LAX CYCLES: LAX ONE BELT DRIVE Cargo Bike On Test – Compact and Stylish

A cargo bike for everyday use that’s lightweight, agile, and practical at the same time? That’s exactly the concept behind the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE – a fun yet functional compact bike. We put this innovative ride from the young German startup through the wringer to find out how it fares!

The LAX CYCLES ONE Belt Drive doesn’t want to be just another cargo bike. It aims to break the mold, rethink urban mobility, while still remaining practical. The LAX ONE is designed to weave through city traffic like a salmon swimming upstream – compact with its 20-inch wheels, just 1.60 meters long, and nimble enough for tight alleys and congested roads.

And that’s exactly where the name comes from. According to Jens Renner, CEO of LAX CYCLES, “LAX” stands for two things. First, the powerful and agile movement of a salmon (Lachs in German) – not in water, but through the rapids of urban traffic. And second, “reLAX” – because this bike is built not just for speed, but also to deliver a smooth, confident ride.

LAX CYCLES is a team of passionate cyclists from Frankfurt, Germany, which has dedicated itself to modern, sustainable mobility. Their focus: local production and high sustainability. Their goal is to keep the carbon footprint as small as possible by ensuring that both the bikes and components are manufactured primarily in Europe. For example, the frame is made right in Frankfurt from lightweight yet durable chromoly steel.

Our stripped-down test bike came without fenders or a kickstand, weighing in at just 15.4 kg. However, the production model of the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE features a kickstand, fenders, and slimmer tires, which bring the total system weight to around 16 kg (manufacturer’s specification). Retail price is € 3,950.
While the LAX is actually an analogue bike, it has a very unique feature: you can retrofit both a battery and a hub motor to adapt it to changing needs over time. How does the LAX ONE perform in everyday life, and does it truly glide through traffic as effortlessly as promised? Read the full review to find out!

The new LAX ONE BELT DRIVE cargo bike in detail: compact, cargo-ready, and stylish – is that even possible?

At first glance, our test bike looks a bit like a cargo BMX – especially in our test version without fenders, which makes this look stand out even more. But what makes it truly special is the seamlessly crafted chromoly steel frame, which is made in Frankfurt from a single piece. The frame flows in one continuous, harmonious line, from the downtube to the chainstays and seatstays, all the way up to the top tube, and finally extending into the integrated front rack. No bulky weld seams – just a sleek, well-executed design.

The front rack is the most eye-catching feature of the LAX ONE – not just visually, but also in terms of functionality. Measuring 40 x 33 cm, it provides ample space for groceries, bags, or even a beer crate. With a load capacity of up to 20 kg, the rack makes the compact LAX ONE a true cargo bike, proving that “compact” and “load-ready” don’t have to be mutually exclusive. To keep your cargo secure, a few bungee cords or straps are a smart addition. For those needing even more carrying capacity, an optional rear rack is available for an additional € 60. With a maximum load of 27 kg, it can accommodate panniers or even a child seat, turning this small bike into a serious pack mule – nice!

Narrow alleys, crowded trams, old apartment buildings with endless stairs – city life demands a practical bike. And this is where the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE shines. At just 1.60 m in total length, it fits easily on public transport, and at only 15.4 kg, it’s still light enough to carry up a few flights of stairs without breaking a sweat. Sizing is just as hassle-free, as the bike follows the one-fits-all concept. Thanks to its generous saddle adjustment range, our test bike accommodated riders from 1.65 m to 1.93 m tall without any issues.

The LAX ONE also offers a unique level of flexibility: belt drive or chain drive, with or without a motor – you decide. The idea behind it? If you start out riding purely on muscle power but want some assistance at some point, or if you have an ebike and want to go back to a fully-analogue ride, you can retrofit your LAX ONE at a dealer or directly through LAX CYCLES. However, the company has yet to reveal exactly how this conversion works or how much it will cost.

The concept sounds like a sustainable game-changer: instead of buying a new bike, you simply adapt the one you already have. The big question is: is the conversion really that simple, or is there more to it? If LAX CYCLES deliver a well-thought-out system – such as standardized interfaces and a true plug-and-play setup – this could be a groundbreaking concept and a key USP for the young German brand.

The Specs of Our LAX ONE Cargo Test Bike

The LAX ONE BELT DRIVE we tested features a solid, low-maintenance spec that is perfectly suited for urban riding. Shimano supply the DEORE brakes, with a four-piston calliper at the front and a two-piston version at the rear – more than enough stopping power for those high-pressure moments at busy intersections.

Adding to its hassle-free nature is the low-maintenance GATES Carbon Drive. This belt drive system keeps maintenance to a minimum – no oiling required, no chain wear, just hop on and ride. Paired with the fully enclosed Shimano ALFINE 8-speed internal gear hub, the drivetrain is not only clean but also virtually maintenance-free compared to a conventional chain setup.

The cockpit consists of 640 mm aluminum handlebars, while the Litepro seatpost is topped with a comfortable Ergon saddle. The production model of the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE rolls on 51 mm Schwalbe Big Apple tires, known for their cushioning and smooth ride. However, our test bike was fitted with 57 mm Demolition Hammerhead tires, which can’t be specced as standard. If you like these tires, you’ll have to source them separately and remove the stock fenders, as these only accommodate tires up to about 55 mm.

How much of a difference do the wider tires make? The Schwalbe Big Apple already offer excellent damping for a comfortable ride, but the higher-volume Hammerhead tires provide even more cushioning, which is especially noticeable on rough surfaces. Riders looking for extra comfort and traction may opt for wider tires, but they’ll have to sacrifice fenders. Alternatively, other tire options around 55 mm remain compatible with the stock fenders.

Important Note: When you order the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE, it comes standard with a kickstand, fenders, and Schwalbe Big Apple tires.

Tuning-Tip: Wide Demolition Hammerhead tires for a BMX look and added comfort. However, you’ll need to remove the fenders to fit them.

The Specs of the new LAX ONE

Three variants, one modular concept. In other words, the LAX ONE is a frame that can be equipped with different drivetrain options.

The LAX ONE MUSCLE BIKE is the purist version. It comes with a Shimano ZEE 10-speed rear derailleur and – true to its name – no motor, thus catering to those who want to pedal purely under their own steam. The components are nearly identical to the ebike version, but without the battery and motor, it remains lighter and more agile. It is available with full commuter-ready equipment for € 3,950.

The LAX ONE ebike combines the derailleur drivetrain with a Hyena rear hub motor and a 250 Wh battery, which is integrated into the downtube. At € 5,250, this version provides full electric assistance and comes standard with lights, a kickstand, and fenders for everyday use.

The LAX ONE BELT DRIVE introduces a third option: instead of a chain, it features the low-maintenance GATES Carbon Drive belt, which, according to the manufacturer, is quiet and practically maintenance-free. At present, this version is not available with an electric motor, as the internal hub gear is located in the rear wheel. However, conversion to an ebike could be possible in the future.

If you’re looking to build your own bike from scratch, you can get the LAX ONE frameset for € 1,999, which can be freely configured with a belt or chain drive, with or without a motor.

Riding the Urban Rapids – The LAX ONE BELT DRIVE on Test

Hopping on and riding off is child’s play – thanks to the step-through frame design, getting onto the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE is refreshingly easy. The riding position strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness, with plenty of seat post extension to accommodate riders up to 1.93 m.

Within the first few meters, the BMX-like feel kicks in – you’ll be tempted to hit the next pump track. The 20-inch wheels lower the center of gravity and ensure great stability, but combined with the 15.4 kg and compact 1.60 m length, the LAX ONE stays nimble and agile at all times. It thrives in dense city traffic, zipping effortlessly through tight alleyways and sprinting off the line. Threading your way through stationary traffic? No problem. Slaloming through pedestrians? Better not – though the LAX would probably love it. 😉

Despite its compact dimensions, the bike is nice and stable even when fully loaded. Whether the front rack is maxed out at 20 kg – with a crate of beer and a week’s worth of groceries (whichever comes first!) – the LAX ONE handles precisely, proving itself as a genuinely practical compact cargo bike.

Comfort is often a trade-off with compact bikes, and the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE is no exception. The 57 mm tires on our test bike smooth out bumps and provide decent cushioning on cobblestones or rough asphalt, but you’ll still feel the ride. That makes bungee cords essential for keeping cargo secure on the front rack. On the plus side, both the stock tires and wider alternatives keep you from getting caught in tram tracks.

In a flat urban environment, the LAX ONE is pure fun. But in hilly terrain, like around Stuttgart, the 307% gear range of the Shimano ALFINE internal hub reaches its limits. Climbing steeper hills is tough, and without legs of steel, you’ll probably break a sweat. If you frequently tackle steeper gradients, you might want to consider the ebike model with the derailleur gearing instead.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE Cargo Bike?

The LAX ONE BELT DRIVE is designed for urban dwellers who want to find a good compromise between style and functionality – whether it’s for grocery runs, work commutes, or cruising to your favorite café. With its low-maintenance belt drive and practical front rack, it’s a reliable everyday companion that delivers a true hop-on-hop-off experience.

However, comfort has its limits, as the bike doesn’t feature any proper suspension. That said, wider tires, like those on our test bike, can significantly improve ride quality. Still, it’s best suited for flat city roads, as the 8-speed internal hub gear struggles on steep hills with its 307% range. Riders who need to tackle serious inclines might want to consider the LAX variant with an e-motor and derailleur gearing instead.

For those who love standing out from the crowd, the LAX ONE offers a cool, eye-catching design that’s sure to turn heads. And if you’re up for some fun, you could even take it onto a pump track – just remember to unload (or empty) the beer crate first. 😉

According to LAX CYCLES, the full product lineup is expected to be available at Cycling World 2025 in late March 2025.

Conclusions About the LAX ONE BELT DRIVE

The LAX ONE BELT DRIVE combines the agility of a compact bike with the functionality of a cargo bike, which makes it the ideal partner for urban adventures. The short wheelbase and small 20-inch tires keep it nimble and responsive at all times, delivering a true hop-on-hop-off experience. However, in hilly terrain, the internal 8-speed hub gear reaches its limits – here, the ebike variant with derailleur would be the better choice. With its high-quality spec, well-thought-out design, and strong concept, the LAX ONE isn’t just an eye-catcher – it’s a smart investment for urban mobility and riding fun.

For more info, visit LAXCYCLES.com

Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Julian Schwede