Over the past few days, Tern has been teasing a Goldilocks story about e-bike shopping and trying to find a bike that isn’t too small but not too big—sounds like the Tern HSD!
I’ve often said that if I could only have one electric bike it would be an HSD and coined it the “Crossover of Electric Bikes.” That statement is even more so with the new generation 2 updates. Let’s dig into what is new, improved, and different. Make sure to post your questions in the comments at the bottom!
Tern HSD Gen 2 Electric Cargo Bike Features
- A stronger and stiffer frame tested with EFBE 3rd party testing lab
- 397 max gross vehicle weight (MGVW)
- 176 lb rear rack capacity
- Bosch Smart System with Performance Line (Class 1) and Performance Line Sport (Class 3)
545wh battery - Fits riders 4’11” to 6’5″
- Easy-Step design is comfortable with a low step thru height of 19″
- Weighs 54-58 lbs, including battery
- 99% of HSD Gen 1 accessories work on the Gen 2
- Starting price of $4,299 in the US
- Available fall of 2023 in North America
Tern HSD Gen 2 vs Gen 1
This is where I get excited to share details! As a bike nerd, but also a daily user of these bikes, and previously a small bike shop owner, it is very rewarding for me to be involved with Tern as we evolve, learn, and reiterate.
The original HSD Gen 1 is a fantastic daily bike. I truly believe that it changed many people’s perspective of what an e-bike is, how it should ride with the smaller 20″ wheels and lower battery placement, but the capacity of carrying 136 lbs on the back with ease. The Tern design team took our own experiences using the HSD, and all the stories from bike shop owners, and riders, to simply amplify what was already great to be even better.
Here are some of my key differences between the generations, I’m sure I’ll add to them as I spend more time on the HSD Gen 2 bikes.
A Stronger, Stiffer Frame
The HSD Gen 2 is significantly stiffer at the bottom bracket and headtube. This is important as the frame is also stronger with a max rear rack capacity of 176 lbs compared to the 136 lbs of the HSD Gen 1.
Simplified Model Structure
One thing I really appreciate from an ex-bike retailer is that we simplified the HSD Gen 2 models. There 4 models available for the US, 3 are Class 1 (max 20mph assistance), and a single Class 3 (max 28mph assistance) option. The motors are all Performance Line / Performance Line Sport and the key differences will be drivetrain and Bosch displays. Previously, we offered so many models with multiple different motor options. It is now simplified, hooray!
Bosch Smart System
This is the newest e-bike system from Bosch with Bluetooth connection to your phone, built-in alarm, and GPS on the higher-end S-class models. I plan on having a full article all about the Bosch Smart System soon!
HSD S00, HSD P5i, HSD P10 models have a Performance Line Motor – Class 1 with 75 Nm torque and 340% assist
HSD S11 has the Performance Line Sport Motor – Class 3 with 75 Nm torque and 340% assist
Bosch Battery – All models are using the PowerPack 545 battery
EasyAccess Port
We moved the charging port to the top tube to make it easier to charge your battery when it is installed on the bike
Compatible Accessories
99% of the original HSD accessories work on the Gen 2. The exception, that I know of, is the original HSD DuoStand Gen 1 kickstand.
Other Features All HSD Models Have
Rear wheel frame lock with key that matches the battery lock
Fenders
Front and rear lights that integrate with
Tern HSD Gen 2 North American Models
HSD P10
$4,299
Class 1 E-Bike
• 1×10 Derailleur Drivetrain
• Bosch Intuvia 100 Controller
• North American colors: Orange & Satin Black
HSD P5i
$4,599
Class 1 E-Bike
• Internally Geared Hub
• Shimano Nexus 5-speed
• Gates Belt Drive
• Intuvia 100 Display
• North American Colors: Dragon Fruit & Sea Breeze
HSD S00
$5,499
Class 1 E-Bike
• Enviolo Internally Geared Hub
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 380% Gears
• Gates Belt Drive
• Kiox 300 Display
• Bosch electronic lock, alarm, and GPS
• Brighter Ignis headlight (700 vs 190 lumens)
• Magura MT4 Brakes
• RearStop Brake Light
• North American colors: Dark Blue
HSD S11
$4,899
Class 3 E-Bike
• Shimano 11-speed derailleur drivetrain
• Kiox 300 Display
• Brighter Ignis headlight (700 vs 190 lumens)
• Magura MT4 Brakes
• RearStop Brake Light
• Bosch electronic lock, alarm, and GPS
• Color: Dune
• Only available in the US
Which Tern HSD Gen 2 Cargo Bike is for you?
(Actively working on this section today!)
At the time of writing this, these bikes aren’t yet available for test rides so I want to help you as much as possible to figure out which model could be for you!
There are 4 models available in the US, 3 versions that are Class 1 and 1 that is Class 3. In Canada, only the 3 versions of Class 1 are available. All Class 1 models share the same motor and battery so we really are focused on different drivetrains (what makes the bike shift), the Bosch display, and if it comes with the Bosch E-Bike Alarm and ConnectModule.
HSD P10 Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike
This is the “base” model but still pretty spectacular. It uses a chain and Shimano 10-speed derailleur system. This uses the Shimano Deore Shadow+ derailleur which has a clutch that adds tension to the derailleur. This will help on potholes and help a bit more when you are shifting under load (though you want to try and avoid this!) This is also the lightest of the HSD models at 54.2 lbs including the battery. View more details on Tern Bicycles
HSD P5i Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike
The “i” in the naming means internally geared hub. This is using the Shimano Nexus 5i hub, a specifically designed internally geared hub to withstand the demands of a high torque e-bike motor. The internally geared hub means you can shift at a stop, and a lot less maintenance than a derailleur bike. This model also comes with the Gates Belt Drive, making this model well worth the $300 upgrade over the P10 in my humble opinion if you want a bike with lower maintenance overall. View more details on Tern Bicycles
HSD S00 Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike
The “S” in the naming means this is the supreme model lineup, often coming with nicer details and the S00 does not disappoint! The S00 naming is carried over from the GSD and represents the Enviolo CVT system that technically does not have a specific number of gears because the hub has infinite adjustments. It is hard to understand until you ride it but there are no steps in between the gears and has a gear range of 380%! This is why it is named “00”. This also has the Gates Belt Drive.
Other S-Class upgrades:
• Magura MT4 brakes with the RearStop Brake lights
• Cane Creek suspension seatpost
• Bosch E-Bike Alarm and Connect Module
• Fancier color Bosch Kiox 300 display
View more details on Tern Bicycles
HSD S11 Class 3 Electric Cargo Bike
Following along with the upgraded S-Class from the S00, the S11 is the Class 3 model in the HSD Gen 2 lineup. This is a derailleur bike, with a Shimano 11-speed Shadow+ Deore setup. The Shadow+ means the derailleur has a clutch on it to provide tension, this helps when shifting under some load and to help if you are hitting lots of potholes.
The motor is a Performance Line Sport motor, this is a Class 3 motor from Bosch and my favorite of the Class 3 options from them. Compared to the Performance Line Speed motor you have to work a bit harder to get the extra speed between 20-28mph. I appreciate this as it makes the bike feel more sporty and less of a speed machine.
Other S-Class upgrades:
• Magura MT4 brakes with the RearStop Brake lights
• Cane Creek suspension seatpost
• Bosch E-Bike Alarm and Connect Module
• Fancier color Bosch Kiox 300 display
View more details on Tern Bicycles
HSD Gen 2 Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure to post your questions in the comments below!
When will these be available?
Fall 2023
Can I upgrade my HSD Gen 1 with the new Bosch Smart System?
Unfortunately, no. A bike must be tested and properly outfitted with the approved Bosch motor, you can not upgrade motors or e-bike systems.
Will HSD Gen 1 accessories fit?
The majority of HSD Gen 1 accessories work on the Gen 2. The exception is the original DuoStand Gen 1.
Should I upgrade from my HSD Gen 1?
This is a personal take, but I love that I can carry an adult on the HSD Gen 2, and I’m VERY excited about the Bosch security system integrated into the motor on the S-class bikes. Saying that, unless I really needed to carry a bigger rider or my current HSD is underpowered then I probably wouldn’t upgrade.
