GoCycle cargo bikes: Unique brand DNA, but longer…

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The much-teased GoCycle cargo bikes today break cover in full, bringing forth a bike that is unmistakable in carrying the brand’s DNA, but with a longtail style rear end with a MIK compatible rack out back.

We’re reliably informed that, thanks to a blend of a carbon fibre chassis and other components that have been refined to drive down the weight that this folding cargo bike will tip the scales at around 23kg (50Lbs), which makes it the lightest of all longtail style cargo bikes we’ve featured on this site by some margin.

Did we mention that it folds? That’s not typical either for this style of bike, but having lived in a London flat previously, designer Richard Thorpe wanted to make sure that GoCycle’s ethos of addressing the real needs of a city-dweller were again met. The fold happens at both a hinge on the front third of the frame, plus at the base of a brand new handlebar design giving it both a horizontal and vertical reduction.

The new handlebar – dubbed the ‘Flofit’ – has a hint of Dutch bike styling about it in that it is swept backwards, apparently bringing the rider a big leap in ergonomics and comfort. This bar will be an exclusive to the CX+ variant of the new Gocycle cargo bike family.

As for the drivetrain, GoCycle looks to have plumped for a Shimano five-speed Nexus gearhub and belt drive combination that is well shielded from the elements by the frame’s extended chassis. That extended rear segment has been dubbed the ‘Wingpillar’ and aside from protecting the drivetrain it also branches off to host the rear deck, itself a customisable part of the bike that can be clad in a premium cherry and teak wood finish.

As with other models in the GoCycle family, the motor is proprietary and found in the front wheel. For the UK/EU markets it’ll deliver a 250 watt continuous power, though buyer’s in the USA can obtain a 500 watt and 20mph capable assistance. GoCycle suggest a per charge range of 50 miles (or 80km) assistance on its 375Wh, 10.4Ah battery, all delivered on feedback from a torque sensor.

The Gocycle cargo bikes will come in two versions, found under the CXi and CX+ banners, both of which will be produced in small quantities and some of which are pre-registered for much thanks to the brand’s earlier teaser. There is in fact a chance to place a refundable £499 deposit on the brand’s bikes, if you’re in the market for a longtail cargo bike right now.

The retail price for bikes ordered now is expected to start at £5,999 and top at £6,999, with the first deliveries expected by September.

That price puts it at the premium end of the longtail marketplace, competing with the likes of Tern’s smash-hit GSD. Cycling Electric will soon have a review on the Gocycle CX cargo bikes in the spring of this year, so stay tuned to find out how they compare.

Gocycle Designer & Founder Richard Thorpe said of the launch: ‘Entering the cargo e-bike scene is a bold move for Gocycle, expanding our product family into uncharted territory. We’ve focused on our core values of lightweight and portability – addressing a vital gap in the market, especially for customers turned off by cumbersome and heavy cargo bikes.’

‘We’ve also stayed true to our OneDesignDNA philosophy, preserving a cohesive design language and sleek identity across all Gocycle products. Instantly recognizable as a Gocycle, the all new CXi employs Gocycle’s kernel of patented innovations such as our side-mounted Pitstopwheels, Gocycle’s F1-inspired monocoque chassis, enclosed Cleandrive drivetrain and internal cabling.’

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