Which cargo bike is right for me?: Review of the Bergamont E-Cargoville LT Expert

Anyone who already finds “Moin, moin” borderline chatty will really enjoy the E-Cargoville by Bergamont The Longtail from the Elbe is a sturdy cargo bike with large wheels, good handling and high-quality features. What you see is what you get. The powerful four-piston Magura brakes are particularly impressive. The Bosch Cargo motor, combined with the crisp gear changes, delivers excellent dynamism. In true Longtail style, passenger transport is the main focus. The rear carrier easily accommodates two larger children, whilst the padded handrails and footrests are a real plus. The 54-kilo weight limit is just enough for two small passengers.

Key information about the Bergamont E-Cargoville

Unfortunately, the seat cushions are a bit hard, and the unsprung E-Cargoville also feels relatively stiff to ride. It is essential to adjust the air pressure in the wide tyres to suit the rider’s weight and the load. Even when fully loaded, we didn’t ride the Bergamont with a pressure higher than two bar. A point in its favour: the product managers have specified particularly sturdy tyres with a triple-ply carcass. A frame lock would add practical value. Due to the bike’s design, the centre of gravity shifts significantly upwards when loaded, but thanks to its large wheels, the E-Cargoville doesn’t get bogged down in potholes as much.

On the rear rack, you’ll need a suitable box and a bit of creativity when loading to secure standard loads. On the front rack, flat loads weighing up to 12 kilos can be carried in a stylish, matching bag. With a lowrider mounting position on the fork, front and rear racks, and a long range, the E-Cargoville could also be used as a classic touring bike or a high-performance travel bike. For example, once the kids are riding their own bikes. However, the Shimano XT gear system from the sporty Hyperglide series isn’t designed for longevity, and the motor and display could do with an upgrade to the new, refined Bosch generation.

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The Bergamont E-Cargoville in detail

• Price: from 5,499 euros >> available here
• Weight: 42.6 kg (MYBIKE measurements)
• ​​Drive: Bosch Cargo Line, Intuvia, 725 Wh
• Circuit: Shimano Deore/XT (12-speed)
• Translation: 38; 10–51 teeth
• Brakes: Magura CMe 5, 200 / 180 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Super Moto X, 62 mm
• Front/rear lighting system: B & M IQ-XS, 80 lux / B & M Toplight 2C
• Frame sizes: S, L
• Frame shape: Trapezium
• Fork: Steel
• Load area: depending on the configuration
• Total length: 208 cm
• Permitted total weight: 190 kg
• Warranty: 5 years
• Special features: Longtail with relatively large wheels (26 inches)

Review: How the Longtail performs

Advantages:

• Seating capacity
• dynamic handling characteristics
• stylish details

Disadvantages:

• Older Bosch system
• not a luggage expert
• no frame lock

Conclusion on the Bergamont

Bergamont’s E-Cargoville is a characterful bike. The rigid fork design is stable and low-maintenance, whilst the large wheels enhance the riding characteristics when unladen. However, you do need to be able to cope with the high centre of gravity when loaded. A slightly more responsive motor and a gear system designed with greater durability in mind would be welcome features in the next model. – Adrian Kaether, Test Manager at MYBIKE