Stephen Hanley is the OG Brisbane cargo bike rider! When he relocated from Dublin to Brisbane with his wife and then two kids, they brought with them their much loved Urban Arrow.
In early 2023, with a growing family, they added a Tern GSD on subscription from Lug+Carrie Brisbane to their family collection. In late 2024, with more than 7000kms on the clock, the Hanleys decided to sell their Urban Arrow and, in the market for a new ride, Stephen came into Lug+Carrie to try out some of our Riese & Müller front loaders.
Stephen shares his experience test riding the Riese & Müller Carrie and the Riese & Müller Load60.
Introduction
On Saturday, I visited Lug & Carrie with my two-year-old (Mr 2) while the rest of the family attended a nearby activity. Having promised to try out the Riese & Müller Carrie and Load 60, I saw this as an opportunity to explore more compact and practical options for city travel. We’d recently sold our Urban Arrow, as it wasn’t being used enough, and our youngest is now ready for a Yepp seat. I was looking for a “city car” equivalent cargo bike—think Holden Barina compared to the Urban Arrow’s “Kia Carnival” stature. However, I couldn’t entirely resist the allure of the Riese & Müller Load 60, which I liken to a Porsche Cayenne. Perhaps this was partly motivated by a desire for a new toy (n+1 bikes and all that*).
*for those non-cyclists out there, this is a term cyclists to refer to the fact they always want one more bike than they currently have!
Test Ride 1: The Riese & Müller Carrie
The first bike I tested was the Carrie, renowned for its compact form. Allan from Lug & Carrie, who had featured in promotional materials (6 ft tall box guy), guided me through its features, including the Bosch Smart System. While I haven’t yet explored features like hill start assistance I focused on the ride comfort.
First Impressions and Setup
Mr 2 was comfortably seated in the box, and the feedback I’d seen about its fiddly passenger setup resonated while I got him set up. Adjusting the cockpit for my comfort, we set off toward the Botanic Gardens via the Gabba Bikeway. Initially, the saddle was too low, causing my toes to strike the kickstand—a minor but annoying issue**. A quick saddle height adjustment at Kangaroo Point resolved this.
**I am 1.96m tall.
Ride Experience
The Carrie’s compact size offered nimble handling, though I noticed a learning curve with its jittery steering and limited left-turn capability (as noted in other reviews). However, I quickly adapted, and the tight turning circle proved invaluable on narrow city paths. My two-year-old found the box spacious, but it remains to be seen how it accommodates Mr 6 or Mr 9, as initial feedback suggested the older child might not fit and at 75nm the motor may not get us up Brissie Hills.
The Carrie’s compact design makes it comparable to a Volkswagen Polo or Holden Barina for city use. Its Nexus 5-speed gear hub was enjoyable, though the shifting direction differed from the Enviolo of the Urban Arrow and Load 60 (I think).
Test Ride 2: The Riese & Müller Load 60
Next, I tested the Load 60, a bike I’d been considering for some time. Similar to the Urban Arrow, which had started to feel too large, the Load 60 offered a slightly more practical size and more refined ride quality.
Setup and Initial Impressions
The Load 60’s fitted optional rain cover was a welcome feature, especially as it started raining during our ride. Allan permitted us to proceed, and I embraced the Dutch maxim: “You’re not made of sugar.” The bike was equipped with a footwell, which reduced ground clearance by approximately 100-150mm. This became an issue when navigating Brisbane’s curb ramps, leading me to conclude that the footwell isn’t ideal for the city. Nevertheless we effortlessly made our way up the Gabba Bikeway again. This time we headed uphill towards Dutton Park and finally to UQ via the Eleanor Schonell bridge where we got to see all three levels of bus articulation in one shot. Possibly more exciting for Mr 40 something than Mr 2.
Ride Experience
The Load 60’s sporty, forward-leaning stance felt more dynamic than the Urban Arrow’s relaxed position. Its dual suspension provided exceptional comfort, and the refined handling—comparable to a Porsche Cayenne—was a standout feature. The reduced cargo capacity and lower handlebars may limit passenger height, but for cyclists prioritising speed over maximum capacity, the Load 60 offers an excellent balance of comfort and performance.
Final Thoughts
We’re still deciding between the Carrie, the Load 60, or perhaps adding a second Tern GSD to our fleet. The Carrie’s compactness and potential compatibility with public transport (e.g., Queensland Rail lifts) are appealing. On the other hand, the Load 60’s comfort and handling feel like a significant upgrade from the Urban Arrow. One consideration is the interoperability of Bosch batteries, as our Tern GSD hasn’t yet been upgraded to the Smart System and according to feedback this may not be feasible.
Thankfully, Lug & Carrie’s 28-day subscription model allows us to take an extended trial with the Carrie while we weigh our options. This flexibility is invaluable in helping us make an informed decision.
