5 Reasons to Ditch Your Car for an E-Bike

HSD Gen 1: The Basics

This article refers to HSD Gen 1 bikes.

Thanks for choosing Tern, and congrats on your new HSD. We’re excited for you to discover how fun and useful the HSD can be.

This article will help you get to know your HSD. We’ll introduce you to your bike’s main parts and features. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks for getting the most from your HSD. When you’re done reading, you’ll know everything you need to get started (and then some).

If you’d prefer to get this information from a video, you can watch the HSD Owner Briefing. We’ll also link each subheading in this article to the relevant video segment so you can get a visual explanation alongside the text.

Contents

1. Getting Started

2. Special Bosch Features

3. Unique HSD Components

4. Essential Bike Parts and Functions

5. Space-Saving Features

6. For More Information

 


1. Getting Started

This section covers the essential information you need to get started with your new HSD—from turning it on to locking it up after your ride.

1.1 The HSD is a Pedelec  

The HSD is a pedal-electric bicycle, also known as a pedelec. That means the motor system only provides power while the pedals are in motion.

The HSD’s motor system makes riding easier, but otherwise, the HSD handles much like a regular bike.

1.2 Bosch Motor System Basics  

Your Motor System

Your HSD is equipped with a Bosch E-Bike System. Which Bosch system you have depends on your HSD model:

Note: The HSD S11 (U.S. only) is equipped with Bosch Performance Line Sport. The HSD S5i (Germany and Benelux only) is equipped with Bosch Performance Line.

Your Display

You’ll control the Bosch system via a display located on your handlebars. The Bosch display interfaces are pretty intuitive, but they’re also chock-full of helpful information. To get the full run-down on what your display can do, check out the article that applies to your bike:

Turn On Your HSD Using the Display

To turn on your HSD’s motor system, press the POWER button on your Bosch display. To turn off the motor system, press the same button.

Tip:

  1. It’s best to turn the HSD’s motor system on and off while standing next to or straddling the bike—not while applying pressure to the pedals.

Change Your Assist Level Using the Display

Your Bosch system has 4 assistance levels that you can adjust during your ride.

To switch between different assistance levels, press the “+” or “-” button to select OFF, ECO, TOUR, SPORT, or TURBO. 

1.3 Integrated Lighting System 

Your HSD has an integrated front light called the Valo light. How you’ll turn on the light depends on which Bosch display you have:

Purion Display Valo Light Controls

To turn ON:

  1. Slide the switch on the rear of the Valo to the right. 
  2. Press and hold the “+” button on your Purion display for 3 seconds. The light icon will appear on your display and the Valo will turn on.

To turn OFF:

  1. Press and hold the “+” button for 3 seconds. You don’t need to change the position of the switch on the rear of the Valo.

Intuvia Display Valo Light Controls

To turn ON:

  1. Slide the switch on the rear of the Valo to the right.
  2. Single-press the LIGHTS button on your Intuvia display. The light icon will appear on your display and the Valo will turn on.

To turn OFF:

  1. Single-press the LIGHTS button. You don’t need to change the position of the switch on the rear of the Valo.

Tips:

  1. Your Valo light is good for more than just nighttime riding. Riding with the light on helps increase your visibility any time of day. 
  2. You can swivel your Valo by hand to change the angle of the light. For example, you can tilt your Valo slightly downwards to illuminate the road surface ahead (and avoid blinding oncoming road users).

1.4 Charging Your Battery 

To charge your battery, use the official Bosch battery charger that came with your HSD. The battery can be charged at any time—on or off the bike—without shortening its service life.

You can charge your battery either on or off the bike:

Charge Your Battery On the Bike

  1. Open the rubber lid on the battery mount.
  2. Plug the charger’s connector into the battery mount socket.
  3. Connect the charger to an electric source.

Charge Your Battery Off the Bike

  1. Insert your key into the battery lock. Turn the key and lift out the battery.
  2. Plug the charger’s connector into the socket on the bottom of the battery.
  3. Connect the charger to an electric source.
  4. To re-insert the battery, place the battery on the battery mount and push until you hear a click.

Tips:

  1. Need to charge your battery both at work and at home? Buy an extra charger to leave at work so you’ll never be without.
  2.  To prolong your battery’s lifespan, store it in a dry place at room temperature (between 15-20° C). Extremes of cold and heat aren’t good for the battery.
  3. For long-term storage, we recommend storing your battery partially changed. About 60%, or 3 out of 5 bars, is best.

1.5 Battery and Frame Lock Key 

Your HSD came with two keys that work for both the battery and the frame lock. Without the key, you won't be able to remove the battery or unlock the frame lock, so it’s important to keep track of them.

Separate the two keys and store the extra one in a safe place.

Also, make sure to write down the serial number on the keys. The serial number can be used to get a new set if yours are lost or damaged. Register your keys with Abus to make getting replacements easier. Visit keys.abus.com to learn more.

Tip:

  1.  Are you the type of person who can never find your keys? Put your HSD key on a small, lightweight keychain to make it easier to keep track of. The key stays in the bike while you’re riding, so choose something that won’t get in the way.

2. Special Bosch Features

2.1 Use Walk Assist to Push Your HSD 

Your Bosch motor system includes a Walk Assist mode that provides a little bit of assistance when walking alongside and pushing the bike. It can come in handy when you need to walk the bike up a steep hill or ramp, especially when the bike is under load.

Here’s how to activate Walk Assist:

  1. Make sure the bike is in one of the four e-assist modes Walk Assist won’t turn on if the motor system is set to OFF. 
  2. Locate the Walk Assist button.
  • For the Purion display: The Walk Assist button is located on the bottom side of the display.
  • For the Intuvia Display: The Walk Assist button is located on the top side of the button set on the handlebars, above the “+” button.
  1. Short press the Walk Assist button. An icon reading WALK+ will appear on the display.
  2. When WALK+ is showing, immediately press and hold the “+” button.
  3. Keep holding the “+” button and walk forward while holding on to the handlebars to use Walk Assist.

Tip:

  1. The gear your HSD is in affects the speed of the assistance provided by Walk Assist. To get the most oomph, put your bike in the highest gear before activating Walk Assist.

2.2 See Your Battery Range Estimate

The HSD’s battery range varies based on many factors, including rider and cargo weight, which e-assist level you use, riding style and conditions, and more.

Get a Range Estimate Before You Ride

Planning a long ride and want to make sure you’ll have enough battery power to get home? Visit Bosch’s E-Bike Range Assistant and enter your details to get an estimate of how far you’ll be able to ride without recharging.

Get a Real-Time Range Estimate During Your Ride

Once you’re on the road, your bike’s display provides a continuously updated range estimate based on your actual riding data. 

To view this information using the Purion display, long-press the “-“ button to toggle through the trip stats menu until the range estimate appears. For the Intuvia display, single-press the “i” button to do the same.

3. Unique HSD Components

This section will introduce you to the special HSD parts you should know about.

3.1 Frame Lock 

Your HSD is equipped with an Abus Frame Lock for extra security during quick stops.

As we mentioned before, the frame and battery locks are keyed alike, meaning the same key works for both locks.

To lock the frame lock:

  1. Turn the key and slide down the knob until you hear a click.
  2. Pull out the key. The key can only be pulled out when the lock is engaged. That means your key will stay in the bike while you ride.

To unlock the frame lock, insert the key and turn.

Tips:

  1. For extra security, an Abus chain that locks into the pre-installed Abus frame lock can be purchased separately.
  2. Not sure where to stash your chain lock and other essentials? The Cache Box is a handy storage accessory that fits perfectly into otherwise unused space on your HSD’s frame.

3.2 Suspension Fork 

All HSD models come equipped with a Suntour front suspension fork to help absorb bumps and vibrations from the road.

There are two adjusters on the fork: a Speed Lock adjuster and a Preload adjuster.

To enable suspension, turn the Speed Lock adjuster to the Open position. To disable suspension, turn the Speed Lock adjuster to the Lock position.

The preload adjuster lets you adjust the hardness or softness of your ride. Turn the Preload adjuster clockwise for a harder ride or turn it counter-clockwise for a softer one.

3.3 Suspension Seatpost

Some HSD models also include a Cane Creek Thudbuster Suspension Seatpost for an even cushier ride.

The suspension seatpost contains an elastomer, which is the part that makes your ride smooth and comfy. Riders with different body weights will require different elastomers to optimize their rides. 

It’s possible to switch out the elastomer in the Cane Creek seatpost without tools to make it easier for different-sized riders to share the bike comfortably. Visit the manufacturer’s website or ask your Tern dealer for more information.

3.4 Folding Handlepost 

The HSD’s folding Physis Handlepost allows you to flat-fold the bike when necessary.

To open the Physis Handlepost joint, slide the red security knob, and push the lever. To close the joint, push the lever towards the Physis Handlepost. The lever will lock automatically.

Be sure that the lever feels stiff when it opens and closes—but not too stiff. The stiffness is just right if you can use two or three fingers to close the lever and a firm push of your thumb to open it.

If the lever is not correctly closed or adjusted, there is a risk of injury.

3.5 Quick Releases 

There are quick releases on two parts of your bike: the Andros stem and the seatpost.

Andros Stem Quick Release

The Andros Stem's quick releases let you adjust the handlebars' height, angle, and orientation without tools. This allows you to find your most comfortable riding position quickly.

To adjust the Andros stem, raise one Andros lever at a time. Adjust the stem and handlebar to your desired position, and then firmly close both Andros levers.

Seatpost Quick Releases

The two quick releases on the seatpost can be used to adjust the seatpost height.

Notice that there is a minimum insertion point indicator printed on the seatpost. For safety reasons, you should always stay within the indicated range when adjusting your seatpost.

From time to time, you may need to adjust the tightness of the quick release clamps on your seatpost. You’ll know it’s time to do this if it feels too easy or too difficult to open and close the quick release levers. Just use your fingers to tighten or loosen the seatpost clamp nuts.

If the quick-releases on your bike are not properly closed or adjusted, there is a risk of injury—so it’s essential to operate them correctly.

Tip:

  1. Your seatpost is marked with ruled lines and numbers to help you identify and remember your perfect seatpost height. Take a second to memorize your number, especially if you share your bike with someone else.

4. Essential Bike Parts and Functions

Before you hit the road, there are some essential bike parts and functions you must be familiar with. This final section will introduce you to your bike’s braking and gearing system.

4.1 Braking 

Your HSD is equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power.

When you’re looking down at your handlebars from the rider’s position, the rear brake lever is on the right, and the front brake lever is on the left. (In a few countries, this orientation may be reversed, so please double-check with your dealer or try before you ride if you’re not sure.)

Be aware that suddenly pulling the brakes hard can have dangerous results, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. In general, aim to apply even pressure to both brake levers when you need to stop.

Tip:

  1. Your brake pads are consumable parts and may be the first parts on your HSD that need to be replaced. Keep an eye on them, especially if your normal routes include steep descents.

4.2 Changing Gears 

Shifting gears lets you tackle hills with ease and ride smoothly and efficiently no matter the terrain. How you’ll shift gears depends on whether your bike has a derailleur or an internally geared hub.

Bikes with Derailleurs

On bikes like the HSD P9 and S11, the gear shifters are located on the right side of the handlebars. To shift gears, either push the rear-facing shift lever paddle with your thumb (to pedal with less resistance) or pull the forward-facing shift lever paddle with your finger (to pedal with more resistance).

Remember to only shift gears while you’re pedaling. For smoother shifting, pedal lightly while changing gears.

Bikes with Internally Geared Hubs

On bikes like the HSD S8i and S5i, the gears are tucked away inside the hub instead of exposed like a typical cogset. This protects the gears from the elements and ensures smooth shifting.

The grip shifter is located on the end of the right handlebar. To shift gears, just turn the grip shifter towards you or away from you until you reach your desired gear. How far you twist the shifter determines how many gears you’ll shift up or down.

One of the advantages of internally geared hubs is that you can shift at a standstill if you need to.

Bikes with Automatic Shifting

The HSD S+ has an Enviolo AUTOMATiQ hub with automatic shifting. That means you don’t have to shift gears while riding—just pedal at a steady cadence and the hub will take care of the rest.

Here’s how to calibrate the AUTOMATiQ hub:

  1. Using the Intuvia display, press the i button until the NuVinci Cadence info screen appears on the display. The number on the screen represents your desired cadence, or the number of pedal revolutions per minute your AUTOMATiQ hub will try to help you maintain.
  2. Use the “+” and “-“ buttons to adjust your cadence. For reference, most riders are comfortable with a cadence between 60-65 rpm, but experiment and find what feels the most natural to you.
  3. Press the “i” button to exit the NuVinci Cadence info screen. When any other info screen is active, the “+” and “-“ buttons adjust your e-assist level rather than your cadence.
  4. Pedal at a steady cadence. When the hub senses that your cadence has fallen, it will downshift to help you ride more easily. When it senses that your cadence has increased, it will upshift to make your riding more efficient.

You can also adjust your preferences and find advanced configuration options using the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ app:

Tips:

  1. Are you a beginner rider? Don’t start off in the lowest gear! It may seem less intimidating, but it’ll be harder to stay balanced due to a lack of momentum.
  2.  Got an HSD S+? Remember, when the hub senses that your cadence has increased, it will upshift to try to bring your cadence back down. If you pedal faster when climbing hills, you may feel more resistance than you’d like.

5. Space-Saving Features

5.1 Flat-Fold Your HSD 

Your HSD can fold flat to fit in tight spaces, like the trunk of an SUV. 

Once you get the hang of it, you can flat-fold your HSD in under a minute. Here’s how:

  1. Open both Andros Stem levers.
  2. Angle the stem upward so that it’s in line with the handlepost.
  3. Rotate the handlebar so the brake levers point upward.
  4. Close both Android Stem levers.
  5. Rotate the handlebars 180°.
  6. Slide the security knob on the handlepost upwards and pull down the lever.
  7. Fold the handlepost down and secure it with the handlepost Strap.
  8. Lower the saddle.

5.2 Vertically Park and Roll Your HSD  

Your HSD can stand and roll in a vertical position, which is helpful when maneuvering into elevators and storing indoors.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Stand on one side of the bike and hold the handlebar with both hands.
  2. Apply the rear brake and walk backwards until the bike stands up. You don’t need to pull.
  3. To roll the HSD vertically, release the rear brake.
  4. To park the HSD vertically, ensure that all of the contact points on the rear of the bike are in contact with the floor.

6. For More Information

That should be more than enough to get you started. 

As you ride more, you’ll likely have further questions. Your local Tern dealer is your best resource for getting those questions answered. You may also find the information you need here in our Support Section.

We also recommend that you join our Tern HSD Facebook Group, where you can connect with fellow HSD owners, ask questions, and share your experiences.