November 11, 2026 - Among cyclists, there’s a saying that the ideal number of bikes to own is N+1, where N is the number of bikes you already have and the +1 is the next bike you’d like to add to your collection.
The Riese & Muller Carrie has been my N+1 for a long time, so I was excited when the opportunity arose to test one this fall through Bishop’s Family Cycles, their dealer based in Victoria, B.C.
Riese & Muller’s range of premium cargo bikes offers an unbeatable combination of German engineering, high-end frames and components, sustainable materials and manufacturing, and thoughtful design.
The Carrie, their compact model that debuted in 2024 with an optional, innovative foldable front Flex Box, has a new version this year with several upgrades that make it even better.
In designing the Carrie, Riese & Muller set out to provide the “largest-possible loading surface on as small a space as possible”, and the compact frame delivers ample carrying capacity—perfect for the urban rider who has limited storage space at home yet wants the flexibility to carry passengers and cargo around town.
Winner of the 2025 German Sustainability Product Award, the Carrie’s elegant, curving lines create a distinctive, friendly-looking frame design. By using extruded aluminum tubes, the bike can be made from over 80% recycled aluminum.
The frame wraps around the cargo box, offering strength and support with a dash of colour at the front, while the seat tube, which is slightly shortened in the Carrie 2, is angled backwards to accommodate a wider range of rider heights.
At 209 centimetres long and 45 centimetres wide with the front box closed, the Carrie is easy to manoeuvre in busy urban environments and requires scarcely more space than a standard bicycle.
Its 20-inch wheels deliver responsive steering and a low centre of gravity that helps to maintain stability when transporting wiggly cargo such as kids and pets.
The height-adjustable stem can be set at several angles, allowing the rider to fine-tune their ride for a sporty or more upright posture.
The Carrie 2 features Bosch’s more powerful Performance Line PX motor, with up to 90Nm of torque for easy starts and hill climbs. Powerpack battery options include the 545Wh (up to 80km of range), 725Wh (90km), and 800Wh (100km).
A compact Purion 200 computer display/controller provides speed, battery charge, assist mode, and more. It can be paired with the Bosch E-Bike Flow app to access additional features such as heart rate monitoring, route planning, motion alarm, and location tracking (ConnectRide subscription required).
The entire system is certified to the UL 2849 safety standard, the top level available, so you can feel confident whether you’re charging, storing, or riding your bike.
The Carrie 2 is available in two versions: the Family, with a Shimano Nexus 5-speed internal hub; and the Vario, with an Enviolo continuous-gear rear hub with auto-shifting. Both are paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and twist shifting.
Magura MT C disc brakes offer smooth, reliable stopping power, and Herrmans grips, along with M-Wave Evo pedals, ensure you have good control of the bike in all conditions.
A Suntour Mobie A32 front suspension fork with 50 millimetres of travel smooths the ride, while a parallelogram suspension seat post absorbs additional bumps.
Supernova lighting, both at the front of the cargo box and in an integrated taillight in the rear fender, helps you see and be seen at night. The stock Miniklingel bell alerts other road users that you’re nearby.
The unique Flex Box design allows the front cargo area to be configured in many ways, from a simple locking storage compartment to a bench with seatbelts for two children, with an optional all-weather cover, or a dog transporter with a flat mat and an adjustable leash to keep your furry friend secure inside the box during travel.
In the new version, kids and pets can get in and out more easily, thanks to a front-opening zipper for lower entry. All options include a MIK-compatible rear rack that can support up to 27 kilograms.
The flexibility to open the box for larger loads or close it for aerodynamics, weather protection, and theft deterrence makes this a terrific bike for shopping, commuting, and outings.
Riese & Muller simplified the Flex Box mechanism on the Carrie 2, making it easier than ever to open and close. The Flex Box’s impact-resistant expanded polypropylene protects precious cargo and is the same material used in helmets and hockey pads.
The rain cover is easy to install, with Fidlock magnetic buckles that hold it snugly against the sides and release with a touch for easy loading and unloading. It can also be easily removed, allowing you to close and lock the front box during stops along the way.
The back of the rain cover can be left open for ventilation and conversation, or it can be enclosed with an additional panel that doubles as a shade on sunny summer days. The clear vinyl window also provides UV protection to keep kids safe from sunburn.
Additional features include a sturdy double kickstand for stable loading and unloading, full-coverage fenders for wet weather, and an Abus keyed-alike battery/frame lock that pairs with an included 130-centimetre chain for convenient, secure locking, even when bike racks are unavailable.
The Carrie is a compact, full-featured, thoughtfully designed cargo bike that’s a lot of fun to ride. It’s a perfect first cargo bike for urban riders who want a high-quality, lockable, adaptable front-loader—or an N+1 for a family that already has a full-sized cargo bike.
The MSRP for the Carrie 2 starts at $11,069.00 for the Family and at $11,399.00 for the Vario. For more information, please visit here.
