With the New NBD ebike, Tern Puts “Small” in Capital Letters

When you go to the bike shop or order online, many of you probably notice that the bicycle industry is still struggling with delivery problems for a wide variety of parts. The situation is also difficult for manufacturers to predict. This sometimes leads to decisions that seem strange. For example, the Taiwanese manufacturer Tern has already presented a new compact ebike today, although it may not be available until March of next year.

With its electrically assisted folding and cargo bikes, the company has built up an excellent reputation worldwide in recent years. The bestsellers such as the Vektron folding bike and the GSD and HSD cargo bikes were successively joined by models that fell somewhere in between these ebike types. The most recent example of this was the Quick Haul.

Anything but ordinary

The new Tern NBD falls into exactly this category. It has many details that you already know in this or a similar form from other bikes of the manufacturer. It has the robust mount for a massive front carrier like a cargo bike. Its handlebars can be folded down like a folding bike. And a bicycle for adults can hardly be more compact than the 163 centimetres in length.

Sounds like a colourful mix and the next bike that wants a lot but can’t seriously fulfil any of the expectations? You might think so. Here, however, the case is different. Tern is pursuing a clear plan with the NBD, aimed at people who are often neglected by the bicycle industry. Just like by other industries. This means people with a body size that is below what is usually considered average. Tern wants to make it easier for these people to start cycling or get back into it. For them, the NBD is supposed to herald a small change of era. Hence its name, which is an acronym for “New Bike Day”.

More equal opportunities

The new model is supposed to be suitable for people who measure between 1.47 metres and 1.90 metres. For those on the lower end of this spectrum, the difficulties of cycling often start before they actually ride. Just getting on the bike can prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for them. That’s why Tern has designed the step-in to the bike to be particularly low. The lowest point of the curved frame is exactly 39 centimetres from the ground. By comparison: With the Quick Haul and HSD models, which are also rather smaller, it is ten centimetres more.

To ensure this level of comfort, the bottom bracket was lowered a long way. The motor is also positioned correspondingly low. In addition to people with shorter body lengths, this accommodates cyclists whose knee or hip joints are less mobile.

Individually adjust and ride more comfortably

One consequence of this frame design is the low centre of gravity. The 20-inch wheels also play a part in this. Both compensate for the slightly higher position of the battery on the NBD. All in all, the bike should be easy to control in everyday use and feel well-balanced. Especially since an extended wheelbase provides the necessary smoothness.

The Andros stem patented by Tern is a great advantage when it comes to adjusting the bike. Thanks to it, you can individually adjust how high the handlebars should be, at what angle and exactly how far away from the saddle. The saddle height, on the other hand, can be set from the handlebars with the remote control of the height-adjustable seat post.

Flexible for everyday use

The NBD’s use as a cargo bike plays only a minor role. This is already indicated by the maximum total weight of the model, which is limited to 140 kilograms. Nevertheless, it offers options that are sufficient for many people’s everyday cycling needs. For example, a child’s seat fits comfortably on the rear carrier. However, this means that it is completely occupied. The carrier called Gaia can carry a maximum load of 27 kilograms. Both the Quick Haul and the HSD, with their 50 kilograms and 60 kilograms respectively, exceed this by far. If you opt for an optional front carrier, you can carry an additional 20 kilograms.

Two models to choose from

When the time comes in the first quarter of 2023, the Tern NBD will be offered in two versions. Both differ only in terms of the drive and the batteries. The Tern NBD S5i has a Bosch Performance Line motor with a torque of 65 Newton metres, while the Bosch Active Line Plus on the Tern NBD P8i only has 50 Newton metres. The P8i compensates for the somewhat smaller motor with a hub gear system that offers a wider range and finer tuning of the respective gears. Here, the 306 per cent and eight gears of the Shimano Nexus 8 contrast with the 207 per cent and five gears of the Shimano Nexus Inter 5-e.

At first glance, the Tern NBD S5i has the lead over the Tern NBD P8i and its Bosch PowerPack 400 in terms of battery power due to its Bosch PowerPack 500. In fact, the difference of 100 watt hours should be less obvious in practice than some of you might think. Firstly, the smaller motor consumes slightly less power. Secondly, using the better gearing actively can lead to more efficiency. In the end, therefore, the ranges of the bikes should be quite close to each other. Depending on the conditions, between 50 kilometres and 110 kilometres seem quite realistic.

Good, but also suitable?

A Tern NBD is supposed to cost from 3,999 euros. At this point you should ask yourself whether the NBD is really a worthwhile bike for you. If you belong to Tern’s target group of rather smaller people or have always wanted to ride a bike with such a low step-in for other reasons, then the question is superfluous. However, if you tend towards 1.60 metres, 1.70 metres or higher, you will probably sit better on a Quick Haul or an HSD. Their frame geometry is better designed for the torso length of these people. They will sit less stocky, less upright on the bike. In addition, both models are only slightly longer than the NBD and allow a noticeably higher payload. Last but not least, the entry price of the Quick Haul is just 1,000 euros lower. Seems like the biggest competition for Tern could be Tern itself.

Tern NBD 2022 at a glance

• Variants: NBD S5i, NBD P8i
• Frame: Tern NBD, 6061-AL
• Fork: Tern Tarsus, 6061-AL
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line, Bosch Active Line Plus
• Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500, Bosch PowerPack 400
• Display: Bosch Intuvia
• Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus 8, Shimano Nexus Inter-5e
• Brakes: Magura MT4, Shimano
• Weight: 23.4 kg (S5i) and 23.7 kg (P8i)
• Maximum permitted total weight: 140 kg
• Prices: from 3,999 euros

 

Pictures: Mobility Holdings, Ltd.