Trying to get some opinions on the suitability and differences between RM Charger 5, Mixte 53 cms compared to Multicharger 3 Mixte 51 cm, GT Touring models, chain and cassette. Multi day tours on gravel rail trails. 105 kg rider carrying 15 kg -20 kg equipment mainly in 2 rear pannier bags. Looking for Ebikes with total weight of 160 kgs+

Multicharger 3 seems very well regarded as does Charger. Price is similar and not the deciding factor. I am interested in stability, comfort, riding position, braking. Load capacity would be enough on either bike. I would be carrying a second battery in rear rack bag or pannier.

 

Is the Bosch cargo line motor in the Multicharger a better option than the performance line CX gen 5 in the charger 5 for touring, hill climbing, reliability?

 

Any disadvantages of Multicharger 3 compared to buying Charger 5, except for being slightly heavier, longer wheelbase and having 26 inch wheels? How is the bike balance, handling and steering when unladen. I do have a second Ebike for non touring use, but it would be good if the Multicharger was also very good to ride when not touring, I ride on gravel rail trails weekly when not touring

 

Gazelle Ebikes no longer sold in Australia

Trek Ebikes do not have load rating.

Cube Kathmandu ebikes in Australia do not offer the 160 kg rated upper models

Specialized Vado/Tero seem good but I prefer Bosch motors

I also want a removable battery for charging in motel/hotel rooms

Cannondale do not have any suitable products in Ebikes in Australia

Moustache Ebikes very hard to get

Focus Aventura 2?

 

Any other Ebikes I should consider

Finding it challenging to get any real world feedback.

 

Great weather in Victoria, Australia today. Light winds, sunny, top temperature of 21 degrees. Will be cycling this afternoon.

 

Regards

Kevin

I had a quick look at the specs, and the basics are all pretty good, which you would expect from RM.

 

I have seen the CargoLine motor on a Tern GSD, parent and two kids, they love it. Has higher torque lower down than CX, don't think the difference will matter for touring as CX is mighty.

 

Magura MT5 brakes excellent. Slight disappointment to see single pot MT4 on the rear: heavily laden, rear bake works as hard as the front.

 

If two panniers and a bit on the rack is enough, and it is good to have a reason to minimise baggage, I prefer the normality of the Charger.

 

One bike on clearance in the UK has the 'comfort pack', which includes swept back bars. That's where to focus your fine tuning. I couldn't live without things like that.

 

Some images show a suspension seat post. Essential! Make it a good one, Suntour NCX or CaneCreek Thudbuster.

 

Battery is 'fully integrated', which might mean you cannot swap on the go. But 800Wh on some models, OK for most but not the longest days.

 

Bosch have a dual battery setup, so that might provide a solution.

 

Otherwise with your weather, solar might help. I use a large 330Wp solar trailer for unlimited summer range in the UK. You could probably manage with half that for independence, or a third for enough extra to get through long days.

 

I've only done this on Shimano motors.

 

Thanks Matthewslack for your thoughtful reply.

 

I will be credit card touring and will carry second battery and 2 chargers. Access to recharging each night.

I tend to agree that the Charger may be the better option. The 50-65 kg rear rack capacity of Multicharger may be a disadvantage. I have read a few posts about slight wobble when starting off when carrying child in the back and that the centre of gravity is higher than some competitors, probably bikes with smaller wheels.

 

Have a good day