The first impression:
cargo bikes are often a bit ugly and at best express pragmatism.
Not so this.
Is there any fun in the game?
What
the manufacturer says:
The Copenhagen-based manufacturer claims to build sportier cargo bikes. "That is a very important part of our image," says production manager Matias Stridsland. Company founder Jimmi Bargisen designed his dream bike in 2002 - it had a large loading area at the front, but was lighter and faster than existing models. It was the forerunner of today's models. "The Omnium was developed as a tool for the bicycle courier community where speed and efficiency are top priorities," says Stridsland. Today, founder Bargisen is still on the road two days a week as a courier.
The single-track original model Omnium Cargo has been built almost unchanged since 2012. A mini version, a so-called Short John, has also been in the range since the beginning. It is intended for people for whom the long version is too extensive. "The Mini is easy to maneuver and light compared to longer cargo bikes," says Stridsland.
Now Omnium has revised the model, since then it has been called Mini WiFi and drives with thru axles and wider tires. The abbreviation WiFi stands for "Wide Fit" - the frame is suitable for wider tires. Depending on the frame size, the wheelbase measures a little more, sometimes less than a meter and is therefore shorter than a trekking bike. In size M, the steel frame bike weighs 17.5 kilos - around ten kilos less than classic short johns in the style of a postal bike. The 40 by 42 centimeter loading platform can even carry another adult, says Stridsland. At least in theory.
In practice, Omnium gives a total weight of rider, bike and load of 125 kilos as a guideline.
According to this, a 90-pound person in the saddle could still drive a crate of water home over the small 20-inch front wheel.
A few more kilos are not a problem, according to the manufacturer.
Omnium promises that the Mini WiFi is handy and stable even with heavy loads.
The trick behind it: the luggage rack is an integral part of the frame, so the load does not swivel when the steering wheel is turned.
Constructions with a steering rack are more suitable for moderate loads.
They affect handling, which can be felt even on bicycles with handlebar cups.
We noticed:
the small front wheel.
It is rare for a bicycle to combine a large (29 inch) with a much smaller (20 inch) wheel.
The proportions are reminiscent of a high wheel from the late 19th century - only that the smaller wheel on the Omnium rotates at the front.
Off to the weekly market.
Leek, tomatoes, kohlrabi and herbs are loaded from the scales into a strapped-on box.
“Man, the front wheel is small!
And how does it go? ”Asks the otherwise taciturn greengrocer.
In fact, the Short John feels consistently normal on the road, in the best sense of the word. It is manoeuvrable, thanks to the small front wheel. At the same time, it creates space on the front end: the loading area is low, and bulky items can also be easily transported. On a higher mounted luggage rack, they would get into the handlebars and cables. Because the load travels far below, the center of gravity is lower, which calms the load.
With five, six kilos of green stuff or more, the driving behavior sometimes even improves.
A 17-kilo crate of drinks on the rack - and the Omnium rolls over the asphalt all the more satiated.
It even gains traction on sandy paths.
Then, at the latest, the 700 millimeter handlebars appear, which are almost as wide as a mountain bike.
It should provide more control, especially with heavy loads.
It actually works.
The front wheel can be steered with millimeter precision.
But you should then operate the front brake more carefully than before.
Without a load, however, the bike pleasantly denies its nature as a cargo bike.
It takes curbs lightly - for other front-loading cargo bike models they represent an almost insurmountable obstacle. It is also fast thanks to the high-ratio 11-speed derailleur.
For parking, for example on the sidewalk, the Mini WiFi does not require more space than a normal bicycle. This could be increasingly helpful in view of the flood of large cargo bikes in cities. Good against stealing: people of average strength can carry the bike alone into the cellar, up a flight of stairs or into the apartment - impossible with conventional cargo bikes.
You have to know that:
Production Manager Stridsland locates the typical target group among young city dwellers, including families "who are interested in a car-free or low-car lifestyle". However, the Mini WiFi is not suitable for children's taxis, unlike the typical Christiania bike or other cargo bikes with large transport boxes. A static crate of drinks can be directed, but not the fidgety offspring. There is too great a risk that the wheel will tip over if the child unexpectedly leans forward.
If you want to transport larger items, there is the Mini-Max with a larger loading area.
Anyone who welcomes electric power injectors will find pedelec models with Shimano Steps components.
Then you have to plan more than 4000 euros, while the base price of the Mini WiFi is 2268 euros.
It is built in five frame sizes for heights of 1.55 meters to 2.05 meters and also with a lowered top tube for low entry.
The lighting is only available as additional equipment.
With a cargo bike for everyday use, this can be seen as a neglect.
A bell is also missing from the standard equipment.
We will keep that in mind:
How quickly vegetables and drinks can reach their destination without the often arduous cargo bike feeling - and how easy it is to drive past the traffic jam.
