MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail Beasty Brown at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Beasty Brown is the earthy color in the MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail range and the only one that does not lean toward pink or lilac. On a longtail with a long rear frame, it creates a calmer overall look than the bright versions, while still clearly not being a standard black cargo bike. The technology is the same in all colors: an extended rear frame for three people, a 750-watt-hour battery, and hydraulic disc brakes.

Room for three people

The extended rear frame provides space for you and two passengers, with a maximum total weight of 140 kilograms. That figure deserves attention: with an adult weighing 80 kilograms, 60 kilograms remain for two children plus luggage. That is plenty for young children, but it becomes tight for two teenagers. If you want more leeway, a longtail with a higher stated load capacity is a wiser choice in the long term. You can see things like that in a few minutes in the showroom.

MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail range

Our specifications put the 750-watt-hour battery at approximately 80 kilometers, while the product description gives a higher figure. Assume 80 kilometers and you will not be caught by surprise. With children on the back, the motor also has to work harder, so expect less than the stated range. It remains more than sufficient for the daily trip to school and work. Charging is done via a regular wall outlet without any special equipment. A battery will last longer if you do not routinely run it completely empty and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice.

Brakes and suspension

Hydraulic disc brakes are essential on a loaded longtail. With two children on the back, you can quickly weigh twice as much as on a regular city bike, so you want to be able to stop smoothly without having to squeeze your hand empty. There is suspension at the front to absorb curbs and speed bumps; the electric bike has no rear suspension. You notice that on a long bike because the rear hits a bump when you have already gone over it. Brake pads and discs come in standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes need bleeding occasionally, but otherwise require little maintenance.

Why those colors

MONKEYBIKE offers the MonkeyTail in five striking colors, and none of them is standard black. That is a deliberate choice: a bike you use to take your children to school does not have to look like a delivery van. It is practical too, because in a crowded bike rack at school, you can find a brown longtail faster than yet another black one. Brown is the most understated of the five.

Who is this version for

For parents who carry one or two children, do not have room for a cargo bike, and want a bike that is not black but not bright either. Note the maximum total weight of 140 kilos: that is more restrictive than some other longtails. It also has front suspension only. With two older children plus an adult, you will be close to the limit, so more carrying capacity would be a wiser choice. Include where you will store the bike in your decision, as that often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than adequate.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

A longtail feels different once it is loaded, so plan a test ride with your children. You can do that at ten showrooms and see the colors in person, which never looks quite right on a screen. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 service points in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. The moving parts and battery come with a one-year warranty. You can use our collection and delivery service for maintenance. You can pay in full or in installments.

See also: MONKEYBike longtails | longtails | cargo bikes | all fatbikes