Test Benno Boost: Don't feel like a cargo bike, but interested in large transport capacity? Then the 24-inch model from Benno Bikes might be the ideal compromise. As a versatile cargo bike with compact dimensions and pleasantly normal riding characteristics, it should "deliver" in different phases of life, whether on the way to daycare or when shopping.
Again and again gaps open up between the countless types of bicycles that now exist. This is how the gravel bike emerged between racing bike and mountain bike (but much closer to the former), and the e-MTB and e-trekking bike became the e-SUV. Sometimes, as a user, you miss a certain concept that hits the middle between existing models - to discover that it does exist is a pleasant surprise. This could be the case with the Benno Boost. Because this is an electric bike, which is somewhere between an e-urban bike and a cargo bike and is therefore quite interesting for several reasons.
The Benno Boost is a cargo bike with trekking bike dimensions
Why Benno Bikes? Behind the company name is the designer Benno Baenziger, who moved from Berlin to California in the early 1990s and was a co-founder of the bike manufacturer Electra - the brand that merged the classic cruiser look with the latest bike technology and now belongs to Trek. Typical of many Electra models is the flat seat angle, which ensures a relaxed posture on the bike and a slightly lower seat height. And this feature is also reflected in the models of the Benno Bikes brand, which was founded in 2015. For example on the Boost, which already offers quite a pleasant seating comfort; In addition, you quickly have your feet on the ground. The unique selling point of this electric bike is something else: With 24-inch wheels and a wheelbase of 1,25 meters, it's quite manoeuvrable and no longer than conventional 28-inch bikes, and it's also equipped with an extremely long luggage rack offers different possibilities of use - especially together with the optional front carrier and other accessories such as spacious side pockets.
Advantages in steering behavior and handling
The Boost appeals to all those for whom similarly designed 20-inch bikes are too close to compact bikes, and to those others for whom the disadvantages of large cargo bikes outweigh the disadvantages. And there are: The cargo ships with a platform or tub in front of the driver cannot be compared to a conventional bicycle in terms of handlebars and handling, on the one hand, and on the other hand they are not very easy to handle because of their size and heavy weight. Of course, the long trucks (which are also supposed to replace the car) are more of a supplement to the normal (e-)bike, not an alternative. But the Benno Boost can replace the normal electric bike and at the same time take quite a lot with you. Thanks to the moderate weight of only 26 kg (manufacturer specification, without accessories), it is also easier to transport than a real cargo bike, which often weighs well over 50 kg. Two seats for small children fit on the 66 cm long rear carrier; alternatively, two larger children can be transported without seats on the padded rear, as long as they do not exceed the maximum load of the carrier of 60 kilos. A crate of drinks, for example, can be transported in the large front basket, which can carry up to 20 kilos. The "Platform Rail Plus" forms a 72 x 55 cm loading area on the rear carrier.
Lots of accessories for the Benno Boost
Unfortunately, the corresponding accessories are not bargains: the rear carrier with footrests for transporting older children costs 400 euros; a railing almost 200, the front basket also 200 euros. In terms of price, the Benno is at the level of solid cargo bikes à la Urban Arrow at 5.199 euros, although Benno Bikes already treats the Boost to the Bosch Performance CX, plus the nice and small Purion display and a 500 Wh frame battery with a second memory can be set aside in the frame triangle. distributors Two-wheel center Stadler sells the compact cargo bike for an attractive 4.988 euros including the long luggage rack.
Solid technology, two frame shapes
The technology of the Benno Boost is solid with "Shimano Deore" ten-speed gearshift and Supernova lighting system. Fastening the wheels with conventional quick-release skewers doesn't seem quite up-to-date anymore. Since the Boost rolls on super-wide, dampening tires, a suspension fork is not required; the raised handlebars are reminiscent of the Benno's cruiser ancestors. Incidentally, the surfboard attachment that Benno Bikes offers is also pretty Californian and can perhaps also be used for other long, flat objects. Incidentally, the Boost is only available in one frame size, but in two frame shapes, as a diamond frame with a clearly sloping top tube and as a trapezoidal frame. The latter should be much more practical if you make full use of the transport capacity of the small truck - then you can no longer swing your leg backwards so well over the saddle.
Why Benno Bikes? If you are looking for a versatile cargo bike that can also be used after the children have been transported and that also rides almost like a normal e-bike, you should take a look at the bike from Californian Berliner Benno Baenziger. This is currently possible in the 21 Stadler branches nationwide, where you can have a bike leasing offer made up for you if you wish. This also puts the high price into perspective, although it has to be said that so much flexibility in use can also cost something.
Go to the website with more information about the accessories.
