Tern Quick Haul P9 Sport Class 3

The Tern Quick Haul is currently our family’s favorite Tern electric bike. We currently own the GSD Gen 2 and have owned the GSD Gen 1 and a Vektron P9. We have two kids and our oldest was getting too big to ride on the Vektron. We didn’t want to worry about the logistics of either parent having the right bike to pickup the bigger kid. And so our search led us to the Quick Haul.

What we were looking for:
1. Either Bosch or Shimano mid drive motor that can handle San Francisco Hills and go up to 28mph with assist. We need enough torque for steep San Francisco hills. I also commute several miles to work after school/daycare drop-off and want to ride more quickly with no passengers. I didn’t consider hub drives because of our steep hills.
2. Ability to carry our oldest child until she was about 11/12 (~100-120lbs)
3. Light and small enough to regularly bring onto a commuter train. I take the commuter train after daycare drop-off a few days a week and carrying the GSD was a bit of a pain, while the Vektron was easy.

Bikes we considered beside the QH P9:
1. Tern HSD P9 Performance. We took this off our list pretty quickly because its main benefit over the QH was front suspension, which means added weight. Also, we knew that we could add a suspension stem to the Quick Haul. Also we preferred the slightly more sporty riding position of the QH over the very relaxed HSD.
2. Benno Remi Demi Performance Sport. A lot to love, but it cost more and it’s max passenger weight was a lot lower (85lbs).
3. Benno Boost 10D Performance Speed Low Step. Honestly, this was our favorite bike to ride. The motor was the most powerful. It had a better passenger area than the QH, could fit two kids, almost as compact in length as our GSD, and much lighter. It’s 24 inch wheels also made for a smoother ride and we could still add a suspension stem. But it also cost several thousands more.
4. Xtracycle RFA Speed motor. Our second favorite bike and very similar to the Benno Boost (a bit heavier). But ultimately we prefer Bosch over Shimano motors. Bosch has a stronger track record for reliability and serviceability. I plan to service the motor myself once the warranty expires and Shimano motors are not user serviceable. If the RFA still used a Bosch motor, I might have bought this bike because I do like the idea of supporting a local company, especially the one that invented the longtail cargo bike.

Why we chose the Quick Haul P9
We chose this bike because a) the motor torque was enough for getting around the city with a kid and was zippy enough when riding solo; b) passenger capacity was enough for kid to grow into; c) It was much lighter and nimble than the other bikes considered.

My modifications:
1. Drivetrain. The Alivio drivetrain is a bit clunky when shifting on Sport or Turbo. I think the acute angle caused by the pulley wheel causes some of this issue. I replaced the Alivio with a 10 speed Shimano Zee drivetrain (same 11-34T gear range)that I got for under $100 on FB marketplace. It fixed all my shifting issues. I then removed the pulley wheel because the Zee has a clutch and much shorter cage. I now have perfect shifting and better clearance. No dropped chain thus far. I’ve also helped a friend upgrade to Microsoft Advent Super Short 9 speed drivetrain. Also works great and you can keep the original cassette.
2. Handlebar. I cut 10 mm off each end and added Ergon GP1 grips.
3. Suspension stem. I found a used Kinekt stem that works great. Ads a bit of weight, but insignificant to the weight of a fork. Perfect enough damping for rough roads.
4. Tern Hauling Accessories: a) Hauler Rack w/ Weather Top Bag, b) Cargo Hold 37 Bags. Enough for groceries, school supplies etc.
5. Tern Passenger Accessories: a) Captains chair, b) Seat belt; c) Stirrups. Works for my 3 year old and my 9 year old.
6. Paint protection decals. A must for this bike around locking points.
7. Litelock X1. Easy to lock around street signs, bike racks, and parking meters with this angle grinder resistant lock.