Carlos Compact Basic green at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Green is the calmest of the three colors available for the Carlos Compact Basic, sitting between the striking orange and understated black. With a longtail featuring an extended rear frame, the color affects how substantial the bike looks in front of your house. The equipment is the same as in the other colors: a 750 watt-hour battery, a low step-through, disc brakes, and front suspension. Intended for short trips with luggage.

Difference from the Compact Full

Two things. The Full has a higher stated range—120 kilometers compared with 60 here—and comes with front and rear racks installed as standard. With the Basic, you order those racks separately if you need them. If you mainly take short trips within the built-up area and already have a rack, the Basic is more affordable. If you take longer daily trips or carry heavy loads, the Full is the better choice.

Range of the Carlos Compact Basic

The 750 watt-hour battery is rated for up to 60 kilometers, with a margin that the manufacturer specifies. That is modest for this capacity, which is related to the weight of a longtail carrying a load. The advantage is that you can actually achieve those 60 kilometers in practice. That is more than enough for the daily trip to school or the store, even with a full grocery bag on the back. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures, as this can reduce its capacity over time. You can charge it from a regular power outlet, so you do not need a separate setup.

Low step-through on a longtail

A low step-through is essential on a longtail: with luggage or a child on the back, you do not want to swing your leg over a loaded rear section. Here, you step straight through the frame. The rear frame is extended, allowing it to carry more than a regular luggage rack while keeping the weight low. When loaded, it rides much more steadily than a regular city bike with a full rack mounted on it.

Brakes and suspension

The equipment includes disc brakes and front suspension. There is no rear suspension, which you notice on a long bike because the rear section hits a bump just as you have already gone over it. The wide tires absorb some of the impact. For rides around town on asphalt and bike paths, this is fine. For daily riding on poor road surfaces, a model with dual suspension is more comfortable. When the bike is delivered, check the brake lever reach, which you can adjust in a few seconds. Brake pads and discs have standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service center.

Who is this version for?

For people who regularly carry things, do not have room for a cargo bike, and want a color that is neither black nor bright. The maximum total weight is 140 kilos, including you and your cargo; with an 80-kilo adult, you have 60 kilos left. That is plenty for groceries and one child, but tight for two larger children. The moving parts and the battery are covered by a one-year warranty. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the stated values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice such choices sooner than someone who only goes for the occasional ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A longtail handles differently from a regular bike, especially when loaded, and colors are best judged in person. You can do both at one of the ten showrooms, where you can immediately schedule a test ride. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If ordered online, the electric bike will be delivered to your home fully assembled and ready to ride. You can arrange insurance when placing your order. Upon delivery, the bike will be assembled and adjusted at your door. You have fourteen days after delivery to take a test ride.

Also see: Carlos | longtails | cargo bikes | all fat bikes