12 models head to head – The Riese & Müller Multitinker in our cargo bike group test

Riese & Müller took on the competition in our group test with their most compact cargo bike, the Multitinker. So, is the Multitinker a highly adjustable cargo bike, catering to every cargo bike fan, as the name would suggest? We put it to the test to find out.

In addition to their off-road cargo bike the Packster2 70 Touring, Riese & Müller’s also sent us their smaller and more compact Multitinker to take on the cargo bike competition. The Multitinker Vario is a mixture of the R&M Tinker and Multicharger, not just combining their names but also promising the best of both worlds in terms of handling. The Multitinker adopts the long rear end from the Multicharger and the small 20″ wheels from the Tinker. That should make for a super-compact longtail cargo bike with a low centre of gravity.

As you’d expect from Riese & Müller, the extensive online configurator allows you to tailor the bike to suit your preferences, offering a choice of models with a Shimano drivetrain or a continuously variable Enviolo hub. The basic Multitinker is available from € 6,199, which we upgraded with € 569.50 worth of accessories in the configurator, bringing the price to € 6,768.50. That puts it above the € 6,536 average of the test field.

The Multitinker tips the scales at 41.18 kg, which is below the test field average of 47,4 kg. With a gross weight limit of 200 kg, the Multitinker thus has a carrying capacity of just under 160 kg for the rider and their cargo.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best cargo-bike – The 12 hottest models in our comparison test.

Small, clever, Multitinker – What sets the Riese & Müller Multitinker apart in our cargo bike group test?

Seriously? A cargo bike? At first glance, the Multitinker looks too small to take on really big loads. However, the compact design has a certain charm, lending the cargo bike a hop-on-hop-off character. The compact design with a low entry has a neat looking rear end that upon closer inspection makes clever use of all the room available.

Gotcha! So this is where the cargo goes! Unlike a long john cargo bike, the goods go on the back of longtail cargo bikes, and there’s plenty of room on the Multitinker Vario. The large rear bench with footrests can carry two children, though they shouldn’t exceed the combined weight limit of 65 kg. Riese & Müller give an age recommendation of seven to nine years. The integrated wheel guard keeps their feet out of harm’s way. For an additional € 69.90, the foam cushions and handle of the Passenger Kit keep the kids comfortable and give them a place to hold on to. We also opted for the two 42 litre panniers (€ 249.90) in the configurator, which you can partially fill with groceries even with kids on the rear bench.
If you want to transport two beer crates, you will either have to leave the kiddies at home and place the crates on the bench, making sure to lash them down securely, or place the individual bottles in the large panniers. However, you won’t be able to fit a whole crate. Alternatively, the front rack offers additional space for small items.But it’s not certified to carry more than 8 kg. The available space on the rear end has been cleverly used, featuring a neatly hidden glove compartment, similar to the Specialized Porto. Riese & Müller secure the small compartment with a combination lock.

The sizing concept of the Multitinker works well thanks to the wealth of adjustment options, like the height- and angle-adjustable stem. So, the bike can be used by the whole family. All of the adjustments on the Multitinker Vario can be made without tools, except for the height of the kids handle bolted to the seat post. The adjustable seat post also works well for small riders. The Multitinker should accommodate riders from 150 to 200 cm tall. Unfortunately, you don’t get a dropper post. That would make it easier for riders to get their feet on the ground when stopping at traffic lights, but it’s not compatible with the kid’s handle.

The Multitinker’s battery concept isn’t as flexible as the dual-battery concept on the Moustache Lundi. However, it can be easily removed from the top of the down tube. Considering its size, you should keep an eye on the charge status when hauling heavy loads and travelling longer distances, or keep the support in the economical Eco mode. The technical specs of the integrated Bosch Performance Line CX motor are very similar to the Bosch Cargo Line in the Packster2 70 Touring. Both offer up to 85 Nm of support, but the CX motor doesn’t have a Cargo mode. The Cargo Line motor provides up to 400% support, while the CX provides a maximum of 340% support. Nevertheless, we never found the Multitinker lacking in support. If you’re interested in finding out more about the technical details of the current motors on the market, we recommend checking out our big motor group test.

The Bosch Smart System is full of the usual clever features, like the eBike Lock function for theft protection, and a rudimentary navigation system. The optional RX chip available in the configurator further protects the Multitinker from theft thanks to the tracking function and integrated motion sensor, raising the level in terms of connectivity and after sale service. The Multitinker comes specced with a solid list of everyday accessories as standard, and the service intervals are kept to a minimum on our test bike thanks to belt drive and geared hub.

Tuning tip: Suspended parallelogram seat post for more rider comfort.

The Riese & Müller Multitinker on test – An everyday cargo runabout?

Thanks to its compact length of 187 cm, the Multitinker is the shortest longtail and second shortest cargo bike overall in the test field, and can therefore easily be parked next to your car in the garage. If you want to put the bike onto the stand to load up your cargo, it’s easy to prop up. However, just placing your goods on top of the rear bench is not an option with the Multitinker. You’ll either have to buy the optional panniers or find your own solution for securing your goods. R&M offer a range of other cargo carrying accessories in the configurator for a transport solution tailored to your needs. To secure your cargo on the front, you should consider adding either the bag (€ 99.90 compatible with standard luggage carriers) or the extra large cargo rack with straps (€ 49.90).

The sizing concept on the Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario works well thanks to the wealth of adjustment options, like the height- and angle- adjustable stem. So, the bike can be used by the whole family.

Hopping onto the step-through cargo bike is particularly easy, thanks to the low down tube. The riding position is compact and upright, which can be easily adjusted thanks to a quick-release clamp on the angle- and height-adjustable stem. The lively Multitinker hasn’t got any difficulties pulling away, making you feel safe in traffic from the get go. Thanks to the agile handling, you can ride slalom through a busy farmers market on the weekend, and the low centre of gravity also instils you with confidence. The cargo bike isn’t fazed by heavy loads either, reliably sticking to the line that you aim for with the handlebar. Riding the Multitinker is almost as intuitive as riding a normal bike – unless you stack your cargo high up the rear rack, which raises the centre of gravity and comes at the cost of stability. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor makes the Multitinker feel extra lively, leaving it’s longtail siblings behind at traffic light sprints.

Thanks to the agile handling, you can ride slalom through a busy farmers market on the weekend, and the low centre of gravity also instils you with confidence.

Thanks to the suspension fork up front, the Multitinker is more comfortable than the unsprung long tail cargo bikes on test. It does a great job of absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road. That said, it’s somewhat lacking in comfort at the rear, and the cargo tends to get shaken up when riding down curbs. A suspended seat post like that on the Moustache Lundi would make the rider more comfortable, at least. While the small wheels and responsive handling make the bike feel agile and intuitive in the city, the handling can get rather demanding on longer tours and poorly maintained paths, and rough dirt roads can feel very bumpy. The gear range of the Enviolo hub isn’t suitable for long rides in very hilly terrain either. Due to the lack of easier gears, steep climbs on the Multitinker take a lot of effort from the rider.

Who is the bike for? And who better steer clear?

The Riese & Müller Multitinker is aimed at those who want a cargo bike that can transport a lot, but who don’t have a ton of space in the garage. The Multitinker also appeals to commuters who want to use shortcuts through tight alleys on their way to work, and want the most natural handling bike possible. The configurator allows you to adapt the cargo bike to different types of riders and transport requirements. However, the geared Enviolo hub is somewhat lacking in range, preventing trekking enthusiasts from tackling long tours with lots of elevation gain.

Our conclusion on the Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario

So small yet so big! The compact Multitinker presents a clever transport concept in a compact form, combining agility with confidence-inspiring and fun handling. The sizing concept also works well, easily and comfortably accommodating a wide range of rider sizes in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the online configurator, the bike can cater to the needs of both commuters and those looking to transport cargo, though it can’t keep up when it comes to trekking and riding off-road.

For more information, visit r-m.de

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The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best cargo-bike – The 12 hottest models in our comparison test.

All bikes in test: Moustache Lundi 20 Cargo 3 (Click for review) | Specialized Porto (Zum Test) | Ultima Multipath Cargo Compact (Click for review) | i:SY Cargo P12 ZR (Click for review) | Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring (Click for review) | Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario | BTWIN Cargo R500E Longtail V2 (Click for review) | WINORA F.U.B. 2W (Click for review) | Cannondale Wonderwagen Neo1 (Click for review) | VEOLO Cargo Trailer (Click for review) | Benno RemiDemi XL (Click for review) | Momentum PakYak E+ (Click for review)

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Antonia Feder, Robin Schmitt