The longtail cargo bike: the ideal means of transport for urban mobility

The longtail cargo bike is increasingly popular as a sustainable transportation option in urban areas . Thanks to its large carrying capacity and functional design , it meets the needs of families looking for an eco-friendly alternative . Discover the benefits of this practical and environmentally friendly mobility solution !

Summary :

What is a longtail cargo bike?

What are the advantages of the longtail cargo bike?

What choice should you make depending on the possible uses of the longtail cargo bike?

What are the considerations when buying a longtail cargo bike?

What are the disadvantages of longtail cycling?

Galian's Formidable, an innovative longtail cargo bike

What is a longtail cargo bike?

Cargo bikes are increasingly popular and offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to using cars. Cargo bikes come in various sizes, including longtail, midtail, and compact.

The longtail cargo bike is a variant of an extended bike that allows you to carry more volume than a classic bike . The longtail is a two-wheeler , the exact term being biporteur .

The longtail bike has an elongated rear rack that can accommodate various types of cargo . The term “longtail,” which means “long tail” in English, perfectly illustrates its shape.

The midtail bike, on the other hand, is similar to the longtail, but with a slightly shorter rear rack . The compact bike , also called a “short cargo bike,” is generally smaller than the longtail and midtail bikes, with a shorter rack .

What are the advantages of the longtail cargo bike?

Popular in cities for daily commutes, the longtail bike remains the same width as a standard bike. It doesn't take up any more space, which makes it much easier to park in bike garages or in tight spaces, especially if you live in an apartment building.

This mode of transport is particularly popular with city dwellers, and especially families with two or more children. Indeed, with just one child, you can put them on the luggage rack with a suitable wheelchair.

But this option isn't possible with two children, which is where the longtail cargo bike is the ideal solution. You can even carry fairly light groceries, with panniers on the sides, for example.

For children with 3 or more, we recommend the Formidable, which will be more suitable. If you are in this situation, we invite you to read the testimonial of Priscille, a Galian cargo bike rider and mother of 4 children.

The longtail bike rides like a bicycle, its handling is intuitive and easy, it does not require an adaptation period. It is very maneuverable .

It is a convenient alternative to public transport , avoiding delays caused by traffic jams and exorbitant parking costs . You can thus move quickly and safely through the busy city streets.

Opting for a longtail cargo bike is a smart choice if you're looking for a practical and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

What choice should you make depending on the possible uses of the longtail cargo bike?

The longtail cargo bike is popular with both men and women.

When it comes to choice, there are a multitude of models with entry-level purchase options or more premium offerings. There are many features available to you depending on your budget, needs, and how you will use it.

The impact of wheel size

Have you ever wondered how wheel size can affect your bike's handling and performance? The smaller the wheels, the lower the center of gravity , resulting in increased handling and better stability .

The smaller the wheels, the lower the center of gravity and the better the bike's handling .

For longtail bikes, this feature is essential for carrying a large load on the back while maintaining excellent maneuverability to easily navigate small, winding paths. You won't be bothered by selective access barriers that prevent the passage of motorcycles, scooters , or cars.

These bikes are therefore particularly suitable for urban travel over short distances, less than 5 kilometers for an optimal driving experience.

Some longtail bikes have near-full-size wheels, allowing them to cover long distances. While slightly less maneuverable than their smaller-wheeled counterparts, these bikes offer superior performance for longer journeys.

The choice between a chain or a belt

For the transmission, there is a choice between chain or belt.

Here are the advantages of each: The chain has a lower initial cost, but it should generally be changed every 1,500 kilometers, depending on the use of the bike. The belt, on the other hand, is more durable and should theoretically be changed every 20,000 kilometers.

Another advantage of the belt: no oil, so no risk of dirtying your clothes, and no risk of derailment because there are no notched gear changes. Everything is linear and smooth.

The belt stretches smoothly and smoothly, without difficult gear changes .

In the city, when you arrive at a red light at high speed, you can set off again without difficulty thanks to this efficient and smooth transmission.

The difference between rim brakes and disc brakes

You've probably heard of rim brakes and disc brakes , but do you really know what the difference is?

Rim brakes are often found on entry-level bikes, while disc brakes are usually found on higher-end models.

On cargo bikes , it is strongly recommended to have disc brakes because they wear out much less quickly.

Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes are available for ultra-powerful responsiveness and remarkable braking force. Galian's Formidable is equipped with them.

What are the considerations when buying a longtail cargo bike?

1. The search for comfort when driving

Riding comfort is essential to fully enjoy your longtail cargo bike.

Thanks to its upright riding position , adjustable handlebars and saddle , you can pedal with ease and maintain good visibility in city traffic.

No more back pain or uncomfortable positions! Enjoy an ergonomic position for safe travel and a clear view of the road.

The longtail cargo bike's low center of gravity provides optimal stability even with heavy loads. The bike's maneuverability allows you to easily navigate city traffic and adapt to situations.

2. Damping of road irregularities

The function of shock absorbers , as the name suggests, is to cushion and absorb blows, shocks, bumps and irregularities in the road. They can be located either on the fork or on the frame of the bicycle.

But many shock absorbers on bicycles are of poor quality. After a while, they don't provide much cushioning.

It is then the tires that take on the role of shock absorbers. The wider the tires, the more they will cushion.

At Galian, we've chosen not to have a shock absorber. Why this choice? Because it requires a lot of maintenance , and we aim to offer a durable bike with as little maintenance as possible.

The Formidable is equipped with balloon tires . These wide, round tires are designed to absorb shocks. Their secret? Their ability to adapt to road imperfections to offer you a more than comfortable ride.

You benefit from better grip on cycle paths , on urban roads and on bends.

3. The importance of the saddle and handlebars

The saddle and handlebars are two essential elements for your comfort and performance. They are not just accessories , they are part of the centerpieces of your bike.

The shape, fit and materials used can make the difference between a pleasant ride and torture on two wheels.

Imagine riding for hours on an ill-fitting saddle that hurts your butt. It would completely ruin the experience, wouldn't it? But with the right saddle, you'll be able to go for miles without even thinking about it.

And what about the handlebars ? With a good hand rest, you'll be able to ride longer without suffering from pain in your hands or wrists.

By combining a comfortable saddle with ergonomic handlebars, you can improve your posture and balance. This will allow you to pedal longer without tiring as much as before.

An ergonomic and balanced riding position, round and wide tires, comfortable handlebars and saddle: it is all of these elements combined that offer optimal sensations for the rider!

4. The comfort of the rear seat

For a longtail bike, the rear seat is very often limited to a maximum weight of 60 kilos .

If an adult does not exceed this weight, they can go in the back, but most of the time this seat is intended for transporting children or shopping .

For those sitting in the back, comfort really varies from brand to brand. Some models offer one or two small foam cushions, with the option to attach a baby bike seat with a belt system. Others only offer a backrest.

Very often, you can install safety bars on the extended part of the bike. These safety bars are a smart and crucial addition to ensure safety. Children can rest their hands on the sides of the bars.

The rearmost child can rest their back against these bars and attach their hands to the front section. With a comfortable and secure rear seat, your longtail bike is ready for many adventures to come!

5. Security against theft

Electric cargo bikes have become a prime target for thieves. Their high purchase price makes them highly sought-after.

When choosing your bike, look at the anti-theft options available.

Choose a maximum size chain or a U -lock , or even both.

Also make sure that the manufacturer's anti-theft system is efficient. This could be an alarm system , geolocation of the bike on an application or a remote blocking system of the entire electrical system of the pedals . With this system, the bike can no longer start, the battery , the motor and the dashboard remain switched off. An alarm may even be triggered on certain bike models.

To help you recover your bike if it's stolen, choose a bike model equipped with a geolocation system . This can be expensive, but it's an investment that can save you a lot of hassle.

Choose a secure storage area for your bike. If you have to leave it outside, secure it to a ground-mounted bike rack or a ground-mounted bollard.

In some cities, there are even secure, closed parking terminals in containers, such as Station Rev , a partner of Galian.

Take all necessary measures to avoid unpleasant surprises!

6. Finding a bike that suits your needs

When choosing your longtail bike , you need to keep your individual needs in mind. These will determine the motor power and battery life needed to meet them.

In order to choose the right bike for you, several criteria must be taken into consideration:

• Is the terrain where you live steep? Your bike needs to be equipped with a powerful motor to support you and make your climbs easier.
• Is the weight on the bike heavy? If you regularly carry heavy loads , you must consider the load capacity of the bike to avoid overloading the bike.
• Do you ride a lot of miles every day? If you ride long distances every day, you need to make sure your bike's battery can provide enough range to keep you riding without interruption.

By considering these factors, you will be able to choose the longtail bike that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Note that bicycle insurance is often linked to home insurance. Depending on the initial investment in the bike, it may be worth taking out insurance. But be careful because you must have the receipt for an anti-theft device approved as having the highest level of protection to benefit from insurance coverage .

7. The price of the longtail cargo bike

The price of the longtail bike is generally lower than that of the classic cargo bike , due to the lower quantity of materials used.

The construction of the cargo box requires more material, which increases its cost. The longtail model is more economical to produce.

Due to its larger size, cargo bikes present logistical challenges. Storing and transporting this equipment requires more space and resources, resulting in higher logistics costs.

What are the disadvantages of longtail cycling?

The longtail bike is a practical and eco-friendly means of transportation, but it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before adopting it.

Although spacious, the longtail bike's storage and carrying capacity are limited. It can't completely replace a car. This can be problematic if you need to pick up the kids from school and run large errands at the same time, or transport a musical instrument like a guitar.

In this case, it is better to opt for a front storage system, such as that offered by the traditional cargo bike .

Children sitting in the back are more exposed to the elements than if they are placed in a box at the front, which offers better protection against rain and wind. With the cargo bike's rain cover , even in the middle of winter when the weather is bad, you can use the bike and really do without the car completely.

You must pay attention to road safety . Roads without cycle lanes , especially those with high speeds of 80 km/h, are the most dangerous for cyclists and increase the risk of accidents.

Where possible, try to use safe roads with separate cycle lanes, especially if you are carrying children.

Galian's Formidable, an innovative longtail cargo bike

Galian offers you an innovative longtail cargo bike : the Formidable, a versatile means of transport that combines cargo and longtail.

This electrically assisted bicycle ( EAB ) is the ideal solution for urban travel , whether for daily journeys, family outings or transporting heavy loads .

With its versatility and reliability , the Formidable is the best choice if you are looking for a practical and environmentally friendly means of transport for your trips around town.