Riese & Müller - Cruiser2

CLASSY IN THE CITY

The Cruiser2 is Riese & Müller's vintage-inspired bicycle, known for its timeless design and classic style.

With the sophisticated colour combination of its frame, comfortable cushioned saddle with spring support, and 28" tires complete with subtle brown leather-look features, ensuring that the Cruiser cuts a real dash through the streets.

The bike’s standard frame bag completes its retro look and secures that your day is stress-free, thanks to its well-protected battery and space for storing smaller bits and pieces.

Bellow we’ll review this model, having as an example:

• Cruiser2 Mixte Vario | Cream | 55 cm
  optional equipment: Kiox 300

FEELING & DESIGN

The Cruiser2 is more than just a vintage-style bike - it's a blend of classic design and modern functionality.

The Cruiser invites you to dress your best outfit and pick a nice perfume: today, you're meeting perhaps Riese & Müller's finest vintage bicycle.

The leather handlebar finishings and brown tires create a striking contrast with the frame design.

According to the brand, this bicycle is meant to "move with you on the streets and be seen."
It's not just about the color scheme; the wider, round structure evokes a sense of the early 20th century.

Offering a Mixte alternative, this classic frame design provides the sensation of mounting and dismounting like a regular bike, with a slightly lowered top tube, transforming every ride into a comfortable trip.
The stylish frame bag completes the classic look of the Cruiser Mixte.

Color options:

• Black

Mixte color options:

• Black

• Cream - which is the color of our test model.

DRIVE UNIT

Tested in Porto, this was the perfect location to experience Bosch's upgrade from the previous Active Line Plus engine to the Performance Line, navigating through the city's constant ups and downs.

The Performance Line is the most versatile drive system from Bosch eBike Systems, offering you 300% of support, reinforced by the 75 Nm of engine torque from the latest update.

It provides a natural riding sensation, adjusting intuitively to your riding style, the drive unit makes handling easier and enhances road safety.

The virtually silent and versatile Performance Line is now integrated into the smart system, offering a range of features that keep you active and allow you to rediscover the world around you.

BATTERY

The stylish frame bag completes the classic look of the Cruiser Mixte, effortlessly accommodating the standard 545 Wh battery – and even the optional 725 Wh can be fully concealed within the frame bag.

This convenient, everyday bag also provides plenty of space for smaller items, such as your smartphone and rain jacket. Its weatherproof material is extremely durable and reliably protects its contents.

The standard 545Wh battery provides the opportunity to ride approximately 100 km with a balanced use of the engine modes and gear shifting system, weighing around 3 kg.

Display - SMART CONTROL CENTRE

The standard display at the handlebar’s centre is the Intuvia 100, by Bosch.

Through it, you can access the display featuring large fonts, ensuring clear visibility while riding.
Coupled with the shift recommendation feature, it enhances safety and comfort during your journey.

The operation is intuitive via the control unit, allowing you to keep your hands securely on the handlebars.

The black lettering with the white background is easy to see, whether there are good or not so good light conditions.

variants - transmissions

The Cruiser2 Mixte Vario features an internal gear hub by Enviolo 380, offering a continuous gear shift system without fixed shifts like those in a cassette system.

This system enables gear shifting even when the bicycle is stationary, which is especially handy on the hilly streets of Porto when waiting for the green light.

The system is entirely intuitive, with a smaller display on the right handlebar representing a rider.
Lighter gears are indicated by a curved line, while harder gears are represented by a straight line.

In a city like Porto, where frequent stops and starts are common, the Enviolo gear system proves to be fantastic, especially for riders who are not accustomed to shifting gears frequently.

The internal gear hub houses all components inside the rear wheel, shielding them from dirt and rain.

Paired with the Carbon belt drive, Enviolo uses high-resistance carbon fibers for a lighter, maintenance-free alternative. Unlike traditional cassette systems, the belt-drive with internal gear hub reduces the risk of derailment or faulty shifts.

SAFE ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIMES

As it is usual with other Riese & Müller bikes, the Cruiser2 is equipped with Magura brakes, specifically the Magura HS22 rim brake system.

As soon as we rode the Cruiser2 for the first time, it was immediately evident that the German manufacturer's intention was to create a bicycle tailored for urban tours, promoting a relaxed riding position.

Gripping the wider handlebar effortlessly, we found ourselves able to ride with straight backs, facing the street with ease. The keywords here are control, tranquility, and a touch of class!

FRONT AND TAIL LIGHTS

As standard, the Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ-XS serves as the front light, thanks to its compact dimensions, offering the possibility of elegant installation.

Additionally, the Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ-XS T is included as the rear light, a battery-powered option with a minimalistic design but impressive functions.

TIRES

It’s all about being elegant, but sturdy, with our 28 inches wheels (71 cm) that make every tour around the city safe, without major concerns.

Schwalbe Big Ben 50-622 run smoothly and reliably carry you to your destination, wherever that may be.

If you're mainly planning to ride on cycle lanes or paved roads, these tires are the go-to option, offering the comfort you need to ride safely and comfortably.

SUSPENSION

The bicycle’s frame has two suspension systems:

• The front one, that eases the wrists’ pressure and helps to maintain traction to irregular roads;

• The saddle suspension helps to absorb vibrations on uneven roads, such as those caused by deformations or "potholes”.

Overall, the suspension of the Cruiser2 performs well: the steep hills in Porto's downtown area, which are challenging to cross even on foot, were easily overcome with minimal effort.

REAR RACK

In the rear, there is a rack designed to carry cargo such as a work suitcase, groceries, or even a child's chair (with a maximum load capacity of 25 kg).

Additionally, the compact rack offers versatility, allowing riders to choose between carrying small items in a backpack or directly on the bicycle.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Cruiser2 is an excellent option for those who look for an urban model, to pedal in the most relaxed position and worrying less about details.

Style is the concept beyond this bicycle’s idea, but as we also found out, Riese and Müller included components thought to provide a high-end top of the line option.

In the end, there was an admitted satisfaction as we were still ready for another go!

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