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NBD: The Basics

Thank you for choosing Tern, and congratulations on your new NBD! We’re happy for you to discover how easy and comfy it is to ride.

Contents

1. Getting Started: Essential Bike Parts and Functions

2. Adjusting the Bike Fit 

3. Bosch E-Bike System

4. ABUS Frame Lock 

5. Flat-Folding Your NBD 

6. Vertical Parking and Rolling 

7. Daily Riding Checklist 

8. Maintenance 

9. NBD Accessories 

10. Ready to go?


1. Getting Started: Essential Bike Parts and Functions

1.1. Changing Gears  

The NBD has a grip shifter that allows you to control the speed and pedaling resistance. To change gears, simply twist the shifter. The lower the number, the lighter the pedaling. The higher the number, the heavier the pedaling. We recommend you switch gears on the NBD as you would on an acoustic bike—pedal lightly while changing gears.

1.2. Braking  

The NBD has front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, which makes for excellent stopping power.

When you are looking at your handlebar 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 can be reversed. If you’re not sure which lever is for the front or rear brakes on your NBD, please test each one yourself before you go for a ride.

Please also apply even pressure to both brake levers when you need to stop. Braking suddenly could result in dangerous situations, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

2. Adjusting the Bike Fit  

2.1. Adjusting the Saddle Height  

The saddle height can be adjusted by opening the seatpost quick-release lever, setting the seatpost to your desired height, and closing the lever again. For your safety, please ensure that you stay within the minimum insertion indicator marked on the seatpost. If you want to make it easier or harder to close the quick release, open the lever, and then twist the clamp screw nut. Please remember to properly adjust and close the quick-release to prevent any risk of injury.

Tip: For optimal comfort, you could ride around for a while just to see if the seatpost height is proportional to the handlepost height.

2.2. Adjusting the Seatpost Suspension  

To provide you with maximum riding comfort, the NBD comes with a suspension seatpost that minimizes road vibrations. If you have an NBD S5i, you can adjust the stiffness of your seatpost for a more comfortable ride using a 2.5 mm Allen key. Moving the key toward the (+) increases the seatpost stiffness while moving the key toward the (-) decreases it.

2.3. Adjusting the Andros Stem  

The NBD also comes with the super adaptable Andros Stem, which helps you adjust the height, angle, and orientation of your handlebar. To adjust the Andros, raise one lever at a time, adjust the stem and handlebar to your desired position, and finally, close both levers firmly.

3. Bosch E-Bike System

3.1. The NBD is a Pedelec  

Before you venture out into the world with your NBD, we’d like to remind you that the NBD is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle—pedelec for short. This means that the Bosch motor will only provide power while you pedal. The motor will stop providing power once your local speed limit has been reached.

3.2. Bosch Motor System Basics  

Your NBD is equipped with a Bosch E-Bike System, which consists of a motor, battery, Intuvia display, and controller.

3.3. Bosch Intuvia Display  

Both the NBD S5i and P8i have a Bosch Intuvia display. To turn the motor system on and off, press the power button on the display. Please do not turn the motor on and off while pedaling or while applying pressure to the pedals. The best moment to switch on/off the motor is when you are standing next to or straddling the bike.

Located on the handlebar, the Intuvia display is the key to controlling your motor. There are five assistance levels: off, eco, tour, sport, and turbo. To switch between these assistant levels, simply press the plus (+) or minus (-) button on the controller.

The display shows you your battery level, riding mode, and speed. You can find even more information (such as your range, odometer, trip distance, average speed, etc.) by pressing the (i) button.

The Intuvia display can be detached from the handlebar. We recommend you do so to avoid theft or tampering with it. To remove the display, press the tab on the mounting bracket and slide the display out.

3.4. Walk Assist  

Your controller is also equipped with the Walk Assist function. The Walk Assist function allows you to push the bike with less effort and is activated by pressing the WALK button on top of the controller.

Before using Walk Assist, ensure that the controller is in one of the four e-assist modes. Once you have pressed the WALK button, immediately press the (+) button and hold it as you are walking.

Release the (+) button to deactivate the Walk Assist. The speed of this function depends on which gear you’re in. The higher the gear, the more walk assist your motor will provide.

3.5. Integrated Lighting System  

The NBD's front and rear lights are connected to the Bosch e-bike system. To turn the lights on, slide the switch at the rear of your front light to the right and then press the light button on your display. To turn the lights off, press the light button again and slide the switch to the left. To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, always adjust the front Valo Light beam angle downward.

3.6. Battery  

Your NBD comes with a Bosch battery and a Bosch battery charger. You can charge the battery both on and off the bike. Before you charge the battery, always remember to turn the motor system off.

Charging the Battery ON the Bike

Open the rubber lid, plug the connector into the socket, and connect the connector to an electric outlet.

Charging the Battery OFF the Bike

Insert the key into the lock, turn, lift and pull out the battery. Once the battery is off the bike, plug the connector into the socket, and plug the charger into an electric outlet. To insert the battery, place it on the battery mount and push the battery until you hear a click.

Please remember to always remove the key from the lock after inserting the battery to ensure the battery doesn’t get disconnected and that no one removes the battery when you’re not around. You can learn more about the use and maintenance of your Bosch e-bike battery in Bosch’s latest e-bike battery guide.

3.7. Frame and Battery Keys  

Your bike comes with one key, and one spare key. You can use the same key to remove the battery and to (un)lock the ABUS Frame Lock. The keys are engraved with a serial number, which we recommend you email to yourself and register with ABUS. If your keys ever get lost or damaged, then you can apply for a new set using your serial number without any worry.

4. ABUS Frame Lock  

Your NBD comes with an ABUS frame lock that is located at the top of the rear wheel. To lock it, turn the key and slide down the knob until you hear a click, and then pull the key out. Please keep in mind that the key can only be removed when the frame lock is locked.

Tip: If you want extra security, you can also purchase an ABUS lock chain that connects the frame lock to a fixed object.

5. Flat-Folding Your NBD  

Your NBD was designed to help you on your daily errands and accompany you on trips further afield. The Flat-Fold mode enables you to take your NBD with you on public transport and in your car. It will take a bit of practice, but once you’ve memorized the following six steps, you can fold your NBD in seconds!

  1. Open both Andros Stem levers.
  2. Angle the stem upward, making it in line with the handlepost.
  3. Keep the handlebar in the riding position.
  4. Firmly close both Andros Stem levers.
  5. Rotate the handlebars 180°.
  6. Slide the security knob on the handlepost upward, and pull down the lever.
  7. Fold the handlepost down.
  8. Lower the saddle.

Tip: We recommend you remove the display before flat-folding your NBD if you plan on storing your bike.

6. Vertical Parking and Rolling  

Your NBD is not only super comfortable to ride, but also easy to store! Vertical Parking enables you to fit your NBD in narrower spaces and make room for other stuff, or to maneuver it into an elevator. This is how you park and roll your NBD vertically:

  1. Stand next to your bike and hold the handlebar with both hands.
  2. Apply the rear brake and walk backward until the bike stands up. Don’t pull the bike backward, just focus on walking.
  3. To park your bike, please ensure that all of the contact points on the rear of the bike are in contact with the floor and placed on a flat, even surface.
  4. To roll your bike, release the rear brake and gently roll the bike forward while gripping the handlebar.
  5. To get your bike back on both wheels, hold the handlebars, apply the rear brake, and walk forward until the front wheel makes contact with the ground. For your safety, we do not recommend you try to catch the bike as it comes down. Walk forward with control until the front wheel touches the ground.

7. Daily Riding Checklist  

Safety should always come first. Before hitting the road, we recommend you conduct the ABCQ test to check your air pressure, brakes, chain, quick releases, and more.

8. Maintenance  

Your NBD will take you to many places, and for it to safely accompany you for a long time, it needs to be maintained well and regularly. Most of the important maintenance and inspection can easily be done at home, and it will take just a few minutes.

8.1. Clean and Lubricate Your Chain

It’s really important to clean and lubricate your chain regularly to ensure smooth movement. After applying the lubricant, please don’t forget to wipe off any excess. For more details, you can view our basic bike maintenance video.

8.2. Check and Maintain Your Belt

If you have an NBD S5i, you’ll notice that its belt drive is more durable than chains and requires relatively less maintenance. Nevertheless, it’s still important to clean the belt with water when it’s visibly dirty. You can check out our belt maintenance article for more information.

8.3. Check if Your Wheels are Trued

Check if your wheels are trued (straight) by spinning them. See if there are any side-to-side motions and if the disc brake rotor is not rubbing against the brake pads. If you find anything worn or damaged, bring your bike to your dealer.

8.4. Check For Signs of Wear

Some of your bike’s parts will wear over time, with the tires, chain, and brake pads most likely needing to be replaced sooner than other parts. If any of your NBD’s parts need replacement, please contact your Tern dealer directly.

8.5. Regular Service Check-up

Your NBD will need to be serviced regularly, and there are two ways to know when it’s time to take your bike in for service. One is to check your Bosch display. When you see a wrench icon appear on the display, then you’ll know it’s time for a check-up. Another way is to consider your mileage: the more often you use your NBD, the more frequently you need to see your Tern dealer. We recommend you read our Maintenance Schedule article for more detailed information.

9. NBD Accessories  

The NBD is an everyday bike that’s able to carry both a passenger and stuff. The NBD’s super tough rear Gaia Rack can hold up to 27 kg (60 lbs) and fits one child seat, while you can mount a front rack to the handlepost to put stuff on. For your convenience, we’ve already made you an NBD Accessory Guide so you can check out what accessories you can outfit your NBD with.

9.1. Passenger-Carrying Accessories

The NBD is all about smiles, so why not have fun together with your kiddo?

The NBD’s Gaia Rack can hold one (mini) passenger and is compatible with the child seats mentioned here. However, many other child seats may be compatible as well. When in doubt, we recommend you contact your Tern dealer or child seat manufacturer for confirmation.

Important: Before you install a child seat, please note that installing a child seat will block your access to the ABUS frame lock. To continue using the frame lock, remove it from the rear wheel and reinstall it behind the front fork of your NBD.

Please keep in mind that child seats should always include the following elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot and leg protection.

9.2. Cargo-Carrying Accessories

The NBD was designed to carry a kid and haul some cargo! With quite a few accessories available for the NBD, you could use the Hauler Rack or Transporteur Rack and combine it with the roomy WeatherTop Bag, which can double as a diaper bag. Another handy option is the Cargo Hold 28 Pannier, which attaches to the Gaia Rack and detaches in seconds—the perfect shopping companion. Check out this guide for more information on NBD accessories.

10. Ready to go?

This list of basic information should help you get started. However, if you are still a bit new to biking, or haven’t cruised around town for a while, we’d like to help you build your confidence with our Essential Cycling Safety Tips. For more support, we invite you to join our Tern NBD Facebook Group, where you can share your experiences with other NBD riders. For any questions regarding maintenance and repair, please contact your Tern dealer.

Happy #NewBikeDay, and keep on smiling!