BY JACK CRACKER
R&M Load 75 Vario
PHOTOS: RIESE & MÜLLER
Riese & Müller Load 75 Vario Is an Impressive Top-end eCargo Bike
The Riese & Müller Load 75 Vario is an impressive utility e-cargo bike that’s designed with safety and luxury in mind. We were excited to test drive Riese & Müller’s Load 75 Vario, a top-end e-cargo bike that features the company’s largest load capacity, along with many great features such as rear suspension. Founded in 1993 by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller in Darmstadt, Germany, the award-winning brand is renowned globally and is currently sold in over 50 countries worldwide. In tandem with the cycling boom, cargo bikes have also seen massive growth around the world, including Toronto, where we’re seeing more and more of them being used both privately and commercially. Every time we roll out on an e-cargo bike test drive, whether it’s summer or winter, it’s amazing how people stop and want to talk about these innovative bikes and express interest in purchasing one.
With the help of R&M’s local dealer, Curbside Cycle, we were set to go, and it’s worth noting that the Toronto shop offers a wide selection of models with varying accessories that reflect the growing interest in this category. The power plant of the Load 75 Vario is the well-proven Bosch Cargo Line Cruise Gen 4 motor, which was specifically designed for e-cargo bikes. It offers up to 400% energy support while providing up to 85Nm torque that delivers plenty of get-up-and-go even when loaded. The 500Wh PowerPack has a 100km range and can be doubled up with an extender. A nice touch is the charging port on the bike — you can just plug it in without removing the battery. The Bosch Intuvia computer interface was very userfriendly with four different assist levels toggled by a plus or minus button. The impressive Enviolo 380 internally geared rear hub design, with grip shifter, offers fluid no-step shifting even at a complete stop. The durable Gates Drive CDX belt is also low-maintenance and can handle 30,000km of riding before needing replacement. We loved the smart incorporation of the X-Fusion Glyde rear suspension and the 70mm Suntour Mobie front suspension fork, which handled bumps both large and small. The Load 75 features a low cargo bed design that’s rated up to a maximum of 100kg and becomes more stable as weight is added. On puncture-resistant Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tires, stopping all that rolling mass was a breeze, especially with the Tektro TRP hydraulic brakes that are supplied with large 203mm rotors. The Load 75 handled all trips smoothly, tracking well in most conditions, Designed with but it needed more care on loose snow kids in mind. when unloaded. As with all e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, also keep in mind that the operating temperature range has limits. For their batteries Bosch suggests -5C for operating and -10C for storing. This can be increased by simply adding a thermal cover to the battery. There are factors to consider, such as the wind-chill, so plan accordingly for winter riding conditions. R&M offers extensive User Manuals on line as well. The Load 75 is designed as a one-size-fits-all e-cargo bike with fully adjustable stem and seatpost, and the bike’s
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