[*UPDATE: We had a review of this bike planned, but it is currently on hold. Our test bike had a major part malfunction, which was then replicated by the dealer (Joe Bike). Following that, the dealer has pulled the product from their lineup. We’ll publish the review when/if the bikes are available in Portland again.]
Furthering Portland’s reputation as a cargo/kid-carrying bike test laboratory, a local shop is now selling the Zigo family bike.
The bike’s main selling point is its versatility. It can be used as a trike with a child carrier in front, a jogging stroller, a “Child Pod” (in jogging or stroller mode), or as a stand-alone bike.
Joe Bike proprietor Joe Doebele — who stocks Zigos at his store on SE Hawthorne — says he likes this bike’s “all-in-one” capabilities and that the conversions can be done easily and without tools.
Doebele says if it’s performance you’re looking for than this bike is not for you. “You probably can’t (and wouldn’t want to) exceed 12-14 mph.” he wrote in an email. The culprit is low-gearing on the bike’s 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub.
Doebele also says he thinks the bike will have broad appeal because it’s geared so low that even folks who are out-of-shape or not too skilled at biking, can now pedal 60-100 pounds of kids around “and not worry about falling over or falling out of breath.”
The Zigo retails for $1,349 and up to $1,500 with various options. Our family biking columnist Marion Rice is picking one up today and will share a full review soon.
I haven’t ridden one of these myself, but I’m very curious how they handle. Has anyone out there ridden one?
For more, here’s a video produced by Zigo:
[Publisher’s note: Disclaimer – Joe Bike advertises on BikePortland, but that had nothing to do with us wanting to share this information with the community.]