Carlos Compact Basic black at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Black is the understated version of the Carlos Compact Basic, alongside orange and green. On a longtail with an extended rear frame, the color makes quite a difference to how imposing the bike looks in front of your house; black keeps the overall appearance compact. The equipment remains unchanged: a 750-watt-hour battery, a low step-through, disc brakes, and front suspension. For those who mainly carry groceries over short distances.

Difference from the Compact Full

Two things. The Full has a higher stated range—120 kilometers compared with 60 for this version—and comes with front and rear racks installed as standard. With the Basic, you order those racks separately. If you mainly take short trips within town and already have a rack, the Basic is more affordable. If you make longer daily trips or carry heavy loads, the Full is the better choice. That may sound like a detail, but it adds up on your daily route.

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 due to the weight of a longtail carrying a load. The advantage is that you can actually achieve those 60 kilometers in practice. For the daily trip to school or the store, that is more than enough, even with a full bag on the back. You charge it from a regular power outlet, so you do not need any special setup. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely empty and charge it indoors during winter.

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 end. Here, you step straight through the frame. The rear frame is extended, so it can carry more than a regular luggage rack while keeping the weight low to the ground. When loaded, it is much more stable than a regular city bike with a full rack.

Brakes and suspension

It has disc brakes and front suspension. There is no rear suspension, which you notice on a long bike because the rear section hits a bump after you have already ridden over it. The wide tires absorb some of this impact. For rides within built-up areas on asphalt and cycle paths, it works fine. If you ride daily on rough surfaces, a model with full suspension is more comfortable. The brake pads and discs have standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes need bleeding occasionally; otherwise, they require little maintenance.

Who is this version for?

For people who regularly carry things, do not have room for a cargo bike, do not ride long distances, and want a bike that does not stand out. The maximum total weight is 140 kilograms, including you and your load. That is plenty for groceries and one child, but tight for two larger children. The rotating components and battery come with a one-year warranty. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these design choices sooner than someone who only takes an occasional ride. When weighing your options, consider where you will store the electric bike, as this often matters more than the specifications.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A longtail handles differently from a regular bike, especially when loaded. Schedule a test ride at one of the ten showrooms and bring some weight to place on the rear. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. You can arrange insurance when placing your order and pay in installments. After delivery, you have fourteen days to take a test ride. For maintenance, you can use our pickup and delivery service.

See also: Carlos | longtails | cargo bikes | all fat bikes