So Over 50 is the Gen 2 really that much better than the Gen 1? Considering one can get the Gen 1 for $3K now...
Well the motor is better but the bike overall? And +$1K better? I'm not really sure I can answer. Ideally, you would get to ride both and decide for yourself. My LBS (Tern dealer) currently has both models on the floor but they are probably an anomaly. I was in last weekend on another matter and a gentleman was taking delivery of the Gen 2 bike for his RV.
The bikes are not light. I can lift them into my Subaru without a battery without too much trouble but I am careful about my lifting position because I could foresee a back injury if careless.
I'm late in getting some pictures posted. I was hoping to do some close-up side-by-sides.
I did another 20 mile commute today and I'll comment on a few things:
The motor: it is quieter and I think there is less drag. That said, using your own power to pedal past the 19+ mph cutoff is tiring. I tried it today. I was running around 20.5 for a period but I was winded and couldn't sustain it for very long (had some wind to deal with too). I'm still a bit out of shape after winter break. I can't recall pushing the Gen 1 past 20 so maybe that tells me it would be more difficult. I feel like Tour gives me what Turbo gave me in the old motor. Perhaps someone knows the ratings of the two motors at the various assist levels and can confirm this. We can probably find them on the Bosch website.
The rack changes: a storage benefit is the ability for it to sit folded on the rear rack (folded position only - not standing like the GSD). I was hoping this would allow me to transport it inside the car in this position for better stability. I tried and it doesn't fit in that position. It sits too tall for both the trunk of my small hybrid and the rear of my Subaru Forester when resting on the rack. So I have to transport it folded but in the Gen 1 position where it rests on the two balancing foot pegs that are under the motor. I"m glad they kept those. This isn't a big problem it only means it is a bit less stable and can tip easier. In the back of the Subaru, I position it such that the folded bike is against the upright rear seats. I use a tie-down strap to strap it to the seat such that it cannot fall away from the rear of the seat towards the hatch. The seat prevents it from falling the other direction toward the driver. I use a small cushion to cinch the strap to the frame for paint protection from metal buckle of the strap. I position it with the drive train facing the rear hatch knowing that the strap will prevent it from falling on the derailleur. So for storage in a closet or garage the rear rack-stand feature is probably a nice bonus. For transporting in my vehicles I have to transport same position as Gen 1.
The other feature of the rack and geometry changes is purportedly to carry more cargo weight. I haven't tested this yet. 1 trip to the store I didn't buy enough to load the bike. I know with my other Terns (Gen 1 and non-electric 24" wheels) that they can get fishy when you load them down.
Geometry changes: I commented earlier that the Gen 2 felt a little twitchy on my initial rides. I've messed with my ride position a lot and I made today's ride with the Thudbuster. It helps a lot but it is still a rough ride. I haven't lowered my tire pressure and was riding about 42 psi. Maybe this weekend, weather permitting, I can do some comparison riding around my neighborhood setting both bikes to the same tire psi, both with the suspension seat posts and carrying equal loads and report back. Honestly as of now I can't say I feel much of a difference due to the geometry change.
I always had fun riding the Gen 1. I thought it was a great bike but I posted early that the motor was a bit of a dog. My wife loves Gen 1 but she rides pretty slow. She probably put double the miles on Gen 1 that I put on it.
