Yuba Kombi E5 versus Tern Quick Haul Long

[utopiary]

Hi, this is my first time posting here--trying to make a purchase decision, and the community here seems really welcoming.

I've been riding an unelectric Yuba Kombi for the past 3 years and have really enjoyed it. Mostly taking my two kids (now 5 and 7) to school and on short errands. Now, thanks to a local tax credit/bike lottery program, I have the chance to upgrade to an ebike with a budget of approx. $3500.

I was considering simply getting the electric Kombi for $3000, since I already have most of the accessories I need, but then I got excited because my local shop had the new Tern Quick Haul Long for only $3300! However, after doing the math on all the Tern accessories I would need (hauling two kids, front basket, etc.), I will end up over well over $4000. So my question is whether the Tern brand/accessories and Bosch motor might be worth the extra ~$1200 (which feels like a lot of $ for me right now). I like the Kombi's steel frame, 24" wheels, and bread basket accessory, but I've heard the Shimano mid-drive motor can be tricky to service or is just not as good as the Bosch. The dimensions and cargo capacity on both bikes seem very similar, and the ranges seem similar from what I've read. My wife and I liked both bikes on a short test drive, but I wonder if the lower Tern center of gravity wouldfeel better to her when the bike is fully loaded with kids and gear.

Anyways, I'd welcome any opinions, suggestions, or other information. Thanks for reading!

 

[Sam A]

Hey there! I have not owned either bike, but I've handled them both on test rides and on the sales floor. And while I actually love the non-electric Kombi design, I don't think the electric version holds up quite as well, compared with the Quick Haul.

I definitely prefer the feel of the Bosch ebike system to that of the Shimano STEPS. Both are good to ride, but Bosch is much more feature rich and refined.

The Kombi's 24" wheel design handles well, but gives you fewer high quality options for replacement tires and wheels.

Quick Haul's 20" wheel design also sits more of the frame mass lower, giving the bike a very stable feel even when handled at low speeds and tight corners.

Accessories really make the cargobike, and both Yuba and Tern have great packages of compatible passenger and cargo kits. I can understand wanting to keep your accessories with the new bike. However, you could also bundle them when selling and raise your asking price a bit, giving the new owner a complete set-up and giving you a bit more budget to set up whichever new bike you pick. If you think about the potential buyer, it will be a pain for them to buy all the accessories separately, and probably a good deal to buy from you.

My last point of advice is simply to try and test ride both bikes, they're similar in utility but the differences in fit and feel can't really be seen. Taking them both for a good test ride will tell you if one of them fits you best.

I don't think you can go too wrong here but I'm definitely a bigger fan of the Quick Haul. Hope whatever you choose, it works out great for you!