Riese & Müller Tinker 2 Vario
A luxury compact that’s powerful, innovative and built using the best parts going
The Tinker 2 Vario has a realistic claim to being the finest compact e-bike to date. Like most other compacts, it features 20-inch wheels for agile performance around town. Yet it’s the combination of Riese & Müller’s high-quality engineering, a top-end mid-drive motor and a spec other compacts would die for that set it apart.
Like many Riese & Müller e-bikes, the Tinker looks distinctive. Here this is largely down to the handlebars that pivot at their base. The bars also offer height adjustment that allows riders ranging from 5ft to
6ft 6in to find their ideal riding position. Cleverly, the system also allows you to fold the stem back to the frame and twist the bars 90 degrees for compact storage.
The Tinker offers a plush experience in the saddle. There are large-volume tyres and front air suspension as standard. Even without the optional suspension seatpost, it’s one of the most luxurious rides out there.
At the same time, the Tinker will also satisfy sporty riders thanks to its lively geometry and 65Nm of torque. Its Enviolo hub with belt drive requires an absolute minimum of servicing, while the stepless shifting means you can never be out of gear. Just as brilliant is the clean-running belt drive that requires no oil and lasts far longer than a chain.
The gross weight rating of the Tinker is a hefty 135kg, making it one of the most capable compacts. The rear rack is rated for a child seat with a load capacity of up to 25kg and also allows the option of a quick-mount cargo box. You can also get a mount to tow a kiddy trailer or extra cargo.
The Bosch Performance Line motor delivers tried-and-trusted power, while the integrated Smart System interface represents the latest tech. In-built connectivity means Riese & Müller can offer features such as remote locking, geo-tracking and movement alerts sent to your phone. In the future, it could mean pairing with an Apple Watch or automating the power delivery to keep your heart rate within given parameters. In short, the Tinker is both mechanically superb and digitally future-proofed.
£4,399 r-m.de