The Physis 3D Handlepost—Essential For Flat-Folding
One of the most convenient features of the Tern NBD, GSD, and HSD electric bikes is that they FlatFold into a flat, low package in a matter of seconds. Lower the seatpost, fold the handlepost down, and your e-bike is ready to be loaded into your car for some big-time riding fun during your weekend getaway. And when you return rejuvenated from your vacation, park your e-bike vertically and flat fold it for neat and out-of-the-way storage. The folding handlepost equipped on the NBD, GSD, and HSD e-bikes—specifically the Physis 3D T-Bar Handlepost—is what makes the FlatFold feature possible.
This patented and uniquely manufactured Tern folding handlepost is 3D forged from a single piece of aluminum to eliminate welds for extra strength and rigidity, so your ride remains stable. Furthermore, the entire handlepost is tested for durability and reliability necessary for daily use. That means the Physis fits tightly, folds smoothly, and locks securely in place easily. And to stand by our built-to-last philosophy, the Physis is designed to be fully dealer serviceable, with every part kept in stock for future replacement.
All in all, the Physis is one of the things that help our riders save precious space, and is a way for us to not-so-subtly say “There is always room for a bike!”
Available in other lengths to fit riders of various sizes
The Tern NBD, GSD, and HSD e-bikes are designed to offer riders ranging from 147 - 195 cm tall (4’10” - 6’5”) a comfortable upright riding position—no special frame sizes needed. The secret is an adjustable cockpit that resizes in mere seconds. The upright riding position lets riders see and be seen by others sharing the road for increased safety in traffic. It also makes riding more enjoyable by being easier on your back and shoulders. To adjust the cockpit for a custom-fit, simply raise or lower the seatpost, and adjust the Andros Stem to change the height and angle of the handlebars.
If you are a smaller rider, you may feel like something just doesn’t quite measure up to your expectations. Even after adjusting the cockpit by following our fit guide, your bike is still slightly off from being the perfect fit. Perhaps after a while of riding, the upright riding position starts to feel a little forced rather than comfortable. You may begin to wonder, is the one-size-fits-most bike just a myth?
Well, wonder no more. We assure you that our bikes, tried and tested, are made to fit riders of most sizes comfortably, even those who are not so vertically blessed! If you’ve used the Andros Stem to lower your handlebars to the lowest position already and still wish for less height, it may be time to take a look at the Physis handlepost equipped on your e-bike.
The Physis handlepost is offered in four different lengths of 250 mm, 290 mm, 320 mm, and 350 mm, and swapping yours for a shorter one is definitely possible. For example, the stock Physis equipped on standard GSD and HSD e-bikes is 290 mm. That means petite riders who feel they can benefit from a shorter handlepost can opt to swap for a 250 mm Physis.
And what if you’re one of those who always get asked at grocery stores to help with items placed on the top shelf? Swapping your Physis for a longer one may be possible provided that there are no issues with the length of your bike's cables. Your dealer can help you understand the process and decide whether a longer Physis is viable and worth the effort.
Whether you’re looking to swap the Physis for a longer or shorter one, we strongly recommend having a conversation with your dealer first to understand the process involved. They can also help you determine which Physis lengths work with your bike and its intended riding position.
To find out for sure the length of your Physis handlepost, simply open up your Physis by lifting the lever to unlock it and check the fifth and sixth digits—25 means 250 mm, 29 means 290 mm, and so on.
Visit your Tern dealer
If you think a longer or shorter Physis handlepost is just the tweak needed for a perfect fit between you and your e-bike, pay your Tern bike dealer a visit!
There are plenty of reasons why you should turn to your local dealer for services. The knowledgeable folks there will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you hone in on a suitable handlepost length. And when you find the perfect Physis, they can help you order and install it, saving you the trouble of fumbling with cables and parts.
E-bikes are complex machines that should be serviced by professionals. We strongly recommend working with an authorized Tern dealer when swapping components of your e-bike.
As the handlepost is a major component of your bike, you may be wondering about warranty. Riders who’ve signed up for the free Tern Care program within 30 days of purchasing their bike have their warranty doubled from 5 years to 10 years on any Tern-developed frame, handlepost, and fork. This also means that if you are a Tern Care rider, your newly-swapped Physis handlepost will be covered within the current 10-year extended warranty. All the more reason for you to worry less and be out there enjoying your e-bike experience!