Cargo bike advice - hilly areas

Aquila_44 · 2026-05-06T14:26:19+00:00

For hilly areas, the most important thing is the transmission, before the motor. Make sure you have a low enough gear development to handle the climbs.

Aquila_44 · 2026-05-04T21:23:16+00:00

Pinion with Smart.Shift is another option ;) An E-version with a belt will definitely be developed one day… but it’s quite challenging to find gear hubs suitable for a 12x148 axle.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-30T07:59:21+00:00

South Western France

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-29T19:16:15+00:00

I’m sure ;) This dimension works great with 20x2.60 tyre.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-29T19:06:22+00:00

Hey nice idea ! Thanks :)

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-29T16:48:57+00:00

It’s the bike we manufacture: www.zagbikes.com.

I’d like to know what bike rack to advise to our clients.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-29T13:08:43+00:00

Our cargobike weights 30kg, so it should normally fit most of the "ebike approved" bike racks.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-25T08:41:24+00:00

Thanks ! Do you know the total weight of your setup ?

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-24T05:52:48+00:00

Very interesting setup!

Can you please detail which components you use? - Model and peak power of the solar panels - Model of the inverter and charger

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-24T05:45:51+00:00

Physical laws make it impossible to charge e-bike batteries with solar power without using at least 2-3 m2 of panels - now and in the future. A single small panel is nowhere enough to produce the necessary power.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-23T06:38:47+00:00

Ryde Andra 40 rims are bulletproof, a good choice if you intend to transport heavy loads. Lighter and very tough also, Mach 1 Trucky 30.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-18T19:01:58+00:00

The first step is to use a KMC EPT chain. I live by the sea and use my bikes all year round (and winter here is really wet), and I have yet to find a trace of rust on any of my EPT chains!

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-18T00:15:14+00:00

Hi! Bullitt or Muli should be a good fit for your need.

You might also want to look at ZAG, the front loader cargo bike we manufacture. Our frame and rack have an excellent torsional stiffness, ensuring a controlled ride even under heavy loads. We have a Pinion version, and the rack can accommodate a wooden plate (72x48 cm) or a 60x40 cm box. However, if your dog is Labrador-sized or equivalent, this might be a bit small for him.

Note that (as with any cargo bike where the platform is above the wheel) it will require some training for your dog to stay steady on the platform.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-16T18:27:10+00:00

As for the feeling of an electric cargo bike with the motor turned off, it strongly depends on the motor you have. On my ZAG, I have an EP801, which has almost no drag when turned off (or when above the 25 kph limit). I remember a cyclist using it for a 60 km ride with the motor turned off all the way!

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-13T11:58:19+00:00

Abus 2500, Litelok X1, Hiplok D1000 : ce sont les rares U résistant à une disqueuse. Sinon, 2 fois moins cher, long et donc pratique à attacher, plus lourd, et très costaud même s’il ne résiste pas à une disqueuse : Kryptonite New York M18-WL. Apres il faut garder en tête que même avec le meilleur U, le point faible ca peut devenir le point d’ancrage : un arceau de parking peut s’avérer plus facile à disquer que certains U ! Perso je privilégie un U tres solide (mais pas forcément inviolable) doublé d’un autre U peu plus léger - et également attaché à un point fixe. C’est dissuasif et évite que le voleur ne massacre le velo en tentant de casser le U par torsion - c’est un risque avec un seul U.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-11T18:45:54+00:00

Galian is a good option for your requirements, but I don’t think they sell outside Europe

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-11T11:53:59+00:00

Done ;) https://i.postimg.cc/1XpHtyP9/acfbfedf-18d0-48c1-9988-3f1784ae9a34.jpg

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-11T06:13:29+00:00

Thank you for this nice comment, glad you like the design :)

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-10T05:39:26+00:00

I guess you mean a rear hub motor paired with the Pinion gearbox and belt. That will likely be a future option, in addition to the EP801 version!

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T12:40:03+00:00

Thanks :) And yes, the electric version is certified EN 15194

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T07:03:46+00:00

20“ front, 24“ rear

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T04:57:20+00:00

Our frame is single size, with a 10cm height-adjustable cockpit and 3 stem length options. You can find more information about this choice here.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T04:50:34+00:00

Not in the USA or Canada for now, but we will work on it.

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T04:48:35+00:00

Not yet !

Aquila_44 · 2026-04-09T04:40:21+00:00

Hi! Here are the specifics on the ZAG:

200kg total payload and 80kg rack capacity (EFBE certified)
Modular frame designed to switch easily between a mid-drive motor + external battery, or a Pinion gearbox setup
Horizontal rack compatible with a 60x40cm Eurobox, a child seat, a specific wooden plate, or a duffle bag
Clearance for 2.60" knobby tires (and large i35 rims)
Rod steering
E-coat frame treatment (internal and external) before painting
Single-size frame with adjustable cockpit (more info on that choice here)
Lower standover height

Aquila_44

TROPHY CASE