21.06.2022 | Reading time - 9 min(s)

How to choose a Riese & Muller E-bike

Written by Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative

Posted in: Electric Bikes, ebikes, riese & muller, electric cargo bikes

Choosing a Riese & Muller can seem like a bit of a minefield but by answering a few simple questions, you can really focus in on the perfect one for you. Below, I will list some of these questions and some of the options that would suit the different answers.

What frame shape do I need?

Riese & Muller bikes are available in three main frame shapes.

1) Step-through – The Riese & Muller Nevo3 has a full step through to make it easier to get on and off and for when you stop the bike.

2) Low top-tube – Some of the models of Riese & Muller range are available in a lower top-tube frame which is termed ‘Mixte’. For when you don’t require the full step through but would like the top-tube to be a little lower. The Multicharger and the Charger are available in this frame shape.

3) High top-tube – This is your classic diamond, high top-tube bicycle and most of the Riese & Muller’s range are available in this shape.

What size do I need?

Which size you require will usually be determined by what height you are and which model you are interested in. Size charts are available online but the best way to be sure is to visit the store and actually sit on one.

How much do I have to carry?

Whether you are just needing to carry a couple of pannier bags for your commute or if you are replacing a car and have to get the kids to school, there will be a Riese & Muller for you.

1) Pannier bags for work commute – Most of the Riese & Muller range come with rear racks for pannier bags and the possibility of a front carrier tray for any extra you need to carry.

2) Large shopping trips or deliveries – Maybe you need to carry a lot of bags or are delivering packages and you require either extra space at the rear or the front of your bike. Bikes such as the Multicharger has the extra space at the rear for a crate whereas the Load 60 or 75 have the space at the front.

3) Carrying one or two children – As above, the options would be the frontloader (Load 60 or 75) or the rear loader (Multicharger with passenger kit or safety bar kit). The choice between these would depend on how you want the bike to handle.

All Riese & Muller Bikes

What gearing do I require?

The Riese & Muller bike come with a choice of three gearing types. The ‘Touring’, ‘Vario’ and ‘Rohloff’. I will describe these below with the benefits of each.

1) Touring – refers to a classic external gear system with a derailleur. This is the most common shifting system on modern bicycles. The benefits are that they are relatively inexpensive, and it is easy to remove the rear wheel in case of punctures. The downside is that you will have to replace the chain and cassette due to wear and it is very easy to wear through these quicker with all the extra power coming from the motor.

2) Vario – This refers to the Enviolo internal hub stepless shifting system which takes the gears and puts them inside the rear wheel hub. You will have less maintenance on these systems as the gears are not subjected to the weather and are protected from the extra power from the motor. Instead of a chain, these come with carbon belt drive which will outlast numerous chains. The downside is that it is more complicated to remove the rear wheel if you need. You will also pay more for this system over the external gears.

3) Rohloff – The top of the tree when it comes to internal gears. Super smooth, incredibly reliable, a wide range for getting up hills and will default to a set gear each time you stop so no more panicking if you are in the wrong gear at lights. Also comes with the belt drive so even less replacement costs. The downsides are that you pay a pretty penny for it and it is a fiddle to get the rear wheel off but the ‘pros’ most certainly outweigh the ‘cons’.

Where will I be using the bike?

Regardless if you are planning to use mostly in cities or if you plan to explore the gravel and the rougher terrain, there will be an option. Most of Riese & Muller’s bike are available in the GT version or the GX version. Some bikes will come with a more basic version also (such as the Nevo3) and I will detail the versions below.

1) Basic – When this is available, the bike will come with a coil sprung fork and slicker tyres designed for tarmac and some light gravel.

2) GT version – As above but with an air suspension for more adjustability and smoothness.

3) GX version - For if you are going more off road. Has an air fork and a knobbly off road tyre so you can go almost anywhere.

This, hopefully, will make choosing your Riese & Muller a little easier but please feel free to get in touch with any of our stores or our online department if we can assist further with choosing your bike.

Tagged: ebike, electric bike, electric cargo bikes, riese & muller

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How to choose a Riese & Muller E-bike

What frame shape do I need?

What size do I need?

How much do I have to carry?

All Riese & Muller Bikes

What gearing do I require?

Where will I be using the bike?