Formula and Ello Mobilité create cargo bike fleet for Carrefour
Italian engineering firm Formula has partnered with manufacturer Ello Mobilité to build a cargo bike fleet of bikes for French supermarket giant, Carrefour. The bikes will transport up to 100kg of groceries on each delivery, covering 80km a day as part of Carrefour’s online demand service.
The bikes, equipped with the Formula’s Cargo fork and Utile brakes, have been deployed at the new Carrefour Market in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on the French Riviera.
The Cargo fork and Utile brake were chosen as they increase safety and comfort for the rider, while also being low maintenance – reducing running costs over the lifespan of the bike, said the press statement. They are backed up by Formula’s 10 Year Support Promise, which makes parts, spares and support available for ten years.
CARGO FORK
20,000KMS SERVICE INTERVAL
The Cargo Fork was designed with two main goals: to reduce maintenance costs and make it last longer. The prototype was developed in collaboration with Urban Arrow and their customer, Tring Tring. It was tested extensively by the last-mile logistics company in Amsterdam and Utrecht, covering tens of thousands of km.
The fork met and exceeded the objectives, sometimes registering 25,000kms before requiring servicing. This durability is due to robust engineering, including cast aluminium fork lowers and heavy-duty seals that protect the internal components from the elements, said the brand.
It features 35mm stanchions with 50mm of travel, and can carry loads of up to 300kg. The Urban Arrow version also includes an integrated steering rod for direct control. A 15mm thru-axle was chosen for added strength and safety, avoiding the issues sometimes seen with quick-release skewers.
Overall, the fork is built to handle the demands of intensive commercial use while keeping maintenance to a minimum. This lowers the total cost of ownership and across a fleet of bikes the savings can be substantial.
UTILE BRAKE: USEABLE POWER
The Utile Brake provides powerful and progressive braking, avoiding the abrupt on/off action often found in mountain bike brake systems adapted for cargo bikes.
This performance is made possible by the combination of a moto-style lever and a master cylinder with a larger piston and reservoir. The system design and increased oil capacity result in improved modulation.
The use of DOT 4 brake fluid and a steel-braided hose ensure consistent and reliable hydraulic power delivery to the dual-piston calipers. Those calipers are made from forged aluminium for added strength and durability.
The robust design means the brake system has a recommended service interval of 20,000kms/two years. To further enhance the durability of the system, we developed semi-metallic long-life brake pads. In testing, these pads lasted over 10,000 km, approximately five times the distance achieved by competitor brake pads, we’re told.
The result is a brake system that improves safety by giving riders greater control and confidence, whilst also reducing operating costs via extended service intervals.
