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When compact bikes first appeared in major cities and cycling magazines a few years ago, they met with little sympathy. With their small wheels, they looked very similar to folding bikes, and the e-system made them very heavy. What was the point? It is now clear: compact bikes are the all-rounders par excellence! And the Quick Haul from British manufacturer Tern - named after the dynamic tern - has long been a true classic.
The facts about the Tern Quick Haul P8i
- Bike category: Compact bike
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 500 Wh (removable)
- Display: Intuvia
- Frame sizes: One size fits all
- Frame shapes: Trapezoid
- Price: 3199 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 24 kg (test bike without accessories, MYBIKE measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: 10 years
- Special features: Extensively customisable with accessories
Bosch motor and affordable parts
A low centre of gravity, plenty of space for luggage and not as bulky as real cargo bikes - this is the formula according to which the Quick Haul is designed. The Tern is one of the most affordable models in the compact segment. Our entry-level model, the P8i, is available for just over three thousand euros with a 500 battery, hub gears and an inexpensive Bosch motor. It's a bit of a shame that instead of the powerful Shimano brakes on our test bike, the P8i only comes with cheap no-name stoppers as standard.
- Gear system: Shimano Nexus (8-speed)
- Ratio / bandwidth: 260 per cent
- Brakes: Clarks Clout (two-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple, 55 mm
- Lighting system front/rear: Contec D-Lux, 50 Lux / Contec TL-355
- Luggage carrier: Atlas Q-Rack, 50 kg load capacity
- Fork: Steel rigid fork
Practical test: How the Quick Haul rides
However, the Nexus eight-speed drivetrain gives the bike a sensible gear spread. Only on very steep climbs do you have to help out with a lot of motor assistance. The affordable Bosch motor performs well despite its nominally low torque. The handling of the bike is also good. The lively Tern is particularly easy to steer round tight corners. Ideal for use in the city. Only on long journeys do you miss a little smoothness. Nevertheless, the compact bike is also ideal for longer trips.
The one size fits all bike fits medium-sized people well. However, we would not recommend the bike up to the manufacturer's specification of 1.50 or 1.95 metres. The Ergo grips and the comfortable saddle are well chosen, but the handlebars are heavily cranked. You have to like that.
As the basic version of the Quick Haul only fulfils half of its potential, we also ordered some accessories for the test. Unfortunately, the optional parts push up the price of the bike considerably, but other compact bike manufacturers are no better in this respect. Functionally, the parts are successful. Tern has a lot on offer, especially for a small passenger in the rear. If you regularly load the bike with a lot of luggage, you should definitely invest in a sturdy two-legged centre stand.
MYBIKE review of the Tern Quick Haul P8i
Strengths
- Easy to drive
- Versatile use (accessories!)
- Fair entry-level price
Weaknesses
- Accessories rather expensive
- Moderate compatibility with classic panniers
The MYBIKE conclusion
Tern's Quick Haul shows just how versatile modern e-bikes can be. The well-designed bike and its extensive range of accessories cut a fine figure in everyday life, and even short tours are a pleasure to tackle with the Tern. However, if you want to use the bike properly, you will have to invest some money in add-on parts in addition to the basic bike. Barbara Merz-Weigandt, Editor-in-Chief MYBIKE
Alternative models: From i:sy to Riese and Müller
Of course, compact bikes are not only available from Tern. Almost all relevant bike companies now have a suitable model in their programme. Here is an overview of three tried-and-tested alternatives from affordable to premium class.
Qio One
With super-wide tyres, belt drive and an extra-stable frame, the modern design of Qio's Eins goes one better than the Tern in terms of payload and comfort, but with an entry-level price of €3,499 it is also somewhat more expensive.
Isy S8 ZR F B
The S8 marks compact professional ISY's entry into the world of versatile mini cargo bikes. The concept is similar to that of the Tern; like the QIO, the ISY uses a belt drive. We recommend the variant with 545 watt hours from 3,899 euros.
Riese & Müller Tinker 2
At a minimum of 4,649 euros, the compact bike from Riese und Müller is significantly more expensive than the Tern. On the other hand, the equipment is upmarket with a good air fork, Enviolo hub and Bosch Performance motor. The handlebars can not only be adjusted in height, but can even be folded down completely. This makes for a particularly compact storage size.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
