Review: Riese Muller Multitinker

Last year, they were trending, this year longtail bikes are all the rage. A handy alternative to the cargo bike, many people feel more comfortable with a longtail.

We’re doing a review of the Riese Muller Multitinker because the bike is brand new (April 2023) and there’s already so much demand for it. Undoubtedly one of the best longtail bikes of the year. Tern finally has a worthy competitor.

The Riese & Müller Multitinker is a versatile and compact cargo bike that is perfect for urban environments and transporting children and cargo. The small Tinker was already a success, this longer version will surpass that success.

The longer rear end provides extra cargo space, and the bike is equipped with the new Bosch smart system, a high-quality belt drive, and numerous accessories to ensure riding comfort and safety.

In this review, we’ll discuss the key features and benefits of the Multitinker. Downsides are hard to find. The purchase price will be the sticking point for most people.

Designed with a Low Center of Gravity

Most longtails are designed for transporting children. The long design can make a bike less stable, but this is resolved with smaller wheels and a low center of gravity. The Tern GSD and the Bike43 are popular examples.

The Multitinker has a low center of gravity and a low step-through, making it easy for everyone (young and old, male and female) to get on and off. Also, keep in mind that with a child seat on the bike, you can’t swing your leg over. We’ve almost had it happen several times, even with a helmet it will hurt.

With 20-inch wheels and a sturdy 6061 T6 aluminum frame, the bike offers stability and confidence when carrying loads or passengers. The bike is made for cargo transportation, and this longtail has a carrying capacity of 200 kg. This includes the weight of the bike and rider (max 110 kg).

6061 T6 aluminum is a high-quality aluminum alloy commonly used in electric bikes for its strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. The advantage is that it provides a lightweight, strong, and durable frame capable of withstanding many shocks. This does make the bike slightly more expensive than standard 7005 aluminum.

There is only one design and frame, which is suitable for all types of riders, from 150 cm to 195 cm. However, you can choose from three colors: petrol blue, gloss white, and matte gray.

Powerful and Efficient Electric Assistance

This e-bike is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line motor CX (85 nm) and a (standard) 625 Wh battery. You can also opt for the 1125 Wh version. With this, you have a maximum autonomy of 150 to 300 km.

You should always take the battery range with a grain of salt. The maximum range is estimated at 150 km. This is only true if you constantly ride in eco mode, in perfect conditions, on a flat road.

In practice, the 625 Wh battery will cover 35 to 60 km. The older the battery, the lower the number of kilometers. With the double battery, you are equipped to cross half of Belgium. Once you make a choice, you are stuck with it. You cannot replace your 625 Wh battery with a 1125 Wh one.

The Bosch smart system connects the battery and the motor. Together, the system offers 6 different riding modes, including an automatic mode. Our favorite remains turbo, where you can almost always ride at 25 km/h.

The Performance Line CX is specially made for cargo bikes carrying heavy weights. With 85 nm and efficient Bosch technology, you are more than good. In our opinion, currently one of the best motors on the market. We use it ourselves on the Multicharger and can easily ride up a steep hill with a lot of weight.

The Enviolo 380 gear hub with belt drive provides a maintenance-free cycling experience. The Gates carbon belt drive is of high quality and lasts a century. This is only available with the Multitinker Vario. A bit cheaper is the Multitinker Touring with derailleur. Then you have the Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain for smooth and efficient shifting.

Rear Rack and Load Capacity

The Multitinker features a robust rear rack with a weight capacity of 65 kg and is suitable for carrying two child seats. If the children are older, you have enough with the monkey bars, the special rack that goes around the bike.

On the sides of the bike, sturdy footrests for passengers and a heavy-duty double stand are present. This is an extra protection. Children sometimes get their feet caught in the spokes. A trip to the emergency room you’d rather avoid. This is solved by the design of the Multitinker.

Right next to it, you’ll also find a small trunk space. It reminded us of a car’s glove compartment. Handy for documents or things that shouldn’t get wet. Something that is often overlooked on a bike. Not surprisingly, Riese Muller is the first to think of it.

Then there’s the cargo rack at the front that can be combined with a smaller standard rack. Very convenient, this can support up to 25 kg. However, be careful, weight on the front fork makes the bike less stable. When we rode with weight and without hands, the handlebar started to wobble on its own. Also, don’t place anything too high here, make sure the handlebar can turn smoothly.

Adjustable and Comfortable

The saddle height of the Multitinker is adjustable and can be adapted to the rider’s height, making the bike suitable for riders between 150 cm and 195 cm.

The bike also features an adjustable stem and handlebar, allowing each rider to find their ideal riding position. Sitting upright is recommended for an ergonomic cycling posture. By tilting the handlebar, you can always maintain this riding position.

The Suntour Moby 34 fork and the wide Super Moto X tires provide comfort on various types of terrain. However, the bike is designed for urban roads. The tires may be a bit small for off-road and forest trails, although it is possible. You can also adjust the suspension on the fork to perfectly suit your route.

For extra safety, the Multitinker is equipped with hydraulic Magura disc brakes. The importance of good brakes cannot be overstated. Especially for cargo bikes, like the longtail, that carry heavy loads, powerful and reliable brakes are crucial. Magura brakes are praised for their reliability, powerful braking performance, and durability.

The MT4 and MT5 brakes used on the Multitinker have 2 and 4 pistons, respectively. They are responsible for pushing the brake pads against the brake disc. The more pistons a brake has, the more powerful the brakes, especially under heavy loads or challenging conditions.

We just wrote an article about ABS brakes. Unfortunately, we don’t see them here yet. Perhaps in the Multitinker 2024.

Secure Locking Mechanism

As standard, the bike comes with a cafe lock to secure the front wheel. Handy for safety, even though Riese Muller offers a GPS tracking option (RX chip) on the bike. If you just want to pop into the store briefly, much quicker than using a chain lock.

Optionally, you can choose the Abus Bordo Big 6000 folding lock. A lock that meets the expectations of the anti-theft insurance in Belgium. The lock is compact, lightweight, and easy to mount on the bike. It also uses the same key as the battery and cafe lock.

Thought of Everything

Safety

In addition to all the above design features, there are two traditional safety features. Lighting and a bell. The ‘flick-bell’ isn’t very special; loud and sharp. However, the lighting is excellent. They are from Busch + Muller, their sister brand.

The front light is powerful and has a nice light distribution. You can tilt it to illuminate the road well. It’s just a pity that it’s mounted on the frame. A light mounted on the handlebars turns with the handlebars. A light on the frame turns with the bike, and thus slightly later. A small oversight by the designer.

The rear light of the Multitinker features an integrated brake light function. This means that when you use the brakes, the rear light becomes brighter to alert other road users that you are slowing down or stopping. This enhances visibility and safety on the road.

Accessories

The Riese & Müller Multitinker is designed to provide a stable and reliable riding experience, whether you’re running errands, commuting, or out and about with children. Riese Muller aims to leave no doubt. If you buy their longtail, you are ‘fully equipped’.

For transporting children, this translates into additional safety bars, a handlebar for the kids, footrests, protectors, cushions, etc. There are even designs for a full rain cover over the longtail, similar to those from Tern.

If you’re carrying other cargo, you have the monkey bars, designed to accommodate a standard-sized crate. This provides you with 60 liters of storage space right away.

Battery life is often a concern. You can remove the powertube from the Multitinker and replace it with another Bosch powertube. If you don’t have an extra battery, you can also opt for fast charging.

The Multitinker comes standard with a 2A charger, which charges the battery in about 5 hours. For cyclists who want to charge faster, there is an optional 4A charger available, which shortens the charging time to about 3 hours. This faster charger can be handy for people who use their bike daily or for longer rides.