We drove with the new Galian Formidable from Rennes, fully equipped, Made in France and clever. His particuliarity ? It’s a curious mix between a longtail and a two-wheeler, which allows it to transport up to four children. Here are our first impressions.
The electric cargo bike is first of all a fairly simple first question: two-wheeler or longtail? If you don’t know how to choose, our file already makes it easy to orient yourself for your purchase. But in order to combine the two worlds, the Galian brand has found the solution.
This company born in Rennes was founded by three enthusiasts including Vincent Renard, whom we met at the Lyon 2 Wheel Show. The Galian Formidable is the manufacturer’s first model, combining the front body of a two-wheeler with the rear capacity of a recumbent electric bike. Unpublished.
When driving, the Galian is a delight
At the front, the box accommodates two children, on a bench equipped with 5-point belts and retractable if you need to carry packages. Toddlers will not have to climb it, the cargotrail has two opposing doors to facilitate access. Well seen. At the rear, the frame supports a platform designed to accommodate two other children or an adult. In total, you can carry 250 kg, cyclist and bike (53 kg) included.
Doors to access the cash register. // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Two children can take a seat. // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
The bench seat is foldable. // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
All these ideas give a real “face” to the cargo ship, with a “grade 7000” X-shaped aluminum frame which benefits from easy step-over, made in France. The co-founder and CEO didn’t hesitate to let us try it, adding weight to the experience. Climbing into the saddle with the salesman Tristan at the back, and vice versa, we noticed that the Rennes cargo ship is surprisingly manoeuvrable. The 24-inch wheels offer an ideal compromise, ensuring good handling similar to that of a conventional bicycle while lowering the center of gravity.
It is true that a short adaptation period is necessary, but it is brief, and you are quickly seduced by the ease of driving thanks to the twin-cable steering, as well as the impressive performance. Despite a rigid fork, comfort is satisfactory over the few hectometers traveled. However, a more in-depth test would be desirable to fully assess the comfort offered by the large balloon tires and the suspended saddle.
With a hidden road ahead, you need to adapt, but very quickly! // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
The direction is transmitted by two cables. // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
The rear platform supports 2 children, and incorporates a light. // Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
French engine and batteries
The local approach is favored here at 86%, a common characteristic with other companies encountered in Lyon, such as Radior. The Rennes firm also uses the Valeo Cyclee motor, the only electric bike motor manufactured in France (before the arrival of Yamaha this year). This tri-color engine adapts perfectly to the Galian Formidable, offering ease of use thanks to its 7-speed automatic transmission, an impressive torque of 130 Nm ideal for heavy loads with a boost trigger, and a belt requiring little interview.
Regarding braking, no worries: the Formula Cura brakes with 4-piston calipers guarantee very efficient stopping. Vincent Renard emphasizes that the Galian was not designed exclusively for the Valeo engine. “As the frame is made to last over several generations, we had to think about its repairability”explains the boss, “just remove the top plates and you can install another type of engine”. For the moment, it remains modest in terms of communication, with a 10-year warranty.
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Source: M. Lauraux for Frandroid
Durability is a central element of this electric cargo bike, whose battery, with a capacity of 630 Wh and also manufactured in France by Néogy, is not integrated into the frame but removable. This makes sense, because the idea is to be able to remove the battery easily when leaving the bike parked, whether to run errands or pick up the kids.
A fully equipped Galian electric cargo bike
The Galian Formidable enriches its equipment with a double central stand, protection for the rear wheel leading to a wheel blocker, retractable toe clips, powerful front lighting and a rear light integrated into the frame. Given that the majority of components – with the exception of the brakes and tires – are French, the launch price of the freighter is quite high, amounting to 7,883.80 euros… with a 15% discount, which should bring the final price to 9,268.30 euros, marking included.
Mirrors with integrated turn signals, the Visaia QLIR, are not included and are sold separately for around 100 euros. As an option, the bike can be equipped with a rain canopy for 399 euros or a guardrail for 489 euros. The bike comes in one size, but offers two color options: the “Racing” green of our test model and black.