Tern GSD users – car replacement with older kids

Hi all, my wife is getting more and more keen on replacing our little car (Jazz) with a Tern GSD. We have two smaller mixed up versions of ourselves that we made, aged 7 and 4.5. Anyone else done similar and helpful or humorous anecdotes to share?

Main use would be for swimming lessons (couple of miles on road), music lessons and the like. The 7 y/o is a very reasonable cyclist but figured she can hold her own kn the road by the time she grows our of the Tern… We’re thinking of getting the full shelter kit over the back but I am concerned with the space it’ll all take in our overloaded garage.

FWIW we also have a camper van so if we have to drive we can and neither of us drive to work, though I sometimes will if I’m tired or ill.

Anyone else done similar and helpful or humorous anecdotes to share?

Lots of info/stories on this thread:

Replacing a car with a Tern GSD or the like

GSDs are ace, I’ve got *use of* one as part of a community bike scheme. So much fun to ride and really versatile.

I’m still using this Benno, alongside owning a van and no other vehicle. I bought it after I reviewed it, it’s now done 5,700km https://singletrackworld.com/charged/2021/09/benno-boost-e-cargo-bike/

The Tern wouldn’t suit me so well with the smaller wheels and terrain around here I don’t think, but I do wish the benno took an adult on the back. I’ve seen Cannondale’s version of it and it looks brilliant- bigger wheels like the Benno, but with a suspension fork and higher weight limit, and a whole bunch of really well thought out details. I don’t think they’re in the UK just yet but due soon. Have tried the Trek version either, but also looks interesting.

Anyway, rambling here. Basically, I find it brilliant, haven’t used it with younger kids like yours, but it’s so useful it’s well worth getting one that will carry them when they’re teenagers (or you and your wife go out to the pub!).

What about the Decathlon one? I think you can hire it and have a razz about before you buy.

I should update my thread, but yes, take our youngest everywhere we can (usually weekend stuff, but scouts etc as well), and she is a not short 12yrs, on the back of the multi tinker (similar to GSD). She bloody loves it, and it’s a superb way to chat, see what’s going on in the world etc.

Also, in the rain, as I am ‘large’ and catching all the wind and rain, at the back they stay completely dry whilst I am **** dripping wet through 🙂

Also on after one rusty nail fuelled local biking group curry night, gave one of the smaller (sorry Fabian!) adult bikers a lift home. Another highlight was taking a dinosaur out guising on Halloween.

Helps we have an ever increasing and improving cycle network here. If your family wants to do it, get it done pronto! I think with smaller kids I would have gone GSD, but as we more mostly cargo and 1 large kid the multi tinker was preferred.

It is also, unquestionably, the best way to go to town or big shopping centre things. They always get jammed up at weekends with cars dawdling about and terrible single lane exits trying to cope with the Saturday shoppers from 3 directions. Now, Isobel and I just ride past “smile and wave, Isobel, just smile and wave”.

It’s ace!

See also dotting about with any pretty much anything you can fit in the panniers or strap to the back: at least 6 bags for life full of shopping, a 50” TV, stuff for the tip, taking bedding to the laundrette, best has been taking my big bike to the bike shop – just strap the front wheel and fork onto the side of the rear rack and footboard, and it’s a giant tag along. What a hoot. Before I figured that out, just piled the bike onto the seat. Also worked fine but a bit wide.

”Hey look! That’s a bike on a bike!”

All cargo bikes are good.

Have an eBullit that I’ve not ridden for over 18 months because I left it with a mate after moving into a van. It’s the only aspect of my old life that I miss and the only bike I didn’t sell other than the four in the van.

We have a camper van and a Tern GSD, though no children. Absolutely love it and use it for nearly all of our local trips (van is used for bike lugging/weekends away), sometimes with one of us on the back with the supermarket shop. We wouldn’t be without it and it would require a major change in circumstances to get a second car.

BSN, that dinosaur pic is hilarious. Looks like it’s having a proper laugh.

BSN, that dinosaur pic is hilarious. Looks like it’s having a proper laugh.

Yes, its Trexmendous…