Van Rixtel Dog Graphite at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Graphite is a dark gray shade with a subtle sheen, slightly warmer than the matte Nardo version and less harsh than pure black. On the Van Rixtel Dog, the color significantly affects how large the cargo bike looks outside your home. The equipment remains unchanged: an EPP cargo box with a soft-close door, spoke-free wheels, a kickstand at the front, hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors, and a cargo-box load capacity of eighty kilograms.

The cargo box and the door

The cargo box is made of EPP foam: shock-absorbing and washable. For a dog that gets in wet or dirty, that means a quick rinse instead of an afternoon of drying. The door has a soft-close mechanism, so it does not slam shut on a paw or tail. It can carry up to eighty kilograms, more than enough for a large dog and its belongings. Your dog can get in and out through the door independently, eliminating the need to lift it on every ride.

Spoke-free wheels and the kickstand

The solid, spokeless wheels are a safety choice. When there is a dog in the cargo box, leashes and paws inevitably move around, and nothing can get caught in a solid wheel. At the front, there is a kickstand that keeps the electric bike upright while your dog gets in or out. With a loaded cargo bike, this is no luxury: you cannot keep it stable with one hand on the handlebars if your dog suddenly decides to get out.

Van Rixtel Dog range

Our specifications list the 450-watt-hour Phylion battery at approximately 50 kilometers, while the product page mentions a higher figure. The difference is because manufacturers measure with no load. Use 50 kilometers as your estimate and you will avoid surprises with a large dog in the cargo box. The Ananda rear-wheel motor uses a torque sensor, which adjusts the assistance to how hard you pedal instead of switching between fixed levels. You can charge it from a standard power outlet, so no special installation is needed. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely run it completely flat and charge it indoors during winter.

Brakes and weight

Hydraulic disc brakes with extra-large rotors are appropriate for a bike that, when loaded, approaches 150 kilos. Larger rotors dissipate heat better, which is noticeable on a long descent with weight at the front. The bike itself weighs 59 kilos; while riding, you barely notice it, but when stationary, you certainly do. Putting it on the stand and pushing it backward requires strength. With a 20-inch front wheel and a 26-inch rear wheel, the bike sits low and handles calmly. When it is delivered, check the brake-lever reach, which you can adjust in a few seconds. Brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service center.

Who this version is for

For dog owners who want a dark cargo bike that is not completely black. The recommended height is approximately 1.60 to 1.95 meters, with a 120-kilo rider and 80 kilos in the box. One important thing to do beforehand: measure your shed, gate, and hallway, because a cargo bike is longer and wider than a regular bicycle and will not fit through every opening. You also need to watch out for bollards on narrow cycle paths. If you are unsure about the size, measure your inseam and compare it with the specified values. Anyone who rides it daily will notice these choices sooner than someone who only takes an occasional ride.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

Steering with weight at the front feels different from what you are used to, so try riding it first. At ten showrooms, you can schedule a test ride, preferably with your dog. 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 placing your order. Three years' warranty on the frame and one year on the components and battery.

See also: Van Rixtel cargo bikes | cargo bikes | longtails | e-bikes