How does this compare to other two-wheeled cargo bikes?

Now that urban cycling is taking off, we're seeing more and more cargo bikes on the streets ferrying families, packages, and supplies. They were primarily designed for use in cities with paved roads and bike paths. Riese & Muller has achieved the pinnacle of cargo bikes in speccing theirs with full-suspension GT and GX options, meaning you can take them off-road - on dirt track, mountain roads, even forested trails. Unlike other two-wheeled cargo bikes that have a bit of a learning curve, Riese & Muller bikes feel exactly like a regular bike - no wobbling or resistance at all. They're intuitive and absolutely great for anyone a little nervous about cargo riding who also wants to travel faster and more efficiently than can be achieved on a three-wheeled Babboe or Nihola.

Can I use this bike for a business?

Absolutely. With the smorgasbord of options for cargo boxes, canopies, rear racks, and on/off-road capabilities, this bike will excel at whatever you ask it to do. Email eric@curbsidecycle.com if you’re interested in discussing a Riese & Muller for your business or business idea.

Can Riese & Muller bikes do double duty carrying kids and cargo?

Yep! On Riese & Muller cargo bikes, the seats within the cargo box take up minimal space and/or fold out of the way to provide maximum storage when you're doing a massive grocery run sans kiddos. The Multicharger bikes have a longtail platform at the rear that can be set up for passengers, cargo bags, or both with a combined weight of 65kg / 140lbs on the rack.

How many kids will this carry?

Two! 

What is an internal gear hub?

In Europe, a bike with an internal gear hub is what makes it a definitive city bike. Because the chain isn’t derailed up and down a set of external cogs (using a derailleur), the chain will never fall off again, and best of all, the chain can be covered so you can wear whatever you want. The gears are sealed inside the rear hub and they hold a tune two times longer than a derailleur, minimizing tune-ups and allowing you to store the bike outside throughout the winter problem-free.

What is a belt drive?

Belt drives have been developed over the last 30 years for use in racing engines and motorcycles. They are a band of nylon teeth held together with a series of carbon fibre cords, paired with alloy alloy chainrings and stainless-steel cogs. They've recently made the jump to bikes because they're nearly silent, don't require lube (and are much more winter-proof as a result), don't rust or get jammed with debris, and last for up to 30,000km of riding before needing replacement. We don't see them often on North American bikes because they can't be used with external derailleurs, only internal hubs or crank-based gearboxes.

Can I store it outside?

Of course. But if you are storing it outside during the winter, we strongly recommend going with the Vario or Rohloff internal hubs over an external-gear Touring derailleur, as they're built for year-round use and keep maintenance costs to a minimum. Should you have your heart set on a derailleur Riese & Muller, be sure to pick up a Bike Parka to keep it covered from ice and snow.

Does the battery lock to the bike?

Yep. That’s one expensive chunk of Lithium Ion. Frame-mounted batteries lock on to the down-tube and only you can remove them with the key provided. Internal frame batteries are built into the bike, so no need to worry!

How long does it take to charge the battery?

It takes about five hours to charge a single battery from flat to full, and twice as long if you have a dual battery system on your Riese & Muller. The batteries don't have memory so there is no problem if you only charge the battery a little bit, halfway, or whatever. You’ll get over 1000 complete charges, which is typically 5+ years of use before a replacement is required.

Is the unit serviceable?

You bet it is. For years the e-assist market was dominated by small fly-by-night companies with good ideas and no balance sheet. The consumer took all the risk and were often left with technical assistance phone numbers that no longer worked. Riese & Muller partner with Bosch, a huge player in the e-bike market – and they are sophisticated, which means they are updatable, diagnosable, and if something does break, fundamentally repairable. 

What's the lifetime on the battery?

On average you will get about 18,000-20,000 miles from the battery before it needs to be replaced.

This is expensive! Will it get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs (unfortunately) and most bike losses are due to inferior or cheap locks. Make sure you buy a good ABUS U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe. You can read more about bike theft here.

What’s the warranty?

For the original owner, Riese & Muller offers a two-year warranty for manufacturer defects on frame and fork, five years for frame / swingarm breakage, and two years on the battery. Does not include wear and tear.