Saw an ad in the Portland Mercury (best described as a counter-culture newspaper) this afternoon while having coffee - it was for a shop called "Joe Bike" on Hawthorne, advertising their cargo bikes. Wife and I are fascinated by such pedal powered vehicles, so we drove the 2-3 miles from the coffee place to the bike shop and had a look. They had Torker bikes and Flying Pigeon bikes, too. But, outside, hanging high on a rack was an ABIO Verdion folder.

After we checked out the cargo bikes in the store, I went outside to see the ABIO. As I did, the guy inside the store we had been talking to came out and asked if I would like to take it around the block? He didn't have to ask twice. After he raised the seat (I'm 6'3") and I took off.

My reactions: Effective top-tube length was a little short for me. Bike is very stiff - felt good. It was silent. It seemed to be geared a little high, but comparison of published gear range shows it to very close to wife's new BF Pocket 8. (like 31" to 88"). Felt more like my Dahon S1 than my custom-built NWT. Ride was nice with the 1.75" tires. Didn't like the shifter - move lever to go up, and push button on top to go down - not a natural movement - prefer grip-shift. Due to custom plastic chain ring (for the belt drive) system changing gear range by downsizing it would likely be impossible.

Wife's reaction: Loved the color! Noticed the BIG welds - had to remind her it was an aluminum frame, not steel.

Dealer quoted price as $749 or $799. (?) On companies website it's on sale for $550.

Just thought a second, though limited review, might be interesting.

Lou