Schindelhauer Neo: a compact city bike in three versions

Model	Neo	Neo Classic	Neo Electric
Drivetrain	Singlespeed	Shimano Alfine 8-speed	Pinion 6-speed + Mahle X30
Weight	9.8kg	12.4kg	16kg
Colours	Edelweiss	Deep Purple / Titanium Grey	Brushed aluminium
Price	1 995 €	2 495 €	4 395 €

One frame, and at the end of it three very different bikes: a stripped-back 9.8-kilo singlespeed, a city model with a Shimano Alfine hub, and an electric version with a Pinion gearbox. With the Neo, Schindelhauer applies its Berlin design — clean lines, a belt instead of a chain, hidden cables — to a compact 20-inch format for the first time.

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The compact idea, already explored in 2013

A compact bike is not a new idea at the Berlin brand. As early as 2013, Schindelhauer offered the ThinBike, an urban bike on 24-inch wheels, with folding handlebars and pedals so it could be stored in a minimum of space. The Neo drops that folding mechanism, but pushes the format further: even smaller wheels, more up-to-date technology and, above all, a much broader range.

A single size, from 1.58m to 1.92m

The Neo’s frame follows the “one size fits most” principle: a single size, meant to suit riders from 1.58m to 1.92m. No size to choose, then, either in store or online. Schindelhauer presents the bike as a versatile urban companion, designed as much for slipping through traffic and being stowed away as for everyday riding.

Style-wise, the brand stays true to itself across all three versions: crisp lines, integrated technology, a tidy look. The kind of details that stand out less on the spec sheet than on the bike itself.

A rear light hidden in the seatpost

For components, Schindelhauer relies on proven solutions. As always with the brand, the Gates belt — maintenance-free, no grease — is fitted as standard on every model. The LightSKIN lighting is integrated from the outset too, and it is probably the bike’s most carefully judged detail.

The front light sits under the fork crown, in an unusual spot. The rear light, for its part, all but disappears into the seatpost — invisible when off, it stands out all the more when lit, in the shape of a long strip of light.

From a 9.8kg singlespeed to an electric with a Pinion gearbox

That leaves the heart of the matter: three bikes for three ways of riding.

The entry-level version, simply called Neo, targets purists. Singlespeed — a single gear — and dressed in the Edelweiss colour, it does without derailleurs to save weight: 9.8 kilos on the scales, enough to feel at ease on short to medium urban trips. Mudguards, a rack or a front basket can be added on request. Price: €1,995.

The Neo Classic aims wider. It gets a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub and a higher handlebar, for a more upright position. Mudguards are fitted as standard; along with the seatpost and the handlebar, their polished silver finish gives it a slightly more classic air. Enough to appeal to those who rack up the kilometres or ride hilly terrain. It weighs 12.4kg, comes in Deep Purple and Titanium Grey, and costs €2,495.

At the very top of the range, the Neo Electric pairs the compact frame with the Mahle XS system. A motor housed in the rear hub, the X30, delivers up to 45Nm, powered by a removable battery you take home to charge. Its capacity — 171Wh — remains modest, but it fits with the rest: this is a light (16kg) and discreet electric bike, not a long-range machine. Gears are handled by a six-speed Pinion gearbox at the bottom bracket. Brushed aluminium finish, and a price of €4,395.

Finally, all three Neos share the same approach to accessories: a rear rack, a front basket or a Klickfix adapter round out the bike as needed. What remains is a deliberate stance — Schindelhauer is not after the cheapest compact, but the cleanest. Between €1,995 and €4,395, the Neo sits squarely in the premium end of the city bike market.