If you don't already know, the Carry Me is a folding bike with tiny 8" wheels that folds really compactly. It is made by Pacific Cycles in Taiwan. When fully folded, it has an extremely small footprint and can literally go on any public transport at any time. It rides surprisingly well and it always brings a smile to someone who is riding it for the first time.
I got the bike second hand, but the condition is practically new! The previous owner did not really use the bike a lot and so I got a really good deal. Best of all, it was a really nice blue colour!
Overall view of the Carry Me
Front knob for locking down the main frame. I tried using a QR lever instead of the knob, but found the knob easier to use.
Came with upgraded Ezy Wheels! Very smooth rolling indeed.
Rear caliper brakes. Not of high quality, but it works.
Front caliper brakes. Seems that this bike needs long reach caliper brakes and thick but short brake pads.
Special drivetrain system, with half-pitch chain and gears. Crank arm is only 160mm to minimise pedal strike.
Front chainring with 84 tiny teeth. The bike is in such good condition that the plastic wrapping is still on the frame!
Rear sprocket with 14 tiny teeth.
With the 84T in front and 14T behind, it gives a driving ratio of 6. Together with the 8" wheels, the gear inch for this single speed bike is 48". This is not a high ratio, equivalent to about 52/21 on a 20 inch bike, but it feels just right for the Carry Me.
I have already started to zhng the bike! There wasn't any investment in components needed, thus I just made the switch. Also, I checked every bolt and nut on the bike to make sure that none of them are loose.
The stock brake levers are pretty bad, thus I switched in a pair of Avid FR5 brake levers that I had lying around as spare. At the same time, I also installed a set of Ergon grips which were previously used for the flat handlebar Dahon Vitesse.
Original brake levers and grips
Upgraded Avid FR5 brake levers and Ergon grips!
It is now more comfortable to grip the handlebars, and the brake levers seem to feel less squishy. Other accessories added are a set of small front and rear blinkers for night riding.
Riding this bike can be quite fun, as the turning radius is so small that you can practically keep turning on the spot. It takes a while to get used to the narrow handlebars, which makes the steering more twitchy. But it is very useful for getting through tight spots! Riding on the roads is not really recommended due to the slow speed and also small size which makes you less visible.
The small wheels means that you will feel every little bump on the road! But when pumped up to the recommended 80 PSI, the bike is surprisingly comfortable given such small wheels.
Some pictures of the folded Carry Me below!
Only occupies one small corner
Takes up only 6x6 dots on the MRT platform!
Express fold, only half folded. Handlebar and seatpost not lowered.
Fully folded view. Tucks in anywhere discreetly.
Takes up less space than a rubbish bin!
This bike is perfect for mixed mode commuting. With a bike this small, you can go onto the MRT at any time. Very useful for getting to places within 3km of an MRT station/bus stop. Any further than that is still possible, but be prepared to sweat a little more and take a while longer!
Overall pictures of the Carry Me! Note where I wrapped the rear light.
