Longtail cargo bike review: Is the Qio Long CLAx the ultimate family runabout?

Editor’s conclusion

​The Qio Long CLAx is a well-designed longtail cargo bike that lives up to its premium reputation in practice. The combination of high-quality suspension, a quiet belt drive and a comfortable automatic gear system sets it apart from cheaper competitors. The price of 5,699 euros for the CLAx model is on the higher side, but by no means out of touch. Compared to the rest of the market, the bike scores highly for its good value for money. The €1,600 premium for the CLAx model is a lot of money, but it also clearly elevates the bike into the premium league. Please note: the base price does not include any accessories.

Cargo bikes have become an integral part of everyday urban life for many families in recent years. The promise: to leave the car at home and instead get about in a relaxed, speedy way, without the hassle of finding a parking space. With the Long CLAx, the German brand Qio is launching a long-tail cargo bike that aims to deliver on this promise with a clear focus on comfort and everyday practicality.

Video review: The Qio Long CLAx

Long Tail: The Concept

Cargo bikes generally come in a variety of designs (Click here for our cargo bike FAQs). The The long-tail principle It does away with a traditional transport box and instead features an extended luggage rack behind a compact main frame. This design clearly has its strengths when it comes to carrying passengers: up to two children or one adult can be carried comfortably, and with the right accessories, the bike is also well suited for shopping and other luggage. A clear advantage of the longtail design is that the handling is very similar to that of a traditional e-bike and requires little getting used to or practice. However, anyone who primarily wants to carry heavy loads or crates of beer – and isn’t transporting children – might be better off with a cargo bike featuring a fixed cargo box.

​Facts about the Qio Long CLAx

• Design: Longtail cargo bike
• Impeller size: 20 inches
• Engine: Bosch Cargo Line
• Battery: 800 Wh (can be retrofitted with a second battery providing a further 800 Wh)
• Drive (CLAx): Belt drive
• Circuit (CLAx): Enviolo continuously variable hub gear system with automatic function
• Suspension: SR Suntour Mobie Cargo suspension fork + suspension seatpost (CLAx model only)
• Max. system weight: 200 kg (bicycle + rider + load)
• Max. load capacity of rear luggage rack: 80 kg
• Max. load capacity of front luggage rack: 20 kg
• Price: Long CLAx (Manual + automatic): 5,699 euros
• Price Long P9 (Chain + manual gears, no suspension): 3,999 euros

Compact and manoeuvrable: handling characteristics

One of Qio’s key development objectives for the Long cargo bike was to achieve as compact a design as possible. For a cargo bike, the bike is actually pleasantly short, which is not only an advantage when it comes to storage and parking, but is also clearly noticeable whilst riding. Essentially, the Long CLAx handles almost like a normal e-bike: it manoeuvres well through bends, and even less experienced cyclists should quickly feel confident on it.

This is also made possible by the small 20-inch wheels, which keep the wheelbase short and lower the centre of gravity. Compared to other longtails, this makes the bike feel even lighter and more manoeuvrable. Even when fully loaded, it handles remarkably well and is less prone to tipping over to one side.

The theoretical drawback of small wheels lies in their roll-over behaviour – a factor that becomes relevant when encountering potholes or kerbs, for example. In practice, however, the Long CLAx is by no means uncomfortable or harsh to ride. The reason for this lies in a well-thought-out comfort package: at the front, Qio has fitted the high-quality SR Suntour Mobie Cargo suspension fork, which responds noticeably more sensitively and smoothly than the cheaper Suntour forks used by some other manufacturers. This is complemented by a well-cushioned seatpost, which makes a clearly noticeable difference to comfort, particularly when cycling at a leisurely 25 km/h over uneven cycle paths.

When it comes to riding stability, however, you do have to accept a slight compromise with the small wheels. You can feel this in practice, for example, when steering with just one hand over uneven terrain. We didn’t, however, notice any real drawbacks in everyday use. Another positive aspect is the bike’s noise level. In its basic configuration without luggage, the Long CLAx runs pleasantly quietly – a detail that contributes to the overall high-quality riding experience.

Bosch battery pack with up to 1,600 Wh

The CLAx is powered by the Bosch Cargo Line motor, which provides powerful yet surprisingly unobtrusive assistance. The battery is located behind the seat tube and has a capacity of 800 watt-hours – a respectable basic range, although this can vary considerably depending on the load and the route profile. For more challenging terrain or longer rides, a second battery providing a further 800 watt-hours can be fitted as an option, bringing the total capacity up to 1,600 watt-hours. This makes the Qio Long a real long-distance runner.

Will carbon belts bring us happiness?

The CLAx model – the more upmarket of the two available trim levels – comes with a belt drive and a continuously variable Enviolo hub gearbox with an automatic function. Both features are particularly well-suited to a cargo bike for a number of reasons.

The belt is virtually maintenance-free, as it requires neither lubrication nor any time-consuming upkeep. On a longtail bike, where the rear wheel – including the cassette, rear derailleur and drivetrain – is difficult to access due to its design, this is a real advantage in everyday use. What’s more, without a chain, there’s no annoying rattling, which further enhances the bike’s already quiet running noise.

Enviolo’s electronic hub gearbox operates fully automatically and requires no gear levers. All you need to do is set your preferred cadence on the Bosch display – the gearbox takes care of the rest automatically and continuously. This automatic system proves particularly practical on a cargo bike: there’s no need to change down manually at traffic lights, and the bike is automatically in the right gear when setting off. This protects the drivetrain and allows you to concentrate fully on riding – and on your passengers. However, the automatic gear system does take some getting used to and is certainly a matter of personal preference. The more affordable version of the Long, called the P9, comes with a classic 9-speed derailleur system.

Accessories and payload

A Longtail is not a fully-fledged cargo bike without the right accessories. The Qio Long is generally supplied without any attachments. The advantage is complete freedom of configuration. However, before buying, you should bear in mind that the base price can quickly rise by several hundred euros due to the necessary accessories.

For carrying passengers, there is a choice of bench seats and child seats. The bench seat can be fitted with a backrest and a front safety bar, and can accommodate up to two people. The child seats can be quickly fitted and removed using a click system; the bench seats, on the other hand, are securely bolted in place. A click system for the bench seats would provide even greater flexibility when loading the vehicle.

To switch quickly between carrying children and carrying luggage, bag holders can be fitted to accommodate standard panniers. The bag holders can also be fitted parallel to the seats as an option, allowing panniers to be attached quickly using the MIK standard. An optional front luggage rack is also available, which can carry up to 20 kilograms.

The seat cushions and backrest are pleasantly soft and comfortable – a detail that really comes into its own in everyday use, particularly on longer journeys. For carrying children, a side rail is also recommended, as it gives them something to hold on to. Qio is currently working on a fold-down version designed to make getting on and off the bike much easier – this is due to be available from autumn.

The footboards have been deliberately positioned low to lower the centre of gravity and make the bike more suitable for adult riders. The total system weight – that is, the bike, the rider and any load combined – is a maximum of 200 kilograms. That’s a good figure. The Qio website features a handy payload calculator that allows you to check whether your desired setup falls within this limit.

Ergonomics and stands

The Long is designed to accommodate a wide range of rider heights. In addition to the saddle height, the entire cockpit can be adjusted continuously using quick-release mechanisms, making it easier to adapt the bike for riders of different heights. In our test, the bike proved to be well suited to riders ranging in height from just under 160 to over 190 centimetres. There’s even some headroom to spare. However, for shorter riders under 160 centimetres, it’s worth checking beforehand whether the suspension seatpost – which, due to its design, takes up slightly more space – still allows for a suitable seat height.

Qio has also taken a different approach to the kickstand: the bike features a two-stage kickstand. The first stage, which is easy to engage, is suitable for short stops or manoeuvring in the garage. Advantage: the bike does not need to be propped up and retains some mobility. For safe parking – particularly when fully loaded or with children on board – the second, raised stage is essential. It is unlocked via a lever on the handlebars, which makes folding it away quick and straightforward. One minor criticism: when folded, the stand protrudes quite far from the frame, which can occasionally get in the way when manoeuvring. During our test, we got caught on it every now and then.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• a comfortable ride
• smooth, straightforward operation
• Low-maintenance belt drive

Weaknesses

• The folded-away stand is a bit bulky
• high purchase price