u/mistergrumbles

I am a bit confused with Tern's current Vektron line in the USA.

Since they decided to withhold the Gen4 Bosch Smart System from the new Vektron models (P5i and P10) in the USA, I am having a hard time figuring out just what it is you gain from buying a new 2026 P10 over an older Gen3 S10, considering they are using the same Gen3 BES2 system.

It seems like the new P10 was designed to replace the S10. But how is the P10 any better than the S10 in the USA? In fact, I'm reading it might be slightly worse because the S10 has a sprocket that keeps the chain higher and out of the way, and the P10 does not have this, or am I wrong here (I swear I read that somewhere)?

With the P5i, you at least get the Gates Carbon Belt Drive, which does feel like a significant upgrade over previous Vektron models. But that's about the only thing you gain, correct? You do not get the Smart System, security features, app connectivity, or any of the latest perks that come with the new Bosch Smart System Gen4, such as higher battery capacity, more torque, longer service/support timeline, less depreciation in value, etc. These are all things you would get with the P5i everywhere else in the world. For $4,000 USD (really $4500 with tax) you're essentially getting a Vektron with a belt and a Bosch BES2 Performance Line motor which was released in what, 2014?

Sorry, not trying to knock Tern here, I'm actually trying to figure out which model to go for, but the US models are very confusing to me.

I'm sure all these cuts are due to these awful US tariffs (the import tax on e-bikes here is insane right now), so I certainly don't blame Tern for doing what they need to do to make things work.

Are there any LA riders out there that are using a Gates Carbon Belt Drive on their bike? If so, have they been noisy or squeaky in dusty Los Angeles? And do you have to constantly clean them or use dry lubricant on them?

I am considering the new Tern Vektron P5i with the belt. My use case for this bike is that it will be a bike to ride around LA and to take to campsites when we go camping (and ride simple trails). It will be my only bicycle. I'm a little concerned about using the carbon belt drive though since Los Angeles is extremely dusty and campsites in SoCal also tend to be very dusty. I keep reading stories of people with belt drives that get so annoyed with the squeaking and unpleasant noises of the belt that they revert back to a chain. It seems almost all of these stories occur in dry/dusty climates, too. Now I'm thinking I should maybe just stick to the tried and true chain. I'd love to hear some feedback from people in LA (or in similar climates).

https://preview.redd.it/7eiocr16cj1h1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51fae5683079f4911322544aa29235e0ea985c66