UPS just dropped off a new micro-bike... seems the insanity around here never ceases... it's PacificCycles CarryMe Dual Speed... this one is a handsome color called Mercury Grey.. in reality, it looks a little like decorative plating... photos probably don't do it justice.. anyway, pretty impressive little package..quality hardware throughout .. beautiful fit and finish.. diminutive front and rear racks.. cute little mud flaps .. a carry bag... and the Schlumpf Speed Drive yielding a 1.65 overdrive ratio in addition to the stock gearing of 48 gear inches .. I took it out today for a few errands where I had to shuttle myself back and forth dropping off a car between destinations... a run to the bank.. to the sandwich shop.. a scenic jaunt down a dirt path with my dog.. it's easy to ride, surprisingly stable, and not too uncomfortable... next time out I'll mount a GPS unit to see my speed, but it didn't seem all that slow... I like the profile when folded.. it's lightweight, stands up on it's own and can be wheeled easily when folded .. I think I may take the Ferry to SF soon :)... as micro bikes go, this is a well thought out product.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2381602292_42d6259134.jpg
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Nice new addition! Looking forward to your ride reports.



:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

You just can't help yourself with folders, can you? :) I know the feeling well... I was just browsing on the web for N+1....

We should start a Netflix like company for people who like to rotate their folding bike collection :D. You know, get a new folder, ride it for a couple of months. Send it back and get another one to play with!!

48" and 1.65? At that it might actually be a bit over-geared! Looks very sharp.

Those Schlumps are not cheap - that must add quite a premium to the basic model.

How obtainable are the chains?

We should start a Netflix like company for people who like to rotate their folding bike collection :D. You know, get a new folder, ride it for a couple of months. Send it back and get another one to play with!!
+1 :)

You could start an owners club over there, rotating the bikes around the club. :D

You know, road bikes are nice and all, but it's with folding bikes that you get true variety. Road bikes all have the same looking frame hung with either Campy or Sh gruppos, some wheel variety and different tape colors. Seen one seen em all. [Homer voice]Booooring![/Homer voice]

I reckon the CM is still the best for short distance commuting and going up trains, buses and horse carts...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/CMstandoffwhorser.jpg

The Dual Speed's hi-speed gear is set a little too "hi" for me but for stronger riders, 28-30km/h on flats is easy.

[QUOTE=jur;6445695Those Schlumps are not cheap - that must add quite a premium to the basic model.

[/QUOTE]

The 2 speed model was + 100 pounds in the UK.

Nice new addition! Looking forward to your ride reports.



:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

You just can't help yourself with folders, can you? :) I know the feeling well... I was just browsing on the web for N+1....

We should start a Netflix like company for people who like to rotate their folding bike collection :D. You know, get a new folder, ride it for a couple of months. Send it back and get another one to play with!!


Yes, I absolutely agree! Just like a toy library for 'bigger" kids :)

[QUOTE=jur;6445695]
Those Schlumps are not cheap - that must add quite a premium to the basic model.
[QUOTE]

Not really. Schlumpf outsourced production to the Far East recently, with a significant price reduction.

Not really. Schlumpf outsourced production to the Far East recently, with a significant price reduction.Ah! :) So where can I get one at this significantly reduced price?

Zounds! £380 for that thing? Hell would have to freeze over! I think I'd be terrified at 20 mph on that, also....

You know, road bikes are nice and all, but it's with folding bikes that you get true variety. Road bikes all have the same looking frame hung with either Campy or Sh gruppos, some wheel variety and different tape colors.

Yes, I agree.

Much as I'd like to try a really lightweight road bike like the one Sesamecrunch rides, I'm not sure that I'd get best value from it with the kind of use I need for a bicycle, i.e. it really needs to fold to be multi transport usable!

I liked the Carry - Me when I briefly rode it on an indoor track, but I'd need the handlebars raising, even though I'm only 5' 7", & the chap demonstrating it wasn't too sure how easy it would be to do that.

Also, someone posted recently that Schlumpf has a Strida to which they're fitting & testing one of their gear sets. I'll be really interested in trying that combination!

Congratulations on your new bike Bruce. Glad to see the Carryme gaining some momentum around the forum and I'm looking forward to many improvements from the manufacturer in the years to come. Since I bought my Carryme they've already added many new features such as more/bigger racks, mudflaps, a 2-speed model, and a hook to keep the front wheel from jiggling around when folded.


How obtainable are the chains?

ANSI #25 standard chain should be available from any industrial chain supplier. For example www.mcmaster.com has them.

Not really. Schlumpf outsourced production to the Far East recently, with a significant price reduction.

Still listed for 460USD plus shipping direct from Schlumpf. Yikes.

Nice 1 Bruce !c .... Folding bike collecting IS an illness, there is even a 12 step program (1. Unclip the front clamp 2. slide up the .......:D)

Nice 1 Bruce !c .... Folding bike collecting IS an illness, there is even a 12 step program (1. Unclip the front clamp 2. slide up the .......:D)

Yes, dastardly state of affairs... happily I also employ the 'catch and release' program.. helps with potential inventory trauma... :eek:

Cool bike. Looks like it handles the potholes like no other... ;)

Still listed for 460USD plus shipping direct from Schlumpf. Yikes.

Nobody should measure costs in a tinpot currency like USD though... ;)

Nobody should measure costs in a tinpot currency like USD though... ;)

Despite all the puffed up warnings of economists about the weak dollar, soaring inflation, etc, etc, the end result on my checkbook never seems to be nearly as bad as predicted. Although I don't understand it, there always seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the markets and the reality at retail.

At current exchange rates Schlumpf is selling speed drives for 230GBP if you pay in Dollars, 290GBP if you pay in Francs, and 303GBP if you pay in Euros. Still more than twice the quoted 100GBP premium for having one installed on a Carryme...even after the 25% discount for being an American ;).

Jingoism aside, the dual speed Carryme seems to be quite a good value in comparison to its single speed brother.

Cool bike. Looks like it handles the potholes like no other... ;)

Aye. Down one side, ride across the bottom, then back up the other (if the gears go low enough) ;)

Still more than twice the quoted 100GBP premium for having one installed on a Carryme...even after the 25% discount for being an American ;).


AFAIR, the cheaper Schlumpfs are OEM only.

Overdrive = a bit over 77 gear inches.

There are not many U-Tube videos on the CarryMe in action. There are loads of Brompton and Strida videos but only two for the CarryMe. It's probably the best bus commuter out there since I don't count the A-Bike.

What made you choose the CarryMe instead of the Strida? Do you use the bus alot?

There are not many U-Tube videos on the CarryMe in action. There are loads of Brompton and Strida videos but only two for the CarryMe. It's probably the best bus commuter out there since I don't count the A-Bike.

What made you choose the CarryMe instead of the Strida? Do you use the bus alot?

If I may chip in here, having a passion ans ownership experience for both "stick" bikes, I would say the CM edges the Strida in folded size, weight, reliability and ease of use.

While the belt drive is brilliant in theory, it compromises in power delivery and is known to slip a cog under power. And my beef in the Strida 3.3 is the awful plastic BB housing - it makes all sorts of unwelcome noises after a while (affects some Stridas not all). Alas, the local Spore distributor was not able to rectify my problem so I got rid of it and now have 2 Carry Mes. Adjusting the seat of the Strida too is quite inconvenient as compared to the CM's regular QR system. The CM too can carry lots of stuff on its rear rack. Lots! Although the CM has smaller wheels, its cruising speed is about the same as Strida - 17/18km/h.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/CMwrustedbike1R.jpg

The Strida's main advantage is its fabulous styling and grease free operation. It also seems to cruise/glide/coast better. It is more suited for taller and heavier folks (CM weight limit 85kg). But for my money, I'll spring for the CM anytime if it fits you.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/CM2inabootr.jpg

Managed to put 2 Carry Mes into a boot of a Toyota Vios sedan (Yaris sedan) with 5 people's luggage recently in a road trip around Northern Thailand. That's how compact they are!

Managed to put 2 Carry Mes into a boot of a Toyota Vios sedan (Yaris sedan) with 5 people's luggage recently in a road trip around Northern Thailand. That's how compact they are!

One time after packing a car to the brim (maximum number of passengers, trunk needed to be squeezed closed, bags and boxes on the seats between passengers and in the back window, etc, etc) I asked myself, "Can I take my Carryme?" Sure enough it fit perfectly right in between my legs and I even remained comfortable for the entire 4 hour trip. The nice smooth suburban roads at my destination made me yearn for the dual speed.

Although the Carryme is not quite the 5 pound pocket bike of the future, it's clever design makes it nearly as useful. It is one folder that you never have to accommodate.

I was some eye blinks away from buying one on internet.
But I hesitated cause I failed to figure out how to rise
the handlebar. enough to let my knee goes free.

And I still weight 91 kg 6 kg too heavy for the CarryMe.

I still long for it. Could anybody tell how one put handlebar higher up
and further away from the knees. If one put saddle back then one do
wheelies too easily. That is not safe riding either.


Apart from that I love it.

I wish the maker of the K bike would get more active in promoting it
and telling about its specifications. Maybe that "stick" bike would work for me.

The SmartBike I bought is a poor substitute for my old Microbike.

There are not many U-Tube videos on the CarryMe in action. There are loads of Brompton and Strida videos but only two for the CarryMe. It's probably the best bus commuter out there since I don't count the A-Bike.

What made you choose the CarryMe instead of the Strida? Do you use the bus alot?

I don't use the bus at all... may, though, with energy costs going up.. one thing you see from the videos of the Strida (even Strida's own) is that most of the riders are constantly making steering corrections as they pedal down the streets... I don't know if it is because their speeds are low, or some other handling characteristic... the CarryMe doesn't exhibit that .. it rides what I would consider pretty normal, especially factoring in the wheel size... the 2speed option made the decision easier.. one has to be more aware of the road irregularities with 8" (by 1 1/4") tires for sure.. if I had my druthers, I'd like to see a 12" version with fatter tires ..

I was some eye blinks away from buying one on internet.
But I hesitated cause I failed to figure out how to rise
the handlebar. enough to let my knee goes free.

And I still weight 91 kg 6 kg too heavy for the CarryMe.

I still long for it. Could anybody tell how one put handlebar higher up
and further away from the knees. If one put saddle back then one do
wheelies too easily. That is not safe riding either.


Apart from that I love it.

I wish the maker of the K bike would get more active in promoting it
and telling about its specifications. Maybe that "stick" bike would work for me.

The SmartBike I bought is a poor substitute for my old Microbike.


The CarryMe is not designed for a tall rider over 6'.. in reality, anyone with an inseam greater than 32" will probably not be comfortable.. seat to pedal(BDC) distance at minimum seatpost insertion is barely 34".. modifying seatpost length or adding height in other ways will alter design parameters, as would moving the handlebars further forward with a longer stem.. if I were you, I wouldn't even consider the CM.. wait for other more suitable designs for larger people..

I wish George Lin redesign it to accept us that are Vikings. :)

Surprised about your views on Strida. I guess Chop! and many others
will do their outmost to tell you what a great bike it is.

Have you had a chance to actually ride it? Will be interesting to hear your experience of it.

I wish George Lin redesign it to accept us that are Vikings. :)
True vikings would board their boat, sail to Taiwan and raid Pacific Cycles, taking the designer a slave. For good measure take all the staff into slavery as well, and bring along all the stock.

True Vikings would never ride a folder. :)
those are for commuters and Vikings
own SUV and don't give a damn about
environ. And True Vikings are from Denmark
while me am from Sweden.

Apart from that I guess the Integrated Folding
made at Pacific Cycles look promising.

Would a Reach with IF work for me. I would
prefer they use the 16" wheels of the Strida
cause 20" wheels in a crowded bus is too big?

Swedish Vikings raided Russia and regions thereabouts but never got as far as China so George Lin is safe for now. Weakling's best bet is for one of those legendary Swedish designers to come up with a stunning folding bike to fit Viking proportions. Swedish designers are world-renowned for interior designs, fashions, ceramics, glass, textiles and architecture. Why does no one work on folding bikes for crying out loud? Are the anthropomorphic hurdles insurmountable?

Why does no one work on folding bikes for crying out loud? Are the anthropomorphic hurdles insurmountable?

So true. insurmountable it is. :)

I visited a rather big Sports Shop where they have some 300 or maybe 500 cycles.
The last 5 years or so they have had no folder. Folders are rather unknown here.

Carryme would turn everybodies heads and the children would laugh at me riding it.
I guess the adventure with Microbike told the designers that there is no market for folders.

Would it be too much to ask George Lin to make a CarryMe for tall heavy people.
It would still not get bigger than a Strida and would suite me just fine.

The SmartBike I own now has lousy bandbrake and is too short and too big
when folded but more easy to ride than a Strida and less than half the price.

Just got back from riding a 2 speed Carry Me. High gear was WAY TOOOO HIGH for me. Bigger rear cog would make it sweet. Handled better than I expected. But for our frost damaged roads, 10" Big Apples would be the minimum acceptable tire. Neat little details abound though.

I know so little about gears. I have a 7 hub gear regular bike. High is that the 7 then? Which I rarely use cause that one takes me up to speeds like 40 kmtrs an hour?


But to have low gear si not so practical either. Both my folders have low gear. One have to spin at 120 rev to even get up to 20kmtrs an hour. I just guess. But it takes much effort to keep speed with regular bikes on low geared ones.

Does having two speeds justifies the higher cost and weight of the dual-speed model? I was just investigating and it appears I could get a single-speed CarryMe for $450 (including shipping), where as the dual-speed is almost $900. That's a huge price leap.

Also, does anyone in the NYC area ride a CarryMe (single- or dual-speed)? If so, PM me; I'd like to try one out. Thanks!

Does having two speeds justifies the higher cost and weight of the dual-speed model? I was just investigating and it appears I could get a single-speed CarryMe for $450 (including shipping), where as the dual-speed is almost $900. That's a huge price leap.


I love the Schlumpf Speed Drives and have them mounted to a number of bikes... Having a 2 speed Carryme, I would say that the gearing in overdrive is too high for casual use.. the single speed bike as designed, with a 48 gear inch ratio is fine for the intended purpose and speed capabilities.. going to overdrive and near 80" I feel is overkill... the new 2spd Strida has a similar range with a top end a bit lower at 76.7 GI .. but, running the Strida on 16" tires like the Schwalbe Big Apples will surely provide less puckerupedness at the higher speeds.

Does having two speeds justifies the higher cost and weight of the dual-speed model? I was just investigating and it appears I could get a single-speed CarryMe for $450 (including shipping), where as the dual-speed is almost $900. That's a huge price leap.

Also, does anyone in the NYC area ride a CarryMe (single- or dual-speed)? If so, PM me; I'd like to try one out. Thanks!

Not sure why the "09" dual-speed Carrymes are so expensive, but the "08" bikes have the same spec and most shops are selling those for $695.

Also it looks like forum member and NYC local Joako is selling his singlespeed version on ebay for $425. Maybe you can arrange a test ride and if you use the 25% off live.com ebay coupon (http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q=folding+bike) it looks like you could take it home for $320.

Still a big price difference because of the ebay coupon, but if you're looking to do your 10 mile commute on the smooth greenway then I'd think the high gear would be worth it at $695. I'm thinking about upgrading myself.

I love the Schlumpf Speed Drives and have them mounted to a number of bikes... Having a 2 speed Carryme, I would say that the gearing in overdrive is too high for casual use.. the single speed bike as designed, with a 48 gear inch ratio is fine for the intended purpose and speed capabilities.. going to overdrive and near 80" I feel is overkill... the new 2spd Strida has a similar range with a top end a bit lower at 76.7 GI .. but, running the Strida on 16" tires like the Schwalbe Big Apples will surely provide less puckerupedness at the higher speeds.

Have you ridden any other Carrymes Bruce? Because I felt a lot of resistance on the 2-speed one I tried compared to my front freewheeling single speed version (in both gears and when backpedaling) and I'm trying to figure out where to place the blame (speed-drive, rear freewheel, higher gearing, shorter cranks, maladjustment, or a combination).

Bruce and makeinu, thanks for chiming in.

It looks like a Schlumpf speed drive retails for around $500, so I guess that's the reason for the steep difference in costs.

Price alone may determine this one: $700 is a reach (and would make me want to look at a higher-end bike, like a Brompton), whereas $320 (with eBay discount) is a steal.

Have you ridden any other Carrymes Bruce? Because I felt a lot of resistance on the 2-speed one I tried compared to my front freewheeling single speed version (in both gears and when backpedaling) and I'm trying to figure out where to place the blame (speed-drive, rear freewheel, higher gearing, shorter cranks, maladjustment, or a combination).

I've gone on rides with a lady friend who has a single speed.. we traded back and forth a couple of times.. I didn't notice much difference.. but we ride on pretty level, smooth paths at a very casual pace.. sluggishness can be a function of low tire pressure, especially with the little tires.. I perceive the pedal effort to be more with the CarryMe than any of my other folders for the same speed along the same routes..

I've gone on rides with a lady friend who has a single speed.. we traded back and forth a couple of times.. I didn't notice much difference.. but we ride on pretty level, smooth paths at a very casual pace.. sluggishness can be a function of low tire pressure, especially with the little tires.. I perceive the pedal effort to be more with the CarryMe than any of my other folders for the same speed along the same routes..

Well it definitely wasn't the tire pressure. Clerk tried to give it to me with the tires underinflated and as soon as I sat on it I gave it back to him and told him to pump them up to 90 psi (because, as you know, the little wheels otherwise get very sluggish).

Strange thing is that I perceive my Carryme to be way more efficient than any of the other folders I've ridden, but that two speed in the shop was the opposite. Does your lady friend's bike have a rear or front freewheel?

Perhaps Lady Somnatash will give her impressions of perceived pedal effort to maintain say 12mph comparing her new CarryMe with her Brommie (assuming she has a 48 gear inch equivalent on the B).. or for that matter, anybody else with a CarryMe care to compare with another bike in terms of pedal effort to maintain a given speed around 12mph?

thx for the "lady" :)
To Carryme: My single speed freewheel (rear) has a certain "feel" that perhaps could be described as highly effective. I have not tried other single speeds but always thought this is one thing they are praised for. I don't know. I get a feeling of "directness" and like "being on a cord" if that makes sense. The brommi (8Spd IGH) does not give this "lined up" feeling. The only time I got a similar feeling was from riding a Moulton (dérailleur). Is that effectiveness? I tried Schlumpf Carryme dual speed for a short ride at the exhibition: the second gear was too high but I also had the impression of less directness, perhaps that was the same feeling makeinu refers to.

thx for the "lady" :)
To Carryme: My single speed freewheel (rear) has a certain "feel" that perhaps could be described as highly effective. I have not tried other single speeds but always thought this is one thing they are praised for. I don't know. I get a feeling of "directness" and like "being on a cord" if that makes sense. The brommi (8Spd IGH) does not give this "lined up" feeling. The only time I got a similar feeling was from riding a Moulton (dérailleur). Is that effectiveness? I tried Schlumpf Carryme dual speed for a short ride at the exhibition: the second gear was too high but I also had the impression of less directness, perhaps that was the same feeling makeinu refers to.

My sentiment exactly.