Carlos Midtail Full green at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The green Carlos Midtail Full is the understated version of this model, alongside orange and black. A midtail sits between a regular bike and a longtail: the rear frame is extended, but not as far, keeping the bike shorter and more maneuverable. This version comes with a 750 watt-hour battery, a low step-through, disc brakes, and both front and rear racks fitted as standard.

Why choose a midtail

A longtail is long, and you notice that when turning on a narrow street or storing it in a standard bike rack. A midtail strikes a balance: enough extra space at the back for a child or a substantial amount of groceries, but shorter than a full-size longtail. For people living in a city center or with a cramped shed, that is often decisive. The trade-off is somewhat less cargo space than with a true longtail.

Difference from the Midtail Basic

The Full has a claimed range of 120 kilometers, compared with 60 for the Basic, and comes with front and rear racks fitted as standard. With the Basic, you order them separately. On a midtail, that is not a minor detail, because without racks you cannot do the very thing you bought the electric bike for. In most cases, the Full works out better, unless you already have racks that fit it.

Range of the Carlos Midtail Full

The 750 watt-hour battery is rated for up to 120 kilometers, with a margin that the manufacturer itself specifies. Such figures always come from favorable testing, so with a load you will get considerably less. The front rack sits above the front wheel and 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. You can charge it from a standard power outlet, so no special provision is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely drain it to zero and charge it indoors during winter.

Brakes, suspension, and low step-through

Disc brakes and front suspension are part of the equipment. There is no rear suspension, which you notice with the extended frame because the rear section hits a bump when you have already ridden over it. The wide tires absorb some of this. A low step-through is convenient on a midtail: when carrying luggage on the back, you do not want to swing your leg over a loaded rear section, and you do not have to here. When the bike is delivered, briefly check the brake lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds. Brake pads and discs come in standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point.

Who is this version for?

For anyone who regularly carries a child or groceries, cannot accommodate a full longtail, and wants a color that is neither bright nor black. The maximum total weight is 140 kilos, including you and your load; with an adult weighing 80 kilos, you have 60 kilos left. Enough for one child plus luggage, but tight for two. The moving parts and battery come with a one-year warranty. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the listed values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice such choices sooner than someone who only rides occasionally.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A midtail handles differently from both a regular bike and a longtail, so try one out first. At ten showrooms, you can schedule a test ride and compare the Midtail with the Compact to feel the difference. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will arrive at your home ready to ride. You can arrange insurance when placing your order. Upon delivery, the bike is assembled and adjusted outside your door. After delivery, you have fourteen days to take a test ride.

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