The 3 Best CUBE Longtail Cargo Bikes
CUBE doesn’t build its longtails to turn heads on the way home from school, but rather to make cars unnecessary. The Longtail lineup is based on a clearly defined formula: an aluminum longtail frame, an 85 Nm Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive motor, an 800 Wh PowerPack battery, 26-inch wheels, and a maximum weight capacity of 200 kilos. Within this common framework, there are three versions that are nearly identical on paper but are actually aimed at very different buyer profiles: the base Longtail 800, the Family 800, and the Comfort Family 800. The difference lies not in the motor, but in the drivetrain and accessories. And that’s precisely where many people go wrong when making their choice.
Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: July 3, 2026 | 5-minute read
Key points to remember
- All three models share the same core components: a Bosch Cargo Line motor, an 800 Wh battery, and Magura Gustav Pro brakes with 203 mm rotors. The differences lie in the drivetrain and features, not in power output.
- Only the Family versions come ready for family use right out of the box. A bench seat, side guards, and footrests are included as standard. The base Longtail 800 model must be equipped with these features separately.
- At CUBE, comfort starts with the belt and hub: a Gates CDX belt paired with an Enviolo Heavy Duty hub. It’s cleaner and requires less maintenance, but it’s also heavier, more expensive, and less responsive than chain-driven versions.
The 3 CUBE Models at a Glance
| Features | Longtail 800 | Family 800 | Comfort Family 800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Cargo / Utility | Longtail | Premium Family Plan |
| Engine | Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm | Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm | Bosch Cargo Line 85 Nm |
| Battery | Bosch PowerPack 800 | Bosch PowerPack 800 | Bosch PowerPack 800 |
| Transmission | Shimano Cues, Chain | Shimano Cues, Chain | Enviolo + Gates CDX belt |
| Brakes | Magura Gustav Pro 203 | Magura Gustav Pro 203 | Magura Gustav Pro 203 |
| Weight | 34.3 kg | 38.9 kg | 39.7 kg |
| Kids' Kit | Not included | Included | Included |
| Ideal for | Transportation on a Budget | Families | Family with no maintenance payments |
What Makes a CUBE Longtail Unique
The longtail falls somewhere between a standard e-bike and a front-cargo electric bike. It’s more compact than a two-wheeled cargo bike, more maneuverable in traffic, and easier to park, while still offering enough capacity to carry two children and groceries. CUBE takes this approach seriously: here, you get solid engineering at a lower price than a Riese & Müller or an Urban Arrow. The Bosch Cargo Line delivers more torque than standard Bosch motors and has been specifically calibrated for riding with a heavy load, which is noticeable right from the start when the bike is fully loaded.
A common misconception is assuming that every Longtail is automatically family-ready. That’s not the case. The base Longtail 800 is first and foremost a cargo bike: powerful, lightweight (for a longtail), and competitively priced, but it doesn’t come with a child seat or footrests. To install child seats, you’ll need to purchase the accessories separately. The Family versions come with this child kit pre-installed. This price difference of a few hundred euros can quickly skew the comparison if you don’t factor it in.
A Closer Look at the Three Versions
Longtail 800
The Longtail 800 is the most affordable version and, at 34.3 kilos, also the lightest. It features a Shimano Cues derailleur, a standard chain, and a more direct and slightly sportier ride than the other two versions. Ideal for those who mainly carry cargo, watch their budget closely, and prefer to choose their own accessories. The downside: the chain and cassette wear out faster under heavy loads, and the derailleur is more vulnerable if the bike takes a fall.
Longtail 800
The Family 800 is technically almost identical, but comes ready to carry children right out of the box: a bench seat, side guards, and footrests are included. In my opinion, it’s the most logical choice for families from CUBE. You pay a little more than for the base model, but less than for the Comfort version, without having to add anything. On the other hand, you’ll still need to perform the same chain maintenance, which requires more attention with heavy family use.
Longtail Family 800
The Comfort Family 800 replaces the chain and derailleur with a Gates CDX belt and an Enviolo Heavy Duty hub. It offers continuous shifting, no more greasy chains, less maintenance, and a pleasant ride in traffic with frequent stops—at traffic lights or on the way to school. In my opinion, it’s the most enjoyable everyday bike of the three—provided you’re willing to accept the higher cost and the nearly 40 kilos. The Enviolo feels slightly less responsive than a derailleur, which will be noticeable to those who like to pedal aggressively. The powerful Magura Gustav Pro brakes are no unnecessary luxury: when carrying a heavy load, braking power matters more than on a conventional e-bike.
How does a CUBE longtail actually perform?
The CUBE rides like a sturdy, elongated urban e-bike. Its 26-inch wheels make it less compact than the 20-inch longtails from Riese & Müller or Urban Arrow, but they offer a more familiar riding experience: it simply feels like riding a bike, not piloting a machine. The large 800 Wh battery isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Longtails are often ridden fully loaded, and the advertised range quickly becomes optimistic in such cases. Cold weather, tires pressure, tires weight all chip away at the actual range.
The difference in feel between the versions is very real. The chain-driven models feel more direct and efficient, especially when you pedal actively. The Comfort model offers a more relaxed ride: fewer gear changes, less noise, and less hassle. For everyday family use with lots of stops and starts, it’s a real comfort. For cyclists who prefer a sporty pace, the Enviolo may feel a bit too smooth. Neither option is inherently bad—it all depends on the type of cyclist you are. To explore this further, our cargo bike vs. longtail bike comparison details the key differences between these two types of bikes.
A Tip from Jos
Never forget that a 200-kilo weight limit doesn't mean everyone can ride without thinking: the rider is limited to 100 kilos and the rear rack to 60 kilos. Always do the math before adding children, panniers, and groceries.
Buying refurbished Things to Check
Longtails are expensive to buy new, and that’s exactly why (I can’t stress this enough) a refurbished inspected refurbished model is such a great deal. On a CUBE, I check five things. First, the battery: ask for the measured capacity, the number of charge cycles, and the error code history, because the 800 Wh battery accounts for a large portion of the bike’s value. Next, the brakes, because longtails wear out brake pads quickly under heavy loads, no matter how powerful the Magura brakes are. The kickstand takes a real beating with kids constantly getting on and off. Check the rear rack for cracks, warping, and play. Finally, on Family models, make sure the complete child kit is still present and properly installed.
On the Comfort Family, there’s one more thing to check: the belt tension and the proper functioning of the Enviolo hub. Do the gears shift smoothly? Is the belt properly tensioned? Has the rear brake been overused? A well-maintained CUBE longtail is a powerful electric cargo bike with high practical value, often at a price significantly lower than a new. Our article on buying an electric cargo bike details exactly what to look for before making a decision. This is precisely the kind of bike where a second quality check makes all the difference. You can explore our selection of refurbished electric longtail bikes, including the CUBE Longtail , as well as our guide to the best electric bikes for heavy-duty transport if you’re still deciding between several models.
FAQ
What is the difference between the CUBE Longtail and the Family?
The Family version comes standard with a child kit: a bench seat, side guards, and footrests. The base Longtail 800 is technically almost identical, but does not include these accessories. For families, the Family version is therefore ready to use right out of the box, while the base version must be equipped separately.
Longtail the CUBE Longtail a Bosch motor?
Yes. All relevant 800 models use the Bosch Cargo Line with 85 Nm of torque. This is the most powerful model in the Bosch lineup, specifically designed for riding with a load, making it an excellent choice for urban use when transporting children or running errands.
How much weight Longtail a CUBE Longtail carry?
The total weight limit for the system is 200 kilos. However, be aware of the individual limits: the cyclist cannot weigh more than 100 kilos, and the rear rack is limited to 60 kilos. These 200 kilos do not, therefore, mean that everyone can ride without restrictions.
Is the Comfort Family worth the extra cost?
For everyday family use, often yes. The Gates belt and Enviolo hub make the bike cleaner, quieter, and easier to maintain—a real plus in heavy traffic with frequent stops. If you don’t ride much or prefer a more sporty riding style, the chain-driven Family 800—which is cheaper and lighter—remains a wiser choice.
Is an 800-Wh battery really necessary?
When carrying a heavy load, a large battery makes perfect sense, as power consumption increases significantly. But 800 Wh doesn't guarantee exceptional range: the load you're carrying, cold weather, and tires pressure all tires your actual range. For short urban trips with a light load, it's more of a comfortable buffer than an absolute necessity.
About the Author: Jos Mans
Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.