Van Rixtel Dog Olive Green at Fatbikeskopen.nl

Olive green is the warmest color available for the Van Rixtel Dog and the only one outside the gray-and-black spectrum. On a cargo bike with a large box at the front, it has a softening effect: the whole thing looks less like a means of transport and more like a bicycle. The equipment is the same as on the other versions: an EPP box with a soft-close door, spoke-free rims, a front kickstand, and hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors.

The box and the door

EPP foam absorbs shocks and is washable, which makes the difference between a quick rinse and an afternoon of drying when a dog gets in wet or muddy. The door closes softly, so it will not slam shut on a paw or tail. The box can hold up to eighty kilograms, which is plenty for a large dog and its belongings. Your dog can get in through the door by itself, so you do not have to lift it every time you ride.

Spoke-free rims and the kickstand

The rims are solid and have no spokes. This is a safety measure: straps and paws move around a dog in a box, and nothing can get caught on a solid rim. A kickstand at the front keeps the electric bike upright while your dog gets in and out. With a loaded cargo bike, this is essential, because you cannot keep it stable with one hand on the handlebars when your dog wants to jump out.

Range of the Van Rixtel Dog

Our specifications list the 450-watt-hour Phylion battery at approximately 50 kilometers; the product page shows a higher figure because it is measured without a load. Use 50 kilometers as a guideline, and you will be on the safe side with a large dog in the box. The Ananda rear-wheel motor uses a torque sensor that adjusts assistance based on how hard you pedal, rather than switching between fixed levels as soon as the pedals turn. The stated range is always a test value, so expect somewhat less in practice. Do not leave the battery outside in freezing temperatures; this will help preserve its capacity over time.

Brakes and weight

The hydraulic disc brakes have extra-large rotors, which suits a bike that can reach around 150 kilos when fully loaded. Large rotors dissipate heat more effectively, and you notice that on a long descent with weight at the front. The bike itself weighs 59 kilos: you barely notice it while riding, but it is obvious when stationary. Putting it on the stand and pushing it backward takes strength. With a 20-inch front wheel and a 26-inch rear wheel, the bike sits low and handles steadily. Hydraulic brakes need bleeding occasionally; otherwise, they require little maintenance. The lights are permanently mounted on the bike and run on the main battery.

Who is this version for?

For dog owners who would rather not have a black or gray bike parked outside their home. The recommended rider height is approximately 1.60 to 1.95 meters, with 120 kilos for the rider and 80 kilos in the box. Measure your shed, gate, and hallway beforehand, because a cargo bike is longer and wider than a regular bicycle. You also need to account for the width of the box on narrow cycle paths with bollards. Consider where you will store the bike, as this often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than sufficient.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

With weight at the front, a cargo bike handles differently from what you are used to, so plan a test ride. You can do this at ten showrooms, preferably with your dog so you can see how it reacts to the box. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. If you order online, the bike will be delivered to your home ready to ride. There is a three-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on the components and battery.

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