About half a year has passed since Bosch expanded its Smart System. With the Bosch Cargo Line, the motor for e-cargo bikes has also been raised to the level of the connective drive system. One of the first bikes to be fitted with this system is the new Capsule MT Smart for the 2023 season, the revised version of Kiffy’s former longtail.
More power after update
Somehow, the rather small manufacturer managed to be one of the first companies to be supplied with the system by Bosch. Perhaps the relative proximity from Reutlingen to the suburbs of Saint-Étienne helped. And now the cargo bike, which is very compact in terms of its dimensions, is powered by the best motor that Bosch provides for this purpose. For the Capsule MT Smart, this means a real gain. The model with its permitted total weight of 200 kilograms has always been extremely resilient. However, the Bosch Performance with its 65 Newton metres of torque, which has been installed up to now, has not been able to cope with this weight in every situation. The Cargo Line of the Smart System, on the other hand, brings about 30 percent more dynamics, so that the difference to the current 85 Newton metres will be clearly noticeable.
In addition, there are of course the advantages of the associated components such as the Kiox 300 display and its navigation function, the simple operation of the bike with the help of the LED remote or the updates for which you no longer have to plug in any devices. When integrating the motor, Kiffy also made sure that there is enough space under the cover to store the Bosch ConnectModule. If you want to protect your Capsule from theft in the future with this option, you can do so without hesitation.
Working on the finer points
Otherwise, the manufacturer has left the model largely as it was. What has changed are details such as the bipod stand. It is not only five millimetres longer than before, but has also been reinforced, especially at the welding points. In addition, the angle of the stand is now different, which should make the bike standing more stable.
As for the colours, a red and a brown tone replace the previous grey and pistachio green. In addition, Kiffy now also offers black as a choice.
Not only more inside, but also more on it
You will also find new accessories for the Capsule MT Smart. One of them is the “Yokyok” front carrier. Its relatively open construction allows cargo to protrude to the front and sides. It is enclosed in a net that ensures that objects of a corresponding size remain on the carrier at all times.
Instead of the front rack, you can also attach a bag to the plate that is firmly attached to the head tube. At 44 litres, the volume seems large enough to hold more than just a wallet and mobile phone. Important for everyday use, the bag repels water, but is not designated as waterproof.
If you take a seat on the rear carrier of the Capsule, you can hold on to a round bracket called “Ring Kiki”. This can be mounted either at the very front of the carrier near the saddle or in the middle, so that two children can ride one behind the other and each hold on to one bracket. Another new feature is the wooden footrests for putting your feet down while riding.
Kiffy Capsule MT Smart 2023 at a glance
- Frame: 606-T6 aluminium
- Colours: Black, Mango Yellow, Mineral Blue, Ruby Red, Vintage Brown
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 545
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Control unit: Bosch LED remote
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour Mobie A32 Cargo, 70 mm
- Drivetrain: Sram GX
- Brakes: Clarks M2
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Ben+ 20×2.15
- Front carrier capacity: 15 kg
- Rear carrier capacity: 100 kg
- Weight: 26.5 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 200 kg
- Price: from 5,299 euros
Pictures: Easy Design Technology SAS