Riese & Müller Tinker2: Comfortable and low-maintenance – the Tinker2 compact e-bike put to the test

Gear-changing with the Enviolo hub: rather than jumping through the gears, you ‘glide’ through the gear ratios. A single twist of the handlebar grip gives you the gear ratio that’s just right for you, and that, in turn, suits the Riese & Müller Tinker2 perfectly. The in-house-developed handlebar stem allows for both a flat, stretched-out riding position and an upright position by tilting the handlebars backwards. The Spinner suspension fork and the Byschulz suspension seat post provide the highest level of suspension comfort in the test.

Getting on the bike is less comfortable than with the other models: the classic compact frames offer a lower step-through. There’s hardly anything left to say about the renowned smooth running of the Performance Line drive from Bosch’s Smart System. So you press the power button on the system’s handlebar control and off you go. Of all the test bikes, the Tinker feels most like a classic touring bike.

If you take a closer look at the frame, you’ll see that the Darmstadt-based team continue to produce clean, reliable work, and that the frame offers much more than just visual appeal. Among other things, it allows for the use of a belt drive without the need for a frame opening, which, combined with the Enviolo system, makes the bike even lower-maintenance.

As well as the cargo box (accessory), the luggage rack can also accommodate large panniers, which means that the bike – with a system weight of 135 kilos – is also suitable for touring. The Riese & Müller Tinker2 is particularly compact Also: The handlebar stem can be folded back towards the top tube. However, it can also be swung out to the side in a flash.

When you register as a customer, you get a five-year warranty against frame breakage, as well as a two-year battery warranty. We weren’t so keen on how fiddly it is to remove the battery – if you can, it’s best to charge it whilst it’s on the bike.

>> You can find more compact pedelecs here.

Conclusion on the Riese & Müller Tinker2 Vario compact e-bike review

Compact to transport, yet impressive in terms of handling and comfort. The Tinker is a flagship compact bike. Great riding enjoyment and practicality come together harmoniously in a high-quality package – and the Enviolo rounds it off perfectly. – Georg Bleicher, Test Editor

The key details of the Riese & Müller Tinker2 Vario

• Price: 4,999 euros
• Weight of test bike: 25.5 kg
• Permissible total weight: 135 kg
• Frame: Aluminium
• Fork: Aluminium
• Handlebar height adjustment system: Riese & Müller
• Circuit: Enviolo 380 with belt drive
• Motor / Battery: Bosch Performance Line Smart S / 545 Wh
• Brakes: Disc, Tektro Auriga Comp HD-500, 160 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben Plus 55-406
• Front/rear lighting system: Supernova mini 2 / Busch & Müller Toplight 2C LED
• Maximum load capacity of the luggage rack: 25 kg
• Special features: Suspension seat post with parallelogram design, multi-position adjustable handlebar stem, suspension fork