For a while, I considered adding a cargo bike to my stable because of its carrying capacity. I figured since I’m living alone and do errands by myself, I might need a bike that can help me easily bring heavy loads around. When Manila Bike Commuter allowed me to borrow the Tern Short Haul from Junni Industries in Quezon City, I got excited and had him bring it to my place in Pasig.

But for the few days that I used it, I’ll be honest… I wanted to like it more than I actually did.

How is the Tern Short Haul built?

The Tern Short Haul is built around a compact aluminum frame paired with 20-inch wheels and a rigid steel fork. It runs on wide Schwalbe Big Apple 20×2.15 tires, which help soften rough pavement and potholes better than expected, especially considering the bike has no suspension. The smaller wheel size gives it a lower center of gravity, which becomes noticeable once you start carrying cargo.

For stopping power, the Short Haul uses hydraulic disc brakes, which honestly feel appropriate given the bike’s intended purpose. This provides reliable braking once you load it.

The drivetrain contains an 8-speed Shimano Altus setup paired with an 11-34T cassette. The gearing works fine for flatter terrain and moderate inclines, though I personally would hesitate to push the bike fully loaded through steeper areas like Kapitolyo or other hilly sections of Metro Manila.

One of the biggest selling points of the Short Haul is its carrying capacity. The integrated rear rack can carry up to 50 kilograms, while the front rack system can support additional weight depending on the setup.

The Tern Short Haul makes everyday errands feel less annoying

The week I used the cargo bike to the max was when I had several errands to do. Compared to carrying my laundry, groceries, and (empty) jug of water on my touring bike, using the Short Haul made carrying everything easier. I wasn’t worried about my tires going flat from the load or about how many trips I’d have to make from the apartment to wherever. I just loaded everything and did my trip chaining.

That’s when I saw how the Tern Short Haul shines in mundane, everyday utility.

And I mean that in a good way.

The more I used the Short Haul, the more I realized that utility bikes are a game-changer. You stop overthinking whether bringing a bike is practical because the bike itself is already built around practicality.

But it’s not something I’d use regularly in hilly Kapitolyo

Honestly, though, it’s not something I should have, given where I live.

On flatter roads, the Short Haul feels stable, predictable, and easy enough to maneuver despite its cargo-oriented design.

But I became more hesitant once I realized I live in Kapitolyo, not Makati CBD.

I honestly would not want to ride this bike fully loaded. The combination of cargo weight, smaller wheels, and the bike’s overall heft starts becoming more noticeable once gravity fights back.

That doesn’t make the Short Haul unusable. Nor does it make me a weak or insecure cyclist. It simply means that cargo bikes are still constrained by physics, and my strength is limited when dealing with heavier loads. Add heat and humidity to the mix, and it becomes a perfect storm for a really hot and sticky trip chaining experience.

In this case, I’d rather invest in a cargo e-bike if it weren’t expensive or heavy to lug around.

It can be clunky, and for good reason

One thing I noticed pretty quickly is that the Tern Short Haul feels better when it’s moving than when you’re the one moving it. It feels stable and fairly natural despite the cargo-oriented geometry. But the moment you have to squeeze it into tighter spaces or figure out where and how to lock it, using it feels more like a bane than a boon.

It’s not impossible to live with, obviously, but it does require more thought compared to a bike with traditional geometry.

However, that bulkiness oddly makes the bike feel a little less vulnerable. It does not come across as an easy bike to quickly grab and disappear with. It feels more like a utility object than a flashy performance bike, which, in its own way, is reassuring.

Verdict: The Tern Short Haul is a smart and capable utility bike

The Tern Short Haul is not the lightest bike I’ve ridden. Nor is it the most exciting.

But it might be one of the more genuinely useful bikes I’ve spent time with. I just realized it’s not for me, as I do not want to overload my bikes, nor do I have anyone to carry around. My living situation is also a factor, as I have to constantly carry my bikes up and down the stairs. I still think it works best on flatter terrain and might be more ideal for utility cyclists who need more carrying capacity than I do.

The Short Haul is, nonetheless, thoughtfully designed and is clearly built around the idea that bicycles can replace many short-distance car trips.

The Tern Short Haul D8 currently sells for around P54,950. Message Junni Industries on their Facebook Page for more information.