The rejuvenation of ebikes for the 2022 season continues. This time, Riese & Müller announces that one of its bestsellers is now also equipped with the Smart System from Bosch. For this, the manufacturer is counting up one in its “Charger” model series and is now letting the Charger3 be followed by the Charger4.
The old sleeve still fits
If you miss the difference in the name, you will hardly notice any external difference between the two. Both look strikingly similar. This is primarily due to the fact that Riese & Müller seem to have succeeded in integrating the most modern development stage of the Bosch drive into the already existing frame of the Charger3. Experience has shown that the most difficult task in doing so is to neatly accommodate the seven-centimetre-longer Intube PowerTube 750 battery. A comparison between the geometry data of Charger3 and Charger4 reveals that the manufacturer has succeeded in this. The motor has not changed in terms of dimensions and therefore poses no further challenge.
New Charger4 from Riese & Müller
Based on the frame geometry, it can be assumed that the newcomer and its predecessor are very close in terms of riding feel. At least as far as the seating position on the bike and the overall behaviour of the drive are concerned. Apart from that, Bosch’s Smart System ensures that you can use the Charger4 for exactly the same adventures at the weekend or on everyday routes as you might be used to with the Charger3. Just a little longer due to the larger capacity of the battery and more conveniently connected than before thanks to the better connectivity of the system.
App becomes the control centre
You can switch on the Charger4 ebike system using the LED Remote from Bosch. The control unit is connected to the Kiox 300 display and the eBike Flow app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. The central interface is the app. Thanks to it, for example, the recording of your riding and fitness data starts immediately with the first pedal. The data can be viewed in both the eBike Flow app and the Apple Health app. If you want to ride without a display, you can still track your tours very well afterwards. In addition, data exchange via Bluetooth enables the transfer of new software functions over the air.
The rest of the equipment symbolises the high quality standards that Riese & Müller sets for itself and its bikes. Supernova is responsible for the lighting system. The hydraulic disc brakes come from Magura and the suspension seatpost from Cane Creek, all more than respectable manufacturers in their field. Riding comfort is further enhanced by an angle-adjustable stem that allows you to smoothly change your riding position from comfortable to sporty. The standard rear carrier is compatible with the MIK system, so you can easily use existing accessories such as baskets, bags and larger panniers on the Charger4. With a maximum load of 27.5 kilograms, it is also easy to attach child seats.
Mini 2 headlight from Supernova
Quartet sticks to a proven pattern
The Charger4 model range is not quite as diverse as the Charger3. In total, there are four models: the Charger4 touring, the Charger4 vario, the Charger4 GT touring and the Charger4 GT vario. For those who are not so familiar with Riese & Müller, a brief explanation: “touring” and “vario” refer to different drive systems. On the touring models you will find a classic derailleur. In this case, it is the Shimano XT group with a cassette with eleven sprockets. Even in the Linkglide version, i.e. more sturdily manufactured and therefore more durable. For the vario models, Riese& Müller relies on the continuously variable automatic shifting hub from Enviolo, including a carbon belt.
In contrast, the abbreviation “GT” indicates that this bike was explicitly designed for longer distances. Different tyres are fitted depending on whether you want to ride longer off-road or on the road. Schwalbe Super Moto-X are used on the Charger4 GT Touring and Schwalbe Johnny Watts on the Charger4 GT vario. The other two Charger4s roll on Schwalbe Big Ben.
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- Charger4 touring
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- Charger4 vario
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- Charger4 GT touring
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- Charger4 GT vario
Optional for all models is the RX Chip. In combination with the RX Connect app and the corresponding fee, your bike can be tracked at any time via GPS tracking. Due to the lock feature, you will receive a message if someone moves your locked Charger4. The service also includes compensation in the event of theft or wilful damage to property.
Riese & Müller Charger4 at a glance
- Variants: Charger4 Touring, Charger4 vario, Charger4 GT Touring, Charger4 GT vario
- Suspension fork: Suntour XCR32, Suntour Mobie34
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Drive: Shimano Deore XT Linkglide
- Brakes: Magura MT4, disc brake; Magura CT Speed eStop ABS
- Sizes: 46 cm, 49 cm, 53 cm, 56 cm
- Frame colour: black matt, petrol matt
- Maximum permitted total weight: 140 kg
- Price: from 5.099 Euro
Pictures: Riese & Müller GmbH
