Shopcast

  1. Ride Bikes. Eat Pastries. Every. Saturday. In April.

    Ride Bikes. Eat Pastries. Every. Saturday. In April.

    Perennial Cycle has been supporting #30daysofbiking for over 10 years by having Pastry Rides every Saturday in April. In 2026 we continue this fun series.


    Pastry Rides are free and start in the back of the shop (3342 Hennepin Ave) with a 9am meetup/registration and 9:30 rollout.


    • Rides are typically 4–8 miles and the pace is conversational (also known as "pastry" pace).
    All Pastry Rides are family friendly. Nine year olds are going to be able to ride along at our distance and speed just fine. If your child is younger than 9 and wants to ride their own bike use your best judgment.
    • There is often a raffle at the destination.

    What to expect:
    • 9:00–9:30 we gather in the parking lot behind the shop
    • There is ride registration under the green Perennial Cycle tent
    • When you register you will also add your name to the raffle
    • At the destination we will have pastries and coffee/tea/cocoa together. Let us know if you have dietary restrictions, we typically have alternatives.
    • If there’s a raffle, it will happen after pastries are served.
    • Other activities could include face painting, live music or storytelling.
    • There is always a group ride back to the shop, though typically this is a much smaller group as people go off in their own directions from the ride destination.
    When you join a Pastry Ride you are consenting to photographs being taken that may include you. Let us know when you register if you prefer not to be photographed and we’ll do our best to minimize the use of your picture.
    These rides are more about community and fun than about miles on the bike. There’s no need for a kit, and clipless pedals can be challenging on a pastry paced group ride as there may be many stops/starts.

  2. The Great Cargo Bike Webinar

    Cargo bike webinar: with 4 cargo bike visionaries. Sunday, Feb. 04, 2024.

    Edit: watch the recorded event on YouTube.
    Past cargo bike webinar recordings are also available!

    Perennial Cycle of Minneapolis, Kindred Cycles of Pittsburgh, Clever Cycles of Portland, and J. C. Lind Bike Co. of Chicago are presenting a free cargo bike webinar on February 4. 

    The goal is to empower you with enough information so you can make the best choice for your upcoming purchase. The presenters, who are avid riders and have been taking care of cargo bike users for many years, will share their experiences to help you along the way.

    SO, if you're considering buying a cargo bike in 2024, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to learn from experts. We are bringing our knowledge to you, as we understand that many people are not fortunate enough to have shops like these in their neighborhood. We expect attendees from various locations, and will be thrilled to have people join our Zoom from anywhere.

    About the presenters

    Luke Breen — Minneapolis, MN

    Luke has been the owner and operator of Perennial Cycle, previously known as Calhoun Cycle, for over 30 years. Throughout his career, he has consistently shown his love and dedication for utility and cargo bikes. For many years, he eagerly waited for cargo bikes to become more popular among customers.

    Today, Perennial Cycle is the go-to place for cargo bike enthusiasts in Minnesota. The shop also organizes a variety of community-oriented group rides and events. Rides organized in 2023 include the Queer History Ride, the famous Pastry Rides in April, several Family Fun Rides, and DJ Dance Rides.

    Eva Frazier — Portland, OR

    Eva has been the co-owner of Clever Cycles since 2014. She has been a part of the retail bike industry for 17 years and is passionate about solving problems, working with numbers, and interacting with people. Eva is originally from New York's Hudson Valley but moved west for college and fell in love with the community. She is currently a member of the executive board of BikeLoudPDX and co-hosts the BikePortland podcast.

    Clever Cycles is Portland's largest and first-ever bike shop that focuses entirely on bicycles as primary transportation. The shop mainly caters to urban households that want to reduce their dependence on cars.

    Jon Lind — Chicago, IL

    J.C. Lind Bike Co. has been selling European city and cargo bikes in Chicago for the past 16 years. The owner, Jon Lind, believes that bikes are more than just modes of transportation; they are lifestyle vehicles that have the power to enhance their owners' lives. Jon's passion for biking began during his time living in the Netherlands, known for its cycling-friendly culture. Furthermore, Jon's interest in transportation biking runs deep, as he remembers his mother riding her bike to work every day, even in the snow, when he was a boy.

    Aiming to help customers lead car-light urban lives, J.C. Lind Bike Co. provides practical and dependable bikes.

    Katharine Jordan — Pittsburgh, PA

    The 10th anniversary of Kindred Cycles is coming soon! Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Katharine developed a passion for cycling while residing in Boston and has been repairing bikes ever since. Kindred Cycles has become a reality of their dream — a place where cyclists using bikes for both transportation and pleasure can receive exceptional service and benefit from the vast commuting experience and knowledge available.

    Undoubtedly, electric cargo bikes have proven to be a valuable asset to individuals and families seeking to replace their cars and embrace a bike-centric lifestyle. Kindred Cycles supports a diverse and expanding community of riders united in their determination!

    Tickets on Eventbrite
  3. 2023 Guide: Holiday Gifts for Cyclists

    Best Gifts for Cyclists

    Santa's sleigh looks different this year.

    This is the intro

    Gifts under $25

    Adjustable size bottle cage

    Fits bottles 65-95 mm.

    The Looney Bin dials to fit anything from a vending machine water bottle to a Nalgene, Hydroflask, or even a bottle of wine.

    SockGuy wool socks

    A popular gift for a reason.

    Year-round performance socks that are shrink resistant and itch-free. The SockGuy TurboWool blend base is 5x stronger than merino wool alone.

    Perennial logo water bottle

    Flowering Midwestern perennial plants and our signature green color.

    Purist Insulated water bottles feature a Chromatek insulating liner. Chromatek acts as a barrier to keep water cold and also slow it from freezing (hello Minnesota!).

    Gifts under $100

    Gofluo Darkchamp reflective vest

    Classic steel water bottle cage

    Handmade in Durango, Colorado

    get fancy, ti

    Arkel waterproof handlebar bag

    Gifts for kids

    Baby Nutty Helmet with MIPS

    Baby Nutty helmets fit heads 48 to 52 cm

    MSW Squeeze horn

    Choose between a kitty, narwhal, unicorn, koala, or cactus.

    Gofluo Julian reflective vest

    The child-sized version of the Darkchamp vest.

    Gifts for cold weather riders

    Wolftooth handlebar pogies

    Rainlegs Arctic cycling chaps

    hi

    Fat tire / cargo bike floor pump (up to 80 psi)

    A high volume floor pump for tires 38mm and fatter.

    Gifts for Brompton riders

    Borough Tote bag with DISRUPT print

    Fits on the front carrier block when riding.

    Brompton Toolkit

    The toolkit is designed to fit discretely within the frame.

    EZ hinge clamp spring

    The 3D printed EZ Clamp Spring simplifies Brompton folding.

    Gifts for someone you really, really love

    Gift card

    Online & in-store gift cards are available separately.

    Dynamo lighting

    Dynamo lighting is EVERYTHING for dark winter rides!

    To get an installation project rolling, please get in touch with us for a quick consultation. Our shop experts will take your bike and budget into consideration to make you a custom quote.

    Tern HSD Gen 2 electric cargo bike

    Surprise your family with a sweet new bike

    This is the conclusion

  4. Perennial Cycle Loves the Tern HSD Gen 2

    Reasons Why the Tern HSD Gen 2 Is So Much Better Than HSD Gen 1

    Comparison of North American HSD Gen 2 specs.

    Introduction

    A bestseller since its launch in 2019, Tern made a great midtail electric bike even better. This bike changes what its riders thought a bike could do!

    Tern created the HSD Gen 2 by increasing the Max Gross Vehicle Weight to 397 lbs, updating to Bosch Smart System, increasing the battery size to 545Wh (76 mi range), improving charging, and adding smart security features such as an app-controlled lock.

    4 new North American models are available now, which can seem overwhelming if you’re new to the family, but trust us – the narrowed-down selection of HSDs made things a lot more simple! 

    In this article, we’ll compare the HSD P10, HSD P5i, HSD S00, and HSD S11. We’ll also break down the differences between the P-type and S-type models.

    So if you’re shopping for a capable and versatile electric cargo bike, you’ll love the Tern HSD Gen 2.

    Here’s why:

    Gen 2 has all the pros of the original HSD

    Not only is the HSD fun, it’s a reliable vehicle you can choose every day. Above all, Tern’s philosophy is to keep their bikes “on the road for as long as possible, not to create disposable products that are built to fail.”

    Features of every Tern HSD:

    The size of electric cargo bikes can be intimidating. With this in mind, the HSD is designed to be inviting. Its low center of gravity makes the HSD easy to ride even when fully loaded, and it’s always comfortable thanks to its cushy front suspension fork… Even with that surprise pothole.

    Plus, with a low step frame, the HSD couldn’t be easier to share, adjusting in seconds for riders 4’11”-6’5”.

    One of the coolest parts of Tern cargo bikes is that they can be parked vertically and stored in compact spaces. And have we mentioned how easy the HSD is to transport inside a vehicle?

    New Features for the Tern HSD Gen 2 Electric Cargo Bike

    The Tern HSD Gen 2 electric cargo bike is rated to 397 lbs, strong enough to transport an adult passenger.
    The HSD Gen 2 can easily carry an adult passenger.

    As of Fall 2023, the original HSD is no longer in production to make room for the new Tern HSD Gen 2 Cargo Bike. The key differences are in the new smart security features, upgraded Bosch systems, charging port location, and frame strength.

    Take a look:

    Bosch Smart System

    Now compatible with Tern bikes, the eBike Flow app is the control center for the Bosch Smart System, which can be used to lock your bike and change riding modes. The Flow app will also monitor your battery level, range, distance traveled, as well as keep track of service appointments. 

    Above all, Bosch integrates some of its best auto technologies into the cycling industry, so you know it’s tried and true. The Performance Line motor delivers 340% pedal assistance, while the new Auto mode senses deceleration on a climb and automatically compensates with extra support.

    Smart security

    The HSD's smart lock activates automatically when you turn off the Bosch computer, disabling the motor and helping prevent theft. The system automatically unlocks once it senses a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone.

    EasyAccess Port

    Stay outside longer with the Bosch PowerPack 545 battery. All HSD Gen 2 models have a higher capacity than the HSD Gen 1 bikes, which used 400wh or 500wh batteries.

    Plug into the charge port, conveniently placed on the top tube, rather than fumbling for the battery’s plug cover as on Gen 1 models.

    Stronger Frame

    The HSD’s new frame can carry an adult passenger with ease, with an increased Max Gross Vehicle Weight of 397 lbs. Every pound of that load is tested using the EFBE Tri-Test

    Enhanced stiffness also means more stability under load and better handling. Even after the new tech, the HSD Gen 2 weight is still impressive, weighing in at 54-58 lbs (including battery).

    Safety Features 

    Tern cargo bikes undergo rigorous and customized testing to meet EFBE Pruftechnik GmbH standards and are also UL 2849 electrical system certified.
    Tern cargo bikes undergo rigorous testing.

    For most parents, placing your kids on the back of an ebike for the first time is nerve-wracking. When it comes to Tern, we have confidence in their proven reputation.

    Tern’s cargo bikes are endorsed by one of Europe’s leading bicycle testing labs, EFBE Prüftechnik GmbH.

    Also, Bosch e-bike systems are certified to the UL 2849 standard, the most rigorous e-bike electrical test on the market. The battery, charger, motor, and display are each tested for safety against potential hazards.

    Range of Accessories for Passenger and Cargo Carrying

    The Tern HSD electric cargo bike is the perfect car replacement for parents who need to transport 1 child.
    The HSD is the perfect car replacement for parents with one child.

    All Gen 2 models come with the HSD Atlas H Rack, rated to 176 lbs.(Gen 1 is rated to 132 lbs). Plus, great news for those looking to upgrade: nearly all HSD Gen 1 accessories work with the Gen 2.

    Clubhouse Mini--the padded seat and grab bars that enclose your passenger.

    Transporteur Rack--A front rack for backpacks

    Cargo Hold Panniers 37--Spacious bags to fit your Target run. OR,

    Storm Box Mini--as close to a trunk as you can have on a bike. Throw the groceries in and go.

    The 2023 HSDs Made Shopping Simple

    Inside the shop, we allocate much of our face-time with customers getting to know their needs, so we can pair the best eBike to each individual.

    You may feel like you need a guide to eBikes since the differences aren’t visible at first glance, but the narrowed-down selection of HSDs just made things a lot simpler for everyone!

    HSD P10 Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike

    HSD P5i Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike

    HSD S00 Class 1 Electric Cargo Bike

    HSD S11 Class 3 Electric Cargo Bike

    Which one will you test ride first?

    P-class vs. S-class

    The HSD P Class Features all of the above, and the S models have even more sweet features. The “S” in the name is for “Supreme.”

    HSD S Class Features

    The Bosch eBike Flow app is the control center for the Bosch Smart System and automatically locks the motor when parked.
    The Bosch eBike Flow app is the control center for the Bosch Smart System and automatically locks the motor when parked.

    Increased comfort--A Thudbuster seatpost, paired with the suspension fork, means virtually no road noise.

    Higher visibility--Ultra-bright 700 lumens Ignis Headlight with high/low beam. + an always-on Rearstop Brake Light activates when you press the brakes. 

    Smoother shifting--Enviolo + Gates Carbon Belt Drive provides a silent, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free ride. It doesn’t require any cleaning or grease and lasts longer than a chain.

    Upgraded display--The S-Class uses the Kiox 300, while P-Class has Intuvia 100.

    Additional security--The S-Class also features a motion sensor that will set off an alarm with flashing LEDs, and sends text notifications with GPS tracking in case someone gets handsy.

    Conclusion

    Perennial Cycle is a Tern-authorized local bike shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota that specializes in electric cargo bikes.
    Perennial Cycle is a Tern-authorized local bike shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota that specializes in electric cargo bikes.

    In our opinion, it’s clear to see why the HSD is growing in popularity. As a bike shop in Minneapolis ranked the best metro for bicycling, we’re all about quality!

    Keep in mind, these bikes are only available through Tern-authorized bike shops, to ensure great local service and a 10-year warranty (so you can become our new favorite “regular”).

    Send us a chat in the lower right corner with questions, or schedule a test ride now.