When My Car Died in the Snow…
Back in January, right in the middle of a Michigan snowstorm, my car broke down. And not like oh-I’ll-get-it-towed-tomorrow broke down. I had just put $2,000 into it for another issue the week before. So when it went out again? I was done. I didn’t have the money to fix it again, and honestly, I had already poured so much into that car over the years that I couldn’t justify one more cent.
I was feeling really stuck until I saw someone I admired doing something different.
✨ Shoutout to Christina for the Inspiration
If you don’t know @sociallychrissy, you should. She’s a Detroit powerhouse with her own social media company, and she’s living car-free with a daughter, getting around the city on her electric bike like it’s nothing.
Watching her document everyday life on her bike like riding solo, taking her daughter along, running errands in the cold was the push I needed. She made it look not just possible, but joyful. And that’s when I started digging.
The Search Begins: Cargo Bikes, Buckets & Budget Talks
I started looking at the brand Christina uses, Aventon, and from there stumbled into the beautiful but expensive world of cargo bikes.
- Urban Arrow was my top pick at first. Sleek, heavy-duty, but also $10,000. Is it worth it? Yes. In my budget? No.
- Bunch Bikes almost had me. The company was kind, informative, and super family-focused. But after talking with them, I realized the bucket style wasn’t quite right for us. If I had more than one kid, maybe. But it felt like too much bike for our needs.
What I Actually Needed in a Bike
I needed something:
- That could handle narrow streets and alleys
- That didn’t feel like a tank in traffic
- That could ride over cracked sidewalks, gravel, broken glass, and yes even help me outrun loose dogs
- That was tough, nimble, and fast
And that’s what led me to Tern.
Why the Tern GSD Was the Right Fit
Tern is a well-known company, especially big in the e-bike space. I reached out, got great support from their rep, and after learning more about the specs and options, I was all in.
We decided on the Tern GSD2, made the call in February, and got it mid-March.
Three Months In: I’m in LOVE
Let me just say it:
As an outdoor girl who gardens and homesteads, this bike is everything. It brought me back to my early 20s when I lived in Midtown and biked everywhere—except this time I’m a mom, and I have an electric motor helping me up the hills.
PROS: The Real-World Joys
- Freedom & Fresh Air
I forgot how much joy there is in not being boxed in. With the Tern, I’m fully outside and I feel that in the best way. - Commute Cut in Half
My ride used to be 1 hour uphill on a regular bike. Now it’s 28 minutes, with ease. - Child-Friendly Design
Cozi rides on the back, safely and happily. The weight balance is so good, I barely feel her back there. - Cargo Space Galore
The pannier market bags? GAME CHANGERS. I’ve hauled trees, groceries, tools you name it. - Neighborhood Discovery
I’ve seen more of my own neighborhood in the past three months than I have in years. Cozi and I are spotting parks, chatting mid-ride, and having mini adventures every day.
Technical Specs You Should Know
Here’s what you’re getting with the Tern GSD S10 (2025 model): (For clarification: I personally ride the Tern GSD Gen 2, but I’m highlighting the newest S10 model here so you can see what the latest version offersbecause if the Gen 2 is this good… 👀)
- Bosch Cargo Line Motor with 85 Nm torque and 400% pedal assist
- Max speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- 10-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Fits riders 4’11” – 6’5” (adjustable for Dakarai too!)
- Dual-battery option for up to 128 miles of range
- Heavy-duty Atlas kickstand (stable even with kids onboard)
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes for quick stops
- Puncture-resistant tires built for urban streets (yes even glass)
CONS: The Things That Take Adjusting
- Too Much Open Air
I’m used to car doors and windshields. Sometimes, it feels like too much exposure. - Slippery on Wet Grass
If I have to ride over a lawn (construction detours, etc.), the bike gets unstable fast. - Heavy When Stopped
Fully loaded, it’s a beast. One time I had two kids on the back, and I almost tipped trying to stop short. (Note to self: upper body workout.) - Lots of Gear Required
Just like a car, the startup costs add up: locks, helmets, batteries, bungee cords, rain gear, etc. - Takes Time to Set Up
Between charging the battery, packing the panniers, adjusting the seat and prepping Cozi it’s not a just-hop-on-and-go ride.
👧🏽 Cozi’s POV
- Loves the wind, the views, the chit-chat
- Has learned so much just from observing the world on two wheels
- Thinks the bike is cooler than the car and honestly, I might agree
🙌🏽 Final Word
I’m three months in, and I truly recommend the Tern GSD to anyone, especially moms in the city.
It’s fast, beautiful, tough, and surprisingly intuitive. It makes me feel connected to the city in a way I hadn’t expected. I feel free. And I’m getting stronger every day.
Big thanks to Tern and the team at Human Electric Hybrids for setting us up.
Next up: we’ll see how it does in Detroit winter. But for now? I’m sold.
