Off-road e-cargobike from Portus with Carbon Drive - for trail builders and planet savers
Cargo Karl and Dörte meet in the forest
The best thing about wandering the Eurobike are the many surprises. Extraordinary things that you didn't even have on your radar before. Small manufacturers who are not in the media spotlight, but who nevertheless present remarkable and innovative products. And one manufacturer that made a special impression this year is Portus Cycles. Parked in classic guerrilla fashion at the Rohloff booth, we found it. A turquoise-colored e-cargobike, covered in mud, with tools rigged, chainsaw, crate and other hardware, as if it had come straight back from the wilderness of the North Shore. The Compact Cargo Karl.
The manufacturer Portus Cycles is a small forge in Pforzheim, who still manufacture their frames according to classic craftsmanship and in small quantities. Here, the boss and engineer Alex Claus still mills, welds and assembles himself. And preferably steel. The number of Portus models is manageable. In addition to the Cargo Karl, there is also an MTB hardtail, a gravel bike and a running bike for children. But all signs are pointing to growth. After the current series of the Cargo Karl of 12 units, a successor is planned for next year, the Cargo Karl 2, and Alex Claus wants to build 50 of them. The model indeed has great potential.
The Compact Cargo Karl is the only cargo bike we know of that is fully capable for off-road use - and thus, as showcased at the Eurobike, is perfectly suited as a working horse for trail builders. For an authentic requirements profile, Alex is in close contact with the trail builders of the Mountainbike Club Lörrach for a long time and thus knows what is needed for the construction, repair and maintenance of MTB trails.
A large Craftsman toolbox is mounted on the deep front luggage rack, and a huge hip flask made of polished stainless steel shines on the side of it, attached with proper straps, but only containing water, as we were assured. On the front rack, securely strapped, the classic among the trail construction tools: The Dörte Tools Compact Tool. This detachable gem, made in Germany, is a hoe, a rake, a tamper and much more all in one. An electric Stihl chainsaw rides shotgun on the rear rack. A hand axe and a machete are fixed to the side of the bike. A warning sign for trail work is also on board, and a hammock is stowed in a bag within the frame triangle. Alex Claus emphasizes that all the equipment can be attached securely and absolutely rattle-free to the bike, even when going through rough terrrain. The front and rear racks are fixed by welding and part of the frame, which is built entirely of extra-durable 25CrMo4 steel. For the front, the load recommendation is 20 kg to ensure off-road ridability, the rear can accommodate even 50 kg.
To bring the Cargo Karl fully loaded across the terrain to the construction sites, it is assisted by a Bosch Performance Line CX 4th Gen motor. Shifting is preferably done with a Rohloff E14 in combination with the Gates Carbon Drive. However, a derailleur variant is also available.
While designed with off-road and trail-building in mind, Alex Claus also sees great potential for the Cargo Karl in urban and commercial settings, where it can be used by suppliers and tradespeople or for big shopping to reduce motorized traffic - and where it can do a little to help save the planet.
photos: Portus Cycles / Dörte Tools
