The cycling world has known since Eurobike 2019 that the e-cargo bike is still a long way from being fully developed. A team led by self-proclaimed "bike nerds" Franc Arnold and Gerrit Gaastra presented the prototype of our test bike, the Ca Go FS 200. The low-loader had to be safe and easy to handle - a high technical standard for such a long vehicle. Gaastra's companies Bike Basics and Idworx were in charge of the development. The signature of the experienced bike specialists is particularly visible where the Ca Go differs from the competition. The first eye-catcher and the central safety feature of the low loader is the transport box made of EPP. This particle foam is dimensionally stable, can absorb a lot of crash energy and is therefore also used in car bumpers.
EPP makes child transport significantly safer than transport boxes made of wood or steel frame constructions with textile walls could. The padded child seats can be folded up and are also made of EPP and a rigid, load-bearing metal construction. Easily height-adjustable and lockable headrests and five-point harnesses secure the children in the seats in the event of accidents.
Another safety feature: While a hydraulic four-piston disc brake on the rear wheel provides ample braking power, a two-piston brake calliper on the front wheel presses much more gently on the disc. This makes sense, as an over-braked front wheel that locks up and slips away is difficult to catch again on long low loaders. The front tyre has also been given a softer rubber compound for more traction when braking and steering.
In favour of handling, the designers have opted for a cable instead of the usual steering linkage to transmit the steering impulses. Because a cable does not limit the steering angle, the front wheel can be turned a good 90 degrees. The long low-loader therefore has a superior turning circle and is easy to manoeuvre. There is no need to re-tension the cable, as this is done automatically.
Safe and comfortable
Another aim was to keep the centre of gravity low and thus the tipping moments low. This significantly improves the riding characteristics. This was one of the reasons why the designers opted for a small 150 millimetre pedal crank. This allowed the frame to be lowered even further without the pedals touching down in the bends. At the same time, the short cranks prevent taller riders from hitting their knees on the transport box when pedalling. The short cranks did not cause any pronounced restrictions in pedalling ergonomics on the test rides. Together with the automatic Enviolo gearbox and the high-torque Bosch Cargo motor, the result is an effortless and uncomplicated riding experience. The gear hub maintains a constant cadence that can be set by the rider, but it cannot be shifted sequentially.
Only the unexpectedly frequent, loud chirping noises of the geared servomotor are a little annoying. A Gates belt instead of a chain ensures a quiet and low-maintenance connection between the drive and rear wheel, with a specially developed tension pulley ensuring constant tension.
With a weight of 40 kilos in the transport box, the FS 200 can be steered directly and accurately. There is no noticeable steering play, the Ca Go reacts promptly and with good control to steering impulses. Like any long low-loader, the FS 200 takes some getting used to by newcomers to cargo bikes, especially as the front wheel, which is positioned far forward, is not visible to the rider. Overall, however, it is extremely uncomplicated to ride for a heavy electric transporter.
Conclusion:
The Ca Go FS 200 incorporates a number of new and innovative ideas. The low-loader is first-class equipped, well thought-out and of high-quality construction. A bike configurator and the complete equipment list can be found on the manufacturer's website. The price for the transporter starts at 6,600 euros, but if you want to enjoy all the advantages of the Ca Go, you will have to invest considerably more than 8,000 euros.
- Price: from 6,600 euros
- Frame/ fork: Aluminium/ Suntour Mobi 20 Cargo
- Weight: 48.8 kilos (in basic configuration)
- Permissible total weight: 225 kilos
- Permissible transport weight: 70 kilos (on the loading area)
- Front brakes: Magura CME 4 (2-piston), 203 mm
- Rear brakes: CME 5 (4 pistons), 220mm
- Circuit: Enviolo Cargo AutomatiQ
- Motor/ battery: Bosch Performance CX Cargo/ 625 or 1,250 Wh
- Front tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple Cargo 20" 55mm
- Rear tyres: Schwalbe Supermoto 27.5" 70mm
