Folding Bikes - Carryall 3 Wheeler > Questions

I am a 64 y/o disable person now retired and I am in
the market for an adult tricycle. I am considering
tricycles from Maimi Sun and Trek when I ran across
Pacific Cycle's Carryall, see link below:

http://www.pacific-cycles.com/

While an interesting concept, the USA distributor
wants $749.00 USD including UPS shipping. The
Carryall's technology, durability, and quality level
is unproven, not to mention that I prefer to buy
from a local bike shop.

What kind of reputation does Pacific Cycles have
for manufacturing quality bikes?

Is the Carryall worth $749.00 USD?

What do you think?

The Trek I am looking at is about $750.00 USD and
the Maimi Sun, with upgrades I want, is $650 USD.
Both are 3 speeds!!!

Still the Carryall interests me.

Tom Welch
Mesa, AZ USA
pm4hire at excite dot com

...What kind of reputation does Pacific Cycles have
for manufacturing quality bikes?...Is the Carryall worth $749.00 USD?...What do you think

Hi, very welcome to folding bike forums!

I would say reputation is very good. Pacific Cycles manufacture the excellent Birdy and the - by its owners - well liked CarryMe. I was convinced and will testride a CarryMe in September - and buy one if not too small for me. The CarryAll should be good quality and worth it if its the right measures and concept for you.

The main question I have is... do you need a bike that folds up? If not, I would say getting one of the other bikes might be best. I say that, not because the CarryAll is bad, just that it might make better sense for you to have a bike that can be more easily worked on locally.

If, however, you need a folder because of space issues, or because you plan on riding the train, or you want to take the bike in your car... In that case, the CarryAll seems like a good choice.

I would warn you, however, that it's a small bike. If you are tall, you may not fit it well. You may also want to verify the maximum rider weight if you are on the heavy side. I know that's one reason why I won't by the CarryMe, I'm far too heavy for it. LOL

--sam

I am a 64 y/o disable person now retired and I am in
the market for an adult tricycle. I am considering
tricycles from Maimi Sun and Trek when I ran across
Pacific Cycle's Carryall, see link below:

http://www.pacific-cycles.com/

While an interesting concept, the USA distributor
wants $749.00 USD including UPS shipping. The
Carryall's technology, durability, and quality level
is unproven, not to mention that I prefer to buy
from a local bike shop.

What kind of reputation does Pacific Cycles have
for manufacturing quality bikes?

Is the Carryall worth $749.00 USD?

What do you think?

The Trek I am looking at is about $750.00 USD and
the Maimi Sun, with upgrades I want, is $650 USD.
Both are 3 speeds!!!

Still the Carryall interests me.

Tom Welch
Mesa, AZ USA
pm4hire at excite dot com

-Many of the best folding bike designers contract their manufacturing to Pacific Cycles including several of the most expensive and highly regarded specialty bikes in the world such as the Birdy folding bike, the Airnimal folding bike, and the Greenspeed recumbent. I've never heard anyone describe the quality of a bike manufactured by Pacific Cycles as being anything short of the best and I personally consider their cheaper bikes to be an incredible value.
-While I've never ridden a Carryall or any adult trike I am a satisfied Carryme owner. From the pictures it looks like the Carryall is made out of nearly all the same parts as the Carryme. So if I were you I wouldn't have any reservations about the quality or durability.


Is it worth $750 to you? I don't know, but I'd have to guess that those other trikes must weigh almost double what the Carryall does (21 pounds). So assuming the Carryall is of the same quality as everything else from Pacific Cycles I'd want those other trikes to make me breakfast in bed to justify pedaling around an extra 20+ pounds.

Like Lalato said, fit might be an issue, but I'd trust Pacific's documentation and Alternative Vehicle's recommendation on the matter. Alternative Vehicles was trustworthy, even modest, when I dealt with them and given the fact that Pacific makes a whole slew of special needs trikes I'd think they would be more in tune with the riding style of a disabled person like yourself than any of us folder fanatics.

Somnatash

I'm in no rush to buy the tricycle b/c it is hotter than
hell in the Greater Pheonix area, so emal me with your
impressions of the Carryme next month.

Lalato

I'm only 5'4" and 155 pounds, and you're correct there
are tradeoffs. Another advantage of buying a regular
tricycle is that I can upgrade the tricycle later with
power assist and be car free.

Tom in Mesa, AZ USA
pm4hire at excite dot com

Thank you all for taking the time to educate me.

Tom Welch in Mesa, AZ USA

Somnatash

I'm in no rush to buy the tricycle b/c it is hotter than
hell in the Greater Pheonix area, so emal me with your
impressions of the Carryme next month.

I will. Actually I might even be able to see the CarryAll "in person" as I am meeting the guys of Pacific at a the eurobike trade show. You want me to ask something special or something?

Somnatash:

I'd like to know what yearly maintenance is required, if the chain and
tires need replacement, parts availability in the USA, just how stable
the Carryall is?

Thanks,
Tom Welch
Mesa, Arizona USA

Somnatash:

I'd like to know what yearly maintenance is required, if the chain and
tires need replacement, parts availability in the USA, just how stable
the Carryall is?

Thanks,
Tom Welch
Mesa, Arizona USA

I posted in one of the Carryme threads about parts availability. In short the only part which is 100% unavailable from anywhere but Pacific are the rims (which may eventually need replacement as the brakes wear down the braking surface).

In any case, please post back to let us know what you end up deciding and if you get something that folds then post again to let us know how you like it.


P.S.

To Ken and Ryan,
How about a recumbent version of the Carry-all? Sure to be the lightest folding recumbent trike on the market by a long shot. :)

Hi Tom:

I have been searching for an adult trike as I no longer have any sense of balance. I came across the Pacific Cycles CarryAll and it seems the answer to a maidens dream. It is not only cute, but it is different and small and stylish and won't embarass my children.

Since you had been asking about it and you wrote that Arizona is going crazy for them. I was dying to talk to you and even signed up for this forum ( I am always afraid to do so because I wouldn't know how to deal with any bugs/spyware I might pick up.) So it is that important to me.

I would love to know what you have learned about it and where the dealers are, etc, etc.
I also wonder if you know if in the 2009 model, the company has solved the knee banging the steering problem that I saw referred to in a post.

I am in Palm Springs CA for the winter, but live in Vermont. I would want to get to a dealer or an owner in order to sit on it before I committed to buying one. I simply am not knowledgeable enough to buy one based on the specs.

I am really looking forward to hearing from you and anyone else with info./feedback on the CarryAll.

Many thanks,
Meg

I am in Palm Springs CA for the winter, but live in Vermont. I would want to get to a dealer or an owner in order to sit on it before I committed to buying one.

Sounds like you're retired. How about a road trip?
You could visit a dealer in Salem, MA or the main distributor in Fayetteville, NY

Or better yet, ask your local shop: there are apparently "special Demo programs for shops that wish to try the products"
http://www.alternativevehicles.com/index.php?pr=Dealer_List

Dear Makeinu:
Thank you so much for your helpful post. I am going to contact the dealers you suggested and make my way over to them.
Question-do you know if the CarryAll has changed/added improvements over the past
few years? I ask as I see them at increasingly higher prices ex: a 2007 for about $600 and the 2009 for about $900.
Do you happen to know anyone online who has one?
Again, much appreciate your taking the time to help me.
Meg

somnatash-
I read that you were going to the bike show in Europe last year.
Did you get to see the CarryAll? What was your impression of it?
Do you see any around on the streets?
Meg

Falling dollar + increasing demand for CarryAll =higher prices

I'll be looking into this thread too, as my friend has Parkinson's (and really misses using his BF)

[QUOTE=somnatash;7348217]I will. Actually I might even be able to see the CarryAll "in person" as I am meeting the guys of Pacific at a the eurobike trade show. You want me to ask something special or

Hi somnatash - can you what max rider-weight they recommend - can't see it on the site anywhere, maybe I missed it.

cheers

GG

I recomend you also consider the DIblasi trike. I have no seen or used the Carryme trike or bike.I have not used or seen The Diblasi trike, but it is very simular to the folding bike which is a doddle to use and rides OK. The bike folded in under 3 secounds with no fuss and then sits balanced nicely on the rack and front wheel. The main problems I found was that the gearing was limited,and difficult to alter due to the drum brakes ,but most of the newer ones come with V brakes now, I think. Also the seat post tube do not have enought insert for riders over about 5 foot 10. However the twin seat post tubes could easily be replaced with longer tubing. The bike is comfortable and does not result in a bumpy ride. It is heavy, but the fold is so quick you just unfold it to move it. The extra weight over the carry me will mean it will be more difficult to lift in to a car boot, but there are solutions to this if this ever becomes a problem(ramps, lifters). The diblasi I am sure would be a better bet as a lesuire trike for mixed terrain than the Carryme. The Diblasi Trike will I believe fit very nicely in to the average car boot, as in my experience the bike version fits in better than Bromptons and other 16" BIkes due to its longer but thinner shape. Another good feature is that a rear bag cab be fitted does not need to be removed during the folding process.

Therefore Carry me better as an Urban /commiting trike due to size/weight
Diblasi better as a lesuire trike due to larger size ,larger wheels and more stability due to larger foot print.
Or get both! (do test ride before you buy)

I hope this helps.

hope this helps.

Meg:

Just got your email today. Since I first posted
to this forum, I've learned that the Carry All tricycle
is a first rate product, however, b/c of the price,
I suggest you try one out in person perhaps by
contacting the USA distributor to see if there's
any bike shop you can stop by on your way back
to Vermont to try out in person due to balance
issues which is my personal and I'm sure your's
concerns.

Assuming you get one to try out first, don't feel
pressured to buy one at that moment since you
can always order online and have a local bike
shop or even a friend put the tricycle together
for you.

On a second thought,you might be able to find
a shop in California that carries the Carry All
turn that into some sort of day trip or mini
vacation.

By the way, I graduated from the University of
Redlands many years ago which is very close to
you.

Thanks eveyone for responding!!!

Tom Welch
pm4hire at excite.com
Mesa, AZ USA

would be interested to hear a review if ou do buy thanks

pm4hire and bhkvte;

Thank you both for responding to my post.
pm - what did you end up buying? Is it a trike? Which one?
bh- I had never heard of the Diblasi until you mentioned it. It never showed up in my searches for trikes? By using the name you provided, I found the site. It sure does look as though it folds in 3 easy steps. I liked the way it looked too but it may be too big and heavy a contraption for me and the price is really astronomical for someone like me who will not appreciate all the workmanship.

I keep looking online and found myself at You Tube. I watched the CarryMe videos and the Strida videos. They only raised new questions in my mind. Tiny wheels can't go very fast and although I am not a speed freak - the video I saw showed a woman walking and a gal riding and it looked to me that the rider beat the walker by only a few feet. Makes me wonder why I would want it if I can walk just about as fast.
Then I got sort of entranced by the Strida, which is not a trike (but you guys know that). I am small enough to get a mini, I think, and I could put my feet on the ground if I lost balance, or so I think. I wonder though if such a small bike means that my knees would come up high and knock into the steering wheel. I also read some comments to the effect that steering the Strida was either difficult or needed a lot of practice, I do not know if that is true about the new models under the new owners. I also am not sure that the mini Strida is not a kids bike and I would look foolish on it.
So as you can see I am getting nowhere fast. I have a list of Strida dealers, but still can't download the list of CarryMe/All dealers. It is clear to me that I must see and try before I buy.
I wish someone online had personal experience with these folders.
Thanks to all,
Meg

As reguards recommending any DIblasi bike/trike; personally I would not buy a new one as they are frankley over priced for the quality. Lots of mild steel and cheap components, but the secound hand value is greatly reduced compaired to the new price. You will rarely see a used bike reach more than £100 on ebay, about 23% of the new cost. The trikes are rarer and tend to go for around £500-600 new on ebay occassionally. Secound hand ones are also posted, one needing work sold for £38!
Maybe mission cycles can source a 2nd hand one.

If you want to save weight on the diblasi,remove the dynamo,change the crank,opt for v braked bike not the hub version, change the bars,tires and saddle (last ones more difficult due to twin seatpost attachments). About 4 pound saving, at a guess.

I'm in no rush to buy the tricycle b/c it is hotter than
hell in the Greater Pheonix area

Since you had been asking about it and you wrote that Arizona is going crazy for them.

I think he was talking about the weather.


Tiny wheels can't go very fast and although I am not a speed freak - the video I saw showed a woman walking and a gal riding and it looked to me that the rider beat the walker by only a few feet. Makes me wonder why I would want it if I can walk just about as fast.

Tiny wheels can go just as fast as large wheels. The fastest bike in the world used smaller than standard wheels (24") to go over 80 mph. The people in the videos you saw were going slow on purpose.

It takes me 12 minutes to ride my Carryme to work 3 miles away and I hardly break a sweat (can't because I have to stop at the traffic lights), but it takes me 30 min to jog there and it's hard work. Obviously I'm not setting any speed records, but I'm not any faster on any other bike either. As they say, "if you want a fast bike you need a fast engine."



Then I got sort of entranced by the Strida, which is not a trike (but you guys know that). I am small enough to get a mini, I think, and I could put my feet on the ground if I lost balance, or so I think. I wonder though if such a small bike means that my knees would come up high and knock into the steering wheel. I also read some comments to the effect that steering the Strida was either difficult or needed a lot of practice, I do not know if that is true about the new models under the new owners. I also am not sure that the mini Strida is not a kids bike and I would look foolish on it.
So as you can see I am getting nowhere fast. I have a list of Strida dealers, but still can't download the list of CarryMe/All dealers. It is clear to me that I must see and try before I buy.
I wish someone online had personal experience with these folders.
Thanks to all,
Meg

As a woman you probably have long legs compared to a man of the same height. However, if you're under 5'4" I doubt you'll experience handlebar knocking on any of the bikes discussed. Besides, I think the handlebar issue is way overblown. Lots of conventional bicycles have the feet knocking the front wheel, but nobody notices because you don't pedal through corners at slow speeds and to corner at high speeds you turn the handlebars less and lean more.

I don't have a Strida, but I surmise that if you want to be more reclined in order to put your feet on the ground then you'd be better off getting the larger one and lowering the seat. If you don't really need a folder you might also consider looking at "flat footed" or "crank forward" bikes such as www.ransbikes.com (http://www.ransbikes.com) or www.electrabike.com (http://www.electrabike.com) or http://www.khsbicycles.com
The Rans crank forward line will be the easiest to put your feet on the ground, but they are also the most expensive.

Lastly, since you can't seem to view the page of Carryme dealers, I've copied and pasted it here for you (many of them are also Strida dealers):

Trophy Bikes
Mcget@aol.com
PA
www.trophybikes.com (http://www.trophybikes.com)
(215) 222-2020

Extreme Sports
ken.fagut@gmail.com
NY
(315) 445-7970

Brands Cycle and Fitness
Info@BrandsCycle.com
NY
www.brandscycle.com (http://www.brandscycle.com)
(800) 649-3739

Mt Airy Bicycles
bikelarry@gmail.com
MD
www.bike123.com (http://www.bike123.com)
(301) 919-4663

Salem Cycle
sales@salemcycle.com
MA
www.salemcycle.com (http://www.salemcycle.com)
(978) 741-2222

Palo Alto Bicycle Shop
(650) 328-7411

Chicago Drive Cycling
cdkentwood@yahoo.com
MI
www.chicagodrivecycling.com (http://www.chicagodrivecycling.com)
(616) 531-9911

Angletech
angletech@att.net
CO
www.angletechcycles.com (http://www.angletechcycles.com)
(800) 793-3038

Mad Dog Cycles
info@maddogcycles.com
UT
www.maddogcycle.com (http://www.maddogcycle.com)
(801) 222-9577

Ridethisbike.com
larry@ridethisbike.com
MI
www.ridethisbike.com (http://www.ridethisbike.com)
(504) 324-2492

Anyandallbikes
anyandallbikes@hotmail.com
CO
www.anyandallbikes.com (http://www.anyandallbikes.com)
(303) 995-3731

Bfold
david@bfold.com
NY
www.bfold.com (http://www.bfold.com)
(212) 529-7247

Bhkyte and Makeinu: Thank you both so much. bh - I will indeed post when I get a bike. ma-I realized af'ter my post and having reread pm's post that I had misinterpreted the Arizona bit - my face is red! But hey, CarryMe should bless me for spreading such a rumor!
Thank you for the list!!!!!!!!!! I have been requesting a list from the manufacturer w/o results.
I am going to be on the road for a few days now and I am hoping to hit some of the shops.
I will report back asap. Again, I am most thankful for your input and guidance.
Meg