Bicycles

Maniac & Sane carbon fiber cargo bikes come with or without a motor

Maniac & Sane carbon fiber cargo bikes come with or without a motor
The non-motorized Maniac (pictured) reportedly weighs less than 30 lb, but costs more than $10,000
The non-motorized Maniac (pictured) reportedly weighs less than 30 lb, but costs more than $10,000
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Both bikes feature a unique cable-based steering system
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Both bikes feature a unique cable-based steering system
The use of carbon fiber keeps the bikes' weight down
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The use of carbon fiber keeps the bikes' weight down
The non-motorized Maniac (pictured) reportedly weighs less than 30 lb, but costs more than $10,000
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The non-motorized Maniac (pictured) reportedly weighs less than 30 lb, but costs more than $10,000
Both bikes can manage a combined rider/cargo load of 200 kg (441 lb)
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Both bikes can manage a combined rider/cargo load of 200 kg (441 lb)
Both bikes feature a two-legged kickstand
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Both bikes feature a two-legged kickstand
The Maniac's Gates Carbon belt-drive drivetrain
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The Maniac's Gates Carbon belt-drive drivetrain
Both the Sane (pictured) and the Maniac have a 20-inch wheel in front, and a 26er in the rear
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Both the Sane (pictured) and the Maniac have a 20-inch wheel in front, and a 26er in the rear
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While cargo bikes definitely are useful, we tend not to think of the things as being sleek or lightweight. Both of those words, however, could be applied to the Maniac & Sane bikes – one of which has an electric-assist motor.

Designed by German engineer Martin Fleischhauer, both models feature a full carbon fiber frame and Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes. They also sport a unique drive-by-wire steering system, in which internally routed 3-mm steel cables run from the base of the steerer tube up to the front wheel.

The Maniac – which does not have a motor – incorporates a Gates Carbon belt-drive drivetrain, a 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub rear hub gearbox, a rigid carbon fiber fork, and a 620 x 400-mm (24.4 x 15.7-in) cargo bed that can accommodate a maximum load of 80 kg (176 lb). The bike can manage a combined rider/cargo load of 200 kg (441 lb), and reportedly tips the scales at 12.8 kg (28 lb).

Both the Sane (pictured) and the Maniac have a 20-inch wheel in front, and a 26er in the rear
Both the Sane (pictured) and the Maniac have a 20-inch wheel in front, and a 26er in the rear

The Sane augments the rider's pedalling power with a Neodrives Z20 rear hub motor, which delivers 40 Nm (29.5 lb ft) of torque and a top electric-assisted speed of 25 km/h (16 mph) – we're told that battery range should be somewhere around 50 to 80 km (31 to 50 miles), depending on factors such as load, terrain and electric assist level. Gearing is provided by an 11-speed XT cassette and rear derailleur.

The Sane additionally has a suspension fork, along with a larger cargo bed that measures 820 x 475 mm (32.3 x 18.7 in) and offers a payload capacity of 100 kg (220 lb). The bike's combined rider/cargo weight still sits at 200 kg, although the Sane's own weight is a claimed 22.8 kg (50 lb).

The Maniac's Gates Carbon belt-drive drivetrain
The Maniac's Gates Carbon belt-drive drivetrain

Should you be interested, pricing starts at €9,995 (about US$10,581) for the Maniac, and €11,995 ($12,699) for the Sane.

Source: Maniac & Sane

View gallery - 7 images
4 comments
4 comments
SteveMc
Ten grand? If it's for an olympic competition of cargo bike racing, then, maybe. For humping deliveries - no chance! Imagine the insurance premium on one of these...
jayedwin98020
I am curious as to who this company might think their market is.

At the prices they're advertising, I would think the average bike
delivery services would probably have to take a 'hard pass' on
either one of these 'bikes'.

I wonder if this company has done any calculations on what
they think the 'ROI' on their two 'bikes' might be.

A great idea, just way to pricey!
DaveWesely
Steve, in the US, bikes are included in the homeowner or rental policies. Perhaps it is different elsewhere, but even then the insurance expense would be minimal. As for the price, Yikes! Who needs to shave off a couple pounds when you're humping a ton of gear?
ReservoirPup
I don't think it's expensive with those specs. The author might have put more emphasis that the bike is basically handmade out of an expensive and tricky material plus the components are the top. Good job Martin Fleischhauer!