The third generation of the Tern GSD is out today – and Dave’s reviewed it. These sorts of updates aren’t always big news, but the GSD has long been one of our very favourite e-bikes and Tern reckons it’s revisited every aspect with a view to making improvements.
What’s new?
"Everything,” according to Tern Team Captain, Joshua Hon. “Pretty much every aspect of the bike has been redesigned to work better. From big improvements like handling when heavily loaded to small details like how much effort it takes to get the bike up on the kickstand or how seatpost levers are easier for small hands to operate, the new GSD is just better.”
He would say that, of course – but is he right?
Well, yes, he is. Dave says the latest GSD improves on its predecessors in various different ways. As such, it’s probably still top of the pile when it comes to longtail e-cargo bikes. It’s just that with a base price of £5,000, it’s very much top of the pile price-wise as well. (The R14 version costs £8,900.)
Significant changes include the fact the rear rack is no longer part of the frame. Instead, it bolts on, in the same way as other newer bikes in the Tern line up, like the Quick Haul Long and the Orox. It’s rated to carry up to 100kg and there’s been a 10kg increase in maximum rider weight to 130kg too. The new seatpost will accommodate taller riders as well – up to 200cm.
Elsewhere, various minor frailties that only really revealed themselves after long term use have been addressed. There’s a new single-piece rear wheel cover, the two-piece chainguard has been replaced with a much sturdier single-piece one and the Atlas locking stand has had a pretty major revamp.
The GSD’s still powered by a Cargo Line motor, but the S10 and R14 models move onto the Bosch Smart System and also gain the Kiox 300 display. Significantly, this change brings with it Bosch’s anti-lock braking system on the front wheel, which is still not something we see too often.
You can find out more about these elements – and everything else – in our review.
