With the new Longtail Duo, Tenways is launching its first Longtail cargo bike on the market after its Long John bike Cargo One. The newcomer offers a lot of features — including a powerful mid-motor, continuously variable hub gears, belt drive and GPS tracking — at a comparatively low price of 3,499 euros. But is that enough for a recommendation? We tested the Longtail Duo in everyday use.
Design
At first glance, it is obvious that the Longtail Duo differs visually a bit from the otherwise straight-lined Tenways models. Instead of clear lines, the appearance is characterised by a curved top tube — reminiscent of classic Dutch bikes. The blue-grey high-gloss paint finish looks classy, the weld seams are neatly polished and the Tenways lettering shines on the down tube, which also houses the battery.
Not quite as attractive are the conspicuous white lettering on the luggage rack and footrests — they look like an afterthought and not very elegant. The cable routing on the handlebars also looks a bit chaotic, which is partly due to the adjustable stem.
However, there is a clever detail between the seat tube and rear wheel: where other cargo bikes have a gap, Tenways utilises the space for an integrated storage compartment.
Equipment
At the heart of the electric drive is the M410 mid-motor from Bafang, which offers a powerful torque of 80 Nm. Transmission is via the low-maintenance CDX belt drive from market leader Gates to the continuously variable Enviolo Heavy Duty hub gear, which is specially designed for such high loads. The 720 Wh capacity of the removable battery is also top class.
The system is controlled via a central display on the handlebars, supplemented by a compact control button for riding modes, lights, push assistance and menu navigation. Thanks to the adjustable stem, the height and angle of the handlebars can be adjusted without tools — as can the dropper seatpost, which can be lowered at the touch of a button.
Another highlight: the integrated GPS module, which allows access to the bike’s location via the Tenways app. There is also a motion detection function that sends push notifications to the smartphone — but without an acoustic alarm, although there is a loudspeaker. Perhaps this will be added via a firmware update — updates can be installed via the app.
A hydraulic 4-piston brake system from Tektro and a StVZO-compliant lighting system with 100 lux front headlights and a rear light with brake light function ensure safety on the road. It’s just a shame that the front headlight sticks out so far to the front — when parking or loading the front carrier, it’s easy to get caught on it.
The 24-inch wheels at the front and rear make the bike smooth-running and stable, but also ensure that the rear loading area is higher than on comparable longtails with 20-inch wheels. A Tenways-branded fork at the front provides additional riding comfort.
The main loading area of the Longtail Duo is of course the long rear carrier at the rear, which offers space for two children or a lot of cargo. The seat pads and all-round railing are included in the scope of delivery. The latter is covered in foam rubber, which not only ensures a firm hold but also prevents rattling. Side footrests are also included — height-adjustable and foldable, which is particularly practical when there are no passengers on board.
The rear carrier is approved for a maximum of 50 kg — which can be a bit tight for two older children. Up to 18 kg can also be transported on the front rack and both racks are compatible with the MIK system. The total weight of the bike, including the payload, is an impressive 220 kg, although the bike itself is also quite heavy at around 40 kg. Ultimately, this leaves around 152 kg for the storage compartment and the weight of the rider of the bike.
For a secure stand, the Longtail Duo has a double stand that is positioned centrally in the middle.
Operation
The operation of the Longtail Duo is based on well-known bikes from Tenways, such as the AGO T (reviewed here). The central control element is a compact button on the left handlebar grip, which can be used to control the entire system: You can turn the drive on and off, select one of the five riding modes, activate the lights and — particularly important in everyday life with a load — also call up the push assist. n addition, you can navigate through the various indicators on the display, for example to read information on speed, range or battery status.
As is typical for Tenways, the motor can also be locked using a four-digit software code — a nice security plus. Even more practical, however, is the Bluetooth connection between the bike and the smartphone: as soon as the Tenways app is active, the Longtail Duo connects automatically. The bike can then be located live via the app, which provides a good deal more security in everyday life or when parking in the city. The app notifies you of movement when the bike is parked securely — however, there is no acoustic alarm system, which is somewhat surprising given the built-in loudspeaker. According to Tenways, firmware updates are possible via the app — so an acoustic alarm could theoretically still be added later.
A small but somewhat annoying point in everyday life: The bike always starts in riding mode 0 when switched on — without assistance. The last selected mode is not saved, which means that you have to select the desired support level again before every ride. A detail that Tenways could also easily rectify with a software update.
The battery can be removed relatively easily from the down tube, which makes charging at home or in the flat easier. Of course, charging directly on the bike is also possible. However, this requires a little dexterity: the charging plug is very small and the connection itself requires precise alignment, otherwise the plug will not engage — which can be impractical, especially in low light or in hectic situations.
Enviolo’s Heavy Duty hub gears are operated using the familiar twist grip on the handlebars. The small display on the grip clearly shows whether the current gear ratio is more suitable for uphill or downhill riding. However, the path from one end of the gear range to the other is relatively long and noticeably sluggish — a typical characteristic of Enviolo gears that requires a little patience, especially when changing gears quickly while riding.
The height of the side footrests can be adjusted — a well thought-out detail that allows the position to be adapted to the child’s growth. If the footrests are not needed, they can be folded away with a flick of the wrist — this makes the bike slimmer and more practical when parking or manoeuvring.
Another plus point is the central double kickstand. It is easy and safe to fold out and the bike is stable — even when fully loaded. Although it leans slightly to one side when unfolded, it does not tip over and remains reliably upright in everyday use.
It is particularly praiseworthy that Tenways relies on the MIK system for both luggage carriers — this means that baskets, boxes or child seats can be attached with a click and easily removed again with a special key adapter. Theoretically at least.
However, everyday use has shown that the seat pads supplied are so flat that the MIK key adapter cannot be inserted between the carrier and pads. In order to unlock the accessories, you have to reach for the safety catch from below — an unnecessary diversions. If you don’t constantly change the bike setup, you won’t be bothered by this, but if you regularly switch between the seat pads and other MIK accessories, you will need more patience.
Riding impressions
In daily use, the Longtail Duo shows how well the components harmonise. The quiet riding behaviour is particularly pleasant. Both the Gates belt drive and the Enviolo gearbox are known for their whisper-quiet operation, and the Bafang mid-motor is also pleasantly quiet. Although it does get louder under heavy load or on hills, overall it remains quieter than a Bosch Cargo Line motor (Gen 4), for example.
In terms of performance, the M410 delivers what you would expect from it with 80 Nm of torque: powerful thrust, even on inclines, especially in the higher gears. Although it is not one of the most powerful motors, its characteristics are harmonious, easy to modulate and sufficient for everyday urban use. The five support modes are available, with the top three levels typically used at full load.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, the saddle is well padded. The large 24-inch wheels ensure stable riding characteristics and a smooth ride without the bike’s centre of gravity moving too far upwards. Even when fully loaded, the Longtail Duo is easy to control and safe to steer.
The handlebars with quick-release mechanism make it easy to adjust the riding position. The height and angle of inclination can be adjusted without tools in just one movement — particularly practical if the bike is used by several people. The dropper seat post is just as functional: at the touch of a button on the handlebars, the saddle can be lowered while riding or when stationary – for example at traffic lights, so that you can stand safely with both feet on the ground.
Tektro’s braking system provides sufficient deceleration at all times and is easy to modulate. Thanks to the lowerable seat post, the bike can also be handled safely when stationary, for example when stopping at traffic lights or when getting on and off the bike. Particularly convenient: The continuously variable Enviolo hub allows you to change gear even when stationary — a real advantage over classic derailleur gears, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on hills.
Conclusion
With its Longtail Duo, Tenways brings a well thought-out, well-equipped longtail bike to the road – ideal for families and everyday urban life. The powerful mid-motor, low-maintenance belt drive, continuously variable hub gears and app connection with GPS tracking offer an exceptional amount of features in this price range.
There are also clever details such as the storage compartment, height-adjustable footrests and a dropper seatpost, which really help in everyday use. The bike shows minor weaknesses in the load capacity of the rear carrier and the handling of the seat pads — manageable if you’re not constantly changing them.
For 3,499 euros, the Longtail Duo is a real value-for-money tip — and a good choice for anyone looking for a versatile cargo bike without having to dig too deep into their pockets. The bike can be ordered directly here at Tenways and will be delivered straight to your door.
