The new Riese & Müller Carrie Touring review – Clever transport all-rounder with style?

Riese & Müller have done it again! Combining the flexibility of the Multitinker with the Long-John concept of the Packster, they now present their new Carrie cargo bike, with a foldable transport box. Why does this model still have a few weaknesses, and can the Riese & Müller Carrie truly “carry” you through everyday life? Find out in our test.

Riese & Müller are no stranger to the world of cargo bikes. Adding to their lineup of Load, Packster, Transporter, and Multitinker, they now introduce a fifth cargo bike: the Riese & Müller Carrie. This bike combines the versatility of the Multitinker with the Long-John concept of the Packster. The central transport box, known as the Flex Box, can be folded and offers numerous uses. Our test model, priced at a hefty € 7,048.40, weighs in at nearly 44.5 kg. But is it worth the high price?

If you’re looking for the best cargo bike, be sure to check out our huge cargo bike test in Paris. We tested 12 different models to help you make the right choice.

Flex it, pack it – What Makes the Riese & Müller Carrie So Special?

Riese & Müller nail the proportions on this bike, creating a stylish first impression with its curved tubes and elegant “Aqua” paint job. The Flex Box, priced at around € 400, integrates seamlessly into the design and can be closed for smaller loads. Even when folded, it can hold a crate of soda, and when expanded, it can easily fit two crates of water, with a maximum load of up to 80 kg. A special mechanism on the side of the box allows for easy opening and closing, with an integrated lock for security thwarting any would-be thieves. The Flex Box works like a car trunk, safely storing your cargo. For those needing even more space, an optional rear rack with the MIK system is available for about € 100.

The contact points are easily adjustable to suit different riders, with a quick release system allowing for tool-free adjustments of handlebar and saddle height, as well as handlebar angle. Comfort is further enhanced by the parallelogram suspension seat post (€ 150) and the stock SR Suntour suspension fork. Shifting is handled by the Microshift ADVENT X 10-speed drivetrain, which could be smoother – gear changes are quite rough.

The Bosch Performance Line motor, powered by the Bosch PowerPack Frame 725 Wh battery, offers 75 Nm of torque – a bit low for a cargo bike, and it feels underpowered when fully loaded. The battery can be easily removed from its handlebar mount and charged directly via a port – convenient for those without a power outlet at their parking spot. The standard Carrie Touring model comes with a smaller 545 Wh battery, saving you about € 200.

The Bosch Smart System ensures connectivity, with features like eBike Lock accessible via the eBike Flow app. Security is further bolstered by an ABUS chain lock and an integrated frame lock. An optional RX Chip, costing €150, provides additional security, enabling GPS tracking if the bike is stolen. The RX Chip is part of the Riese & Müller RX Service subscription, which includes theft alerts sent to your smartphone and assistance in recovering your bike. Kudos to Riese & Müller for such high-level theft protection!

Power to the Pedals – The Riese & Müller Carrie in Practice

When you’re ready to start your ride with the Riese & Müller Carrie, it’s likely to be in the small space between your car and the garage wall. Thanks to the foldable Flex Box, the Carrie is surprisingly compact, with the transport box not extending beyond the widest part of the 630 mm handlebar. It can’t quite compete with super narrow models like the Muli-Cycles Muli Muscle or the i:SY Cargo, but it’s close. The bike stands securely on its sturdy dual kickstand, making loading easy.

The cargo bag in the Flex Box provides additional storage and secures your load. Initially, the box’s locking mechanism might take some getting used to, but it becomes more straightforward with practice. While open, the Flex Box offers plenty of space, but as you fold it away, the frame collapses inwards, taking up quite a bit of the internal space. Pro tip: don’t leave your groceries in the box as you fold it up, unless you want them to get squashed by the folding mechanism. The rod-driven steering limits the turning radius, making maneuvering out of tight spots tricky.

Tuning tip: The Flex Box from the configurator is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to transport their weekly groceries safely and comfortably.

Starting your ride with a load can be wobbly since the motor’s initial support feels weak. Your leg muscles and balance skills will be tested! This can quickly challenge beginners or heavily loaded riders. At higher pedaling speeds, the motor provides strong support, and steep climbs are manageable with the wide gear range – as long as you pedal hard.

Without cargo, the Carrie is easy and intuitive to handle in traffic. But be cautious: heavy loads require good riding skills to stay safe. The bike tends to lean at low speeds and high weights. Practice makes perfect, as our extensive cargo bike comparison in Paris demonstrated. While it can be a bit tippy under full load, experienced riders will find it agile in traffic due to its low center of gravity and small 20-inch wheels.

On cobblestones, the Carrie shines: the SR Suntour suspension fork and seat post absorb shocks, protecting both rider and cargo. This boosts confidence on the cargo bike. Unfortunately, Riese & Müller hasn’t solved the problem of larger riders’ feet brushing against the transport box, a common issue with the Packster.

Who Is the Riese & Müller Carrie For?

The Riese & Müller Carrie is ideal for those with limited garage space who want a customizable cargo bike with smart features like a lockable trunk. However, inexperienced riders should note that handling the Carrie with a heavy load requires strength and good balance to navigate safely in traffic.

Conclusion on the Riese & Müller Carrie

The Riese & Müller Carrie impresses with high theft protection, comfort, and versatile adjustability thanks to the quick-release system. However, it shows weaknesses in traffic, as the challenging handling when loaded makes it better suited for advanced riders. Wobbly starts and sensitive steering require practice and skill. The comprehensive configurator offers numerous customization options, but at a cost.

Find all the information at r-m.de

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Antonia Feder