Tinkering with the Multitinker

Next Level Cargo: How Riese & Müller Reimagined The Long Tail

Always use it as a chair, while waiting for friends arriving at London Bridge Station

As an avid cyclist and urban dweller, I have long been on the lookout for a family e-bike with the lowest centre of gravity possible. A cargo bike that will simplify daily errands, make a statement (in-frame battery) and still be innovative (calorie burn tracker). A few months ago I pre-ordered the Multitinker from Fully Charged, the coolest eBike store in the UK. When it arrived, I was surprised how slim it was compared to my previous heavy-duty RadWagon 4. I didn’t realise that size ≠ power, that a massive kickstand isn't really necessary, nor does big tires.

With Isabella Summers on Chiltern Street

Riding the Multitinker felt so different and new. Manoeuvring between cars much quicker. Lifting the tail and getting it on an overground train proved really easy. Make sure your end station has no stairs and no lifts (almost all elevators and too small). Escalators, on the other hand, are perfectly fine; hold the Magura MT4 brakes tight and make sure the bike won’t slip and roll down on passengers in front of you. Its very stable on vertical standing, if you need to store it in tight room.

On 89% charge, Multitinker Bosch Flow app data

The gear hub, called Enviolo, is the envi of the cycling world. When starting a heavy ride, turn it to maximum hill mode, then set the boost to Turbo. You do have to peddle to start a ride, there’s no boost button. But it’s better this way. The Bosch Kiox 300 display isn’t required to operate the bike, if you forget to take it. At the end of each journey it does show a nice data summary of avg. power, cadence, calories and total distance. The main reason for using the screen, however, is to connect it to the Bosch Flow app, which then allows you to load maps and directions. To avoid looking at the screen altogether, try Auto mode, which is a great way to add periods of continual exercise to your ride, when appropriate.

The Multitinker in Borough Market — always try to take it with you into the shop/cinema/bank etc

The Multitinker’s ability to handle an impressive load of two adults, or an adult + two kids + a ton of groceries is nothing short of revolutionary. You could theoretically move house with this bike. The front suspension is crucial for managing all of this (though I wish there was rear suspension as well). You will save a lot of money on Ubers and Taxis by opting for the adult passenger seat with no metal bars for kids. Make sure to get small pannier bags (50% length of the tail) so your +1 can comfortably rest their feet down without having to struggle with two huge baskets. To maximise the front tray, get a 40cm x 33cm x 25cm basil crate.

Lock it where no else locks their bike, using an extra long chain

Days before receiving the bike I bought a 2-meter long chain to be able to park around any chubby pole, traffic light, or bus stop. I also got a thinner 185cm ABUS Steel Cable to wrap around the thin frame just below the passenger seat. Now my bike has three locks in total, including the built-in ABUS Frame Lock. A fourth lock, the ABUS Combiflex Cable is also recommended to tie the seat to a wall, as there’s nothing preventing anyone from absconding with your entire seatpost, sidekick passenger bars attached.

With singer Tom Odell and the Multitinker, on an escalator

The battery can last for days, but you should charge it every night just in case. There can always be an unexpected super long ride ahead. Never unlock the battery out of the bike; it’s too cumbersome. Just keep it in. I tend to carry around a Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station on the side-bag, to be able charge as I ride (if you’re low on battery there’s a nice fresh warning colour). I found the Bosch Cargo Line CX motor very capable, it even advises you to turn to a better gear. By the way, oily chains are so passé, the CDX belt drive on this bike is so invisibly silent, chic, and never needs maintenance—it should win the No-Belt Peace Prize.

Metric is the unit of science. Never use imperial measurements

There’s a cute inner compartment that’s larger than you’d expect in the middle of the frame. Use it for tools and a nylon waterproof rain cover, including a bungee rope with carabiner hooks so the wind doesn’t blow off the cover. Always carry a pump and some allen keys. Oh, and an extra set of Schwalbe tires (same size as Tern GSD tires). Your Tinker should have everything riding on it, for every eventuality—that’s the point of a cargo bike.

Preload (don’t lock the suspension)

Outside the Savoy Hotel

I do think Riese & Müller should have an accessories web-store, to ship replacement parts anywhere in the world, in case one’s stuck somewhere remote. All in all, the Mültitinker is addictive and fun. You should definitely sell your current bike and get one—the only downside is that it’s so unique, you’ll constantly have to downplay its abilities so people won’t get jealous. 🧸🚴‍♀️🧃🥮

Fully Charged, London SE1 3JW