Tern stock photo
Tern's Vektron page: https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/473/vektron-s10
Pros (+) and Cons (-)
+ Protected battery location, yet easily removable.
+ Good quality components: Shimano Deore shifter/derailleur and Magura hydraulic brakes
+ Back of rack has four feet, so it can be stored vertically, either folded or unfolded, to reduce storage footprint.
+ Bosch Performance Line motor, 65 Nm torque of assistance. This is further multiplied by the bike's gearing; it should be an absolute BEAST.
+ Elegant aesthetic design, at least to my eye
+ Andros handlebar adjustment appears to be a nice compromise of stiffness vs. adjustability. It should be more stiff than a simple telescoping stem, but the range of height adjustment is not as wide. A longer base part of the stem is available for taller riders.
+ Rack is integral with the frame and rated for 59 lbs. (27 kg).
+ Battery charge ports on the battery and bike
+ Comes on Schwalbe Big Apple tires. These are made for medium puncture resistance, medium rolling resistance and nice ride quality. Low profile street tread.
+ Upgraded frame hinge complies with ISO 4210 and EN 15194 standards. (not many folding bike companies bother to build to external standards)
+ Rolls trolley-style on its wheels when folded, using the saddle as a handle.
- Quick-release hardware for both wheels and seat means urban lock-up is going to be demanding or the hardware will need to be replaced with higher security pieces
- Bike is only available in Gloss Silver
- Expensive ($3500 US)
- At this price ↑, I feel it should include the maximum capacity 500 Wh battery pack instead of the mid-grade 400 Wh pack.
+/- At 48 lbs., the bike is heavy for a folder that may often be lifted, but light for an eBike. Battery weighs 6 lbs.
+/- USA Class 1 electrical design. (pedal assistance only to 20 mph / 32 kph) This is good because since it's geared for 20 mph max. and has the most powerful Performance Line motor available, it is VERY torquey. Bad because it actually has enough power to take us to Class 3 speeds, but doesn't. I think Bosch made the wise choice here. Users may initially try the full speed and for a thrill, but will quickly find that 20 mph is plenty fast, and the ability to haul cargo and climb hills < 20 mph is more important after that first thrill ride.
+/- Compact, monochromatic, and simple display. I really like this, others may wish for a fancier, larger and high resolution one. I am glad they put the money into the drive system and other components.
I'm really tempted to add this as the next bike to The Midwest Fleet. Saving some money first. It seems to be a "Swiss Army Bike" in that it is a bike, folding bike, cargo bike AND electric bike, all in one. The only things its not are inexpensive or lightweight.
