I’m now a few days into using an electric cargo bike (a Tern GSD) as my primary form of transportation. It’s…awesome.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Marcos Dione on last edited by
@mdione @harpaa01
I find myself adjusting the assist controls a fair bit as I ride. Pedestrians, narrow place? Assist 0/4 or 1/4. Needing to move through an area quickly, maybe get out of traffic, running late? 4/4 (“turbo”). Wanting to start quickly but not too quickly? 1/4 or 2/4 (“tour”) etc.Maybe just because I’m used to a manual car transmission, this constant adjusting feels natural and even helpful.
-
@kimu
Thanks for the hashtag tips! The upright posture just clicked for me right away. Still getting used to the limits of turning, but as far as comfort, it instantly felt right! -
dimsumthinkingreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
@inthehands all of that. My only complaint is that the striker for the bell was mounted on a flimsy spring and is long gone
-
Rachael Ludwickreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
@inthehands We have a bunch of cargo bikes -- my retires mom has a big front box trike, partner has a pakster (front box) and we had to just give up and got a shed just for bikes (we don't have a garage.) The storage issues with ebikes are real and since they are often pricy bikes few are going to want to lock up outdoors (even if there is a place to). A lot of apartment buildings have car parking but not bike, etc. It is a real challenge. Thank you for sharing yours.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
#BikeDiary Quick build notes for anyone specifically considering a Tern:
- Just get the lockstand extensions
- Just get the wide decks
- Just get the side lights
- Consider the belt drive if you’ll be riding in bad weather
- Consider a battery cover if you'll be riding in the cold
- Consider Tannus Armour inserts (fewer flats)
- All the bag, seat, rack, and passenger shelter choices are good choices, exactly what they seem to be on the web site; go based on expected usage & needs -
Paul Cantrellreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by [email protected]
#BikeDiary Figuring out my locking / security strategy has been a joooouuurrney. I’ll post details on where I ended up later, but one big thing that’s easy to write up now:
There is bicycle insurance that’s a lot like car insurance: theft, yes, but also damage, liability, medical. Who knew? I got this one: https://velosurance.com It was a quick online application, and it will run me ~$33/month. Reasonable enough for what it gives. Hell of a lot cheaper than car insurance!
-
Davits???
-
Laura Savinoreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
@inthehands Me too actually (down to the squeals of glee)!! I just got my GSD last week, and I can’t believe how when I arrive at home or work, I feel hopeful and energized just walking in the door. How can a commute be joyful?!
Opposite research experience, though: I heard about a place with month-to-month rentals and ordered the one model that could schlep two kids. I customized nothing and am in love
-
@clew
Hopefully it doesn’t come to that!! -
Ideally davits so reliable that you could load the bike on the porch and GET ON IT and lower away and then bike off pronto.
(Singing chanteys.)
-
@clew
There once was a Tern in a Twin City
and the name of that Tern was the GSD -
Paul Cantrellreplied to Laura Savino on last edited by
@savinola
Great minds think alike!(Apparently many great minds, since half the models and parts seem to be backordered)
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Rachael Ludwick on last edited by
@r343l
The GSD’s vertical storage is brilliant; once it’s in place, it’s great. It’s the steps that are the killer. Doesn’t help that the pedals come so low to the ground at their low point.If only I had the skill/strength to fully lift the thing up the stairs….
-
Brian Marickreplied to dimsumthinking on last edited by
@dimsumthinking @inthehands You can get these bikes in the US? I idly peeked and it seemed to be a Europe bike.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Brian Marick on last edited by
@marick @dimsumthinking Oh, you can very much get them in the US. They’re based in Taipei IIRC.
-
dimsumthinkingreplied to Brian Marick on last edited by
@marick @inthehands yes - though at times supply is limited. I ordered mine at a local shop and they had to cancel my order so I got mine at REI. I’ve had it for four years and didn’t use it as much this year as others. As Paul said, it was the test ride that sold me. The electric is only an assist - I’m still biking but it smooths out hills and stops. I have the foldable one so I can put it in my car. It is quite heavy
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to dimsumthinking on last edited by [email protected]
@dimsumthinking @marick I had to wait two months to get the color I wanted, and it was totally worth it.
Still waiting on the front rack.
Honestly, I’m delighted about the wait time. I’d love to see this supply chain scale up, and am happy to see the pressures that might make that happen.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by [email protected]
#BikeDiary I just realized that I can take the big, bulky car key off my regular keychain. I don't need to have it in my pocket all the time anymore.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
#BikeDiary I notice that I greet people a lot more commuting on the Tern. Just a nod, a smile, a friendly hello — but not a thing I did inside a car. The electric part helps: I'm not out of breath. And again, the upright riding position has a surprisingly large effect. I notice more of the community. I feel like a part of the place I’m riding through.
-
Paul Cantrellreplied to Paul Cantrell on last edited by
#BikeDiary I also notice nature. I mean, this seems obvious, we all know that’s part of cycling, but:
Earlier in the week, along the Mississippi, a bald eagle came gliding down fast and silent and plucked a squirrel right out of the middle of the road not 50 feet from me. Full, long view of it — not out a window, no roof, just full view — as it lifted off and sailed away.
Would this have happened if I'd been in a car? Unlikely. Would I have had that view? Definitely not!