Tern GSD vs Riese & Müller Multitinker: which longtail bike is right for you?
Which longtail electric bike is best suited to a family looking to replace their car? It depends less on the question of "which is the best bike" and more on your lifestyle, where you live, and how you ride. In this article, I offer a personal comparison between two leading models in this segment: the Tern GSD and the Riese & Müller Multitinker. We compare these two flagship models to help you make the right choice.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | January 2, 2025 | Reading time: 5 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- The Tern GSD excels in cargo capacity, storage solutions, and flexibility.
- The Multitinker stands out for its design, comfort, and integration.
- The right choice depends on the available space, family situation, and driving style.
Table of contents
Why have electric longtail bikes become so popular?
What makes the Tern GSD so special?
What characterizes the Riese & Müller Multitinker?
What are the differences between the Tern GSD and the Multitinker?
Who is the Tern GSD the best choice for?
Who is the Multitinker the right choice for?
Why have electric longtail bikes become so popular?
Because they surprisingly often replace a second car. They are more compact, less expensive to use, and perfectly suited to urban life.
A longtail is not a cargo bike with a box. Children sit at the rear, the bike remains maneuverable and easily navigates narrow streets. Groceries, school runs, gym bags: there's room for everything.
What makes the Tern GSD so special?
Tern understood early on that families are primarily looking for practical solutions, not gimmicks.
Tern originally comes from the world of folding bikes, and this is immediately apparent. Everything about the GSD is designed to save space and offer great flexibility, without compromising on power.
Technical specifications of the Tern GSD
| Element | Tern GSD |
|---|---|
| Maximum total weight | 210 kg |
| Rear luggage rack | Up to 100 kg |
| Engine | Bosch Cargo Line (85 Nm, 400%) |
| Wheels | 20 inches |
| Battery | DualBattery possible up to 1000 Wh |
The strengths of the Tern GSD
- Vertical parking: the bike stands upright. In a hallway or apartment, it takes up as much space as a large plant.
- Foldable handlebars: folds down in seconds, convenient for transport by train or in a spacious car.
- Comprehensive range of accessories: Clubhouse, Storm Box, panniers, children's solutions—everything is modular.
- Ultra-fast adjustments: adapts without tools to cyclists from 1.50 m to 1.95 m tall.
The limitations of the Tern GSD
- Highly functional design: the batteries are visible on the frame, which gives it a less streamlined appearance.
- Smaller wheels are firmer on poor road surfaces: despite the suspension, cobblestones and potholes are more noticeable.
What characterizes the Riese & Müller Multitinker?
At Riese & Müller, everything revolves around comfort, integration, and finish. The Multitinker is clearly designed as an urban bike capable of replacing the car, with German precision. Everything is consistent, everything is perfectly integrated.
Technical specifications of the Multitinker
| Element | Multitinker |
|---|---|
| Maximum total weight | 200 kg |
| Rear luggage rack | 70 kg |
| Engine | Bosch Performance Line CX |
| Wheels | 20 inches |
| Battery | 625 Wh integrated |
| Transmission | Chain or belt (Enviolo) |
The strengths of the Riese & Müller Multitinker
- Sleek, integrated design: the battery is fully integrated into the frame for a premium, discreet look.
- Standard frame bag: a small detail, but very practical for keys or snacks.
- Stable and comfortable handling: even when loaded, the bike remains predictable and reassuring.
- RX Chip (optional): GPS, anti-theft protection, and statistics via an app.
- Wide range of user sizes: suitable for cyclists from 1.40 m to 2.00 m tall.
The limits of Multitinker
- More limited rear load capacity: maximum 70 kg, ideal for children but less so for larger passengers.
- No vertical parking: always requires floor space.
- Higher price: especially with options, the bill can quickly add up.
What are the differences between the Tern GSD and the Multitinker?
| Features | Tern GSD | Multitinker |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum total weight | 210 kg | 200 kg |
| Rear luggage rack | 100 kg | 70 kg |
| Engine | Bosch Cargo Line | Bosch CX |
| Battery | Up to 1000 Wh | 625 Wh |
| Parking | Vertical | Classic |
| Passengers | 2 children / 1 adult | 2 children (≤ 143 lbs) |
Who is the Tern GSD the best choice for?
- You live in a small space with limited storage solutions.
- You regularly transport heavy loads
- You travel long distances and want a long battery life.
- The bike is shared between several users.
Who is the Multitinker the right choice for?
- Are you looking for a sleek, high-end look?
- You appreciate connected features such as GPS
- You mainly transport young children.
- Smaller adults or teenagers also use bicycles.
My personal conclusion
Which one would I choose myself? Honestly, it would depend on my housing situation.
The Tern GSD resembles a true workhorse: it may not be glamorous, but it solves all practical problems. The Multitinker, on the other hand, gives the impression of a luxurious city bike that can also transport children.
Both are excellent. There is no wrong choice, as long as you choose the one that really suits your daily life.
FAQ
Which is better: Tern GSD or Riese & Müller Multitinker?
Neither is objectively "better." The Tern is more practical, while the Multitinker is more comfortable and better finished.
Can I transport two children on both bikes?
Yes. On the Tern, even if they are heavier. On the Multitinker, you must stay below the 65–70 kg limit.
Is a longtail bike a good alternative to a car?
For urban use, absolutely. Many families use it daily for school and shopping.
Which bike is easiest to store?
The Tern GSD clearly wins thanks to its vertical parking and foldable handlebars.
Is the higher price of the Multitinker justified?
If design, comfort, and connectivity are important to you: yes.