2nd 500Wh battery
S10 with a few upgrades:
• Upgraded 1st battery to 500Wh
• Brighter front headlight
• Cane Creek suspension seatpost
• Optional 2nd 500Wh battery
S10 LX with a different drivetrain:
• Enviolo Internally Geared Hub
• Gates Belt Drive
• Optional 2nd 500Wh battery
• Rohloff e14 Electronic Speedhub system
• Bosch Intuvia Controller
• Limited Edition anodized hubs
• Optional 2nd 500Wh battery
Which Tern GSD Cargo Bike is for you?
This is a high-level overview of each model. Ultimately, you should consult with your local cargo bike shop, which knows your area’s typography and can review your personal needs for your new cargo bike. If you don’t have a good local bike shop, reach out for a cargo bike consultation.
Tern GSD S10 Cargo Bike
The best cargo bike available for the price, in my opinion! This bike doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the LX version, but for many people, it is more than enough. All the important parts of the Tern GSD DNA are part of this bike, and it will be the easiest for any bike shop to service.
If I were to buy this S10 model, I would add a headlight to my helmet for a brighter light option and watch for a suspension seatpost to go on sale if the roads near me were super bumpy. If you are shorter, also look at this model, as the suspension seatpost on the more expensive models limits how low the seat can go down.
Tern GSD S10 LX Cargo Bike
The LX model takes the GSD S10 and adds the “LX” package of a brighter headlight (700 vs 500 lumens), the first battery is a 500Wh battery vs the 400Wh on the non-LX version, and you get a Cane Creek suspension seatpost to help take the edge off the bumps in the road.
Tern GSD S00 LX Cargo Bike
There are two big upgrades on this model:
- Enviolo Internally Geared Hub
- Gates Belt Drive
The Enviolo Internally Geared Hub means the gears are all inside of the rear wheel. This allows you to shift when you are stopped at a stop light, and you also get 380% shifting range and are not limited to the limited number of gears. For example, the GSD S10 has 10 speeds on the rear cassette so you are limited to those gears when trying to find the right gear for your legs and terrain. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you have 250 lbs of bike and cargo that you are trying to get up to speed from a dead stop and in the wrong gear, you’ll really appreciate being able to shift to an easier gear when you are stopped.
Gates Belt Drive replaces the chain of a bike drivetrain with a belt, like belts used in automotive transmissions. To learn more, read and watch about belt-drive electric bikes here.
I want you to consider two big takeaways for the GSD S00: This model has an internally geared hub without a limit on dedicated gear stops, and due to the internal gears and belt drive, it will require much less maintenance.
Tern GSD R14 Cargo Bike
The crown jewel of the GSD Gen 2 models. This bike has all the bells and whistles of Rohloff electronic shifting, Gates Belt Drive, and limited edition anodized hubs to match the Rohloff red.
This bike is for someone who is not interested in dealing with maintenance problems since there are no cables or chains to deal with and/or likes high-end technology.
If I were personally buying one cargo bike for the long haul, I would either buy the S10 base model, which any local bike shop can work on, or the R14. The Rohloff rear hub will last a lifetime, and the lack of cables to mess with or to fray long would be worth the expense for me. Also, shifting with electronic buttons is cool!
Tern GSD Frequently Asked Questions
What passenger setup should I use?
Check out our in-depth GSD passenger carrying guide
What is “Max Gross Vehicle Weight”?
The Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) is the maximum weight your bike can safely carry, including the bike’s weight. Tern has tested to this limit with an EFBE third-party testing lab.
The Tern GSD Gen 2 is tested to 440 lbs. This includes everything: the weight of the bike, the weight of the riders, cargo, accessories, a trailer, cargo in the trailer, etc. The only exception is if you are using a trailer with brakes. Include everything when figuring out how much you can carry on your Tern GSD.
Is the LX GSD model worth it?
The more common question I receive is if the S10 LX is worth the upgrade over the S10 base model.
The S10 LX, S00 LX, and R14 all have an upgraded package with a larger first battery (500Wh instead of 400Wh), a brighter 700-lumen headlight, and a Cane Creek suspension seat post.
It is very difficult to upgrade the headlight afterward, so if you will be riding a lot in the darkest of nights, the headlight may be important.
The larger battery is important because I always go until my bike runs on fumes. 20% more distance could be important!
The Cane Creek suspension seatpost adds a lot of comfort to the bike, but it can also be added afterward. If you are shorter, this upgrade may not benefit you as the seatpost can’t go as low as the non-suspension version.
What is an Internally Geared Hub?
The Tern GSD S00 and R14 cargo bike models have internally geared hubs, where the gears for your bike are inside the middle of your rear wheel.
The benefits are that you can shift when you are stopped, and there is a lot less maintenance since the chain isn’t moving across a cassette. The downfall is that it isn’t as efficient on some internally geared hub systems like the Enviolo, and you don’t have as much of a gear range. This only comes into play with extremely hilly areas, but if you are in that situation, I highly recommend finding a bike with an internally geared hub to test ride.
Why does REI have different GSD Cargo Bikes?
REI has unique bikes for their stores, this includes the type of drivetrain and the colors. Both GSD models for REI are the “LR” version without the upgraded battery, headlight, and suspension seatpost.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
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DISCLAIMERS
- Pricing and colors may change, visit TernBicycles.com for the most up-to-date prices and colors.
- This article focused on North American models. The colors, pricing, and models available are region-specific.
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