I ended up receiving the Salsa Wanderosa to test at exactly the right moment in my summer. Having just returned from the lush, green climate and cool, clean air of Whistler, BC, I returned home to Boise to find my backyard trails charred from a recent fire, the AQI at unhealthy levels, and the temperature soaring.My motivation to ride a bike (and perhaps to live) took an immediate nose dive. So heavy was this plummet, in fact, that I left the Wanderosa unboxed and unridden for an entire week.There was also the problem that I just didnt GET the Wanderosa. Is it a gravel bike? A drop-bar mountain bike? Why did it need to be full suspension? What was the use case? The bad air and heat were making me exceptionally grumpy.Fortunately, I finally got up the inspiration to get it built up and out on the road. It turns out the bike is exactly what I needed.The Fazuza electric assist helped me overcome my low motivation and desire to keep from breathing too hard in the bad air. It also helped me go further, faster, so I could find places to ride outside of the recent burn.I explored meandering gravel roads, but also new-to-me, barely-there singletrack. I turned up the assist and took long snack breaks. The full squish was a nice break for my beat-up body thats become accustomed to going hard on my rigid gravel bike and titanium hardtail. I gave up on training for a bit and just appreciated being out on a bike, looking at the clouds, and moving my body.And it turns out that THATs the use case for this bike. Get outside. Move your body. Wander. None of it needs to be too serious.Review In A NutshellPros:Electric assist allows you to go further, fasterUpright geo and full squish give tired bodies a breakIdeal for long weekend rides where the intent is enjoyment NOT sufferingWide range of sizesCons:I wasnt a fan of the Fazua Road controlsRear triangle was wide (may interfere with pedal stroke)No range extenderPrice: $7,999 (Wanderosa C Apex Eagle)Buy at REI.comBuy at Backcountry.comWhat The Heck Is This Thing?As someone who reviews bikes and is constantly trying to figure out exactly how one bike compares to another, the Wanderosa hurt my brain. Its an electric drop bar bike, but from there things get more confusing.The bike has large 29 wheels and fat 2.2 tires. (Sounds like a drop-bar mountain bike)! Add that to the full suspension120 mm up front and 110 mm in the rearand upright geometry. (Now it really sounds like a drop-bar mountain bike).But Salsa adamantly markets it as a gravel bike, and after riding it for a while, I understood why. Its a perfect gravel bike for folks who need a little extra confidence and comfort.The bike feels exceptionally stable. Its designed for easy ups (thanks e-assist) and confidence-inducing downhills. Exactly what so many of the riders I know are actually looking for, but whom the bike industry tends to ignore. Compared to the skinny tires of a traditional gravel bike, the higher volume offers more traction and greater stability. Skidding out in a high speed corner becomes less likely.The full suspension not only provides physical comfort it also provides mental comfort. Technical gravel descents become less demanding and require less skill with a little suspension and forgiving geometry.All that said, its still fully capable of hitting up some trail as well. I took it on my fair share of singletrack (I just cant help myself!), and it was comfortable and capable.Once I stopped trying to define it and just RODE it, paved road, gravel road, singletrack, wherever, the bike came alive. Its a gravel bike yes, but its also whatever you want it to be.Goes Up and Comes Down In ComfortIn addition to providing confidence to those who might need some, the Wanderosa also offers plenty of comfort to those who are feeling a little beat. Now that Im over 40, I can tell my body doesnt bounce back quite as quickly. I need more rest days and less hard training.The Wanderosa is a class 3 e-bike meaning it can go up to 28 mph and offers three different levels of assist. Depending on the day and how tired my legs were feeling, Id ride it in different modes. Feeling fairly peppy? Id ride it in the green least-assist mode. Tired and needing a little extra help? Pump up that e-assist to pink and leave it there.I didnt need to wait to feel rested or highly motivated to get out on a long ride with lots of climbing.There is an app you can play with to adjust the power levels, and Ive done that with other bikes with the Fazua drive systems, but on the Wanderosa I didnt feel the need. The whole attraction to me with this bike was that it felt like a break from the mental effort Im normally putting in to ride.Even with an e-assist, long rides can often cause tired bodies because youre still covering all that distance, all those washboards, rocks, and potholes. Thats where the comfortable carbon frame and suspension come into play.I felt significantly less tired on this bike after a sustained 10-mile descent than on my regular gravel bike. And while its certainly heavier than that bike, at 40 pounds, its still a lot lighter than most e-bikes and felt reasonably easy for my smaller female frame to handle.The geometry is forgiving and significantly less aggressive than the other gravel bikes I tend to ride. This was true even on the medium frame I was testing (a small would have been a better fit for me).I was happy to learn that the Wanderosa comes in a wide range of sizes, including an extra small frame. My one big complaint when I tested the Salsa Moraine e-mountain bike was that there wasnt a frame size to fit smaller riders, so its great that this offering feels more inclusive for women. There was one weird geometry issue I discovered though. The rear triangle is WIDE and my legs would actually brush up against it when pedaling.On all the test bikes Ive ridden, Ive never experienced that, and I even paid careful attention to my pedal stroke and body position because I was so surprised by it. Women and other petite folks with narrower pedals pedal strokes may want to test ride before buying to make sure this isnt an issue.Speaking of issues, my only other complaint with the Wanderosa had to do with the Fazua controls.Issue With The Fazua Ride 60 Road ControlsLike other bikes Ive tested with the Fazua drive systems, the engagement feels smooth and the motor is quiet. Unlike other Fazua systems Ive tested, however, the road controls on the FazuaRide 60 were problematic. The power modes are controlled by tiny buttons on the tops of the drop-bars and they were fairly glitchy. The right button seized up on my first ride, and one of my next rides, the left button stopped responding, so I was stuck in the lowest green power mode. I had to allow it to time out / power off and turn back on before it would work again.Since this is the only bike Ive tested with the road controls, I dont know if this is a common issue, or just a freak one my unit had.It was, however, fairly irritating.Comes In Three ModelsThe Wanderosa I tested is the Wanderosa C Apex Eagle ($7,999). This is the cheapest of three models (ouch!) and the higher end models offer AXS (electronic shifting) and all the special extras.For me, the entry-level model was plenty. It still offers powerful hydraulic brakes (big upgrade from the ones Im used to on my Polygon Tambora and massive 200/180 mm rotors), a dropper post, and a perfectly adequate SRAM Apex drivetrain. With an electric assist, I find Im not shifting quite as often as I do on an analog bike anyhow so having a lower level groupset didnt bother me.Bottom-LineThe Salsa Wanderosa saved me when I needed saving most, pulling me out of a mid-summer depressive funk. For that, it won my heart.This wont be the bike for the close-minded. Theyll feel superior and slightly confused. But for those of us who are tired, lacking confidence, or searching for lost joy on the bike, the Wanderosa is just the ticket.I liked that I was able to explore slightly sus side-quests without questioning if I had the energy to turn back if the going got rough. I appreciated the motivation simply to wandernot to race or maximize my training timejust to enjoy time on two wheels, to see where that road or trail might lead.With around 50 miles of range, I never ran out of juice, BUT if this was my bike to keep, I might wish that it had the ability to add a range extender. It would be the perfect option for low-pressure bikepacking and long-distance adventures.to wander even further. It turns out that with a little assist and a comfortable design, sometimes you dont want to stop.Buy at REI.comBuy at Backcountry.comMore Articles You Might LikeBest Womens Electric Bikes & How To ChooseWhat To Pack For A Bike Ride & How To Carry ItCycling Nutrition: 9 Tips For Fueling On The BikeAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Review: Salsa Wanderosa Electric Gravel Bike appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Thibau Nys is not having an outstanding road season 2026. That is mainly caused by health setbacks which have not allowed the Belgian to log more than seven race days until mid-August. But the counter will move drastically over the course of next month with Nys set for a Vuelta a Espana debut. Nys's...

Tern has been producing some of the best electric bikes on the market for years, and its HSD compact cargo bikes have been a popular choice among small families and city dwellers. Now in its 3rd generation, Tern gave the HSD numerous updates to enhance its performance, comfort, and cargo-hauling capabilities. With a redesigned frame and an upgraded motor, the new HSD aims to improve upon its predecessor while maintaining the compact size, handling, and features that HSD riders already know and love.Cargo bikes are incredibly useful for replacing short car trips, said Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. But a lot of cargo bikes are heavy, huge, and hard to handle. HSD was our challenge to design a heavy-hauling cargo bike, but to make it as easy to ride as a regular bike. We love hearing stories about how HSD has changed peoples transport patterns, and were super excited to bring this new HSD packed with improvements to market.The Tern HSD is aimed squarely at urban families with its compact design.Tern HSD3 DetailsThe folks at Tern tell us that the latest HSD has a completely re-engineered frame with a cargo-optimized geometry. This includes a slightly longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity for added stability and predictable handling. It remains more compact and lighter than most other cargo bikes, making it easier to maneuver on city streets, through train stations, or store in tight spaces.Higher Weight LimitWhile compact, the HSD can carry two adults or some heavy cargo.At the same time, the Max Gross Vehicle Weight has been increased by 10 kg (22 lbs) to 190 kg (419 lbs), with the rear rack capable of supporting up to 80 kg (176 lbs) of that load. Along with that, Tern says the HSDs frame and fork have been tested to EN 17860 a third-party certification standard developed specifically for cargo bikes at its max gross vehicle weight of 190 kg.The rear rack is also ISO 11243 certified for safety.Huge Fit RangeLike the previous versions, the latest HSD is easily adjustable to fit a huge range of rider heights. With its VLT telescoping seatpost and taller, highly adjustable Physis stem and handlebar, Tern claims the HSD3 will fit riders between 150 cm and 205 cm (411 to 69), weighing up to 130 kg (287 lbs). Rider comfort was also a priority with a low step-over height, upright rider position, ergonomic cockpit setup, and suspension fork.FlatFold Storable DesignThe HSD was designed to be easy to handle and store. The handlebar folds flat, and the bike can be balanced on the rear rack for a slim profile and small footprint.Unlike most cargo bikes, the intentionally compact design of the HSD3 is meant to enhance user-friendliness and storability. Given its lighter weight (relatively speaking), its easier to tip onto its rear wheel to roll vertically. The handlebar also folds down, and the rear rack is designed to support the bike so it can be stored vertically, minimizing its size for transport or footprint for storage in the home or at the office.Expanded Accessory EcosystemThe new Sun Shield Mini accessory.Cargo bikes are best when outfitted with accessories to suit your cargo hauling needs. Tern already had a well-developed accessory lineup for its cargo bikes, and it goes a step further with numerous new and/or updated products for carrying kids, adults, and other cargo. These include:Clubhouse Mini: Passenger frame, now updated with an opening side rail that makes it easier for parents to load younger children, while allowing older kids to climb aboard independently. Also doubles as a secure cargo carrier when not carrying passengers.Storm Box Mini: Weatherproof rear bucket that protects a child or cargo from the elements, with a new side-opening design for easier loading and unloading.Sun Shield Mini: A lightweight canopy that provides UPF 50 sun protection and improved airflow for comfortable warm-weather riding.Rain Shield Mini: A snap-on rain cover that pairs with the Sun Shield Mini to create a fully enclosed weather canopy for child passengers.Sidekick Footrests: Updated frame-mounted footrests that provide stable, comfortable foot support for bigger kids and adult passengers.Hardshell Hauler: A lockable, waterproof 26 L storage case that mounts directly to the bike for secure everyday carrying.The new Hardshell Hauler.Bosch Gen 5 Drive SystemThe new HSD3 models get lighter, quieter, and more powerful Bosch Gen 5 drive systems. Not only do the Gen 5 motors shed 400 grams, but they reportedly have 30% less internal friction and are virtually silent. With the Bosch Performance Upgrade 2.0, the standard Gen 5 Performance Line motor puts out up to 75Nm of torque, 600 Watts of peak power, and 340% support.In the U.S., the Sport version of the HSD S9i and HSD P10e get the Performance Line Sport motor, unlocking Class 3 capability and speeds up to 28mph with up to 90Nm of torque, 700 W peak power, and 600% support. Additionally, both of these models (Sport and standard versions) include Bosch eShift with electronic shifting and advanced shifting features, including Automatic mode (HSD P10e only). The Bosch electrical system is also certified to UL 2849 for safety.The Class 3 capable Performance Line Sport motor is available in the U.S. on select models.All HSD models come with a Bosch PowerPack 545Wh battery, which provides a claimed range of 56-107 km (35-67 miles). Numerous features and customization options are available through the Bosch Flow app. Recent software updates also unlock new features, including:Battery Lock: makes your battery unusable with other bikes.Mark as Stolen: Flags bike when brought to dealer for service. Flags bike if attempt to pair with new smartphoneSharing an eBike: Share with up to 5 family members, with separate digital keys (requires Flow+ subscription)Other FeaturesOther notable features include powerful cargo-rated Magura hydraulic disc brakes with 2.0mm thick rotors for all-weather stopping performance. The AXA frame/wheel lock comes keyed alike to the battery for single-key convenience. The charge port is located on the top tube, making it easy to access from either side of the bike. All HSD models also come equipped with a bell, front and rear lights, aluminum fenders, and a kickstand.The Tern HSD S9i Sport.Tern HSD3: Models and PricingThe HSD3 comes in four models, with the primary difference being the drivetrain setups. Both the HSD S9i and HSD P10e are available with the standard PX or Sport motors U.S. only.Otherwise, all HSD models come with the same components, including Suntour suspension forks, Magura brakes, Schwalbe Big Apple tires, and cockpit setups. The main exception is the HSD S91, which comes with a Cane Creek suspension seatpost. Tern claims that all models weigh between 28 and 29 kg (62 to 64 lbs).HSD S9i: $7,499The 33 internally geared hub on the HSD S9i.Comes in standard or Sport configurations. The German-made, Gates belt-driven 33 internally geared hub offers 9 speeds and a 554% gear range. It works with Bosch eShift with wireless shifting and an auto downshift feature (for stop-and-go riding).HSD P10e: $5,499The Tern HSD P10e Sport.Comes in standard or Sport configurations. The Bosch/TRP eShift wireless shifting is powered by the bikes battery. This system has 10 speeds and reportedly provides perfect shifts every time, smoother shifts under load, and has a fully automatic shifting mode. The TRP derailleur is paired with a Shimano LG cassette with 300% improved wear resistance for a longer life and lower maintenance.The Bosch/TRP eShift derailleur on the HSD P10e.HSD P00: $5,699The Bosch Performance Line motor is paired with a Gates belt-driven Enviolo infinitely variable hub. Again, this setup is meant to be low-maintenance, low-noise, and durable.HSD P5i: $4,999The Bosch Performance Line motor is paired with a Gates belt-driven Nexus 5 internally geared hub drivetrain. This setup aims to be quiet, low-maintenance, and durable.The updated HSD compact cargo bike is available now.Availability:The new Tern HSD compact cargo bikes are available now. Head to the Tern website to see full specs, check pricing and availability in your region, or find a dealer near you.ternbicycles.com