Carlos Compact Full by Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Carlos Compact Full is the best-equipped version of the Carlos Compact: a longtail with a 750 watt-hour battery, a low step-through, and both a front and rear rack fitted as standard. While the Basic version comes with fewer accessories, the Full is ready to use right away without having to order additional accessories first. Disc brakes and front suspension, with a stated range of up to 120 kilometres.

Difference from the Compact Basic

The Full comes with front and rear racks fitted as standard, whereas you order them separately with the Basic. For a longtail, that is not a minor detail: without racks, you cannot do the very thing you buy an electric bike for. The frame is otherwise the same. If you are sure you only want to carry loads at the back and you already have a front rack, the Basic is cheaper. In most cases, the Full works out better more quickly.

Range of the Carlos Compact Full

The 750 watt-hour battery is rated for up to 120 kilometres, with a margin that the manufacturer explicitly mentions. That is more honest than quoting a fixed figure. Such a figure always comes from favourable test conditions, so with a load at the back, expect to get considerably less. For the daily trip to school or the shops, that is still more than enough, even with a full shopping bag. You can charge it from a regular socket, so no dedicated setup is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

Low step-through and the racks

On a longtail, a low step-through is not a luxury: with luggage or a child at the back, you do not want to swing your leg over a loaded rear end. Here, you step straight through the frame. The front rack sits above the front wheel and therefore moves with the handlebars, which takes some getting used to with heavier loads. The rear rack is extended, so it can carry more than a regular luggage rack while keeping the weight low.

Brakes and suspension

The Compact Full 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 just when you have already gone over it. The wide tires absorb some of this impact. For rides within built-up areas on asphalt and bike paths, it is perfectly adequate. If you ride daily on poor road surfaces, a longtail with front and rear suspension is more comfortable. The brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service center. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding, but otherwise require little maintenance.

Who is the Carlos Compact Full for?

For anyone who regularly carries things but does not have room for a cargo bike. The maximum total weight is 140 kilos, including you and your load; with an 80-kilo adult, you have 60 kilos left. That is plenty for groceries and one child, but two older children would be a tight fit. In that case, consider a longtail with a higher stated load capacity. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only goes for an occasional ride. When making your decision, consider where you will store the bike, as that 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 racks. For maintenance, you can visit one of more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. You can arrange insurance when placing your order. The rotating parts and the battery come with a one-year warranty.

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