Cargo Bike
Tern GSD S10
Gen 3The do-everything longtail that folds to fit in a closet
by Tern
GSD lineup
$7,999
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82.3lbs
Weight
463lbs
Max load
85Nm
Torque
~45mi
Real range
545Wh
Battery
2
Kids
Carryish Scores
9/10
Overall
9/10
Hills
8/10
Cargo
8/10
Range
7/10
Value
9/10
Family
The Carryish Take
Fits in an elevator. Hauls two kids and a Costco run. The Bosch Cargo Line motor has 85Nm of torque, which means hills with a full load aren't a problem. Tern's accessory system is the deepest in the game — kid seats, panniers, front racks, rain covers, all designed to click in without tools. At $7,999 it's not cheap, but families who ride daily will use it like a second car.
Bottom line: The GSD S10 is expensive but exceptional — the only longtail that truly solves urban storage while delivering premium performance.
Best for
- Urban families with 2 kids who need apartment-friendly storage
- Car replacement buyers who want premium components that'll last decades
- Hilly city riders who need serious climbing power with heavy loads
- Parents doing daily school runs plus weekend adventure hauling
- Multi-modal commuters who need to fold for train/elevator storage
Not for
- Budget buyers — the Rad Power RadWagon 4 does family hauling for $1,699
- Casual riders who don't need the folding feature — save money on a fixed-frame bike
- Speed demons — 20mph Class 1 limit feels slow compared to Class 3 bikes
- DIY mechanics who want simple, user-serviceable components
In the wild
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +Folds to 43% of full size — fits in elevators and storage closets
- +Rohloff 14-speed internal hub requires zero maintenance and shifts under load
- +Bosch Performance Line motor with 85Nm torque crushes hills with cargo
- +463 lb total capacity handles two kids plus groceries with room to spare
- +Integrated Supernova lights and full Hebie chaincase for year-round riding
- +Modular accessories from Tern let you customize for different hauling needs
Watch out for
- –At $7,999, costs more than many used cars
- –73 lbs means you'll need help carrying it up stairs even when folded
- –20-inch wheels make it less stable at speed than full-size cargo bikes
- –Complex folding mechanism has more potential failure points than fixed frames
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Bosch (Mid-drive)
- Power
- 250W nominal / 600W peak
- Torque
- 85 Nm
- Assist levels
- 4
- Throttle
- None
- Top speed
- 20 mph
- Class
- Class 1 (20 mph, no throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- Bosch 545Wh
- Voltage
- 36V
- Removable
- Yes
- Dual battery
- Yes (1090Wh total)
- Stated range
- 122 mi
- Real-world range
- ~45 mi (loaded)
- Charge time
- 4.5 hrs
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 82.3 lbs
- Max system weight
- 463 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 220 lbs
- Length
- 71"
- Wheelbase
- 49"
- Rider height
- 4'11" – 6'7"
- Foldable
- Yes
- Fits in elevator
- Yes
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano
- Gearing
- Derailleur (10-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Magura
- Rotor size
- 180/180mm
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 20"
- Rear wheel
- 20"
- Tire width
- 2.4"
- Tires
- Schwalbe
- Puncture protection
- Yes
- Suspension
- Seatpost suspension
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
- Max child passengers
- 2
- Child seat compatibility
- Thule Yepp Maxi, Tern Clubhouse+
- Footboards
- Yes
- Wheel guards
- Yes
- Rain cover
- Available separately
- Racks
- Front + Rear
- Rack system
- Atlas G, 100 kg (220 lb) capacity
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
- ABS
- Yes
- Locking kickstand
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Bosch Kiox 300 w/ LED remote, connectivity with Bosch eBike Flow iOS/Smartphone app, electronic bike lock
- Kickstand
- double leg
- Fenders
- Included
- Included accessories
- Double kickstand, integrated lights, Atlas H Lock mount, fenders
What reviewers say
8.5/10 avgFrequently Asked Questions
How small does the GSD actually fold?
It folds to 43% of its riding size — roughly 55 inches long by 35 inches tall. That fits in most elevators and many apartment storage closets.
Can I really haul two kids safely?
Absolutely. The 200 lb cargo capacity easily handles two kids on the back, plus the low center of gravity keeps handling stable. Tern's accessories include proper kid seats with five-point harnesses.
What makes Rohloff hubs worth the premium?
Rohloff internal hubs are sealed, maintenance-free, and shift smoothly under load. They typically last 60,000+ miles without service — basically forever for most riders.
How does it compare to the RadWagon for family use?
The GSD has better components, more capacity, and that unique fold, but costs 3x as much. The RadWagon covers basic family hauling needs for way less money.
Is the folding mechanism reliable long-term?
Tern has been making folding bikes for years and the mechanism is robust. However, any folding system has more potential failure points than a fixed frame.
If the RadWagon 4 is a Honda CR-V, the GSD S10 is a BMW X3 — more refined, more capable, and much pricier. Choose it over the Urban Arrow Family or Yuba Spicy Curry when apartment storage matters more than maximum cargo space.
