Carlos Midtail Full at Fatbikeskopen.nl

A midtail sits between a regular bike and a longtail: the rear frame is extended, but not as far as on a true longtail. This keeps the bike shorter and more maneuverable while still giving you extra carrying space. The Carlos Midtail Full comes with a 750-watt-hour battery, a low step-through, disc brakes, and both a front and rear rack fitted as standard. A stated range of up to 120 kilometers.

Why choose a midtail

A longtail is long, and you notice that when turning in a narrow street or parking it in a standard bike rack. A midtail strikes a balance: enough extra space at the back for a child or a large load of groceries, but shorter than a full-size longtail. For people living in a city center or with a cramped shed, that is often the deciding factor. The trade-off is somewhat less carrying capacity than a longtail.

Difference from the Midtail Basic

The Full has a higher stated range—120 kilometers compared with 60 for the Basic—and comes with front and rear racks fitted as standard. With the Basic, you order those racks separately. On a midtail, that is not a minor detail, because without racks you cannot do exactly what you bought the electric bike for. In most cases, the Full is the better deal, unless you already have racks.

Range and the racks

The 750-watt-hour battery has a stated range of up to 120 kilometers, with a margin that the manufacturer specifies itself. Such figures always come from favorable testing conditions, 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 hold more than a standard rack. You charge it from a regular power outlet, so no special setup is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it down to zero and charge it indoors during the winter.

Brakes, suspension, and a low step-through

Disc brakes and front suspension are part of the equipment. There is no rear suspension, which you notice with an extended frame because the rear section hits a bump after you have already gone over it. The wide tires absorb some of this impact. 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 either. When the bike is delivered, check the brake-lever reach; you can adjust it in a few seconds. Brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service center.

Who is the Carlos Midtail Full for?

For anyone who regularly carries a child or groceries but cannot accommodate a full longtail. The maximum total weight is 140 kilos, including you and your load; with an adult weighing eighty kilos, you have sixty kilos left. That is enough for one child plus luggage, but tight for two. The rotating components and battery come with 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 rides occasionally.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A midtail handles differently from both a regular bike and a longtail, so try riding one first. You can schedule a test ride at ten showrooms and compare the Midtail with the Compact. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home ready to ride. You can arrange insurance when ordering and pay in installments. Upon delivery, the bike is assembled and adjusted outside your door. You have fourteen days after delivery to take a test ride.

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