Help me find a Tern HSD, but Class 3
Posted by crustyedges@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 4 comments
I currently ride a Tern HSD P5i. I love everything about the bike, but the lack of dedicated infrastructure in my city means I am usually sharing the road with disrespectful drivers who cannot fathom going 20 mph even on residential streets. I am waaayyy more comfortable on bikes that can reach 28mph when needed, so I feel the need to upgrade to a Class 3 (28mph/45kph) bike.
My requirements are:
- Compact long-tail cargo ebike (ideally less than \~190cm/74 inches total length)
- Mid-drive Class 3 (28mph/45kph limit)
- Belt drive with internally geared hub
- Front suspension
- Reputable brand, ideally with Bosch or Shimano motor
- Don't worry about the budget-- I am willing to save/prioritize for this purchase if the ideal model happens to be $$$. I guarantee it is still cheaper than owning a car in California (is what I will tell my wife).
So basically, a class 3 Tern HSD P5i. Unfortunately neither Tern or Riese & Muller offer a model with those specs (Tern has the new HSD S11, but it is a chain/derailleur rather than an IGH/belt). Anyone got some recommendations?
iHeartQt@reddit
What did you end up getting? I’m in the same predicament, between tern hsd p5i and also considering quick haul p9. But would prefer belt drive and class 3 if they had it
crustyedges@reddit (OP)
I ended up sticking with the HSD P5i, and I have not regretted it. While I strongly believe that there are some benefits to class 3 when sharing the road with cars, I have gotten used to class 1, and the legal momentum has been moving away from class 3. Where I live, they aren't legally allowed on most trails and paths, technically not even allowed in protected bike lanes, and there's momentum nationally to require registration for class 3. It was really going from previously riding a class 3 to class 1 that made me feel uncomfortable topping out at 19 mph, but I've gotten used to it over time.
iHeartQt@reddit
Interesting, thanks. I’m leaning that way as well, want all the smart features the p5i has as well. Does it really tap out around 19? What can you get it to if you work hard?
I’m renting a quick haul p9 and I realistically top out around 25 if I push hard. Even though it’s supposed to assist up to 28 you’re hard pressed to get it that high without a downhill, cruising is still usually 18-22
crustyedges@reddit (OP)
Because that quick haul P9 is a class 2, it will continue to provide some assist beyond 20 mph, even though it requires you to work for it. You are essentially adding your own power to what the bike is providing to go faster. But as a class 1 the HSD P5i does not provide any assistance past 20, so I am realistically only really breaking speed that on a downhill because you have to completely replace the bikes power and add your own. It is essentially pedaling a 70 lb, 20" wheel bike with the motor off. So basically the harder I work, the less hard the bike works at 20 mph (rather than going faster). If you are willing to throw down many hundreds of watts for a few minutes, I am sure you could add a few more mph.
But it comfortably and consistently cruises at 19.5 mph, which I think is appropriate for anywhere with bike infrastructure.