The Bike That Made Tom Quit His Car | Riese & Müller E-Cargo Bike
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- Here's the bike that changed Tom Marvin's cycling life forever, the Riese & Müller Multicharger Vario E-Cargo Bike. A long time proponent of driving his van/car just about everywhere, Tom Wanted to try something different, and that came in the form of an E-Cargo bike that he modified to carry his regular mountain bikes to and from the trails.
This bike Impressed Tom so much, he's even thinking about trying to buy one, which is rare for a cycling journalist, as they have access to virtually any fancy bike they want in their day-to-day work.
What do you think to the idea of an E-Cargo bike? Is it a viable solution, or tech gone too far? Let us know in the comments!
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So.... an E-Cargo bike. What do you think to Tom's solution to his transport woes? Should he have tried something different, or did he get it spot on? As always, let us know in the comments!
Cant go wrong with a cargo bike, especially when you have the opportunity to ride state of the art bikes through work. Good for you, on the changes.
What about a motorbike 🤔😂
You can buy Royal Enfield Himalayan for £4,200 on the road 😳
Its a solid proposition for cheap transport over a longer period of time, this is a good example of a top tier model, there are lots of overseas solutions that fit the value proposition better. One of the most important things here, is the lack of road rage from sitting in traffic going nowhere, for cargo hard to beat the e-solutions.
I reckon he got it spot on. My wife and I did just about the same thing with a Tern GSD midtail. We live about 3-4kms from work and school drop offs, and we've gone from riding our bikes probably 2 days a week before this cargo bike, to riding every single day. Whoever has the e-bike drops the kid off at school and the other rides a regular bike of some flavour.
It's one of the best transport decisions we've ever made, so I'm happy to see other people like Tom having that experience too!
I've just bought my first ebike and Tom's right, it's almost life changing. I always had trouble with hills( I live in gorgeous North Yorkshire. UK) but not any more. My car stays at home when I go to work whatever the weather and as a semi retired 70 year old with arthritis in the knees this has just made life more fun again. Should have had one years ago. Mine is a Kalkhoff Agattu B7 with a 500w battery. It's just making so much sense in these "Green" times.
Don't apologize or marginalize how life changing this bike was for you. Commuting by bike is probably one of the single best things a person can do for their everyday health
And the environment.
I have two ebikes, been riding for five years and love it so much.
My apartment opens up to street level so i do not have to lift the bike, that is important because next month i turn 77.
My pet peeve with ebikes is that the European model of pedal assist only is pure BS.
Get pedal assist and throttle together for the ultimate riding experience.
I ride everyday and like to take the trails in the nearby park. For me having a throttle is a safety issue giving me more control of the bike.
Happy riding everyone.
i use a fiddo d1 here in the philippines ebikes is the future man less pollution less traffic no gas i love my ebike man cant live without it now i have a car and i dont use it lol
"Bike rack" was always ambiguous between a rack to carry your bike and a rack on your bike. But you've now taken this to a whole other level.
Q: Rack on your bike or rack for your bike?
A: Yes.
He quit his car because he had to sell it to buy this hardtail...
Haha, we like what you did there!
And up you go !
real men ride hardballs. ;)
cars are for pussies lol i use my electric bike like a boss and its a head turner i have a fiido d1
Medium/High end Bikes are extremely overpriced
Way to go! One less car!
I see dozens and dozens of e-cargo bikes and e-extra-cycles on my morning commute across the city I live in (San Francisco, also famously hilly). Every local bike shop in the western half has at least one awaiting repair or maintenance.
I commute from west to east (downtown). An when I start out I’m surrounded by a number of these bikes with 1-2 kids on the back. By the time I cross Divisadero (so named because it runs north-south and divides the city into equal halves), I am surrounded by a different set of these but with no kids on it as they no doubt dropped them off and are continuing on to work.
It’s really amazing and cost saving. Cycling the city unpowered on a daily basis is too hard on most people unless they know the ins and outs, parking is expensive, and traffic isn’t much faster than an unloaded bicycle (sometimes the bicycle is faster). A lot of people living in nearby regions can save money on their commute, even over public transportation with e bikes.
Interesting. Except our street has a slightly different origin due to misspellings (and mistaken corrections) of different Spanish words.
In one entomology you are 100% correct though ;-) hoodline.com/2014/04/how-devisadero-became-divisadero
Makes a lot of sense if you are a city dweller and want to get around - good on you Tom!
It's a Ford F-150 truck with pedals...I'm in love
Ya think?
That looks like a great ride. I can see myself doing something similar if I lived near a city.
I have an R&M Delite and I’d really like a cargo bike at some point. It hadn’t occurred to me until watching this, that the way you sell sceptics on ebikes is by showing them an eCargo bike. Because it makes so much sense. And you’re not making people feel threatened like you’re coming for their regular bikes.
I was never convinced by ebikes, until your video, where in that particular case, it really makes sense. Town, cargo, easy to park, fast to go. Definitively more sense than downhill ebike :D
I also live in Bristol - travelling anywhere by car is a nightmare, and the hills really make you sweat on a push bike. My car is expensive to run (even if I barely use it). E-cargo bikes solve all of those problems. Re: theft - employers need to provide secure storage for bikes to encourage active commuting, no point locking up an expensive bike like this on the street anywhere in Bristol!
Couldn't agree with you more!
I tackle every hill up here in Ontario.
Now have have like body builder legs lol
This is a superb bike and now with the Covid pandemic, solutions like this are so practical, ok Riese and Muller aren't cheap but they should last many years. I'm hoping we are going to get a nationwide brand new cycle route network covering most of the country which will mean we won't need to go on roads.
I use an e bike in Atlanta georgia.
Alternate transport game changer. I love it!!
All the people commenting on the price are missing the point. It's like saying you can't ride mountain bikes because the tester was a carbon fiber X01 build kit. Riese & Müller are a super-premium brand, there are lots of affordable options out there with 95% of the functionality. My hub motor, direct-to-consumer ebike has been great. Throw a rack on, and it's a commuter, errand runner, dad-mobile, etc. Pennies to run, silly fun.
Is this one that got stolen in Bristol recently?
Thank you! Loved your review.
Tom you nailed it cargo bikes with a motor are the way to go.I have a tern folder I bought it because of the great review on Bike Radar.Thanks
I ride a 180mm travel Haibike. They said it couldn't take 2 batteries. It can with some work. Looks just like your bike here. Game changer for sure!
The bike that allows you to ride in ordinary clothes - it even has mudguards! Its got to be the way for ordinary people to get about especially in hilly cities. Great vid - thanks for sharing
Very observant of you. That's why the Dutch ride Dutch city bikes, so they can ride in the city, wearing normal clothes.
Really strong endorsement at the end for this e-bike. I've been on the fence for one of these for a bit. You may have convinced me to make the jump. Thanks!
Glad I've helped - it genuinely changed my life!
admiring the dual batteries, thats sick
I can't speak to this particular bike, but I bought a Benno Boost a few months ago and use it daily round trip commute of 40km. I also use it to do all my errands around town and to ride for fun. e-cargos are brilliant.
I have got one of this e-bike cargo!!
Love it!!! Awesome bike rack! Now I will make one for my cargo bike!!!! Ciao!!!
Fantastic, love your style.😃👍
Personally I’ve always thought a front-load cargo bike looks generally better than a rear-load one - you get a load more area to put stuff so you can carry really bulky things like cardboard boxes etc and also I feel like it would be easier to control In traffic because you can see the what’s going on with the load-bearing bit of the bike
Great solution for urban living. I have considered getting an e bike my self for my 70km round trip commute.
Amazing bit of, sadly way beyond my budget.
We’ve taken to using a cargo bike on weekends with a toddler for trips to the market and whatnot. Only held back from using it more due to too-long commutes.
I have a 750w bafang mid drive on my mountain bike and it's the best thing I've ever owned. You go pretty much wherever you want to go.
yup, i have a Bafang BBS02 (same thing), add a child carrier and you have a capable "cargo bike" for relatively cheap with a heck of lot more storage than panniers or a motorized scooter for then manner. Also, drivers will think you have a kid in the trailer so they drive more respectfully around you.
You did an extraordinary job when this whole video out in a very why aren't you doing it kind of a way or maybe I should have said why aren't we doing it... So thank you you've got me to thinking as well
I love my cargo bike (Omnium Mini) as it stopped my using my car in town.
Even in the car centered US culture, our family has replaced one car with an e-cargo bike. It has changed our life for the better and our daughter loves riding on the bike much more than in the car.
so he does weekly shopping on the daily.. what an absolute mad lad
Great great video. 👍 Gonna buy an e-bike myself this year. So therefore watch a-lot of e-bike videos. This one looks awesome. Seems a little expensive though.
Riese & Muller are a premium brand, I guess the Santa Curz/Intense of the e-cargo world! Cheaper options are out there for sure.
Thanks Tom for doing a bit of advertising for this kind of responsible life style. Prob not for everybody but can work for a lot of people easing trahffic and polution. I use a similar robust moms ebike with big panniers for all my longer trips (can get up to about 80k with a 500wh batt and some effort). For a budget version like this 1.5 inch higher pressure tyres help reduce the rolling resistance and therefore increase your range. Mine also has a hubgear transmission (Shimano Nexus) with fully enclosed chain and for an everyday ride it is brilliant.
Glad you're enjoying the bike - e-cargo is great!
This is what e-bikes SHOULD be about!
and they also should cost 3OOO+ euros right?
Love this idea of a cargo/work bike.
I am considering getting a Multicharger and I do not like the standard one-legged stand it comes with. What model is this two-legged version?
Thanks for the great review ! We have ordered one and we can't wait until we get it ! We've made the choice tonbuy it instead of having a second car. From this perspective, it is really cheaper, particularly in the long term given the high maintenance price we have to pay for a car
Brilliant!
I bought the 2022 version last year and had knobbly tyres fitted to it. It's no mountain bike but it's easy in the mud towing a trailer for my dog to go on long rides in the countryside.
"I always have it on turbo mode", that explains the beer gut !.
nah, it's the beer that explains that...
Spot on ,expensive,but top quality.definitely the future
@bikeradar What is the brand of the thru axle fork mount ? its exactly what I am looking for with the "plastic spacers"
Would love to get on of these to mount my bike to, to ride to trails far away from my house. Could help out heaps of people that are to young to have a car, and want to ride places far from their houses
I was thinking that, too. I really don't like riding my DH'er to my local spot six miles away.
@@SuperDipMonster consider it as an extreme workout for extra fitness
@@youssefrochdi1994😀
By the way excellent commentary today on cargo bikes electric cargo bikes,,,I think a good application for this cargo bike would be Amazon flex deliveries definitely a Time saver and a money saver especially on petrol or gas or diesel and maneuverability!!
You're not the first person to mention to me that an ebike is not necessarily a bike replacement, but it can work excellent as a vehicle replacement even in the winter rainy months. I think it's an awesome idea for local commuting!....but unfortunately one still needs a vehicle for longer out of town day trips and vacations.
Yep, I generally agree, I still have my van ;)
TIL Heath Robinson is the guy who created all those cool Rube Goldbergian cartoons.
Don't think I'd trust that lock with that bike! But great review, I definitely want some kind of a cargo bike.
Someone call lockpicking lawyer!
This is genious !
Bolton is also hilly but my ebike is great for those terrible hills i love them
looks great
Replace a car? or just another N+1+1?
What do I think? I'm picking mine up this week and have ordered the panniers. I've just retired so will make full use of this cargo bike.
Seen a big influx of cargo bikes around Bristol in the last few years and the e-bike ones are getting more common which hopefully means the costs will start falling (esp 2nd hand).
I would consider getting a Riese and Muller ebike but there are no shops in my home city (Belfast) who stock them. If I have a problem with a bike or need parts, it's good to go somewhere local.
I like the fact that you can add another battery.
Some people might give up/never buy their second or third car because of a bike like this.
yes i get it comfort and ease and practicality if your of to the shops . but for for health benefits the hills are your friend as its them that work your legs heart and lungs as soon as the lotto pays out im getting one
Not sure what to make of this. I'm in a small rural town so walk to shops and need a car, so can't see a use for me, but good on Tom at least!
how are the Ebikes work on snow or winter?
Mine is on order 👌🏼✌🏼👊🏼
Bike is arrived
My old bike 20yr old
Now this is just perfect for me
Everywhere at a shop for groceries , i leave my bike 10min and people gathering around it ,every time
👊🏼✌🏼👌🏼👍🏼
Here's the thing. I bought a Giant Trance E+` pro. It's an ebike that I use for commuting everywhere. No sweat. I can even carry groceries in my backpack and it's still doable. Few cyclists can boast bike-commuting literally everywhere in a city, and ebikes can make that happen. And when I go on trails in the weekend, I turn down the power to minimum or even completely off for that workout. Can do that going home from work, as well. If you're a cyclist in a car and feel like you want to pedal around more, then ebikes could be the solution you're looking for. The initial cost is high, but you could save enough on gas and parking to make it all back in two years.
My question is how does that belt drive hold up with that mid drive engine I've heard they are very hard on chains ie hills and mid drives break chains easily so how does the belt hold up
Anecdotally, at least, belts are fairly strong. The 'advantage' of the belt/hub gear system, over a chain/derailleur is that the chainline (or belt-line) is perfect. Chains, when moving across a sprocket, are rarely in that perfect straight line, which adds to wear - with a motor, i wouldn't be surprised if this effect is accentuated.
A charge every couple of weeks using it on turbo mode? What do u ride? 15 minutes a day?
my commute is a couple of miles each way (so 20 mins/day) - often end up carrying test bikes or even suitcases for mid-afternoon flights when i go home -> work -> airport. If i'm working on my old car, it's a couple miles in the other direction, with 4 steep hills - often carrying car and DIY parts. there's a 1000wh battery, which helps with the range.
I love the bike rack on the back!!
Can you please inform me about how much time will I have to wait if I order a bike like this from R&M today? I am reading about crazy delays... (>4 months!!!).
I'm afraid I have no idea - sorry!
Good idea
You're lucky you live in a hilly area, my city is depressingly pan flat and there are no woods around anywhere, I hate the place.
The best thing it has to offer is a dull ride alongside the river, I'd give anything to be able to move away to the hills.
I love Bristol and hills but recent ankle break would welcome an EBike is handy. Bristol has a lot of slow traffic but the cycle infrastructure is better than some cities.
This ebike seems like a dream come true, however, it is out of my price range.
And would get stolen in 0,5 seconds.
RM are great, wish i could afford one. will save up maybe next year
Bristol looks totally different in wide angle!
Fascinating. I'd go with a normal cargo bike to get the exercise then switch to the E-version when I'm too old to get up the hills.
John Bicycle The Bosch system gives you extra speed if you drop down a gear. So it tops out at 25kmh normally, but will motor you along at 27kmh if you are spinning. It is actually a surprisingly good low impact cardio workout. I have also found that I have almost doubled my distance travelled every week.
@@nicbrownable Thanks for that. I'll give it a go.
John Bicycle This is why the Nuvinci/Enviolo CVT hub is so well matched. You can dial in the precise cadence you need to max out your assisted speed. You are used to amplifying your physical abilities with a normal bike, but ebikes require a slightly different physical input for optimum output.
@@nicbrownable I didn't know that ebikes require a slightly different physical input for optimum output. I think we need another video to explain this concept in more detail.
The 2019 RadRover is sold for $1499 with shipping to the lower 48 states included in that price. I bought that electric bike 6 weeks ago and love it.
I've had my Radwagon for over 6 months now, absolutely love it. 500 miles on it so far mainly just doing the school run with three kids on the back
@@mpodevyn I'm currently in the process of getting hold of a radwagon to test!
@@TomMarvin1 mint! How did you manage that? Pretty decent value for money if you ask me, excellent frame. A few cheap parts on it but understandable for keeping the cost down. The motor itself was a very pleasant surprise- very smooth, quiet and plenty of oomph.
@@mpodevyn Just pinged them an email after seeing recommendations in these comments - they were very amenable to us getting one to test. good to hear your thoughts on it!
@@TomMarvin1 There are a couple of very active Facebook groups (a Rad Power bikes owners group and a Rad upgrades group) with tons of useful stuff on there too and you can get a bit more feedback from owners before you take the plunge!
Love it ! I want to see more cargo bike and less cars. I am fed up with all these smelly exhaust gas.
Buying a cargo is in my first things to do once I get some money ! :)
Would probably go for a cargo bike from either “Butchers & Bicycles “ or a “Bullit” by Larry vs Harry more carrying capacity but still with Gates carbon drive and electric
I just want to know how you fit a weeks worth of shopping in your rear panniers...???
They're pretty massive!
The Riese & Muller Multicharger bike that was demonstrated in this video looks so solidly built that it could probably last you an entire lifetime. As to whether a bike like this could replace a car, I believe it could, given its 100km endurance - but only if you live in a small city, where the distance to the city limits from anywhere in town is no more than 8 - 10km (about 5 - 7 miles).
Love that bike.
Finally a good use for an Ebike.
Yep
That's how I do most of my shopping etc, though not on such a nice bike!
In thinking about converting my 18" Trek 3 3500 26er. To an electric or pedal assisted bike.
Once I've obtained knowledge and funds...
love this bikes setup.. 😎 even though pricey . .. 😅
Setiadi Widodo “Pricey” does not even begin to describe the outrageous price tag on this thing. May their bottoms itch relentlessly and their arms be too short to reach.
At 1:04 are those bears?. Glad the guy had an e-bike at that moment.
You can charge both batteries on the bike, with just one charger input. The Bosch dual battery system takes care of that.
This is all singing all dancing, but for €1,800 a Radwagon delivers better value IMO.
I was going to say the same thing, Radwagon is the way to go they are well made reliable and far less expensive.
Will have a look for them!
Of course it delivers better value...its half the price...that should be obvious. The generic rear hub motor alone saves a chunk of change vs Shimano & Bosch.
Quick update - radwagon is on its way for testing!
Just to sum up;"Its a bike on a bike"😂😂
I have a R&M Charger with CX motor. It's awesome. I also have a Tern GSD.
Both are very capable and can carry huge loads. The Tern (which has the same wheel base as a 'normal' bike) can carry an enormous amount of different things including children.
The Charger has so much torque it can haul anything up any hill. It has genuinely changed the way I live in the city.
Please do more LONG TERM reviews with maintenance & service costs.
I own a Multicharger HS Touring model 2020, chain & derailleur. It's put on the market as a longtail cargo Ebike with "multitude" usage.
Well..think twice before purchase and read loading capacity.
If you want to use the full capacity (max. 65kg) of this bike, keep in mind the wear & tear on the driving system.
In my case, 10K km, regular maintenance at dealer, regular cleaning and lubing chain & derailleur, no rough terrains, no adventure, only usage in urban settings. I had 3 total replacements of cassettes, chain because of wear & tear: 3x 300€ including labour = 900€
At last maintenance routine dealer mentioned my Bosch motor was at the last of its lifespan, ball bearings were gone inside. So, that's a new motor at 10K km!?
Costs: 1000€ including labour.
I knew with purchase that a chain driven Multicharger requires more maintenance and replacement, but EVERY 3000km!?
This bike only lives up to his specifications if you don't exceed the total capacity of the bike: 175kg.
That means 40-65kg groceries, kids, pets on the back, the driver can NOT weigh more then 80kg.
Unfortunately I am 100kg and the bike is not loaded or used every day. Heck, it only has 10K km!
Note: warranty of 2 years has expired, no replacements by dealer nor Bosch, nor Riese-Müller.
You would expect more quality from a premium bike.
Note: no complaints about other components, they are all top notch.
I just bought one (almost full option : with Rolhoff, bags front and rear, double battery 1120Wh now, Bosch Nyon cockpit, about €8850)... i just must wait about 2.5 months ... then let the summer begin !!!! 😂😂😂😂🚲🚲🚲🚲
what if I'm 6'4"...this bike only comes in one size. What do you think?
That is indeed weird. Personally, I am 6.2 and I can easily ride smaller bikes without feeling weird. By putting a larger stem on, I think this might even work for you. At 6.4, to get the perfect bike, you almost always have to go the custom route since most (cargo)(e-)bikes are not offered in XL or even XXL.
HodakaRacer95 What do you have; long legs or long torso? The std reach is 39 cm, and the frame height is 47 cm. You will probably feel cramped without a longer stem, at least.
It's a motorbike. Cool. The modern day Vespa! The future is going to really be interesting. Stay healthy
Travelling Kasper's World. You obviously have sooooo little knowledge about e-bikes or motorbikes for that matter. There is an old saying that goes 'better to keep your mouth shut and let people THINK your a dickhead than topen your mouth and remove all doubt'!
a steel bike with a beefy pannier rack = a cargo bike? £4000??
very very good solution, lots of room for groceries and such, now it is up to human being to start the change, if they bother.....
Does Riese & Muller sell the panniers separately?
Taylor King Yes, via dealer network
What about foldable solar cells and charge controller built in? even if it"s not enough, the concept will be presented
Nice bike but that saddle, ouch !!! Seems like a lot of money? I have a Vego e bike which has a 750 watt motor and 13.5 amp battery goes 28 mph easy and range is up to 40-50 miles. Also has bright led headlight and welded rear cargo rack, has amazing cloud 9 seat. I love the geometry of the easy step thru frame and 20" x 4" tires. Total cost apx £1,200. True I suppose yours has some better quality kit but I've had a variety of e bikes in various styles but this is my daily rider. Still £4k ?