Really funky and cool design, but, that price, I've been riding on the Le Petit Porteur OG (French) for a while now, it's the same size, carries more and cost a lot less, the bio version of the MINoPOLE is 4800 CHF, that is 5000 euro. A Le Petit Porteur standard can be had for 1200 euro I love seeing these new bikes and all, but not everyone has that kind of budget They need some spotlight as well, it's with the cheaper bikes for normal people that things get better There shouldnt be a paywall like that for a good bike
No rear rack option or mudguards makes this an absolute hard no for me, and for many others too I suspect. As it is now it's a very specific bike for very specific climate, for a very specific person - when it has the potential to be a great bike for many.
Love the term "bio-powered". I'm going to start using it. I was looking for something other than "acoustic" to describe a bike that isn't an e-bike. Since so many people use bike interchangeably.
For this price it should at least have mudguards and/or dynamo-powered lights or at least an OPTION for one of these....I think it unfortunately is kind of a misdesign (although it undoubtedly looks like fun to ride).
Thanks for the review. I've been eyeing this bike, as well as the Yoonit, and Vello's Sub, or Reise & Muller's Carrie. I dig the combo of Gates, and Pinion, in a tiny form factor.
Interesting look at this new genra of cargo bike. I have just returned from a week in Berlin where cargo bikes are used abundantly as kid transport with both the back and front loading variety. There are a couple of issues I have with small wheels. I used a 20" wheeled Dahon Dash 18 for 5 years commuting after dropping off my kids at school. Firstly, its the ride comfort , smaller wheels= smaller spokes= stiffer feel and also the smallr radius does make a difference with bumps and lumps in the road! Maybe not so much an issue for longer cargo bikes. Secondly, and a real wakeup call to me, was in wet condtions, or even using slick tyres! I was sliding out of control, front wheel seemingly folding under me, on almost a daily basis. I totally understood it when 3 wheeled motobikes started to came onto the market!
Nice vidéo !!! Regarding the excentric on the bottom of the steerer that holds the bearings, this is what makes the tension of the belt. The overall steerer is not fully concentric with the headtube it's at an angle to be able to accomodate for the dispersion of the belt dimensions and frame length tolerance. It's really a clever way to solutionize the problem.
Very cool, I really like the size, but too expensive. Also no mud guards is really a problem. As someone mentionned you should check Le Petit Porteur - similar size, mud guards, rear rack included and cheaper.
The steering angle not being limited is very nice. It gets annoying on my Bullitt - need to drive it like a bus. Might build something like this after my son doesn't fit on the Bullitt anymore.
Reminds me of the Cannondale Hooligan from a few years ago. It came in 7-speed RD or IGH builds, 20" wheels, the RD style was about $600 and the IGH about $1000. It was not a folding bike like so many of the mini-velos in the USA. I was thinking of buying one as a commuter but kept procrastinating until the RD version was eliminated and the IGH was turned into a belt-drive with a $1300 price. The Hooligan came with a bunch of braze-on's so it could fit racks front and rear with a little bit of creative 'fudging'. $5000USD is simply a no-go for me, not to mention I'd rather have a more standard front end, chain drive, standard bottom bracket.
Your residence in Spain/EU is definitely bringing a whole new level of alt. If you are doing more cargo bikes I think the convercycle or the Ginkgo cargo bikes might be worth your attention.
I wonder if a rear rack would work with that Salsa seatpost collar with rackmount attachments. Racks with axle or seat-stay adapters work also, like the Old Man Mountain Divide, or Ortlieb Quick-Rack. A Tailfin would work too, hilariously out of place as it'd be.
The rear triangle supports the rectangular section and the fork is attached to the beefy lower tube. I see no reason to worry about the rectangle. The steerer tube, as they say, ain't going anywhere.
I run albatross bars (nitto) on my cargo bike (big dummy), have also tried maloko bars (surly). Assuming an appropriate stem, both work wonderfully. I prefer the upright riding position of the albatross around town.
I love it and the fact that you are covering cargo bikes. This bike bridges the gap between a cargo bike that and an all around bike. I would ride this no problem without a load and would even consider a tour on it. This clicks all the boxes except one. And I have no problem with the belt for the steering. It is a much better solution than a chain or the rod(s). I like the more compact design. The box it doesn't check is the price. Perhaps we can wait for a forward thinking Taiwanese build if these get any momentum.
great channel Russ. always watch your reviews and take your advice. so much so , i dont think my original bike exists anymore, its a completely different bicycle!!
I love the concept of 20 inch wheel cargo bikes. The only thing I never hear mentioned is how bad it is with potholes and curbs. I have a Tern quick haul that I am selling to get away from the small wheels. I went over the bars, a couple times, and at my age that is no Bueno. Other than that, small wheels are awesome.
Do you know if they have Pinion MGU version of dropbar cargo bike? I know they have flar bar eBikes already though... I am considering a different pibion dropbar bike (Priority Gemini) but really jealous of Europe to come with these kinds of cool cargo bikes.
For this price you can have a tenways e-cargo, built in lights ,turn signal, mudguards,suspension on front fully adjustable position on the seat and handlebars, bigger loading capacity, free box for it, free rain cover . The design is cool but it's straight robbery, so we put a belt on the steering ,why? so we can charge more for it. I see belts for bikes sometimes cost more than for an actual motorcycle that's crazy.
The Omnium MiniMax is the wrong bike to compare it against. With a 30kg loading capacity the Omnium Mini should be the better comparison for the Monopole. I believe both bikes have a similar wheelbase.
Very interesting bike, would be nice to see a traditional drivetrain/more affordable version tho, I feel like it's hard to justify this over let's say an omnium mini/mini-max or something like a Bombtrack munroe, which offer very similar functionality/size for a fraction of the price.
Pinion claims there's a battery onboard with charge cable. I really question why they wouldn't use an integrated stator or some other type of self-charging mechanism
@@matthewshultz8762I suspect it's because some reviewers will moan about watt loss if they put dynamo of sorts. Some early electric shifters actually had such charging mechanism but was eventually dropped in production "to save weight"
I have the feeling this bike is not really thought through. If you’re looking for something much more commuter-friendly with a foldable/lockable basket and serviceable steering, take a look at German brand „Muli“. They seem to be not well known outside of Germany. In Berlin you see them everywhere.
I like the design and you providing a spotlight to it, but same as other people said, too expensive and lack of rear rack on a cargo bike is just weird
I like this trend! I have Billy Bonkers on my Velo Orange Neutrino. I’m thinking of covering it with racks. If anyone has suggestions for solid front and rear racks for a mini velo it’d be much appreciated.
Dang Russ, you slowly got more and more depressed reading the comments as they got more predictable. You're not the brand spokesperson IMO shouldn't even entertain some of the 'design choice' comments. I liked the comparison ones. We have a similar startup bike company in Arkansas called Gnargo that does these frontloaders. I've looked at them before and they're really sweet. This one you reviewed looks creme of the crop. I can't justify the price tag on these bikes though when a trailer is only a few hundred bucks and does 90% of what a cargo bike does. Paying for the integration and extra weight capacity I guess. Although I've towed 80+ lb in my trailer without issues...
Count Me Out..for the Momopole!! out of my Budget!! Do like the Small 'size' for a Cargo bike...but i'm considering the Omnium Mini V3!! purchase price..bettet Attainable'! i just have to see if i can find a Dealership in Toronto Canada area...so i can 'TES RIDE' 1st!!! cheers!
It looks like the closest one to you in Canada is in Montreal. There's a shop in Detroit that is closer, but would probably cost more to bring it back. Finding stocking dealers of niche brands is not easy.
@@BenjaminSmith2 i saw that...but didn't even look like a 'shop'!!??....seemed it was a Business looking for Bike Deliveries!!??...yes...Montreal is at least a 5 hour drive...where as Detroit ..would be 'closer'! cheers!
Because flat bars aren't comfortable in the long term. More hand positions, and plus you still feel like riding a road bike instead being on a boring flatbar commuter.
I love this compact cargo bike direction but I'm not a fan of proprietary drive trains. It makes maintenance/repairs a real nightmare and limits the useful lifespan of the bike.
@@zwicker5585 This one has pinion, not a motor. Motorcycles tend to have comfort bars. I ride drops for speed and cargo for town. This one seems like a neat town bike, at least for me. Others may have different opinions, but I don't like to commute or ride with loads on a drop bar bicycle. Not saying I am correct, but that is my experience. But if it is just an opinion, it does raise the question of why I posted the original comment. Lol.
Pinion has been sharing this bike a lot. With this price I think they will be out of business before their second shipment of international orders are made. This is not sustainable.
Your comments are right on in terms of the basic cargo questions. The omission of a rear rack really is an issue.
That belt steering is cool. Very simple and elegant. Much cleaner than a steering rod or cable steering.
More durable than cables, but also significantly more expensive.
Really funky and cool design, but, that price, I've been riding on the Le Petit Porteur OG (French) for a while now, it's the same size, carries more and cost a lot less, the bio version of the MINoPOLE is 4800 CHF, that is 5000 euro.
A Le Petit Porteur standard can be had for 1200 euro
I love seeing these new bikes and all, but not everyone has that kind of budget
They need some spotlight as well, it's with the cheaper bikes for normal people that things get better
There shouldnt be a paywall like that for a good bike
+1 le petit porteur needs more coverage. also stijn for roadbike oriented small bike.
Yes it’s more expensive but components are also better
A comparable LPP would also be 2.5k+(which is still expensive)
No rear rack option or mudguards makes this an absolute hard no for me, and for many others too I suspect. As it is now it's a very specific bike for very specific climate, for a very specific person - when it has the potential to be a great bike for many.
Has fender mounts.
Love the term "bio-powered". I'm going to start using it. I was looking for something other than "acoustic" to describe a bike that isn't an e-bike. Since so many people use bike interchangeably.
Conventional bike, acoustic bike, analog bike, bio bike, muscle bike, meat-powered bike? 😂
For this price it should at least have mudguards and/or dynamo-powered lights or at least an OPTION for one of these....I think it unfortunately is kind of a misdesign (although it undoubtedly looks like fun to ride).
Petite Porteur video please. Looks like a versatile and budget mini cargo bike
Thanks for the review.
I've been eyeing this bike, as well as the Yoonit, and Vello's Sub, or Reise & Muller's Carrie.
I dig the combo of Gates, and Pinion, in a tiny form factor.
Interesting look at this new genra of cargo bike. I have just returned from a week in Berlin where cargo bikes are used abundantly as kid transport with both the back and front loading variety. There are a couple of issues I have with small wheels. I used a 20" wheeled Dahon Dash 18 for 5 years commuting after dropping off my kids at school. Firstly, its the ride comfort , smaller wheels= smaller spokes= stiffer feel and also the smallr radius does make a difference with bumps and lumps in the road! Maybe not so much an issue for longer cargo bikes. Secondly, and a real wakeup call to me, was in wet condtions, or even using slick tyres! I was sliding out of control, front wheel seemingly folding under me, on almost a daily basis. I totally understood it when 3 wheeled motobikes started to came onto the market!
Nice vidéo !!! Regarding the excentric on the bottom of the steerer that holds the bearings, this is what makes the tension of the belt. The overall steerer is not fully concentric with the headtube it's at an angle to be able to accomodate for the dispersion of the belt dimensions and frame length tolerance. It's really a clever way to solutionize the problem.
Some bikes you just look at and immediately fall in love with - this is one of them!
Very cool, I really like the size, but too expensive. Also no mud guards is really a problem. As someone mentionned you should check Le Petit Porteur - similar size, mud guards, rear rack included and cheaper.
North of 8000 what? Apples?
Swiss francs, euro, US dollars. They all have become pretty similar in value.
Thanks for answering my questions.
This is a bike only a mother could love 😉
The steering angle not being limited is very nice. It gets annoying on my Bullitt - need to drive it like a bus. Might build something like this after my son doesn't fit on the Bullitt anymore.
Reminds me of the Cannondale Hooligan from a few years ago. It came in 7-speed RD or IGH builds, 20" wheels, the RD style was about $600 and the IGH about $1000. It was not a folding bike like so many of the mini-velos in the USA. I was thinking of buying one as a commuter but kept procrastinating until the RD version was eliminated and the IGH was turned into a belt-drive with a $1300 price. The Hooligan came with a bunch of braze-on's so it could fit racks front and rear with a little bit of creative 'fudging'. $5000USD is simply a no-go for me, not to mention I'd rather have a more standard front end, chain drive, standard bottom bracket.
I think you may get a rear rack with topeak/aeroe
Cool cargo bike w\ pinion, andvery simmilar to Yoonit. Is all minicargobikes the same?
That orientation of the pinion could lend itself to being brilliant with a Brompton.
It can haul books, it's worth it!
I like the questions and answers.
Like The Carrygo shrunk in the wash. 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Your residence in Spain/EU is definitely bringing a whole new level of alt. If you are doing more cargo bikes I think the convercycle or the Ginkgo cargo bikes might be worth your attention.
I’d love to see a custom rectangular frame bag. Or an aluminum attache case that perfectly crams in there.
I wonder if a rear rack would work with that Salsa seatpost collar with rackmount attachments. Racks with axle or seat-stay adapters work also, like the Old Man Mountain Divide, or Ortlieb Quick-Rack. A Tailfin would work too, hilariously out of place as it'd be.
I can dig it.
you should look into Gnargo. they are a Bentonville based Carbobike company.
The rear triangle supports the rectangular section and the fork is attached to the beefy lower tube. I see no reason to worry about the rectangle. The steerer tube, as they say, ain't going anywhere.
I run albatross bars (nitto) on my cargo bike (big dummy), have also tried maloko bars (surly). Assuming an appropriate stem, both work wonderfully. I prefer the upright riding position of the albatross around town.
I love it and the fact that you are covering cargo bikes. This bike bridges the gap between a cargo bike that and an all around bike. I would ride this no problem without a load and would even consider a tour on it. This clicks all the boxes except one. And I have no problem with the belt for the steering. It is a much better solution than a chain or the rod(s). I like the more compact design. The box it doesn't check is the price. Perhaps we can wait for a forward thinking Taiwanese build if these get any momentum.
How can it be referred to as a cargo bike if there is no way to run a rear rack?
Because it has a big front rack 🤷🏽♂️
@@PathLessPedaledTV Yeah, you are correct, but like you suggested, they missed a great opportunity in not having rear eyelets.
A console-type rear rack mounted on the seatpost is always a possibility.
The rack isn’t parallel to the ground. It has no kickstand. I just don’t see this moving much cargo.
Maybe you could make the new through-axle quick rack by Ortlieb work with this?
great channel Russ. always watch your reviews and take your advice. so much so , i dont think my original bike exists anymore, its a completely different bicycle!!
Very unique looking bike, reminds me of a Brompton on steroids
I love the concept of 20 inch wheel cargo bikes. The only thing I never hear mentioned is how bad it is with potholes and curbs. I have a Tern quick haul that I am selling to get away from the small wheels. I went over the bars, a couple times, and at my age that is no Bueno. Other than that, small wheels are awesome.
Are 24” tires hard to find? And what kind of variety can we get on that size (widths, mtb or road)?
Both a very common BMX tire sizes. High quality tires will not be hard to find.
Can you review the muli Motor st? I think it fits into the smaller side of cargo bikes...
Is it comparible to the Omnium Mini?
Looks like my 26" with a large rear rack on the front and a big box attached. Price is night and day.
Do you know if they have Pinion MGU version of dropbar cargo bike? I know they have flar bar eBikes already though...
I am considering a different pibion dropbar bike (Priority Gemini) but really jealous of Europe to come with these kinds of cool cargo bikes.
If you hit a pothole, could the front belt slip?
For this price you can have a tenways e-cargo, built in lights ,turn signal, mudguards,suspension on front fully adjustable position on the seat and handlebars, bigger loading capacity, free box for it, free rain cover .
The design is cool but it's straight robbery, so we put a belt on the steering ,why? so we can charge more for it. I see belts for bikes sometimes cost more than for an actual motorcycle that's crazy.
The Omnium MiniMax is the wrong bike to compare it against.
With a 30kg loading capacity the Omnium Mini should be the better comparison for the Monopole.
I believe both bikes have a similar wheelbase.
I’m comparing it to what I’ve got and what I’ve tried.
I am mind blown that there are people who dont realize there bike has a head tube. Despite the naming, ITS NOT A TRIANGLE PEOPLE!!!! 😂😂😂
Ha. That is true.
Very interesting bike, would be nice to see a traditional drivetrain/more affordable version tho, I feel like it's hard to justify this over let's say an omnium mini/mini-max or something like a Bombtrack munroe, which offer very similar functionality/size for a fraction of the price.
How do you charge the shifters and the drivetrain?
Pinion claims there's a battery onboard with charge cable. I really question why they wouldn't use an integrated stator or some other type of self-charging mechanism
@@matthewshultz8762I suspect it's because some reviewers will moan about watt loss if they put dynamo of sorts. Some early electric shifters actually had such charging mechanism but was eventually dropped in production "to save weight"
Love the idea(s), not the price.
Where's the kickstand? That's going to be super frustrating without a nice center stand like the omnium.
I love contraptions, even it I'll probably never own one!
are there any potential problem if it is converted to straight bar,?
No
No mudguards? There should bé as standard on a bike liké that!
original build has lights and mudguards
I kind of like the term bio-bike to mean a non-motorized bike. It’s better than acoustic or push bike.
The mayonnaise question reminded me of an episode of South Park related to Seggs Ed.
What's it like with 30kg on the front?
I have the feeling this bike is not really thought through. If you’re looking for something much more commuter-friendly with a foldable/lockable basket and serviceable steering, take a look at German brand
„Muli“. They seem to be not well known outside of Germany. In Berlin you see them everywhere.
Very nice
I like the design and you providing a spotlight to it, but same as other people said, too expensive and lack of rear rack on a cargo bike is just weird
lol the vhs tape comment. I'm betting a lot of your viewers won't get that reference. :)
VHS is peak mechanical! ;-)
I like this trend! I have Billy Bonkers on my Velo Orange Neutrino. I’m thinking of covering it with racks. If anyone has suggestions for solid front and rear racks for a mini velo it’d be much appreciated.
The price is ridiculous.
It needs a strong, stable kickstand to qualify as a cargo bike
Dang Russ, you slowly got more and more depressed reading the comments as they got more predictable. You're not the brand spokesperson IMO shouldn't even entertain some of the 'design choice' comments. I liked the comparison ones.
We have a similar startup bike company in Arkansas called Gnargo that does these frontloaders. I've looked at them before and they're really sweet. This one you reviewed looks creme of the crop. I can't justify the price tag on these bikes though when a trailer is only a few hundred bucks and does 90% of what a cargo bike does. Paying for the integration and extra weight capacity I guess. Although I've towed 80+ lb in my trailer without issues...
Getting more depressed as I read comments is my default state :)
600% is decent? What do you ride? a 3x11? 3x3x9?
Wide range double.
Would an Old man winter or tailfin rack work on it?
Possibly.
@@PathLessPedaledTVis there a god?
@@randomdude5938 no. Just an unfeeling universe.
@@PathLessPedaledTV damn.
@@randomdude5938 Can't believe I just sparked a moment of spiritual contemplation.
I need to convince my friends to get their weight under 30kg so I can bike them around town.
Count Me Out..for the Momopole!! out of my Budget!! Do like the Small 'size' for a Cargo bike...but i'm considering the Omnium Mini V3!! purchase price..bettet Attainable'! i just have to see if i can find a Dealership in Toronto Canada area...so i can 'TES RIDE' 1st!!! cheers!
It looks like the closest one to you in Canada is in Montreal. There's a shop in Detroit that is closer, but would probably cost more to bring it back. Finding stocking dealers of niche brands is not easy.
@@BenjaminSmith2 i saw that...but didn't even look like a 'shop'!!??....seemed it was a Business looking for Bike Deliveries!!??...yes...Montreal is at least a 5 hour drive...where as Detroit ..would be 'closer'! cheers!
Please, be mercy and try to mention the weights in metric as well. 🙏🏼
The front rack is rated for only 30kg? --That's only 66lbs of cargo capacity!
Question: why does it have drop bars?
See video.
Because flat bars aren't comfortable in the long term. More hand positions, and plus you still feel like riding a road bike instead being on a boring flatbar commuter.
The price,....ouch.
Payload is enough, but pinion (and total price) is a bit too rich for my taste
Looks sketchy with the steering design using a belt
I love this compact cargo bike direction but I'm not a fan of proprietary drive trains. It makes maintenance/repairs a real nightmare and limits the useful lifespan of the bike.
Looks great. I can't imagine riding a bike like this in a drop bar setup.
And I can't imagine choosing a cargo bike for long distances.
@@andarenbiciwell it does have a motor 🤷🏻♂️
@@zwicker5585 This one has pinion, not a motor. Motorcycles tend to have comfort bars. I ride drops for speed and cargo for town. This one seems like a neat town bike, at least for me. Others may have different opinions, but I don't like to commute or ride with loads on a drop bar bicycle. Not saying I am correct, but that is my experience. But if it is just an opinion, it does raise the question of why I posted the original comment. Lol.
It looks perfect for bikepacking and touring where you want to cover long distances at somewhat fast speed but also having to carry a bunch of stuff.
@@andarenbici hmm I’m not so in the know on these units. Thought the “Pinion” products have motors and gears but I guess I was wrong
Hey Russ, If someone in the comments hasn't already beat me to this terrible joke, can I get a Betamax sounding drivetrain?
Needs a steering wheel.
Pinion has been sharing this bike a lot. With this price I think they will be out of business before their second shipment of international orders are made. This is not sustainable.
There's several amateur built cargobikes in youtube just from this year that seem better.
‘Bio version’
That kind of marketing talk makes me queasy
Fabulous bike, but - yet again - far too expensive.
Dude, all due respect, but this is a pisstake. 3000 euro for the frame and a rack? Come on.
Wait till you learn about carbon road bikes that don’t even come with a rack that cost way more.
@@PathLessPedaledTV true. And I ride a 5000 euro trike. I have no credibility…
cool but expnsv))
Massively overpriced. What a joke.