Help! Tern HSD to GSD

[forzavelo]

I currently have a Tern HSD S8i. I use it almost daily and mostly for commuting to work. I have had this bike for two years and so far it has been utterly reliable in the most atrocious weather & road conditions. But I have a hankering for a GSD because of the extra battery. The better Bosch system and the more powerful motors.

But I think I want talking out of it as it will mean dipping deeply into my pockets. And im not certain what actual benefits it will bring. I mostly feel frustrated by the limited battery range the 400w gives. Perhaps I should just invest in a used 500w battery.

Did you make the jump. Im interested in your thoughts either way.

 

[Bogmonster666]

They are both way too spendy for me...I can't give sound advice as I couldn't justify buying either of them. As for range, what range do you require and what do you get out of your current 400wh? I guess if you need the range you need the range. 400wh to 500wh battery upgrade only buys you another 25%. If I needed more than that I would add some cargo to my cargo bike and just carry a 2nd battery for those long trips and keep the bike I had, but that's because I am financially challenged.

For my completely different, non-Bosch ebike I'm getting 60 to 70 hilly miles out of a 480wh battery, but I am not carrying a lot of cargo and I like pedalling. I guess if I needed just 20% more range I would start with how I could get that out of my current investment by adjusting my riding style. Lower assist level, slower speed, more pedalling, carry less weight. Picking a lower gear and tackling hills at a slightly lower speed can add considerable range and may not have a massive impact on end-2-end journey time. Obviously this only takes you so far and maybe you have already done this?

I would be cautious of a used battery unless very cheap or you knew it's background. Used ebike batteries are not where I would be looking to save money as may well be a false economy.

 

[saneagle]

I currently have a Tern HSD S8i. I use it almost daily and mostly for commuting to work. I have had this bike for two years and so far it has been utterly reliable in the most atrocious weather & road conditions. But I have a hankering for a GSD because of the extra battery. The better Bosch system and the more powerful motors.

Why don't you add a secomd battery to your Tern? You can use any standard Chinese one that wouldn't cost much and wouldn't be difficult to fit, or you can use the ready-made Bosch system, which will be a bit more expensive.

 

[forzavelo]

Thanks guys having muddled it over I agree my best and most sensible option is to go for a 2nd 400 or 500w battery.