August 19, 2020 - Tern has made a name for itself with folding bikes since 2011, but when their line of e-cargo bikes started to grab attention and the interest and imagination of riders around the world the company knew it was on to something that resonated with the transportation landscape.
When I picked up the Tern HSD S8i at CiteCycles Vancouver I could see right away that this was an extremely versatile bike. It didn’t take long to realize that this style of bike could be a real game changer.
With a smaller more compact design and low swung step-through frame it can accommodate riders from 4’11” to 6’5”. Even my 11-year-old daughter was also able to enjoy the ride. The Tern Telescopic 2-position seat post quick release, combined with the adjustable Andros stem, made a quick bike fit between riders a breeze.
The HSD S8i’s compact size and fold down front end, meant it was also fast and easy to fit the bike into the back of my car. This also meant I could stand it up on end to store it in my backroom.
While on the first ride the first thing you notice is the smooth, quiet motion of the Bosch Active Line Plus drive system moving everything along, while providing the right amount of assist. The Bosch Powerpack 400 wH battery is nicely tucked just behind the seat stay and the exposed look fits the aesthetics of this bike.
It was easy to get this bike up to the 32 km max assist speed even under load, with the potential range of 110 km on a single charge. Controlled by the Purion Display unit, the thumb-activated buttons offer the essential ride data including speed, battery level, range, ride distance and total distance. It also controls the on-board lights that come stock on the S8i.
The 4-mode levels of power-assist range from Eco to Turbo with Tour and Sport in the middle supplying the optimal choice of power to match your load, terrain or battery level.
The Tern S8i is also dialed with great components including a Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub and Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt for a strong, low-maintenance drivetrain, while offering the right gears to enhance your cadence and maximize pedal assist. The Suntour front suspension fork helps cushion the ride while the Magura 180 front / 160 rear hydraulic disc brakes confidently control the speed with ample solid stopping power even under full load.
Who thought that only your BMX bike could be so much fun? The Tern HSD S8i comes equipped with 20-inch Schwalbe Big Ben tires that feature Race Guard puncture protection. These wide, stable treads contribute to the S8i’s solid feel and easy maneuverability. However be cautious when taking gravel corners at speed as this is not your BMX!
It was a real treat to have an outfit-ready bike that can accommodate Tern’s wide selection of optional accessories including racks, baskets, children & adult carriers and bags. The S8i comes stock with an XL Atlas Rack that’s the backbone of this cargo bike with a capacity to support 132 pounds of weight along with multiple places to attach straps and bungee cords. Also stock the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers, with a 74-litre per pair capacity, provide ample room for a large grocery shopping spree, yet fold up easily against the rack when not in use.
In search of cargo, I headed to our Saturday farmer’s market to fill my bags. The Tern provided such a stable and comfortable journey that the only thing missing was my morning coffee with a bar-mounted cup holder. Once at my destination, the stock Abus wheel lock combined with my own Abus chain lock secured my ride.
I was able to fill the panniers, even keeping the carrot tops intact, and as luck would have it, there was still room for some additional cargo from my local craft beer shop.
With the shopping done and a 132-pound rack weight rating, I was now in search of something heavier to haul. Given that the rack description includes the capacity for a small adult, my daughter was fair game. Even with a passenger on board the 50 Nm of torque quickly got the HSD S8i moving up to speed with no bobbing and weaving.
There was also minimal to no change in the bike’s handling, cornering or maneuverability with the load. Although my passenger was a bit unsure about the ride at first, she was soon hootin’ and hollerin’ all the way to track practice. The addition of the Captain’s seat and grab bars would be a must-have for any Tern owner.
In a world of high gas and vehicle costs, limited space and the need to embrace a greener way of living, e-bikes like the Tern HSD S8i could truly play a big part in changing the way we view transportation. It has the versatility to fit riders of many sizes, it’s compact enough to easily fit in an apartment or the back of car, and it has the ability to transport both goods and people. Enough said.
This e-bike is definitely one to check out when exploring transportation possibilities. If I was situated in an urban metropolis, and could only have one mode of transportation, the Tern HSD S8i just might top the list.
The MSRP is $5,649… for more information visit here.
