MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail Elephant Grey at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Elephant Grey is the most understated version of the MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail and the only one in this range that could be called a neutral color. If you want the bike but not in pink or lilac, this is the logical choice. Grey is also the most practical color, as road dirt is least noticeable on it. The technology is the same across all five 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 has space for you plus two passengers, with a maximum total weight of 140 kilos. That is also the main point to consider: with an 80-kilo adult, 60 kilos remain for two children and their belongings. That is ample for young children, but tight for two teenagers. If you want to leave room for the coming years, a longtail with a higher stated load capacity would be a wiser choice.

Range of the MONKEYBIKE MonkeyTail

Our specifications list the 750 watt-hour battery as providing approximately 80 kilometers, while the product description gives a higher figure. Use 80 kilometers as your baseline so you are not caught off guard. With children on the back, the motor also has to work harder, so the actual range will be lower. For the daily trip to school and work, that is still more than enough. Charging works from a regular power outlet, so no special installation is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely drain it completely and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test figure, so expect somewhat less in practice.

Brakes and suspension

Hydraulic disc brakes are essential on a loaded longtail, not an extra. With two children on the back, you can easily weigh twice as much as on a regular city bike, so you need to be able to stop in a controlled manner without squeezing your hand to exhaustion. 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 wheel hits a bump after you have already passed it. Brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes need bleeding occasionally, but otherwise require little maintenance.

Why those colors

The MonkeyTail comes in five distinctive colors, with gray being the most understated. The other four range from lilac to coral pink. This selection is deliberate: a bike you use to take your children places does not have to look like a delivery van. If you choose gray after all, you get exactly the same bike in a less noticeable color that also makes dried rainwater and road dirt much less bothersome.

Who is this version for

For parents transporting one or two children, who do not have room for a cargo bike and would rather not have a bright-colored bike outside their front door. Note the maximum total weight of 140 kilos, which is more restrictive than on some other longtails, as well as the front suspension without rear suspension. With two older children plus an adult, you are close to the limit, so greater load capacity would be better. Include where you will store the bike in your decision, as this often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than sufficient.

Order from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You can only properly assess a longtail when it is loaded, so plan a test ride with your children. You can do that at ten showrooms and immediately see how the five colors compare. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike is 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. Payment can be made in full or in installments.

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