Test / E-Performance / Cargo bike: The HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo is a classy e-cargo bike that, thanks to its patented tilting technology, promises sporty handling even when driving at speed. The bike, which costs almost 6.000 euros Made in Germany Also knows how to convince in the test with high-quality equipment including a belt drive.
With its tilting technology, belt drive and, last but not least, the incomparable Nicolai mechanical engineering charm, the CD1 Cargo is far more than "just" another e-cargo bike. It can stand out from the crowd just by looking at it; in addition to the wonderfully processed aluminum frame, the impressive suspension of the two front wheels and the loading area made of wood dominate here. However, a look at the technical data shows that the bike, which is made in Germany, was not designed for the catwalk, but as a real workhorse: The permissible total weight is a mighty 280kg - with a weighed own weight of 51kg and an average rider weight of 90kg, this still remains always significantly more than 100kg left as payload, great!
HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo: Two sizes, one high-quality equipment variant
The HNF Nicolai cargo bike is available in two sizes or variants: In addition to the one we tested Wide Variant, HNF also offers a more compact version, the loading area of which is 45cm over 20cm shorter than the large model (68cm). In terms of price, 200 euros lie between the two sizes. The other equipment remains the same, at least in the basic version: The bike is driven by a Bosch Performance CX motor, which is powered by a 500Wh battery. Unfortunately, a double battery solution is currently not available. The shift changes are done by a stepless Enviolo hub and with the belt drive, which is also standard, you get an extremely low-maintenance and reliable drive train.
The double LED lighting from Supernova or the Wingee mudguards made of aluminum show, for example, that the traditional manufacturer has not skimped on the equipment B grade. Braking is done by a Tektro Auriga Twin, whose left brake actuator operates both front brakes simultaneously. In addition, the brake also has a locking function - a kind of handbrake, which we will come to in detail in a moment.
HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo: Sophisticated tilting technology for a sporty driving experience
But now let's talk about the proverbial elephant in the room - the tilting technology of the HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo. The dubious reputation of bulky handling precedes most two-track cargo bikes – and rightly so in most cases. Especially when cornering, at high speeds or both at the same time, the two wheels at the front have a negative impact, increase the turning circle and often lead to wobbly driving behavior. However, it is also obvious that the bikes are much easier to load thanks to their secure footing and offer more stability than their single-track competitors, especially at low speeds. For the CD1 Cargo, HNF Nicolai decided to combine the advantages of both construction methods - the result is the sophisticated tilting technology of the two front wheels.
When cornering, the front wheels lean into the curve, but the loading area remains almost completely horizontal. This means you can travel quickly and safely even with a load, and the turning circle is also smaller. So everything good? Well, when starting off or at low speeds, the easy-to-tilt technology makes the bike difficult to handle and it takes some practice to get used to it. Even when parking, it is not necessarily practical if the bike suddenly leans to the side and "falls over". However, HNF Nicolai wouldn't be HNF Nicolai if a solution hadn't been found for this: the tilting technology can be locked with a foot pedal and an easily accessible lever on the handlebars then releases it again. So you can quickly and easily switch between the classic "tricycle" and the sporty "tilting bike".
HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo: Variable loading area - Thule compatible
In its basic version, the CD1 Cargo comes with a visually appealing wooden loading area, which unfortunately turns out to be a bit slippery. Even if the tilting technology usually keeps the bike fairly horizontal, you should secure your load sufficiently before starting your journey. Of course, HNF Nicolai also offers a wide variety of superstructures and assembly options for its cargo bike. This is made possible primarily by two mounting rails on the sides of the loading area, in which, for example, the basket unit or the expensive cargo unit can be attached. Incidentally, both superstructures only fit on the large version of the CD1 Cargo. Alternatively, of course, simple tension belts can be screwed into the rails to secure the load accordingly. For the parents out there, HNF Nicolai does not offer their own bench or similar, but it is possible to screw Thule child trailers onto the loading area without any problems using special adapter rails.
HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo: Also convincing in practice
In practice, the HNF Nicolai CD1 Cargo can meet almost all of our expectations. However, the tilting technology takes some getting used to over the first few meters and even experienced cyclists need a few minutes to get used to it. However, once you get the hang of it, the CD1 Cargo is perhaps the most fun and sporty e-cargo bike that we have tested so far. Stability is sensational even when cornering briskly, and the load doesn't lose its composure either. Locking the tilting technology is particularly helpful when starting off, and handling with the foot pedal and handlebar remote is intuitive. The two front wheels should also be fixed when loading - the parking brakes are no less practical here, with which the bike can be parked quickly and safely even on surfaces that are not 100% level.
As safe and fun as the high-tech pack donkey appears to be on asphalt, the road gets worse and driving the CD1 Cargo quickly becomes a bit uncomfortable. However, the optionally available Thudbuster spring support from Cane Creek could help here - at least for the driver.
The equipment offers no reason at all to complain: It starts with the Bosch Performance CX motor, which still offers enough power even when properly loaded, continues with the very easy to handle and extremely low-maintenance drive with Enviolo hub and Gates carbon belt, right through to the great Supernova -Lighting, with which driving on unlit paths is no problem at all.
