Going off-road with a cargo bike? That’s like driving in 4×4 terrain with a van! It could be fun, but nobody does it. But fun is exactly what the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring cargo bike promises, thanks to front and rear suspension, ABS braking, and off-road tires. Does that make the Packster2 the perfect all-rounder?
German cargo bike experts Riese & Müller have dedicated themselves entirely to vibrant city life, and our test field doesn’t just include one but two of their bikes. The Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring relies on a long john design, so the cargo is placed in front of the rider. The Packster2 is a combination of the Riese & Müller Load, which won the cargo bike group test in 2020, and the previous R&M Packster 70.
The Packster2 70 Touring boasts full-suspension like the Load model, and it comes with a convenient transport box at the front like the Packster, combining the best of both worlds. R&M also offer a comprehensive online configurator that allows you to spec the bike to suit different types of riders, going beyond just the normal accessories. Only Ultima can offer so many configuration options in the test field. Thanks to the front and rear suspension, it’s the most off-road capable cargo bike in the group test. The remaining bikes in the test field have to make do with rigid forks and rear ends. Alternatively, the Packster2 is also available as a hardtail version with a suspension fork.
Our build of the Packster2 70 Touring is priced at € 9,848.20, featuring the Control Technology Package and other accessories besides, and it can get even more expensive depending on your intended use. The price of a base version starts at € 7,699, which is € 2,149.20 less than the bike on test. Just the price difference is almost as much as the most affordable cargo bike in our group test, the BTWIN Cargo. The Packster2 70 Touring comes in way above the group test average of € 6,536, and it’s by far the most expensive cargo bike in the test field. You can get a used van for that much money. Tipping the scales at 56 kg, you could also use a van to collect the cargo bike. But is it just as good, or maybe even better?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best cargo-bike – The 12 hottest models in our comparison test.
What will it be? – What sets the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring apart?
Just half a metre shorter than the wheelbase of a VW T5/T6 Multivan – not bad! The Packster2 tries to hide its bulk behind the subtle black finish. However, it’s one of the largest bikes in the test field, measuring 2.54 m in length, and it makes a brawny first impression. There’s only so much the subtle colour can do to change that. It also seems slightly rudimentary compared to the Specialized Porto. It’s clear that R&M prioritised durability and functionality over an organic design. This makes it look a bit dated. The head/steerer tube is striking too, which protrudes from the transport box and the bike’s silhouette like a captain’s mast on a ship.
The large, permanently integrated transport box up front can carry up to 70 kg or 2 beer crates with ease. According to R&M, you’ve got a cargo capacity of 240 litres (increasing to a whopping 375 litres with the high box cover available for € 299). Crafted from shock-absorbing polypropylene (EPP) foam, the box also includes a lockable glove compartment big enough for two paperback novels. It uses the same key as the battery lock and the ABUS frame lock on the rear wheel, which should deter would-be thieves.
The online configurator gives you the option of upgrading the transport box with a double child seat (€ 120), a cargo carry system with partitions and eyelets (€ 200), or even three child seats (€ 290). You can also get accessories like the child cover (€ 300) or a simple tarpaulin (€ 80), but they all cost extra.
The mounting points on the seat tube allow you to fit a rear rack, available for € 49.90, which can carry an additional 15 kg. Since the rack bolts to the seat tube, it’s suspended along with the rider, so you won’t ruin the cake for the kid’s birthday picnic by the lake. If you want to haul even bigger loads with the Riese & Müller Packster2, you can also tow a trailer, like the VEOLO Cargo trailer featured in our group test. In that case, however, you might need a truck driver’s licence to handle the bike.
The universal sizing concept works well on the Packster2 70 Touring, thanks to the cargo bike’s adjustability. It’s quick and easy to adjust the handlebar and saddle height via the quick release levers, accommodating riders of all shapes and sizes. That said, the adjustability isn’t quite as ingenious as on the Riese & Müller Multitinker, which sets the bar in this respect. That’s because you can’t adjust the angle of the stem on the Packster2 cargo bike.
To help you get the R&M Packster2 70 Touring moving, you’ve got the Bosch Cargo Line motor, which assists you with up to 85 Nm of torque, and is specially designed to meet the needs of cargo bikes. The motor is powered by the 750 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, which is located under the transport box in the battery compartment on the left. To fill the right battery compartment, you can either do so with a baguette like a true Parisian, or by forking out another € 1,299.90 for a second battery. This then increases the total battery capacity to a massive 1,500 Wh. That should let you tackle long tours without having to make any charging stops along the way.
If you don’t like the Bosch Intuvia 100 display, you can also choose the clearer Kiox 300 colour display for an additional € 49.90. This also doubles as a digital key with the Bosch eBike Lock function, and even provides rudimentary navigation. Although the Bosch Smart System offers optional anti-theft protection with a tracking function when retrofitting the Connect module, Riese & Müller developed the RX Connect package (€ 149.90) in-house long before Bosch started offering this solution. Included in the package is a chip that can activate a motion sensing alarm, and allows you to track the cargo bike. The RX Connect package is required for a range of other services besides. No other bike offers as much theft protection as Riese & Müller Packster2.
Our bike came equipped with ABS (€ 499.90 surcharge) as part of the Bosch Smart System, providing added safety while riding. This effectively prevents the front wheel from locking up and ensures maximum traction regardless of the conditions. Finally, the SR Suntour suspension offers 80 mm travel at the front and rear, providing the necessary comfort and damping for you and your cargo. If you lose track of time and only head home from the picnic in the late evening hours, the excellent Supernova M99 Mini Pro headlight ensures ample visibility with its high beam function, included with the Control Technology Package.
Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring
€ 9,848
Specifications
Motor Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm
Battery Bosch Powertube 750 750 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 300
Fork Suntour Mobie 34 CGO Boost 80 mm
Rear Shock X-Fusion Glyde 80 mm
Seatpost Alu
Brakes MAGURA MT C ABS 180/220 mm
Drivetrain Shimano Deore XT 1x11
Handlebar Satori Horizon 620 mm
Wheelset Mach1 Trucky30 20"/26"
Tires Schwalbe 20" Smart Sam Plus 60-406 ECE-R75*; Schwalbe Smart Sam Plus 57-559 Reflex* 2.35"/2.25"
Technical Data
Size One Size
Weight 56.0 kg
Perm. total weight 200 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 144 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes
Specific Features
Magura MT C ABS
Supernova lighting system
Tuning tip: For class-leading comfort, choose the Control Technology Package with rear suspension in the configurator
The Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring on test – A mountain goat in the urban jungle?
If you opt for the Packster2, you should also have a large parking space in the garage. Carrying it down into the basement or standing it upright isn’t possible due to the weight and design. But thanks to the convenient foot lever, it’s easy to prop the Packster2 up on its centre stand without having to yank on the saddle, even if it’s fully loaded. That said, getting on the bike proves to be a little more challenging for the rider. With it propped up, the standover height of the top tube is almost 60 cm, so you’ve got to lift your foot relatively high. The Packster2 can be easily adapted to different riders thanks to the quick-release clamps on the steerer and seat tube. Sitting on the saddle, you’ll find the riding position aboard the cargo bike to be slightly stretched.
The configurator on the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring is bursting with extensive options.
However, the biggest challenge is pulling away. It takes some time to get accustomed to the bike and find your balance, and we recommend practising in the parking lot with a heavy load to get used to the handling. At first, the bike can feel a little wobbly when pulling away. The lack of a dropper seat post also makes it difficult to stop and go at traffic lights. But once you get the hang of it and you’re up to speed, the Packster2 feels stable and safe in traffic. This is in part thanks to the ABS, which minimises stopping distances and reliably prevents the front wheel from locking up even on gravel roads. The cable steering keeps the turning circle super small for such a large bike, though you might find it lacking in feedback from the front wheel. Cargo bikes with steering rods like the i:SY Cargo are more precise. If you max out the gross weight limit of 200 kg, the bike will feel slightly cumbersome yet still manoeuvrable thanks to the cable steering, easily navigating corners.
Due to the suspension, the Packster2 does a great job of absorbing bumps when riding down curbs or over potholes, keeping the handling stable and offering ample comfort. The knobby tires and ABS also make the Packster2 suitable for off-road use. They make easy work of gravel or woodland paths to a picnic by the lake. No other bike in the test field could outperform the Packster2 70 Touring in terms of comfort. But beware all you with big feet. Your feet can easily get caught on the centre stand or the cargo tray.
On steep ascents, the Packster2 climbs as reliably as a mountain goat, managing to conquer every summit thanks to the wide gear range of the Shimano DEORE XT drivetrain and powerful Bosch motor.
Thanks to the front and rear suspension, the Packster2 is both stable and extremely comfortable.
Who is the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring for? And who better steer clear?
Thanks to the extensive configurator, the Packster2 can be perfectly tailored to your preferences and use case. This doesn’t just appeal to parents with young children, but also to commuters who take the occasional off-road detour on their way to work. Courier companies, pizzerias, and other delivery businesses will also find a reliable partner in the Packster2. With a dual battery option and plenty of rider comfort thanks to front and rear suspension, it’s an attractive option for long-haul riders, too. However, it’s not ideal for those who don’t have a suitable parking space at home. If you want a long john cargo bike nonetheless, you’re more likely to find happiness with a compact model like the i:SY Cargo. Considering the price, budget-conscious buyers are best advised to look at our best buy instead.
Our conclusion of the Riese & Müller Packster2 70 Touring
While the Riese & Müller Packster2 is the most expensive bike in the test field, it also delivers the most convincing performance. You shouldn’t be put off by the initial learning curve to get used to the handling because the Packster2 proves to be a good, versatile, and comfortable all-rounder, boasting many clever features and high-quality components. As a result, the Packster2 70 Touring deserves the title of best in test of our cargo bike shootout.
Tops
- versatile
- extensive online configurator
- sets the bar in terms of comfort
- best connectivity package
- huge battery capacity
Flops
- requires a large parking space
- centre stand gets in the way of big feet
- handling takes a little more time to get used to
For more information, visit r-m.de
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 | Riese & Müller Multitinker Vario (Click for review) | 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