A longtail is a two-wheeled cargo bike with an extended rear frame. The rider and handlebars are positioned similarly to those of a trekking bike. The additional cargo area is located behind the saddle. This leaves the front wheel free of a large cargo box, allowing it to respond more directly when steering compared to many Long John cargo bikes.

The Cube Longtail is particularly interesting for densely built residential areas. With a frame length and width that are closer to those of a normal bicycle than a cargo bike with a front box, it is easier to push through courtyard entrances, cellar corridors, and narrow storage areas. The wheelbase is 1,268 mm. With 700 mm wide handlebars, the bike takes up hardly any more space on the sides than a standard e-trekking bike.

Compared to the Cube Cargo, the load on the longtail is positioned behind the rider. The Cube Cargo, by contrast, uses a box located between the handlebars and the front wheel. A front box offers plenty of contiguous storage space and makes it easier to transport larger items. However, it significantly extends the length of the bike and changes the steering feel. The longtail rides closer to a conventional e-bike, but requires careful handling of the higher center of gravity when carrying a heavy load at the rear.

A three-wheeled cargo bike offers stable support when stationary. In exchange, it is usually wider and requires more space when cornering. With the Cube Longtail, the entire bike tilts into the turn as usual. Therefore, anyone who already cycles regularly will need less time to adapt.

The choice of model depends primarily on the gear system, battery, and standard accessories. For current models, the version with a Shimano derailleur is simply called the Longtail Hybrid. The Comfort variant combines a stepless Enviolo hub gear with a Gates belt drive. In older model series and some dealer offers, the designation Longtail Sport Hybrid may still appear for the chain version.

A Family version comes factory-fitted with a bench seat, running boards, and side protection. For models without the Family package, the corresponding accessories can be retrofitted. A suitable accessory kit is not just a question of comfort. When carrying children, age, weight, and mandatory protective components must be taken into account.

The derailleur gear system offers eleven clearly defined gears and a wide gear range. This helps on hilly routes and gives sport-oriented riders more control over their cadence. However, the chain, cassette, and derailleur require regular cleaning and lubrication.

The Enviolo gear system can be operated without fixed gear steps. You turn the gear twist grip until the pedaling resistance feels right. This is convenient in city traffic because the gear ratio can also be adjusted while at a standstill. The Gates belt requires no chain lubrication and soils trouser legs less. If you commute in all weather conditions or share the bike with several people, the Comfort version is usually the more uncomplicated choice. For frequent inclines and a gear ratio that can be selected as directly as possible, the Shimano variant is suitable.

A calculation example shows the actual payload. If the bike weighs around 35 kg and the rider with clothing 90 kg, there is theoretically 75 kg remaining up to the system weight of 200 kg. Mounted accessories and all additional items of luggage must still be deducted from this. Regardless of this reserve, the rear carrier remains limited to a maximum of 60 kg.

The load should be distributed as low and as evenly as possible. Heavy items should be placed close to the frame rather than at the far end of the luggage rack. Panniers lower the center of gravity as long as both sides are loaded similarly. A heavy bag on only one side is significantly noticeable when starting off and during slow turns.

Up to two children can ride on the Cube Longtail, provided the prescribed accessories are installed and weight limits are observed. Which components are required depends on the age of the children. The Family models already include a bench seat, side protection, and running boards. A required child seat is not automatically included in the Family package. 

• The bench seat creates a padded seating area for older children and can be attached via the RILink system.
• The top rail attachment forms a surrounding railing that children can hold onto.
• The side protection prevents feet or loose clothing from getting into the area of the rear wheel and spokes.
• The running boards provide a firm place for feet and can also support side bags when loaded appropriately.
• For children aged one to five, a suitable child seat is required.

For children aged one to five, Cube permits the transport of one or two children, each weighing a maximum of 20 kg. Suitable child seats, a top rail, and spoke guards are required. For older children riding directly on the bench seat without a child seat, there are no rigid requirements such as "6 to 9 years old at 20 kg each." The decisive factor is that the maximum weight for the top of the rear carrier (40 kg in total) and the system weight (200 kg) are not exceeded by the sum of the passengers. A top rail, spoke guards, bench seat, and footboard are required for this purpose.

When transporting children of different weights, the heavier child should sit further forward, i.e., closer to the rider. This keeps the center of gravity closer to the middle of the bike. This makes starting easier and reduces swaying of the rear. Children should be lifted onto the seat or into the child seat by an adult. If they climb over the railing on their own, the parked bike may tip over, even with a double-leg kickstand.

Panniers must not restrict foot clearance. Before every ride, check that feet, shoelaces, jackets, and straps are completely clear of the rear wheel. The bench seat and all attachment points should also be secure. The weight of the accessories reduces the remaining payload capacity of the rear carrier.

The Cube Longtail Hybrid features a Bosch Cargo Line motor with 85 Nm of torque. The drive system is tuned for e-cargo bikes and provides extra support when starting off with a heavy load. The torque also helps on inclines, but it is no substitute for the right gear. Before coming to a stop, you should select a lower gear so that the bike and motor require less effort the next time you start.

The current 800 models use a Bosch PowerPack with 800 Wh. This capacity provides a good foundation for daily school runs, errands, and commutes. Older models are also available with 725 Wh or as a DualBattery version with up to 1,350 Wh. A battery with 1,350 Wh stores significantly more energy, but it increases both weight and purchase costs.

A fixed range specification would be of little significance for an e-cargo bike. Two children, headwinds, low temperatures, and frequent stopping and starting reduce the range. Tire pressure, assistance level, inclines, and the rider's own weight also influence consumption. Therefore, a trip made with low assistance on a near-empty bike cannot be compared to a fully loaded trip in cargo or turbo mode.

Without a load, the Cube Longtail handles similarly to a heavy trekking e-bike. The 26-inch wheels roll smoothly and feel more familiar than the smaller wheels on many compact cargo bikes. Wide Schwalbe Pick-Up tires contribute to stability and absorb minor bumps. At the rear, Cube has added a damping element designed to keep shocks away from the luggage rack and its passengers.

With two children or a heavy load, the center of gravity rises. This is particularly noticeable when starting, at very low speeds, and when pushing the bike. The rider should keep the bike upright, keep both hands on the handlebars, and start off using moderate motor assistance. Hectic steering movements make the loaded rear end more prone to swaying.

1. Select a low gear before starting.
2. Align the front wheel straight and stabilize the bike with both feet.
3. Start pedaling smoothly instead of starting with a strong pedal stroke.
4. Only steer more significantly once the bike is rolling stably.
5. Brake before curves and ride through the curve at a steady speed.

When braking, the additional weight is also noticeable. Current models are therefore equipped with hydraulic four-piston disc brakes and large brake discs. Nevertheless, the braking distance increases with a heavy load. Maintaining more distance and riding with foresight are more important than with an unloaded city bike.

The double-leg kickstand provides a wide support base when loading and unloading. However, a fully loaded longtail cannot be pulled onto the stand as easily as a normal bicycle. Place the bike on a firm, level surface and hold it steady while the children get on and off. Only then should the stand be folded up.

The one-size concept is designed for heights of approximately 1.60 m to 1.90 m. The Speedlifter stem adjusts the handlebar height, while the dropper post covers a wide range of adjustment. This allows a household to use the bike interchangeably without having to remount the saddle and cockpit using tools.

Finding the right setting starts with the saddle. At the lowest point of the pedal stroke, your knee should still be slightly bent. Then, the handlebar height is adjusted. A higher position supports an upright posture and provides better visibility during slow, loaded rides. However, setting the handlebars too high can result in less direct weight on the front wheel.

If two riders have significantly different heights, they should mark the positions of the seat post and Speedlifter. This makes it easy to quickly restore the respective settings. Before every ride, it must be checked that all clamps are closed. This is especially important if the bike is switched between two people multiple times a day.

Riders at the limits of the specified height range should plan a test ride with a load. Body height alone is not the deciding factor. Leg length, arm length, and personal riding posture influence whether the bike can be controlled safely. Anyone who can barely reach the ground with their feet while standing will face unnecessary difficulties when starting off with a load.

The Cube Longtail requires less parking space than many cargo bikes with a front box, but it is heavier and longer than a standard city bike. The 1,268 mm wheelbase and the wide rear structure should be taken into account when navigating tight basement turns. Before purchasing, it is worth measuring doors, stair landings, and elevators. The footprint alone is not the only deciding factor; the path to the parking spot must also be navigable with a bike weighing around 34 to 40 kg.

The 26-inch front wheel usually fits into standard front-wheel holders. However, the long, loaded rear end can place more lateral stress on the bike. A sturdy leaning bar is often more suitable because both the frame and the front wheel can be locked to it. For double-decker parking systems, the weight limit, rail length, and clearance for the bench seat or railing must be checked.

The Cube Longtail is not automatically suitable for use with a car rear carrier. Many standard carriers are designed for lighter e-bikes. In addition to the carrier's load capacity, the vehicle's permissible vertical load, wheelbase, and rail length must also be considered. Accessories and the battery can be removed before loading to reduce weight. However, the bike itself remains heavy at over 34 kg.

A trailer should only be attached if the specific model and the hitch used are explicitly approved. There is no trailer load specified for Cube Longtail models in the current system weight data. The transport of children and luggage should therefore be planned using the dedicated rear system provided for this purpose.