Canadian Cargo Bike Brand Cargone and its Incredible Rear-Loading DUO

For Montreal-based Cargone, creating a better, greener way to get around the city isn’t just a mission—it’s a passion. With the launch of their innovative Solution Longtail DUO cargo bike, Cargone is setting a new standard for urban mobility. Designed to blend functionality, versatility, and robust local craftsmanship, the Solution Longtail DUO has captured attention as a game-changer in the world of cargo bikes.

“We design and build this cargo bike in Canada, true to our values, with the aim of bringing an efficient mobility alternative to the masses,” says Sébastien Jutras, CEO of Cargone. With its sleek frame and impressive capabilities, the Solution Longtail DUO addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options in urban environments.

Background: A Life on Bikes

Jutras, the founder of the brand, has been a passionate cyclist for 35 years, commuting daily in the harsh winters of Montreal. “I’ve pedaled close to 250,000 kilometers,” he shares, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to cycling. With a professional background in biomedical startups, Jutras transitioned into the bike manufacturing industry, a move he describes as “natural” given his lifelong passion for cycling.

His journey into cargo bikes began in 2010 when he discovered them through a blog discussing Kona’s long tail models.

“I fell in love with the concept right away,” he recalls.

Initially a fan of high-end racing bikes, he found renewed joy in the practicality of cargo bikes. Within two weeks of ownership, he started noticing design flaws and began using his mechanical engineering skills to develop his first long tail design. “I wanted to create something that would improve on what I saw,” he explains, reflecting on his first cargo bike built in 2011, which featured a unique configuration and geometry.

While the early 2010s saw Jutras focus on his biomedical career, the increasing popularity of cargo bikes reignited his passion. “I saw an opportunity to create something unique, entirely manufactured in Quebec,” he says. This decision was driven partly by the challenges of sourcing components during the pandemic. “It confirmed in my mind that keeping production local with good working conditions was the right path,” he adds.

Introducing Cargone

After three years of extensive R&D, Jutras and his team developed several patented innovations, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. “Our innovations never stop,” he notes, pointing out that they are constantly adding new accessories and features. Currently, they are gearing up for production, excited to introduce their latest long tail design to the market.

Through this journey, Jutras has stayed true to his vision: to create high-quality, innovative cargo bikes that reflect his commitment to cycling and community. “I want to build something that resonates with other cyclists,” he says.

The Cargone Solution Longtail DUO

The Birth of a Game Changer: Solution Longtail DUO

The Cargone engineering team has crafted a bike that accommodates diverse riders, cargo options, and practical needs. At the heart of the DUO’s design is the patent-pending Albatros rear loading system, which expands seamlessly from a compact 40 cm width to 86 cm. This allows riders to carry bulky loads—everything from groceries to holiday decorations—without compromising stability or safety.

“We wanted the Solution Longtail DUO to accommodate real-life demands,” Jutras explains. “That means designing a bike that has an impressive weight capacity of 200 kg while still being compact, safe, and reliable.”

The Solution Longtail DUO is crafted entirely from Canadian aluminum, showcasing Cargone’s commitment to sustainability. Built in the company’s Greater Montreal factory, this local manufacturing process not only reduces the bike’s carbon footprint but also supports cleaner urban environments. As Jutras notes, “This contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and supports cleaner urban environments.”

Safety and Comfort

Building locally allows Cargone to maintain quality control and engage directly with local suppliers, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable supply chain.

Safety and comfort are paramount in the DUO’s design. The bike features an ergonomic standover height and a low center of gravity, ensuring a stable ride regardless of the load. The high-quality brakes, ultra-stable kickstand, and integrated lights provide added confidence for both new and experienced riders.

The bike features a powerful 13-watt front light with adjustable beams and compliance with StVZO standards to ensure road safety, alongside a super wide industrial-strength stand for stability when carrying cargo. Enhanced with reflective accents for 360° visibility, the bike also includes four-piston Magura disc brakes for reliable stopping power and smart rear lighting that brightens when braking.

“Comfort and safety were a priority in every design aspect,” Jutras says. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the riding experience but also encourages more people to consider cargo bikes as a viable alternative for their daily commutes.

Cargone DUO

Rear-loading Innovation

In the world of cargo bikes, practicality and efficiency are key. Cargone has come up with an incredibly innovative rear-loading systems, dubbed the Albatross, that is redefining what a cargo bike can offer.

Jutras describes it like a pickup truck as a cargo bike so you can open and close the door at the back as kids or whatever it is being transported is loaded. Not only that, but the area can actually be expanded to an incredibly large capacity as need or restricted to a more standard size at other times.

“We were able to make it super big and super wide almost 33 inches at the max, which nobody does on a cargo bike,” Jutras explains. “It’s quite a lot of work to deal with in a lot of situations in the city, but it is there if you need it.  You can also just used a  20-inch or 24-inch capacity whenever you want in a matter of seconds.”

Whether you’re carrying two kids, an adult passenger, your family dog, or up to 200 kg of gear, the Cargone bike can handle it all with ease. The real star of the show is its patent-pending Albatros loading system, which revolutionizes how you transport passengers and cargo. With a quick adjustment, you can expand the loading area from fully closed to an impressive 80 cm wide, allowing you to comfortably accommodate everything from groceries to sports equipment without sacrificing comfort or capacity.

Real World Use

“The scenario is you start with your two kids in the morning with all their bags and stuff and you drop one at the kindergarten and then you drop the second one later on for example,” Jutras says. “And you continue on to your work and the bike is empty in the back or almost empty so the loading device will just go down so you can move around very efficiently.”

The loading area isn’t just spacious; it also incorporates safety features for children. With a long tail design, parents can load and unload their kids with ease, sidestepping the cumbersome task of lifting them up and over the bike, which happens on most cargo bikes, and isn’t always easy.

“You just walk directly into the back seats, you don’t need to lift their feet up three feet in the air,” says Jutras, noting this as a significant advantage for families on the go. The safety frame around the kids adds an extra layer of protection while ensuring that they can easily board the bike from the back.

Cargone DUO

A Dropper Like No Other

The cargo bike features an innovative automated dropper seat post designed for convenience and versatility, enhancing the riding experience for various users. This dropper operates via a remote control lever, allowing for an impressive eight inches of travel.

This Cargone design is particularly useful for shared usage, as it allows multiple riders to easily adjust the seat height. Each user can personalize their riding experience with presets that determine the seat height.

Additionally, the bike’s design emphasizes adaptability for various body types, accommodating riders from 4’10” to 6’5″. By incorporating a reverse adjustable stem, the bike maintains optimal geometry, ensuring comfort and control for all users. This thoughtful approach illustrates the brand’s commitment to innovation and usability, making the cargo bike a standout option in the growing market of multi-user cycling solutions.

A Bike for Everyone

One of the most innovative aspects of the Solution Longtail DUO is its adaptability for different users. With a unique stem and patent-pending seat preset system, the bike can be adjusted to fit riders ranging from 147 to 196 cm in height—all without the need for tools. This flexibility makes it ideal for families and shared households where multiple people may use the bike.

“It’s designed with everyone in mind—whether you’re a solo commuter, a parent dropping kids off at school, or someone running errands. It’s meant to fit seamlessly into your life,” Jutras says.

In line with their mission to meet unique rider needs, Cargone offers a variety of customization options, allowing customers to choose colors, add accessories, and adapt the bike for different purposes.

The Cargone Solution Longtail DUO

Efficiency Meets Accessibility

At the heart of the Cargone Solution Longtail DUO is the powerful Bosch Cargo Line drive system, which enables riders to tackle hills, long commutes, and heavy loads with ease. The motor has been integrated seamlessly into the bike’s design, ensuring that riders can benefit from its power without compromising on aesthetics or ride quality. This balance of strength and style is essential for appealing to a broad audience of urban cyclists.

Despite its robust power, the bike remains user-friendly. The drive system ensures smooth acceleration, allowing riders to navigate city streets confidently, whether they’re carrying a load or enjoying a leisurely ride.

“We believe it will make a significant impact on how people approach their daily commute,” Jutras says, highlighting the bike’s potential to transform urban transportation.

Community and Environmental Impact

Cargone’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the bike itself; it encompasses a broader vision of reducing reliance on automobiles in urban areas. As cities grapple with congestion and pollution, Cargone’s Solution Longtail DUO presents an attractive alternative for environmentally-conscious consumers.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Solution Longtail DUO,” Jutras says. “We aim to provide people with a cleaner, more efficient way to move through their cities.”

The launch of the Solution Longtail DUO aligns with a growing trend in urban transportation—an increasing acceptance and adoption of cargo bikes as practical solutions for everyday needs. As cities expand bike lanes and infrastructure to support cycling, products like the DUO can help foster a culture of cycling that is not only practical but also enjoyable.

Available Now

Currently, the Solution Longtail DUO is available for purchase on Cargone’s website, with units in stock for immediate orders across Canada. This timely release comes as more people seek sustainable and convenient options for commuting and transportation, particularly in urban centers.

Cargone’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement has positioned them as leaders in the cargo bike market. With the Solution Longtail DUO, they are not only addressing the needs of urban cyclists but also paving the way for a future where sustainable transportation options become the norm.

“We are excited to bring this product to the market, and we look forward to seeing how it changes the way people think about urban mobility,” Jutras says. With a blend of innovative design, robust functionality, and local craftsmanship, the Solution Longtail DUO stands poised to revolutionize urban transportation.