Finding A Perfect Tike Bike
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 11.19.07
trioBike has released the next version of its tri-functional cargo bike, which we first wrote about here. The 2.0 Balanced is an aerodynamic and sleek-looking kid-hauler. And the detachable bike, a Shimano Nexus 7-speed, also looks great when you are out without the kids, or you can detach the cargo carrier to make a futuristic-looking street stroller.
The Danish designers of trioBike worked with the Danish National Consumer Agency to try to come up with the safest possible carrier for small kids - five-point seat belts, disc brakes, integrated front and rear lights, and fireproof hood and seats. Also the carrier is free of heavy metals, according to the web site. The newer version trims the weight a bit, improves steering control and adds mud guards.
Yet is it possible that trio is just too good to be true? trioBike enjoyed glowing reviews and won the 2005 SAS Design Award the year it debuted. But Dutch cargo-cycle bloggers bakfiets-en-meer (cargo bikes and more) say the trioBike is overhyped, suffering from top-heaviness and a hard-to-manuever hitch. The Dutch have as much experience as the Danes with street riding. But this isn't just a case of nationalistic preference - bakfiets recommends both the Danish-designed christianiabike cargo bike - which we've seen in countless variations on the streets of Copenhagen - and the Nihola as well as the Dutch Bakfiets brand. With trioBike's hefty base price of Euro 2,400 (U.S. $3,500) and the precious cargo involved, seems like a requirement to try before you buy. Via ::trioBike
Just get an xtracycle. Much cheaper and much more useful :)
Agree - the design seems a little too futuristic for its own good (making it look cheap) - the cargo holster looks like a wheelbarrow when solo. I'd go retro or a classic look with chrome spokes and perhaps bamboo paneling for body and cargo and you'll have higher interest for that price-tag.
Sour grapes from us Dutch or what!? The triobike is so fab it seems it’s making the competition green with envy. Hadn’t read that Bakfiets bull before but hey ho. Maybe they should employ a Danish designer to work for them :)
We bought the latest triobike 3 weeks ago and it’s simply the coolest thing on Amsterdam’s streets. Great to cycle even with both 5 year old twins in and easy to take apart. Compared to the others on the market which we tried out before buying there is no comparison. Well worth the money. The only downside is the amount of people that stop us on the way to admire it. Good one Denmark!
We have just bought the new trioBike and we are so satisfied and happy that we did. I totally agree with the comment below, it is easy to take apart and compared to the other ones I have tried it is the best one when it comes to driving skills! My kids love it and we get so much attention on the street. I can seriouslly recommend it!
Dear April
Thanks very much for the recent article you wrote about trioBike 2.0 on treehugger.com posted November 19. It was refreshing to read an objective piece that has obviously been well researched. In light of this we would like to offer you an open invitation to try out trioBike 2.0 here in Copenhagen.
A lot has been written about trioBike since it was first launched and scooped a host of dandy design prizes. Although most reports were glowing, most were penned without the writers having actually sat on the bike. We realise logistics often prevented this but as you are currently based in Gothenburg, this is no longer the case.
The best way to understand trioBike 2.0 and its unique design qualities is to try it out. And having read your article we would hope that other carrier bike manufacturers, including those that stoop to virally decrying the competition via the Internet, would be willing to offer you a similar invitation. We believe that with first hand experience of the carrierbike models out there, you will be able to give your eco hungry readers an accurate appraisal of the current market. From someone as respected as you are on sustainability issues I’m certain it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks again for your article and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Kind regards
Sammy Hessburg-Eisinger
Managing Director - trioBike
ps. For anyone that cannot get to Copenhagen please visit the YouTube links below to see the launch of trioBike 2.0 in London last month.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQHBJyQjfXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Kh9ngFk8Y
The damned thing costs over 2600 pounds....over 5000 $US for a cargo bike. Accessibility, anyone?
I'm afraid you're way out with your math(s) Josh. trioBike costs £2065... currently well under $5000. That said, who knows what two grand in sterling will convert to in 2008 with the worrying weakness of the dollar. Maybe oil will be $5000 a barrel by then.
The Trio is cool and is everything Danish design is known for: functional, good-looking and simple.
It rides better than a Christiania bike (but Nihola is by far the best) and it's multi-purpose functionality is brilliant.
Very popular here in Copenhagen, where Dutch cargo bikes have a tough market to break into, after a century of Danish cargo bike design and so many different brands.