Tern front racks are built to last and can carry more than you'd expect. Whether it's a school drop-off, a grocery haul, or a last-minute favor for a friend, a solid, stable front rack enhances your daily riding experience, and makes ditching the car a little more doable.
The Transporteur Rack and Hauler Rack have already earned a solid fan base among Tern riders. With our new Hardshell Hauler joining the family, we now have three distinct options tailored to different utility needs, which might leave you wondering which one is the right fit for your daily rides. Let's break down the details of each rack so you can figure out exactly which one earns a spot on your bike.
Contents
- Similarities
- Differences
- Which front rack should I get?
- Quick comparison: Hardshell Hauler vs. Transporteur Rack vs. Hauler Rack
Similarities
- Same compatibility: They all attach to the Combo Mount on the bike's head tube, and can fit on a Tern GSD, HSD, NBD, Quick Haul, Quick Haul Long, or Short Haul.
- Super stable: Since these front racks are mounted to the bike frame instead of the fork, steering and handling remain unaffected. Therefore, riding the bike feels very stable even when carrying heavy cargo in front.
- Neat little extras: All three options come with useful bungee cords to hold your stuff in place, and mounting points for bottle cages or other accessories, like the RidePouch or a folding lock.
Differences
Hardshell Hauler: The weatherproof carrier for your essential gear
The Hardshell Hauler is an integrated 26 L cargo system that combines a weatherproof, lockable cargo box with a dedicated bracket mount to keep your gear secure, clean and dry on every ride—whether it’s your helmet, work bag, extra jacket, or whatever your day calls for. It's designed for anyone who wants convenient, always-on-bike storage without needing straps or a crate. It also comes with a built-in combination lock that deters opportunistic thieves during quick stops where you'd rather not haul everything inside with you. Plus, the external strapping points allow you to lash bulkier items on top of the box when they don't fit within.
Please note: The dedicated mounting bracket may look similar to a Hauler Rack, but it is designed specifically for the Hardshell Hauler and is not intended to be used on its own as a front rack.
Transporteur Rack: The spacious tray built for boxy cargo
The Transporteur Rack is a cargo carrier designed to fit a standard 300 x 400 mm Eurocrate or a classic milk crate. With a box attached, it's straightforward to load up: drop in your groceries, the kids' backpacks, or a tote full of snacks and head out. With its flat bottom tray and raised side edges, this option is best suited for keeping items centered and level, such as a pet carrier or a cooler bag. It also works with a Quick Release CMT if you need to pop it on and off regularly.
Hauler Rack: The Goldilocks of Tern front racks
The Hauler Rack is the smallest rack of the three, keeping your bike nimble and slim, so maneuvering and parking it in tight corners remains effortless. It's also the most flexible—attach a crate to get an instant cargo hold, or strap things directly onto the rack for the oddly-sized things that simply won't fit into a standard pannier, like a toddler's balance bike, a skateboard, or a picnic umbrella. If you can strap it down, the Hauler Rack can carry it. Like the Transporteur Rack, it can be used with the Quick Release CMT for easy removal when you need it off the bike.
Which front rack should I get?
Since a front rack is a semi-permanent addition to your Tern bike, you might want to make the right choice immediately. Ask yourself what kind of stuff you usually carry (size, shape, weight?), and for what purpose.
Choose the Hardshell Hauler if...
You need an always-on, weatherproof, and lockable box to keep your items clean and secure during brief stops. And since it comes with its own mounting bracket, no additional rack is required. The Hardshell Hauler can be a lifesaver if you regularly ride in unpredictable weather, or just want storage that's ready when you are.
Get the Transporteur Rack if...
You want to carry things that need to sit securely on a flat platform. If you prefer carrying boxy items and pet carriers, then this is the rack for you.
Pick the Hauler Rack if...
You prefer a more compact rack, which will allow easier handling when you're maneuvering or storing your bike in tighter spaces. The Hauler Rack is also a great pick if you like keeping your options open: crates or straps, the choice is yours.
Quick comparison: Hardshell Hauler vs. Transporteur Rack vs. Hauler Rack
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|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 27.2 cm | 43 x 42 x 26.7 cm | 32 x 31.5 x 21.5 cm |
| Carrying Capacity | 26 L, up to 15 kg (33 lb) | Up to 20 kg (44 lb) | Up to 20 kg (44 lb) |
| Description | Weatherproof, lockable integrated box-and-bracket storage solution | Spacious tray designed to keep the cargo in place, perfect for carrying crates and boxes | Open-ended rack for anything from standard boxes to odd-shaped items |
| Quick Release Option | No | Yes - with Quick Release CMT | Yes - with Quick Release CMT |
| Best For | Riders who want a lockable, toss-in-and-go front trunk | Riders who want a flat surface for keeping cargo level and contained | Riders who need a flexible cargo-carrying option while keeping the bike's compact footprint |
| Compatible accessories |
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| Compatible bikes | Tern GSD, HSD, NBD, Quick Haul, Quick Haul Long, or Short Haul | ||
Choosing the right front rack ultimately comes down to how you move through your day. Once you've picked your base, you can explore more accessories that suit your needs to fully customize your setup. And if you're ready to gear up but want a few tips for extra safety, check out our guide on how to securely carry cargo on your Tern bike before heading out on your next run.
Happy riding!
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