With the Veolo Cargo, the Leipzig-based manufacturer presented the Veolo finally a versatile bicycle trailer. The model was designed for different transport tasks and is suitable for both urban and off-road use.
Veolo Cargo: lightweight all-rounder for bike transport
The trailer has a robust and high-quality frame made of aluminium Al6061, which is manufactured in a complex process. The material is first annealed, then bent and finally processed with a 5-axis laser.
According to Veolo, this design should ensure a high level of stability and low weight at the same time. The Veolo Cargo has a tare weight of 9 kilograms and can be loaded with up to 80 kilograms.
Innovative chassis technology for agility
A key design feature of the Veolo Cargo is the independent wheel suspension. This consists of CNC-milled and anodised aluminium Al6061 rocker arms. The elastomer suspension works progressively and offers a maximum spring travel of 45 millimetres. This is intended to give the trailer agile driving behaviour even when heavily loaded. The standard version is fitted with a medium-hard elastomer designed for loads of up to 50 kilograms.
For heavier loads, this can simply be replaced with harder elastomers. The wheels are fitted with Schwalbe BigApple Raceguard tyres in the size ERTO 50-406. These should ensure good traction and puncture resistance.
Sophisticated design for high suitability for everyday use
The loading area of the Veolo Cargo consists of a three-part aluminium tray, which is powder-coated and has a non-slip rubber coating. The connection to the frame is made via twelve rubber-buffered milled parts. Reflectors are fitted at the front and rear for passive safety in road traffic. The drawbar can be removed if required, allowing the trailer to be stowed away to save space.
The Veolo Cargo is equipped with a coupling compatible with the Thule system for easy mounting on different types of bicycles. In the standard version, the towbar fits bicycles with 26 to 28 inch wheels. However, a compact version for 20 to 24 inch wheels and a swivelling version are also available as options.
Versatile application options and accessories
The main aim during development was to make the Veolo versatile for all kinds of transport tasks. In addition to its use as a classic cargo trailer in everyday life, the Veolo is also designed for outdoor activities such as camping or water sports. Of course, the right accessories are also available.
A pannier made of waterproof material enables equipment to be transported. Special packing brackets allow bulky items such as surfboards to be secured. The Leipzig-based company offers lashing straps to securely fasten the load. A wall bracket enables space-saving storage of the dismantled trailer.
Veolo Cargo - Sustainable production in Germany
According to Veolo, the company emphasises sustainable production. Around 75 percent of all components come from Germany, including the seamless aluminium tubes from the Bavarian Forest. In total, the Veolo Cargo is assembled from over 130 individual parts. Assembly is carried out by hand in the workshop in Leipzig.
Veolo Cargo: Technical specifications
- FrameAluminium Al6061, annealed, bent and 5-axle laser-cut; independent wheel suspension
- Spring travel: 45 mm
- WarehouseReplaceable, low-wear plain bearings
- TubAluminium, welded and powder-coated, with anti-slip coating
- Spring elements: Interchangeable elastomers (ideal for 0-50 kg)
- ReflectorsFront and rear
- ClutchCompatible with Thule coupling system
- Impellers20 inch, anodised hollow chamber rim, 18 spokes
- TyresSchwalbe BigApple Raceguard, ERTO 50-406
- DrawbarRemovable, with safety rope and adjustable foot
- Dead weight: 9 kg
- PayloadMax. 80 kg
Scope of delivery
- Aluminium frame with tray
- Drawbar with coupling for bicycle mounting
- 20-inch wheels with thru axle
- 2 medium-hard elastomers
- Operating instructions
The Veolo Cargo in the test
We have been able to test the Veolo Cargo extensively over the last few months and wanted to know how the stylish cargo trailer performs in everyday use. In addition to the standard scope of delivery, we had also ordered a packing bracket, packing bag and a tensioning strap set. This brings the price of the Cargo to a rather hefty 1168 euros. However, the Cargo leaves nothing to be desired in terms of quality. The materials are of a very high quality and the workmanship is impeccable.
Intuitive and easy assembly
Assembly is also quick and self-explanatory. Screw on the coupling, secure the bracket with a wing nut and fix the pannier with Velcro strips. You're ready to go. Particularly practical: the wheels can be easily removed at the touch of a thumb and stowed away in the carrycot for storage. As a family with two children, we still have our eyes closed when it comes to fitting them to the bike. Veolo uses a system similar to the well-known Thule coupling.
Smooth and stable driving behaviour
Here we go: The first test ride takes us to the drinks store round the corner. Water, lemonade, cola, beer - the pannier is filled to the brim. Two bottles of red wine fit into the practical storage compartments inside. The straps securely fasten the load and snap into place almost automatically using the practical magnetic fasteners from Fidlock, and the pannier can be closed either with a zip or a roll closure to make it waterproof. Your legs groan as you set off: it's been a long time since you've pulled a trailer. But as soon as you pick up speed, the Veolo follows you smoothly.
The elastomers do a good job, even on the gravelled road home the load behaves remarkably unobtrusively. The only thing that takes a little getting used to is the slight push-back of the trailer on uneven terrain or strong acceleration. And: the quiet rattling of the safety pin in the coupling, which in our test version was only fitted with a small O-ring to protect it from rattling. However, Veolo has already revised this point so that the updated version should be significantly quieter.
Clever: Thanks to the slight camber on the tyres and the low centre of gravity, the Veolo stays safely on track even in fast bends and is extremely stable on the road.
Extremely versatile
In the weeks that followed, we took the Veolo on many a trip. To the swimming pool with the kids, to do the bulk shopping for the whole week, to go climbing with friends and on a short camping trip to the grandparents' garden. The car? We could easily do without it with the Veolo Cargo. Tent, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, cooker, camping gear - the 220 litre pannier swallowed up the load like a black hole.
Our conclusion
In our opinion, the Veolo's strongest asset is its flexibility. The optional bag and the packing handles make the cargo trailer very versatile. In combination with an e-bike, even heavy loads over long distances are no problem. We also see advantages over the currently popular cargo bikes. With the Veolo Cargo, there is no need to purchase an additional bike and you can simply use your existing bike. The low weight and high payload also speak in favour of the Veolo. We were also amazed at how smoothly and stably the cargo trailer runs behind the bike.
+ Low weight
+ high payload and flexibility
+ clever accessories
+ stable driving behaviour
+ high-quality materials
- high price
- Rattling coupling splint (will be replaced by an improved version in the future)
- few accessories included
Stefan Frey
Editor
