The Cube Longtail combines the handling characteristics of a compact e-bike with the transport capacity of a cargo bike. Instead of a large box in front of the handlebars, it uses an extended luggage rack over the rear wheel. This can accommodate groceries, bags, or up to two children. The Bosch Cargo Line motor provides assistance when starting off and on inclines, while 26-inch wheels ensure a familiar riding feel.

With a permitted system weight of 200 kg and a rear load capacity of up to 60 kg, the Cube Longtail Hybrid is suitable for families, commuters, and households that want to complete many everyday journeys without a car. The current model family includes versions with Shimano derailleur gears or stepless Enviolo hub gears. Family versions come already equipped with accessories for transporting children.

A longtail is a two-wheeled cargo bike with an extended rear end. The rider's position and the handlebars are similar 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, making steering more responsive than on many Longjohn-style cargo bikes.

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

Compared to the Cube Cargo, the load on the longtail is positioned behind the rider. In contrast, the Cube Cargo uses a box between the handlebars and the front wheel. A front box offers plenty of contiguous storage space and makes transporting larger items easier. However, it significantly lengthens the bike and changes the steering feel. The longtail handles more like a conventional e-bike, though heavy rear loading requires careful handling due to the higher center of gravity.

A three-wheeled cargo bike offers stable support when stationary. In return, it is usually wider and requires more space when cornering. With the Cube Longtail, the entire bike leans into curves as usual. Those who already ride a bike regularly will therefore find it easier to adapt.

If you regularly have to push your cargo bike into a bicycle cellar, park it in a courtyard, or maneuver it through bollards, the longtail concept is usually more practical. If a large, enclosed cargo area is the priority, a cargo bike with a front box offers more usable volume.

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

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

The derailleur gear system offers eleven clearly stepped 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 rear derailleur require regular cleaning and lubrication.

The Enviolo gear system can be operated without fixed gear steps. You turn the grip shifter until the pedaling resistance feels right. This is pleasant in city traffic because the gear ratio can also be adjusted while at a standstill. The Gates belt does not require chain lubrication and keeps trouser legs cleaner. If you commute in all weather conditions or share the bike with several people, the Comfort version is usually the more straightforward choice. The Shimano variant is better suited for frequent climbs and the most direct gear selection possible.

The permissible system weight for current longtail models is 200 kg. This figure includes the bicycle, the rider, clothing, accessories, and the entire load. Therefore, the 60 kg load capacity of the rear rack must not be automatically fully utilized. It must first be checked how much reserve remains after deducting the weight of the bicycle, the rider's weight, and any mounted accessories.

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

The load should be distributed as low and as evenly as possible. Heavy items belong close to the frame and not at the very end of the luggage rack. Panniers lower the center of gravity, provided both sides are loaded similarly. A heavy bag on one side is clearly noticeable when starting off and during slow turns.

Up to two children can ride on the Cube Longtail, provided the required accessories are installed and weight limits are observed. Which components are needed 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.
• A suitable child seat is required for children aged one to five years.

For children aged one to five, Cube allows for 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 total) and the total system weight (200 kg) are not exceeded by the passengers. For this, a top rail, spoke guards, bench seat, and running board are required.

When children are 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 can tip over despite the dual-leg kickstand.

Side bags 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 mounting points should also be secure. The weight of the accessories reduces the remaining payload of the rear carrier.

The Cube Longtail Hybrid features a Bosch Cargo Line motor with 85 Nm of torque. This drive system is optimized for electric cargo bikes and provides extra support when starting off with a heavy load. While the torque is helpful on inclines, it does not replace the need for an appropriate gear. You should shift into a lower gear before stopping so that the bike and motor require less power for the next start.

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

A fixed range estimate would not be very meaningful for an electric cargo bike. Two children, headwinds, low temperatures, and frequent stops all reduce the range. Tire pressure, assistance level, inclines, and the rider's body weight also affect power consumption. Therefore, a trip with minimal assistance cannot be compared to a fully loaded ride in Cargo or Turbo mode.

When making your purchase decision, you should consider your longest regular daily route and plan for a reserve. If you drop off two children at school in the morning, commute to work, and can only charge in the evening, you will benefit more from a large battery capacity than a household that only makes short daily trips. A removable battery makes it easier to charge in an apartment or office if there is no power outlet available at the parking location.

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 especially noticeable when starting off, riding very slowly, and pushing the bike. The rider should keep the bike upright, keep both hands on the handlebars, and start with moderate motor support. Hectic steering maneuvers make the loaded rear end oscillate more easily.

1. Select an easy gear before starting.
2. Align the front wheel straight and stabilize the bike with both feet.
3. Start pedaling steadily instead of taking off with a strong pedal stroke.
4. Only steer more sharply once the bike is rolling steadily.
5. Brake before corners and ride through the turn at a steady pace.

When braking, the additional weight is also noticeable. The current models are therefore equipped with hydraulic four-piston disc brakes and large brake rotors. 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 base for loading and unloading. However, a fully loaded longtail is not as easy to pull onto the stand as a normal bicycle. Place the bike on a firm, level surface and hold it securely while children are getting on and off. Only then should the kickstand be retracted.

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

Finding the right setting starts with the saddle. At the lowest point of the pedal stroke, the knee should still be slightly bent. The handlebar height is then adjusted. A higher position promotes an upright posture and provides better visibility during slow-speed 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 return to the respective setting. Before every ride, it must be checked that all clamps are closed. This is especially important when the bike is swapped between two people several 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 touch the ground with their feet while standing will face unnecessary difficulties when starting with a load.

The Cube Longtail requires less floor space than many cargo bikes with a front box, but it is heavier and longer than a standard city bike. Its 1,268 mm wheelbase and wide rear structure should be taken into account when navigating tight corners in a basement. Before purchasing, it is worth measuring doors, landings, and elevators. It is not just the footprint that is decisive; the path to the storage area must also be navigable with a bike weighing around 34 to 40 kg.

The 26-inch front wheel usually fits into simple front-wheel holders. However, the long, loaded rear end can put more lateral strain on the bike. A sturdy leaning rail is often more suitable because both the frame and the front wheel can be locked to it. For two-tier 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 car rear racks. Many standard racks are designed for lighter e-bikes. In addition to the rack's load capacity, the vehicle's permissible vertical load, the wheelbase, and the rail length must 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 in the current system weight data for Cube Longtail models. Therefore, the transport of children and luggage should be planned using the integrated rear system provided for that purpose.

How heavy is the Cube Longtail Hybrid e-bike itself?

The weight depends on the gear system and accessories. The current Longtail Hybrid 800 with Shimano derailleur gears weighs approximately 34.3 kg. The corresponding Family version comes to around 38.9 kg due to the bench seat, running boards, and side protection. The Longtail Hybrid Comfort weighs about 35.2 kg, while the Comfort Family version is around 39.8 kg. Minor deviations due to equipment and production status are possible.

Does the Cube Longtail fit in a normal bike cellar or standard bike rack?

The Longtail fits into many ground-level bike cellars because it is narrower than a front-loader cargo bike. Narrow stairs and winding basement corridors can be problematic due to the weight and the extended rear. Standard racks must be able to accommodate wide 26-inch tires and provide sufficient space behind the front wheel. A leaning rail is usually more practical than a simple rim holder.

Can a trailer be attached to the Cube Longtail?

No permissible trailer load is specified in the system weight table for current Cube Longtail models. A child or cargo trailer should therefore not be attached without express approval from Cube and the hitch manufacturer. The bike is designed for transport on the rear luggage rack as well as on optional front and down tube racks.

Which accessories are available for transporting children?

The system includes the RILink Longtail bench seat, the Toprail attachment, side protection, and the running board set. Younger children additionally require a suitable child seat. The Family models include the bench seat, running boards, and side protection as standard. Which combination is required depends on the age, weight, and number of children.