The VELLO SUB in the endurance test
Building a cargo bike that is lightweight, compact and yet robust is a challenge. Our VELLO SUB is ideal for everyday urban demands, but that isn’t enough for us, we wanted to develop a bike that performs everywhere, even outside its comfort zone. That’s why we don’t just test our bikes in the lab; we take them out on tour ourselves, onto demanding mountain-bike trails in the Alps where cargo bikes normally never go.
One of these tours recently took us to the Klagenfurter Hütte in Carinthia, a place known not only for its views but also for its challenging MTB trail. On board: two electrically assisted VELLO SUBs, ready for the ultimate test.
Two SUBs, one goal
To compare drive concepts under identical conditions, we set off with two VELLO SUB variants, both equipped with a 400 W Bosch Cargo-Line motor delivering 100 Nm of torque and a twin pack of 545 Wh batteries:
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SUB Enviolo Heavy Duty: stepless CVP hub, designed for cargo bikes.
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SUB 3×3 NINE: 9-speed geared hub, 554 % overall gear range.
Both frames weigh under 25 kg and are rated for a 210 kg system weight. The SUB’s low own weight provides a real efficiency advantage in practice.
Tested in the lab. Proven on the mountain.
Before a VELLO SUB reaches the market, it undergoes the strictest laboratory tests, including the renowned EFBE Tri-Test, a multi-component test procedure for cargo bikes. This test systematically simulates a bicycle’s life cycle loads, including brake and torsion tests, lateral load, frame stiffness and long-term durability.
The tour: From Feistritz to the Klagenfurter Hütte
The route starts in Feistritz im Rosental at around 550 m above sea level. After just a few kilometres you leave the asphalt and immerse yourself in a varied and demanding mountain world. In total, the trail climbs more than 1,150 m of elevation through the Alps up to the Klagenfurter Hütte – a classic MTB route.
Section 1 – Asphalt & warm-up:
We began gently on asphalt, passing through small villages and forests, the perfect stretch to prepare for what lay ahead. The motor assistance already provided pleasant handling on slight inclines with luggage.
Section 2 – Onto the gravel:
After a few kilometres the real test began: switching to rough gravel, sometimes loose, with deep ruts and occasional cross gullies carved by rainwater. Here the importance of a sensitive drivetrain and a stiff frame became evident. The cushioning of the wide tyres and the SUB’s low bottom bracket delivered solid grip in spite of the load.
Section 3 – Steep ramps & technical riding:
On the way to the hut the terrain alternated between steep ramps (some with over 15 % gradient) and winding forest passages. Precise gear selection was crucial.
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The SUB with Enviolo Heavy Duty scored with its stepless shifting. Especially on changing terrain, where you are frequently stopping, starting and readjusting, it enabled extremely smooth riding with no “gear jump” or break in pedalling.
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The SUB with 3×3 NINE impressed with its mechanical directness. The gear spacing was ideal for longer, steady climbs where you need a mountain gear that just keeps pulling. The three-gear hub with reduction enabled efficient climbing even with cargo.
Conclusion: Everyday-ready, adventure-proven
The mountain-bike tour to the Klagenfurter Hütte once again confirmed why we don’t just develop our bikes, we ride them ourselves. The VELLO SUB not only met every requirement, it also showed how versatile an urban cargo bike can be: Solid in everyday use, reliable in the mountains, safe under load.
Fancy more than just city traffic?
The VELLO SUB is a bike without compromise. It combines urban everyday practicality with genuine touring capability. So if you’re looking for more than just the way to work or the supermarket, you’ll find a dependable partner in the SUB.
