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Tern GSD S10 Review

robb dorr
By
Robb Dorr,
Co-founder
Images from manufacturer's website

120 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

6 hrs

CHARGE TIME

74 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

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Tern GSD S10 Review: Takeaway

A high-quality e-cargo-bike with great payload capacity and security features, the Tern GSD S10 should be high on the list for a business looking to cut carbon emissions. For family use, with its many passenger seat and pannier options, this e-bike could be a supreme car killer.

We recommend opting for the dual-battery option, but either way, you’ll enjoy a punchy, Bosch CargoLine motor as well as stopping power from high-quality Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes.

Ideal for...

Business use
Delivery service
Family car killer
Utility riding
Taking children around the town/city

E-Bike Overview

With a maximum gross vehicle weight of 440 lbs and a frame-integrated rack that can take up to 220 lbs of that weight, the Tern GSD S10 is a hard hitter in the e-cargo-bike big league. Its dry weight is 74 lbs, meaning you can carry up to 366 lbs including rider and cargo.

Made for regular, high-mileage riding with a serious amount of cargo, this is a machine that’ll hack a lot of abuse. Whether you’re a business with a high volume of daily parcels to deliver or a family looking to ditch the car, this e-bike will work great.

This car-killing cargo e-bike also has a lot of great security features. A locking kickstand and an integrated ABUS lock will deter opportunist thieves. You can even have an optional extra cargo lock, too.

The components here are built with high mileage in mind. Though Tern has higher-spec e-bikes with internal gear hubs, the drivetrain and braking system on the GSD S10 are designed to last. The Magura MT5 eStop brakes will slow you down quickly even with a big load in wet weather. Meanwhile, the Bosch CargoLine mid-drive motor can hurl out as much as 85 Nm of torque, ensuring a great start even on a big hill.

Reasons to Buy

If you’re planning to replace a car or van for regular use with the GSD S10, then we recommend you go for the $6,099, dual-battery version. With 900 Wh of battery on board, you or your couriers can get a realistic 50 miles of high payload riding from this setup. The single 400Wh battery option will get less than half that.

As a car killer, it’ll do the job with glee. Carrying up to 220 lbs of cargo on the integrated rear rack (or one of a number of optional child seats), the e-bike can ferry your child or grocery bags with ease. Riding with the beefy Bosch e-cargo-bike specialized motor means you can get big mileage in without needing the thighs of a linebacker.

Things to Consider

Built like a juggernaut, the GSD S10 is no lightweight at 74 lbs. If (as sometimes happens in high mileage city riding) you drop it, even without cargo, it could be a strain to get back up.

Unlike some of its lower-priced rivals, it lacks a throttle. This makes it less thirsty for battery, but you’ll still have to pedal to get it around.

Specs & Components

Motor
Bosch CargoLine 85 Nm mid-drive
Battery
400 Wh or 900 Wh dual-battery option
Drivetrain
10-speed Shimano Deore with 11-36t cassette
Brakes
4-piston Magura MT5 eStop hydraulic, 180mm rotors front and rear
Tires
Schwalbe Big Ben Plus (front) and Schwalbe Super Moto (rear)
Payload capacity
366 lbs - 220 lbs on integrated rear rack
Accessories
Integrated rear rack, fenders, front and rear light (brake light on rear), bell, locking kickstand, integrated bike lock
Selected Options
Various child seats, child seat cover, passenger handlebars, rear and front basket, panniers, front rack

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power
5/5
5

As a cargo bike designed for big loads, the GSD S10 includes a Bosch CargoLine motor that offers a huge, 85 Nm of torque. It’ll get the rider up to speed very quickly, even with a large load. The Schwalbe road tires offer minimal rolling resistance and will grip in the wet.

This is a Class 1 e-bike limited to 20 mph. For those seeking an e-cargo-bike capable of 28 mph, consider a Riese & Muller Load 75 that has a Class 3 option — but it’s around double the price.

Range
5/5
5

The amount of weight carried on an e-bike will impact its range per battery. Tern claims that the GSD S10 can do 120 miles on a double battery, but that would be with a relatively small rider on the flat and no cargo. If you’re on delivery runs with the full 366 lbs payload, expect 50 miles on a flatter route and fewer on hilly routes. We still offer a high score for this, as it’s a highly efficient electric bike.

Comfort
5/5
5

The Tern GSD S10 is designed to be quickly adjusted for people between 4’11” and 6’5” in height. The easily changed cockpit size is a big feature that allows for shifts of couriers to ride it in perfect comfort without having one machine each.

The rider will be sat in an upright, city bike position. For braking and the inevitable bumps in the road, the wider gauge tires and 70mm travel Suntour fork will add to rider comfort.

For those carrying small children, there’s an optional passenger cover so your little one can stay dry and out of the weather.

Durability
5/5
5

Built for business use, the Tern GSD S10 is designed with high mileage and durability in mind. It will require servicing every 1,000 miles or so for chain stretch and brake pad replacement.

Tern offers a five-year limited warranty on its frames and a one-year warranty on its components. Branded components like the Bosch motor and Suntour fork will be subject to their own warranties. An extended, 10-year warranty option is available.

Style
4.5/5
4.5

Though some may say otherwise, juggernauts aren’t designed to be pretty. Nor is a quality e-cargo-bike like the GSD S10. We’d call it practical from the ground up — certainly not ugly (or idiosyncratic). The harsh angles and geometric lines are almost reminiscent of a clunky Batcycle.

Those who ride it as private users will be making a statement that they’ve ditched their car, and businesses that use it will be cutting carbon emissions. Pretty it may not be, but very proud you’ll be in using it.

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.

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