Muli-Cycles Muli Muskel in Review

Steel frame, folding basket and a few accessories, Muli-Cycles don’t need much more than that to build a cargo bike. The Muli Muskel dispenses with frills such as a motor, automatic drivetrain or multimedia device and as such, comes in at less than € 3,000. Can the concept deliver?

Click here for an overview of the best cargo bike in review

**Muli-Cycles** Muli Muskel | 27.4 kg | € 2,725 | manfacturer’s website

Life can be so simple. As simple as good pasta that only takes flour, oil and salt and always tastes good. It can be the same with cargo bikes. Without question, little helpers like a motor, an integrated GPS tracker or a moustache on the transport box like the Butchers & Bicycles are wonderful features that often make absolute sense, but they also cost money! You live in a flat city like Berlin, don’t want to spend € 6,000 and are looking for a versatile steel cargo bike that is ‘Made in Germany’?

Then the Muli-Cycles is just what you need! The standard, pared-down version of the Muli Muskel is available from € 2,725. No motor, no electronics, nothing to give you any trouble. No battery that you constantly have to recharge and will inevitably let you down in the middle of nowhere. No multimedia device to distract you from the joy of riding. And yes, unfortunately, no GPS tracker either in case the cargo bike gets stolen. Just a cargo bike, powered by your legs, preferably with your kids or weekly shopping in tow! You even have the option of a hub dynamo to power the lights. That way you’ve got even fewer batteries to think about keeping charged!

**100% benefit at little to no cost and weight**
The simple chain cover prevents your trousers from getting stained and it weighs and costs next to nothing. Why don’t we see something like that more often? Thanks to the split stays of the rear triangle, the Muli is compatible with belt drives too.

**Super comfortable!**
The suspended Ergotec seat post is available as an optional upgrade and, together with the natural flex of the steel frame, makes for a comfortable ride.

**Everything in life should be this simple**
Simply pull the latch to open the basket. As simple as it is ingenious!

Muli-Cycles Muli Muskel

€ 2,725

Specifications

Brakes Shimano BL-M6000 160/160 (f/r) mm
Drivetrain Alfine 11 4.09
Tires Schwalbe Big Apple Plus 20 x 2.15 / 16 x 2.00 (f/r)

Technical Data

Size One size
Weight 27.4 kg
Length 195 cm
Width 60 cm
Height 105 cm
Perm. total weight 197 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 70 kg
Kickstand mount 45

Specific Features

collapsible basket
suspension seat post
Made in Germany

**Steering top, quick release flop**
The steering of the Muli works great, even at slow speeds. But a quick release on a cargo bike in 2020? We expect better! This also makes the front wheel vulnerable to theft.

**Night rides in the dark**
It’s only a matter of time before you forget to replace the batteries and get caught in the dark. However, you can upgrade to a hub dynamo when placing your order. Don’t get caught out in the dark ever again!

**German craftsmanship for international leg work**
The steel frame is entirely made and powder coated in Germany. The welds are excellent and give the Muli a high-quality finish. Brilliant!

The Muli cargo bike doesn’t only stand out from the test field due to its lack of a motor. The high-quality steel frame, which is made in Germany, is just as much a unique selling point. The weld seams suggest that whoever was at work here did so with passion and dedication. With the basket folded up, you could be tempted into thinking you’ll fit more stuff into your old Ortlieb panniers on your trekking bike, but that’s not even remotely the case! Fold it open with a flick of the hand and it transforms from 28 to 60 cm wide, giving you a volume of 100 L and a carrying capacity of up to 70 kg. Clever details such as the chain cover to protect your trouser leg or the high-quality Acros headset round out the harmonious package.

German craftsmanship for international leg work The steel frame is entirely made and powder coated in Germany. The welds are excellent and give the Muli a high-quality finish. Brilliant!

**Helmet** POC Omne SPIN | **Jacket** Porsche Design RCT Jacket, Jet Black
**Shirt** Porsche Design RCT Tee 3.0, Jet Black | **Trousers** Porsche Design 5-Pocket Pants, Jet Black
**Shoes** PEdAL ED Michi Urban Shoes | **Glasses** Porsche Design P’8668 Air Intake

Everything in life should be this simple Simply pull the latch to open the basket. As simple as it is ingenious!

After the first time taking this bike to go shopping you’ll notice how agile it is, offering super intuitive handling whether you’ve loaded it up or not. The natural flex of the steel frame combined with the suspended Ergotec seat post also makes riding on bumpy roads that much more pleasant. In contrast to some of the other cargo bikes on test, like the Butchers & Bicycles, which are difficult to control at slower speeds, the Muli Muskel remains easy to steer even as you navigate pedestrian traffic at walking pace. The Muli Muskel feels super lively on flat terrain and the handling is very direct, making it a lot of fun to ride! The bike also benefits from the smallest turning circle on test after the Tern E-cargo bike. However, without a motor, you’ll have to make your way uphill at walking pace, mostly while pushing. While moderate inclines pose no big challenge as the stiff frame and comparatively light weight of the Muli allow you to get up out of the saddle and sprint, gradients of 10% or more are likely to bring even the fittest riders to a halt with the bike loaded up.

Our test bike came with the € 220 ALFINE 11 drivetrain upgrade and while it surpasses the more common Enviolo drivetrain, upping the gear range to 408% instead of 380%, the huge 50 t chainring makes steep climbs impossible to conquer. If you’re going fast on flat terrain or downhill, you can steer simply by shifting your weight. You’ll quickly forget that you’re riding a cargo bike, which we’re told are sluggish by definition. However, if you live in hilly terrain as we do, you’ll be happy to know that as of Autumn 2020, the Muli Muskel will be available with the Shimano STEPS motor for € 4,820, as you’ll find on the Larry vs Harry STePS eBullitt.

Charles Darwin: The mule (muli) seems to me to be a most amazing animal. It seems that art has surpassed nature here.

Tuning tips: smaller chainring for easier climbing | treat yourself to the optional hub dynamo for complete peace of mind

Conclusion

The Muli cargo bike is the people’s champion. This lively speedster is best suited to flat terrain, offering fun handling for sportier riders. You can even carry it into your basement with the basket folded up. The basket unfolds within seconds and offers enough space for big loads, shopping and kids. Live in hilly terrain? Then you’ll need to be fit as the Muli is solely muscle-powered. Tired of motors and electronics and think your legs are strong enough? Then the minimalistic yet fairly priced, €2,725 Muli Muskel cargo bike is the perfect choice!