Tern GSD S00 Electric Cargo Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs

The compact Tern GSD S00 electric cargo bike is in for testing & review and there is a lot to go over.

With its focus on being compact and versatile, the GSD is designed to handle almost anything and Get Stuff Done!

The GSD eCargo fits many rider sizes, it’s very maneuverable, and it becomes even more compact for storage & transport. 

There are many cargo accessories options for carrying gear & kids and the sturdy MultiTruss frame can handle up to ~370 pounds of total load (rider + cargo).

A quality component spec is highlighted by the Bosch Performance CX mid-drive with a dual battery option, enviolo CVT hub, Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe tires, and a full accessory package. 

The Tern GSD S00 starts at $4,999 and there is also the S10 model starting at $3,999.

In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.

Part 2 of the Tern GSD review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.

The bike in this testing & review is the GSD S00 with the single 500 Wh battery configuration priced at $4,999. The dual battery (1,000 Wh) configuration is priced at $5,799. There are also optional accessories (front rack, panniers, rack seat, foot pegs) shown on this bike. 

There is also the GSD S10 that has some component differences with a single 400 Wh battery configuration priced at $3,999 and a dual battery (900 Wh) configuration priced at $4,799. 

Above is a look at the many cargo accessory options and below is a video of the GSD in action: 

And here is a video of a company that uses a GSD to deliver bread:

The Tern GSD is a compact eCargo bike designed to be maneuverable and to fit a wide range of riders.

It has about the same length as a traditional bike so that it is easy to maneuver, transport, and store.  

This is a graphic from Tern that shows how the GSD can fit the whole family from about 4′-11″ to about 6′-5″.

The low step-thru area, adjustable stem, and double adjustable seat post makes this possible. 

First off let’s take a look at the Tern MultiTruss 7005 aluminum frame that definitely has a truss tubing design look.

This is the platform that allows the GSD to handle approximately 370 pounds of rider, accessory, and cargo weight. 

Here is a closer look at the connection of the head tube, top tube, and down tube along with the optional Transporteur front cargo rack ($120) that is bolted to the head tube connection points.

The optional Transporteur front cargo rack ($120) is designed to fit crates, pet carriers, coolers, bags, and other cargo up to 44 pounds. 

The 7005 aluminum fork has a sturdy design with a thru-axle for additional front wheel stability.

The spring attached from the frame to the fork keeps the front wheel straight when it is elevated by the kick stand. 

The step-thru area is low (about 19″) to make getting on and off the GSD quick and easy.

That is a good feature when carrying heavy cargo so you can stabilize the bike while getting on and off. 

Speaking of the step-thru area, this is a fun detail! GSD is cut into the aluminum plate that connects the tubing at the step-thru area. 

And now for a look at the truss style rear rack area, there is a lot going on here! This is a look at the frame with the Cargo Hold Pannier removed. 

First of all there are 2 battery slots built in between the seat tube and the rear wheel.

This is a good location to keep the batteries low and relatively centered on the bike for good weight distribution. 

The GSD S00 in this test came with the single Bosch PowerPack 500 lithium battery that is a 36V 13.4ah 500 Wh pack. 

On the lower right side of the battery is the charge level indicator. There is also a charge level indicator on the display that is on the handlebar. 

Just below the battery is a charging port that is covered by a rubber cover. 

Here is a look from the top of the rear rack down to the battery locations.

If you initially buy the single battery configuration and want to add a second it is very easy to add because all the wiring and connection hardware is installed and ready to go. 

This is a look at the frame with the battery removed. It is removed by unlocking it with one of the supplied keys. 

The battery can be charged on or off the bike. Charge time is 2 hours to 50% and 4.5 hours to 100%.

The battery weighs 5.7 pounds.

Here is a look at the battery being charged on the bike. 

Another fun feature are the Sidekick Foot Pegs that are an optional accessory ($25) on each side of the frame to support a rider sitting on the rear rack; there is seat pad for the rear rack not shown in this picture. 

The Sidekick Foot Pegs are spring loaded and retract to be parallel to the frame when not in use. 

With a quick push they swing out from under the frame for use. 

This is the Sidekick Seat Pad ($45) that is used with the Foot Pegs for carrying a passenger on the back. It has a KLICKfix rack mount that clips on and off in seconds.

2 Seat Pads can be used or 1 Seat Pad combined with a kids seat for carrying a younger and older child. 

Here is another angle of the sturdy aluminum truss frame design. 

At the back of the frame are built in support pads that the GSD sits on when it is in the folded vertical position for storage or transport in an elevator. 

This is the vertical position with the handlebar folded. More on that in a bit. 

Now let’s take a look at the drive system on the GSD S00. 

The S00 is equipped with the Bosch Performance Line CX mid drive motor that provides more torque (up to 75 Nm) than the standard Performance Line motor for help when carrying heavier cargo loads. 

The CX motor is rated at 250 watts with peak power of up to 600 watts.  

The Tern GSD is a Class 1 electric bike which is pedal assist only up to 20 mph and under 750 watts max.

There is also a chain guard for keeping your pant legs clean. 

Bosch motors use 3 sensors to measure your pedaling to blend in the proportional assist. The sensors are a torque sensor, cadence sensor, and speed sensor. 

The pedal assist levels are: 

Turbo: 300%

Sport: 190%

Tour: 120%

Eco: 50%

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this testing & review for the ride characteristics of drive system. 

The plastic platform pedals have a grip tape surface for a stable ride feel. 

The transmission of the GSD S00 is the enviolo 380% continuously variable gear range rear hub.

This is one of the component upgrades when compared to the S10 that features a traditional cog & derailleur drivetrain. 

The enviolo rear hub houses all of the gearing inside the hub.

The continuously variable rear hub features a 380% gear ratio from low to high and there are no specific indexed gears like a derailleur system.

It is similar to adjusting the volume dial on a radio; you can dial in the best gear ratio with the twist grip shifter on the handlebar. More on this in Part 2 of the review. 

It is also “practically maintenance-free, as they are made up of self-contained systems”.

enviolo is the new brand name for what was formerly NuVinci.  

A Shimano Alfine chain tensioner is used to route the chain properly through the frame. 

Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors are used front and rear for solid stopping power. In this view you can also see the thru-axle on the fork. 

This is the rear Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic disc brake with the 180mm rotor attached to the enviolo CVT rear hub. This view shows the rear thru-axle as well. 

20″ x 2.4″ Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires are used front and rear. These have an efficient road tread pattern with substantial air volume for a comfortable ride. There are reflective stripes on each side of the tire and the tires have built-in puncture protection.

Now let’s take a look at the handlebar area. In this view you can see that the handlebar has a swept back profile for a comfortable ride position. 

This is the Tern Andros adjustable stem that can quickly vary the handlebar height and reach.

This is part of the system that provides the GSD with the ability to fit a wide variety of rider sizes from 4′ 11″ to 6′ 5″. It is also part of the folding system. 

In this view you can see the quick release levers that have been opened for the stem adjustability. 

On the left side of the handlebar is the Bosch Purion control pad and display. The (+) and (-) buttons adjust the pedal assist levels and cycle through information on the display. 

The display provides the following info:

• Current speed
• Estimated range remaining
• Odometer & trip distance
• Pedal assist level. There are 4 levels of pedal assist: Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo
• Battery level

There is a backlight that makes it easy to see the display in low light and dark conditions. 

Ergon GC10 grips provide wrist support with wings on the ends. They also have lock on collars that prevent them from rotating on the handlebar. 

On the right side of the handlebar is the Ergon GC10 grip, enviolo grip shifter, and Magura rear hydraulic disc brake lever. 

As mentioned before, the enviolo continuously variable rear hub features a 380% gear range from low to high and there are no specific indexed gears.

This grip shifter acts like a volume dial on a radio so you can “dial in” the best gear for the terrain you are riding on.

Shifting can also happen when you are not pedaling which is helpful for getting into the best gear ratio for accelerating from a stop.

Here is a closer look at the Magura hydraulic disc brake lever. The reach of the brake lever can be adjusted to fit your hand size. 

The seatpost has 2 adjustment points so that the GSD can fit a wide range of riders from 4′ 11″ to 6′ 5″.

The GSD saddle has a medium width and a comfortable feel for many miles of riding. 

There is a handle on the back of the saddle that helps for maneuvering the bike around and picking it up. 

Now let’s take a look at the folding of the handlebar to make the GSD more compact for storage or transport. The first step is to set the stem and handlebar in the vertical position. 

Near the headtube of the frame is the quick release mechanism for folding the handlebar mast down.

Sliding the red safety lever up allows the large quick release lever to be opened. 

Then the handlebar mast is folded to the side. 

The fork spring is released and the front wheel is turned 180 degrees while the handlebar is folded down. 

The handlebar is secured in the folded position with a rubber strap attached to the frame and the handlebar mast. 

With the handlebar folded and the seat dropped down the GSD becomes more compact for storage and transport. 

In the center of the handlebar is the Tern Valo Direct headlight with 41 lux/150 lumens. The headlight and taillight are powered by the Bosch PowerPack battery so you don’t have to worry about charging separate batteries for the lights. 

This is the Herrmans H-Trace taillight that is powered by the eBike battery. 

The ABUS front wheel lock is another upgrade that the S00 features. It is keyed alike with the Bosch battery lock so the same key can be used. 

A metal bar is extended through the front wheel to prevent someone from riding off with the bike. This is a nice lock for leaving the bike for a short period of time while running into a store for example.

A heavy duty double legged kickstand keeps the GSD stable when parked for easily loading & unloading cargo.

 Out testing the GSD S00 Cargo Hold Panniers. Part 2 will go into the ride characteristics. 

Tern GSD S00 Electric Bike Specifications

Frame: 7005 Aluminum MultiTruss design

Fork: 7005 Aluminum with 110mm Boost Thru-Axle

Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX 250 watt (600 peak) mid-drive. 75 Nm max torque

Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500 36V 13.4ah lithium. The battery weighs 5.7 pounds.

Assist Options: 4 pedal assist levels: Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo. Pedal assist sensors: torque, cadence, and speed.

Speed: Pedal assist up to 20 mph and less than 750 watts which makes this a Class 1 eBike

Display: Bosch Purion display: pedal assist level, battery level, speed, odometer, trip distance, estimated range remaining, backlight. 

Drivetrain: enviolo continuously variable rear hub

Brakeset: Magura MT5 4 piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear

Tires: 20″ x 2.4″ Schwalbe Super Moto-X with reflective sidewalls & puncture protection

Seat: Tern GSD with rear handle

Sizes: One size that fits riders in size from 4′ 11″ to 6′ 5″

Weight: Bike = 71.5 pounds (stated)

Stock Accessories: Cargo Hold Panniers,Tern Valo Direct headlight and Herrmans H-Trace taillight, ABUS front wheel lock keyed alike with Bosch battery, SplashGuard plastic fenders, SKS Chainblade, double legged kickstand, bell.

Optional Accessories in this test: Transporteur front rack, SideKick Seat Pad, SideKick Foot Pegs.

Additional Accessory Options

Price: $4,999 USD with the single Bosch PowerPack 500 battery. The dual battery (1,000 Wh) configuration is priced at $5,799.

There is also the GSD S10 that has some component differences with a single 400 Wh battery configuration priced at $3,999 and a dual battery (900 Wh) configuration priced at $4,799. 

Stay tuned for part 2 of the Tern GSD S00 testing & review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!

-Pete

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