Riese & Müller Model Guide

Pursuit of Happiness

The quest for the perfect bike can be time-consuming, involving a search for appealing visuals, reputable brands, and the context of acquisition. This process is crucial and worthwhile.

The ideal E-Bike is the one that brings you happiness, making research essential.
However, it doesn't need to be an exhaustive academic endeavor!

Dealers provide an accessible avenue to align your expectations and needs with specialized opinions, bringing you one step closer to finding 'that' electric bicycle.

custom E-Bike for everyone

At CICLO, we believe there's a custom-fit E-Bike for everyone.

We proudly showcase Riese & Müller, a market reference, in our store. With new models, updates, and information each year, we've organized this article as a model guide to aid in your pursuit of happiness.

Don't forget to check out our article on different gear systems.

Below, find Riese & Müller models along with their corresponding variants within the respective segments.

SILENT/CITY

Replacing the 'old' Urban segment, which is now extinct, the Silent segment mechanics feature a Shimano Nexus 8 internal gear hub, paired with a Gates carbon belt drive, and a Bosch Performance Line motor with a 500Wh battery.

This configuration is applicable to the Cruiser2, and Swing4 models.

On the other hand, the UBN line has a distinct setup.

Here, Fazua provides the Fazua 60 motor, along with a 430Wh battery and LED display.
It includes an internal gear hub, this time a Shimano Alfine 8-speed, with a Gates carbon belt drive.

The advantage here is about the urban context: the constant stops throughout the city center are better dealt with by an internal gear hub, that allows one to gear easily and quickly, even if the bike is stationary (like at traffic light stops).

Besides that, the mechanical system located inside the hub, on the rear wheel, means it is isolated from.

All the Silent models seamlessly integrate into the urban segment, making them ideal for above-entry-level biking within city streets, such as commuting.

TOURING

Touring is the most widely used system globally, it's commonly associated with lower acquisition costs compared to the internal gear hub. While the weight factor may seem redundant during the ride, the derailleur is lighter than the rear hub and also easier and cheaper to maintain.

Anyone who has ridden a bicycle has likely used a derailleur at least once (if not more!).

The standout feature here is the seamless blend of tradition and familiarity that contributes to a smooth riding experience.

The Shimano derailleur is the standard, ranging from a Deore 10-speed to a Shadow+ XT 11-speed or Deore XT 11-speed/12-speed. This derailleur, coupled with a cassette system, is perfect for riders accustomed to changing gears and who enjoy having control over every aspect of their biking experience.

It's a more natural approach, well-suited for longer-distance riders.

The metal friction between the chain and the cassette teeth may lead to worn components over time, resulting in malfunctions. However, you can easily replace a faulty steel chain by hand on-site.

Robust bikes, like cargo bikes, may pose a challenge due to their weight, making on-the-go maintenance less practical.

Nevertheless, for adventurous rides, it's the cherry on top. In addition, the broader speed range compared to an internal gear hub makes it ideal for sports enthusiasts, such as mountain biking and grand touring.

VARIO

By far the most common segment for Riese & Müller, and for good reason.

The Vario models by R&M have a tradition of combining an Enviolo internal gear hub with a Gates carbon belt drive, minimizing the need for maintenance and offering easy usability.

The Enviolo gear system is known for intuitive shifting, displayed on the handlebar's right with a small rider indicating the current 'gear.' A curved path - lighter gear, while a straight line - harder gear.

The internal gear hub allows shifting even with the E-Bike stopped, perfect for the city context.
With a single drive chain, there's improved stability while riding.

However, outside city roads, it's advisable to stick with a derailleur and a steel chain, as the carbon belt is less suitable for low cadences, especially uphill or on challenging paths. Changing a belt drive on-site is also more challenging than with a steel chain.

One significant advantage of the Enviolo internal gear hub is its design.
The system is protected inside the rear hub, shielding it from debris and adverse weather conditions.
In case of a malfunctioning Enviolo gear range, resetting the speeds to the overdrive or underdrive positions inside the hub, along with adjusting the handlebar shifter and ensuring cable tension, often resolves the issue. If these steps fail, sending the entire rear wheel to Enviolo's repair center in The Netherlands is the next step. Typically taking one to two weeks, the solution usually involves receiving a 'new' back wheel with a new internal gear hub

AUTOMATIC

R&M introduces new Automatic models that, as the name implies, elevate the convenience of pedaling an electric bicycle.

These models feature an Enviolo automatiq internal gear hub, which can 'choose' the correct cadence based on our pedal behavior. We can limit the maximum cadence ourselves directly on the display, choose our motor assistance, and let the gear system itself decide the optimal middle ground for us—making it the essence of this system.

As such, there is no shifter on the handlebar - you only need to focus on the road ahead.

This system enhances cruising enjoyment with a consistent pace and intensity decided by the rider, shifting you into a lighter gear while coasting or coming to a stop. So when it's time to go, you always start smoothly and under control!

ROHLOFF

This German internal gear hub represents the pinnacle of gear system technology.

In R&M bikes, we feature the ROHLOFF E-14 speed, equipped with a Bosch electric shift system for unparalleled convenience and ease of use.

With the press of buttons (+ and -), you can cycle through the full range in mere seconds. By holding down the button, you can shift three gears at a time in just 200 milliseconds—making it the fastest system on the market by a significant margin.

This premium option excels in any context, whether it's navigating city roads or tackling challenging mountain paths. The seamless communication between the engine and hub allows for fluid speed syncing, enabling precise motor assistance.

Maintenance needs are minimal, with only the internal oil requiring a change every 5000 km. Additionally, with a Gates carbon belt drive, maintenance needs are further reduced. Smooth rides are guaranteed. Additionally, there's an auto-downshift feature that automatically shifts to the preferred gear when preparing to tackle steep uphill climbs or when stationary.

With electric shifts, you can also define pedal cadence intervals, allowing the Bosch drive unit and ROHLOFF E14-speed to adapt to the optimal gear, freeing you to focus on pedaling.

However, there are some limitations to consider: the ROHLOFF system is reliable but comes with a high price tag. It's the most expensive gear system option within the R&M lineup.

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HS (HIGH SPEED)

The HS variant increases the overall pedal assistance from 25 km/h to 45 km/h, the legal limit by the European Union, by swaping the standard motor with a Bosch Performance Line Speed.

All R&M HS E-Bikes come with a rear mirror (mandatory for HS). And on the front and back, we have a pair of Supernova M99 Mini Pro-25 lights, which is simply put one of the most reliable and robust light systems currently available.

The backlight also functions as a brake light. To complete this scenario, the Supernova Horn is capable of great sound that can blush some cars.

GT (GRAND TOURING)

Usually, GT is synonymous with a sports vehicle, and here it's somewhat similar.

The GT variant on R&M models enhances some foundational aspects for active usage.

The tires are wider than the base ones, typically a pair of Schwalbe Super Moto-X, making them more versatile for sports, cargo transportation, or increased puncture resistance.

Additionally, premium upgrades like GX (also available for certain cargo bikes such as the Load and Packster70) and Heavy-Duty-Package are also possible for the GT models.

GX (Grand Crossover)

The GX option introduces all-terrain tires (Schwalbe Smart Plus for cargo bikes and Schwalbe Rock Razor for the rest), along with wider pedals for improved foot grip. These tires, designed for sports-oriented owners, offer reinforced characteristics that are also beneficial in other contexts, ensuring comfort and safety.

The Heavy-Duty-Package, available only for non-cargo bikes, lives up to its name by transforming the E-Bike into a mini-cargo bike capable of handling weights up to 160 kg. It includes sturdier handlebars, stem, and pedals. Bikes eligible for the premium options also feature a front carrier for enhanced transportation options, alongside a wider rear rack.

It's important to note that GX and Heavy-Duty-Packages are not compatible with each other.

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MIXTE/NON MIXTE

Some models have the MIXTE alternative, which lowers the top tube from the frame to allow riders to mount and dismount easier, making it easier to hop on/hop off the E-Bike.

Even so, some models have limitations according to the options available, like an unavailable battery upgrade for example.

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FAMILY

Only available for the Multicharger and Packster2 70.

It's a package designed to offer an out-of-the-box solution for families with children, lowering the cost with more afordable components.

These bikes are not customizable.