If you want to take children with you on an e-cargo bike, you quickly ask yourself: is it better for the children to sit in front of or behind me? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. As soon as you have more than one child, many cargo bikes with a rear rack carrying the main load are out of the question. However, some of these longtails are up to the task. If you prefer to have either the children or the cargo behind you and appreciate an unobstructed view of the traffic in front of you, therefore, you have a number of options. And thanks to a new Tern model, now even one more.
Shortly before the start of Eurobike 2024, the specialist in folding and cargo bikes is presenting its latest model – the Quick Haul Long. For some of you, this will ring a bell. That’s right. In March 2022, the manufacturer already launched the Quick Haul. As the name of the newcomer suggests, an extended version of this ebike is now following.
Ambitious calculation
At first glance, this decision is somewhat confusing. After all, the segment of larger longtails has so far been reserved exclusively for Tern’s flagship model, the GSD. In theory, internal competition could shrink its market share. In the end, both bikes would probably cannibalise each other.
The manufacturer is trying to counter this with a powerful argument: the price of the Quick Haul Long. “Since our first GSD, we’ve learned a lot about how to make cargo bikes even better,” says Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. “The new Quick Haul Long retains the GSD’s core features but it comes at a more accessible price, without compromising safety or reliability.” According to Hon, the newcomer, with its starting price of 4,099 euros, is one of the most affordable premium cargobikes on the market. In any case, it is the cheapest Tern ebike option to date that can carry two children.
More expensive is always an option. Cheaper too.
For the conventional Tern Quick Haul, whose rear rack only offers space for a single child seat, you have to budget at least 2,499 euros. The larger Tern GSD, with a significant increase in permitted load, currently starts at 5,199 euros for the Tern GSD S10. The Tern Orox, which is more geared towards off-road adventures, can also carry two children on the rear rack. However, it starts at 6,799 euros. If you are looking for comparable longtails from other brands, you might come across the Specialized Turbo Porto for 6,500 euros. However, there are cheaper options as well. For example, the Cube Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 undercuts the price of the Tern Quick Haul Long by around 300 euros while offering comparable quality.
A fully fledged packhorse
Of course, price is only one of the factors to consider when comparing different bikes. What you get for your money is even more important. And in this respect, the Tern Quick Haul Long has nothing to hide. We have already mentioned its qualities as a family car on two wheels. Where two children sit, either in two child seats or on a shared bench, there is also room for an adult. Or, of course, various items of cargo. The rear rack is approved for a maximum load of 90 kilograms. You can distribute the load both on the platform and in large panniers, which can be additionally supported by optionally available footboards.
You can also store more luggage on a front rack. The corresponding mount on the head tube can withstand a maximum load of 20 kilograms. It can be combined with racks of different sizes, which in turn can accommodate different sized bags. If that’s still not enough, you’ll probably be pleased to hear that there is a trailer hitch integrated into the frame. According to Tern, it fits most commercially available trailer hitches. All in all, this opens up a whole range of possibilities for making the most of the maximum permitted total weight of 190 kilograms – whether you’re carrying people, animals or various items.
Easy to ride
Speaking of making the most of it. The question of who rides the Quick Haul Long can be answered just as flexibly as the question of what to transport. Typically for this type of ebike, the model is available in one size. However, the flat seat angle and the height-adjustable handlebar, which is adjusted using a speedlifter, ensure that people of different heights can sit comfortably on the bike. The manufacturer specifies a range of 155 centimetres to 185 centimetres as the corresponding comfort zone. Since the step-through is only 48 centimetres high, getting on and off the bike should also be no problem for most people.
While you’re riding, the Bosch Cargo Line will help you keep moving. With its 85 Newton metres of torque and 400 per cent pedal assistance, it ensures that even when fully loaded, riding doesn’t turn into a strenuous feat of strength. In terms of range, you may have to lower your expectations a little. Equipped with the smallest Bosch frame battery, which has a capacity of over 400 watt hours, the first charge could be needed after just 40 kilometres. If you are riding without a load, this could be up to 70 or 80 kilometres. Thanks to the nine-speed derailleur and the compact 20-inch wheels, you can easily keep up with city traffic and even squeeze through narrow gaps. Once you reach your destination, you can park the e-cargo bike upright, as you can with almost any Tern model, to save space.
Proven quality
In addition to these hard facts, the Tern Quick Haul Long can also boast a few “soft skills”. Qualities that are neither visible nor can be experienced on a test ride, but which are nevertheless of great value. What is meant is the level of reliability and safety that this e-cargo bike offers. The manufacturer had the frame and fork, as well as important components such as the stem, seat post, handlebars and wheels, tested in advance according to DIN 79010. The standard, which was developed in Germany, applies to cargo bikes with a maximum permitted total weight of at least 120 kilograms. So far, a manageable number of manufacturers have had their models undergo these tests. Tern has done so. This should give you a justified extra portion of confidence in the capabilities of the Quick Haul Long.
As things stand, the model will be available from specialist retailers from August.
Tern Quick Haul Long D9 at a glance
- Frame: aluminium
- Frame size: one size
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400
- Control unit: Bosch Purion
- Drivetrain: Tektro 9-speed derailleur
- Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc
- Weight: 29.3 kg
- Maximum load on front carrier: 20 kg
- Maximum load capacity of rear carrier: 90 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 190 kg
- Colours: black, ice grey, traffic red
- Price: from 4,099 euros
Pictures: Mobility Holdings Ltd.
