The comfort, handling, extras, and—let’s be honest—the overall vibe of the GSD are all strong positives. This bike feels premium not just because of its parts, but because of how meticulously everything comes together on the road.
The frame is outstanding. The GSD’s unique design works on multiple levels, offering stiffness and stability far beyond what you’d expect even under heavy loads. With a 463-lb payload capacity, that rigidity matters. Tern also extended the rear rack compared to previous generations, giving passengers more space and comfort while expanding cargo potential. The cockpit feels a little compressed, but not uncomfortable.
Steering and handling feel great thanks to the 20” wheels, which lower the center of gravity and make the bike easy to balanc, even when it’s fully loaded. The handlebar setup is excellent too: the grips are comfortable, and the folding design feels solid and secure, with no hint of unwanted play. The folding handlebar feature also makes it easier to load the GSD into SUVs or vans, or to stand it vertically for storage using the built-in feet on the rear rack.
The fit adjustments are among the best I’ve seen on a cargo bike. Tern’s proprietary stem allows for quick, tool-free changes, which parents sharing carpool duties will especially appreciate. The reinforced telescoping seatpost has easy latch fasteners that make height adjustments simple and secure. If I have one nitpick, it’s that I’d prefer the handlebars to rise a bit higher, but at 6’1” with a longer torso, that’s a personal preference, not a dealbreaker.
Comfort components are top-notch. While I usually prefer rigid forks on cargo bikes, the SR Suntour Mobie suspension fork on the GSD provides a touch of travel that smooths out rougher roads nicely. The Cane Creek suspension seatpost is a major highlight—it soaks up impacts effectively. Add in the Ergon grips and custom Tern saddle, and you’ve got an all-day comfortable setup.
I rarely mention pedals, but it’s worth noting that I felt a bit of vibration through them when climbing hills with heavy loads. It’s minor—nothing concerning—but worth pointing out for those who notice the finer details.
Safety and security are major focal points. The GSD meets DIN frame safety standards, its electrical system is UL 2849 certified, and it includes ABS brakes, high/low beam lighting, and a bright taillight. The Bosch system also includes a free year of enhanced Flow app security ($34.99/annually after 12 months), which goes well beyond the included café lock. Through the app, you can disable the motor and battery, trigger an alarm if the bike is moved, and get motion alerts sent to your phone, all very handy features.
The Bosch Flow app adds even more functionality: GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions (which you can send to your display), power customization, ride stats, and more. There’s a surprising amount of depth here if you like to fine-tune your experience.
Then there are the accessories—a crucial part of what makes this a true cargo bike. Foldable footboards come standard for passengers or under pannier support. Tern offers nearly endless ways to outfit the GSD. You can add simple passenger cushions, grab bars, or full guard rails, or go big with a Captain’s Chair setup. For kids, there’s room for up to two child seats, and protective canopies are available for sun or rain. There’s even a massive storage bag that can envelop passengers while leaving their heads exposed, which is a a creative (and cozy) touch.
The quality of Tern’s gear stands out: thick, durable materials, sturdy zippers, and smart design. Beneath it all, a side-rail system supports panniers and gives passengers a stable footrest. And that’s just the rear of the bike, up front, you can mount racks, bags, or even pet carriers. The built-in tow bar also lets you attach trailers without fiddling around the rear wheel. Heck, they even sell a straight tow bar if you want to start your own roadside-assistance cargo service (kidding… mostly).
So, what could be improved? Not much. The cable clutter could be tidied up a bit, and turn signals might be a nice touch someday. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. The GSD’s overall construction, versatility, and thoughtful extras make it one of the best-riding, most complete cargo bikes on the market today.
