The Bakery Elite complements Bergamont's Cargoville series with another cargo bike in the style of a baker's bike. In contrast to the Cargoville LT, the Bakery has a low step-through and, as a unisex version, extends the range of applications of the Cargoville series. The most striking feature of the e-bike is the solid frame construction. Bergamont reinforces the voluminous central tube on both sides with aluminium box-section tubes that extend the chainstays from the frame knot to the head tube.
The aluminium profiles are also welded to the central tube at the crossing points (see detailed image below). In this way, Bergamont has minimised a design weakness of Wave frames: The central tube is effectively stabilised, making the frame noticeably stiffer. A reinforced rigid fork with thru-axle, the solid stem and a four-bearing front wheel hub further increase stability.
However, the material-intensive construction also makes the bike heavy. The Bakery weighs just under 37 kilos. However, the bike plus rider and luggage can weigh up to 180 kilos; a total of 42 kilos can be loaded onto the carrier. With the Bakery, Bergamont attaches great importance to low maintenance and durability. This is reflected not only in the lavish use of materials on the frame but also in the choice of equipment components. The five-speed hub, which can be shifted mechanically using a twist grip, is virtually maintenance-free.
It is connected to the drive via a Gates belt instead of a chain. The carbon belt requires very little attention and transmits leg and motor power to the rear wheel almost silently. Reliable, hydraulic disc brakes are a matter of course on heavy cargo pedelecs. With the MT-30 system from Magura, a four-piston calliper on the front wheel presses the brake pads against a brake disc with a diameter of 203 millimetres. At the rear, a two-piston calliper with a 180 millimetre disc decelerates. The design makes sense, it minimises over-braking of the rear wheel and provides sufficient braking power at the front.
Wheels with a diameter of 24 inches at the front and 26 inches at the rear and 60 millimetre wide Schwalbe tyres roll safely and true to track even with the maximum system weight. The Curana aluminium profile mudguards are inherently torsion-resistant, properly attached to the fork and frame and do not rattle. The lavish use of materials also continues on the front and rear racks. Bergamont has welded stable mounting brackets to the head tube to attach the front rack.
The counterpart on the carrier, a thick-walled steel plate, is bolted securely and solidly to the plinths. At the rear, the carrier is attached to the seat stays with four generously dimensioned screw lugs. The front carrier can carry up to 15 kilos, while 27 kilos can be loaded at the rear. Various carrier attachments, such as a transport tray for the front, are available as accessories. A Thule Jepp child bike seat can be mounted at the rear.
Travelling safely
The Bakery can be removed from the centre kickstand with little effort, even with a heavy load of luggage. Unfortunately, the kickstand can only be folded out when the pedals are in a horizontal position; in almost any other position, the cranks block one of the kickstand arms. The riding position is upright, the pleasantly cranked handlebars sit comfortably in the hand. With or without luggage, the ride feel and control differ only marginally.
Due to the small 24-inch front wheel, the centre of gravity of the front carrier is slightly lower than usual, which has a positive effect on riding stability and handling. The Bakery runs stoically straight ahead, but reacts slightly sluggishly to handlebar inputs. The Cane Creek Visco Set headset could be partly responsible for this, as it is designed to prevent handlebar flutter. If you consciously steer by shifting your weight, the Bakery reacts more willingly.
Because Bergamont has dispensed with suspension elements, road bumps penetrate noticeably to the rider, while the rather voluminous 60 mm tyres only provide a minimum level of riding comfort. With Bosch's most powerful drive, the Bakery is sufficiently well motorised. The 625 Wh battery should be sufficient for most applications, and an additional 500 Wh battery can be fitted for more range. The Nexus five-speed gear hub changes gears without delay when shifting up, even under load. On the other hand, precise and quiet downshifts are best achieved by briefly taking the pressure off the pedals.
Test summary of the E-Cargoville Bakery Elite from Bergamont
The Bergamont E-Cargoville Bakery is a very robust transporter with a low step-through as well as safe and easy handling. The equipment is low-maintenance, the workmanship is solid and durable.
The bike is expected to cost 4699 euros.
