Tern Vektron S10 Review
- Price: $3,699
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 20″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 10
What we like about it: It features a low-step frame design, quick size adjustments in seconds without the need for tools, and catering to riders between 4’10” and 6’5″.
What we don’t like about it: Expensive price point, not a universal choice.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Tern Vektron S10 is robust and stable, providing a truly sturdy riding experience even when fully loaded, with a comfortable feel. Additionally, it’s convenient for transport and storage when folded.
Next, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Tern Vektron S10. In the latter part of this article, we’ve also compared it to a few other bikes. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Tern Vektron S10 boasts an ergonomic riding posture, making the ride comfortable. Its easy folding feature allows for quick storage and transport.
I planned to use the Tern Vektron S10 to explore nearby attractions and booked a hotel through IHG in advance. The route for the ride was mostly flat but included some uphill and downhill stretches. Overall, it was a smooth and comfortable riding experience.
Road Riding
When riding the Tern Vektron S10, I found it provided a comfortable pedaling experience. The overall riding position kept me upright throughout. The soft saddle and ergonomically designed handlebars ensured comfort for my lower back. The handlebars fit my hands snugly, preventing slipping.
The excellent Bosch motor offered powerful and smooth assistance, maintaining a quiet operation, making pedaling more effortless and energy-efficient.
Shifting gears with the Shimano Deore gear system was quick and precise, allowing me to switch to the desired gear swiftly. This feature came in handy during uphill rides, making the journey easier and less physically demanding.
I particularly appreciated the braking system on this electric folding bike. The Magura hydraulic disc brakes delivered strong braking performance, allowing for quick deceleration. Even during continuous braking on downhill sections, there was no overheating, and the braking capability remained efficient.
In conclusion, riding this electric folding bike offered a comfortable overall experience. The components were reliable, ensuring efficient and speedy rides.
Is That It?
The Tern Vektron S10 electric bike is also suitable for commuting. Firstly, the bike’s frame is durable and reliable.
Furthermore, the 20-inch wheels, combined with Schwalbe Big Apple tires, make the bike highly maneuverable, allowing for agile navigation through city streets. The excellent tire traction and grip remained effective even on wet roads, and they were resistant to punctures when encountering bumps.
The integrated front and rear fenders kept the rider from getting splashed with water from the road, helping to maintain a clean and neat appearance during rides.
In summary, this is a versatile electric folding bike suitable for recreational riding and offers a reliable commuting option with multiple riding modes.
Specifications
The Tern Vektron S10 comes in one frame size, but its low-step frame design allows for easy size adjustments in seconds without the need for tools, accommodating riders between 147 to 195 centimeters (4’10” – 6’5″). This means you can share the bike with family members, providing wide-ranging versatility.
Equipped with Bosch’s high-performance motor, it can achieve speeds of 25 kilometers per hour. It offers a quiet ride and reduced pedal resistance, making cycling more relaxed and effortless.
The Shimano Deore transmission system provides precise and quick gear shifting, ensuring high transmission efficiency. The Magura hydraulic disc brakes offer all-weather braking capability, delivering reliable performance even in adverse conditions.
Other Versions
The Tern Vektron S10 is an excellent electric folding bike, known for its reliability and power, but it comes with a higher price tag. For budget-conscious riders, there’s another version that retains the same excellent features.
2023 Tern Vektron Q9
The Tern Vektron Q9 also uses Bosch’s high-performance motor with equally impressive power output and extended battery life.
The main differences lie in the transmission and braking systems. It features the Shimano Alivio 1×9-speed transmission, which is slightly lower in grade and not as smooth in operation as the Shimano Deore but remains reliable. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes have slightly less braking power compared to the Magura but are sufficient for everyday riding.
In summary, this electric folding bike is reliable and suitable for everyday use, especially for budget-conscious riders.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Sturdy, durable, and easy-to-maintain components, including the patented Andros stem, Physis 3D handlebars, and OCL+ frame hinge.
- Equipped with Bosch power packs, offering a range of up to 130 kilometers. The battery can be locked in place to prevent theft or easily removed for indoor charging.
- Integrated front and rear lights for improved visibility and safety. Lights are connected to the Bosch battery, eliminating the need to detach them for charging.
- The Vektron features a robust integrated frame that can carry up to 27 kilograms, allowing for greater load capacity during rides.
- Designed for easy maintenance and safety from the ground up, resulting in a reliable vehicle that can be used day after day.
- Supported by high-quality local service and a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind for riders.
What don’t we like about it?
- Expensive price point, not a universal choice.
FAQ
- What is the maximum load capacity of this bike?
The Bosch-equipped Vektron can take you up to 25 kilometers per hour.
- Is torque important for electric bikes?
In electric bikes, torque refers to the ability to rotate the rear wheel. Higher torque will result in greater acceleration, making it easier to start from a stop or climb steep hills. This means bikes with higher torque are better for starting from a stop or tackling inclines.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here, but it’s not a strict standard. The best way to find the right size is to test ride the bike.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’10” – 6’5″ | One size |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Tern Vektron, hydroformed 7005-AL, OCL+ joint, 3 patented technologiesColors: Satin Black; Silver |
| Fork | Tern Tarsus, 6061-Al, hydroformed |
| Bottom Bracket | Motor integrated |
| Headset | Flux Pro, angular contact bearings, Physis integrated |
| Stem | Tern Andros, adjustable, forged construction, patented technology |
| Handlebar | Kinetix Comp, double-butted 6061-AL, Tern Andros adapted |
| Saddle | Tern Porter+, patented GripPad design, PrimeGel padding |
| Seatpost | Tern Telescope, 34.9/30.9 mm, 2014-AL |
| Pedals | MKS EZY |
Groupset
| Brakes | Shimano Deore Shadow+ |
| Crank | Vektron custom, forged 6061-AL crankarm |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 1 x 10 spd |
| Cassette | Shimano 11-36T, 10 spd |
| Chain | 10 spd, DHT for eBike, GST corrosion resistant coating |
| Chain Guide | SKS Chainblade |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Magura, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Kinetix Comp, for disc |
| Front Hub | Novatec, sealed cartridge bearing, disc |
| Rear Hub | Novatec, sealed cartridge bearing, disc |
| Tires | Schwalbe Big Apple, Performance Line, 55-406, puncture protection, Reflex |
Electric Components
| Motor | Class 1, Bosch Performance, 300% Assist, 65 Nm Torque, max speed 25 kph (EU); max speed 20 mph (US) |
| Battery | Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 | Click View | 20″ Aluminum | Aluminum | Rad Power Mechanical caliper | 1 × 7 |
| Quiet Kat Voyager | Click View | 20″Aluminum | Aluminum | Mechanical Disc | 1 × 7 |
| CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID, 500 | Click View | 20″Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano BR-MT200 | 1 × 10 |
| Montague M-E1 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano Deore | 1 × 10 |
Tern Vektron S10 vs. Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5
In comparison between these two bikes, the former is lighter in weight, making for a more agile and effortless ride. Additionally, when folded, it’s easier to move with less effort.
Furthermore, in terms of the drivetrain components, the former uses Shimano components, which are more reliable than those of the latter and provide a better shifting experience. As for the braking components, the former is equipped with Magura hydraulic disc brakes, offering stronger braking power compared to the mechanical disc brakes of the latter, resulting in a lighter braking operation. Even after prolonged use, the hydraulic disc brakes maintain their reliable braking performance.
Therefore, when considering these two electric folding bikes, the former indeed exhibits superior performance and better component quality compared to the latter. So, I highly recommend the former.
Tern Vektron S10 vs. QuietKat Voyager
Comparing these two bikes, the latter has a suspension front fork, making it a bit more comfortable when riding on bumpy roads. With its larger tires, the ride is more stable, and it’s less prone to experiencing flat tires. However, the former is lighter in overall weight, providing a nimble and easier-to-control ride.
Additionally, the Tern Vektron S10 offers more user-friendly features than the QuietKat Voyager. For example, the design of front and rear fenders and the integrated lighting system make it more practical for everyday riding.
In conclusion, between these two electric folding bikes, the Tern Vektron S10 remains my top choice. It’s more thoughtful and better suited to meet the demands of daily riding.
Tern Vektron S10 vs. CUBE FOLD SPORT HYBRID 500
Comparing these two electric folding bikes, the former still boasts its primary advantage in weight. It remains easier to pick up and put down after folding, requiring less effort.
Furthermore, both of these bikes utilize Bosch’s high-performance motor, delivering powerful output while maintaining a quiet operation. However, the latter has a larger battery capacity, offering a longer range on a single charge.
In terms of drivetrain components, both use Shimano components, providing precise and rapid gear shifting. The hydraulic disc brakes on both bikes offer strong and reliable braking performance, though the former exhibits slightly better braking capabilities.
In the end, between these two bikes, both are excellent options and represent good choices.
Tern Vektron S10 vs. Montague M-E1
They both feature reliable motors with ample power output, delivering a smooth and efficient performance.
The key difference is that the former comes with 20-inch wheels, offering more nimble handling, while the latter’s 700c larger wheels provide better off-road capability and higher speed. However, the former has a smaller folded size, making it easier for storage and portability.
Both bikes have quality and dependable drivetrain and brake components, ensuring efficient transmission and strong braking capabilities.
In conclusion, both of these electric folding bikes are reliable and worthy of consideration.
Learn More: Is Montague M-E1 Splendid? – [Montague M-E1 Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the Tern Vektron S10. In our view, it’s a reliable electric folding bike with rich functionality that easily meets daily riding needs, which is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other electric folding bikes, we also review a variety of bikes at different price points, and they can be equally exciting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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