Which trike brand is best?

Families tell us that their Bunch Bike is the best purchase they've ever made. But it's a big decision, for sure, and a big investment - with a lot of information out there! 

The first question to answer is which cargo bike format fits your needs - longtail or box bike, two wheels or three. If you're still deciding, check out this blog post for a detailed overview. 

If you've already decided that the Bunch format is right for you - awesome, you're in the right place! 😎 But why choose a Bunch Bike over another trike brand or a lower-budget option? 

We're frugal shoppers ourselves, and we think this is an important question to ask. We suggest taking a close look at two key points - up front quality and long term service.

Quality: What to look for

Could we build a cheaper bike? Sure. But our bikes are built (and extensively parent tested) for daily use as your reliable primary vehicle. We invest in quality up front to keep your family safe - and reduce costs and headaches over the long term.

Questions to ask when comparing brands: 

• What level of components?

We use top-of-the-line components (for example, Tektro Auriga E-Twin+ HD-E545/540 hydraulic disc brakes with bigger, stiffer rotors) for durability and performance.

For any cargo bike brand, check whether component specs are shared publicly; whether what they're using will stand up to daily, heavy-duty riding; and if it's a budget brand, what corners have been cut to get the costs down.

• What's been lab tested? 
  

Our bikes are independently UL tested and certified to both UL 2271 (the e-bike battery standard) and UL 2849 (the full e-bike standard) - read more here. 

Our weight rating (600 lb total) has been independently lab tested and verified to the international DIN 79010 standard as well - read more here. Our range estimates have been independently verified by reviewers. 

If you're looking at a different brand, check if their safety claims and weight ratings are externally verified.... or just stated.  

• Who builds this bike?

We custom build our bikes at our warehouse and HQ in Denton, TX. We QC each bike ourselves, and we ship each bike fully assembled and ready to ride, with accessories preinstalled. 

Yes - that's more expensive for us! We do it this way because building a cargo trike is new to many local bike shops. It's a complicated process that requires expertise to fine tune. Unfortunately we've heard some horror stories from our local bike shops about messy, badly documented builds.

If you're looking at a bike that requires some assembly, ask who's going to build it for you - and how you'll check whether it was done right.

• What's the design story? 

Our bike design - from the easy-climb side steps, to the boxy (and more spacious) configuration, to the safe stroller-style handlebar - is the result of nearly a decade of iteration and real-life parent feedback. 

Because we ride our own bikes daily with our own kids, we also offer a wide range of fantastic accessories and upgrades - weather bubble, sun shade, and snow tires; infant seating, adaptive seating, and teen seatbelts; storage bags, straps, and tow mounts; integrated wheel lock, turn signals, and party lights; custom design and so much more. 

Check for these comprehensive design elements; they're not compatible with other bikes, and they'll make your everyday, long term use a lot more enjoyable. 

• What's the resale value? 

Secondhand Bunch Bikes typically get snapped up quickly, whether through local sale, our Bunch Bikes Club network or our consignment service. Investing in a name brand makes it quick and easy to resell the bike for good value when the time comes.

Unfortunately we do see knockoff owners having more difficulty keeping their bikes in good working order and finding secondhand buyers. If you see a "Bunch Bike" listed online for super cheap, check carefully - sometimes these are not actually from Bunch! 

Service: What to look for

A knockoff bike will save you money at purchase. But it can result in big headaches - and major expenses - down the road. 

Questions to ask when comparing brands: 

• Will this brand stick around? 

In the last few years, we've seen a number of companies launch with great fanfare - then shut down, pull out of the US market, or discontinue their cargo bike models. This "flash in the pan" situation can make it difficult or impossible to get parts, accessories or support for your bike.

Look for brands that have been around for a while, have a great track record, prioritize cargo bikes and understand the North American market. 

• What's the warranty like - and how does it play out in real life?
  

Our bikes come with a 12-month warranty, optional extended warranty, and lifetime, personal, same-day support. Our highest priority and most consistent feedback is that we go above and beyond to earn trust and take fantastic care of our families. 

We recommend checking reviews - not just on the company's own site, where some companies do filter out negative reviews, but out on the internet, reddit, facebook, etc. - to find out what level of service and support you can expect if you run into any problems with your bike. 

• Is there a return policy? 

Our bikes come with a 30 day trial period and easy returns. If your bike isn't the right fit, we'll pack it up, pick it up, and refund 100% of what you paid including shipping. 

Our super easy return policy is integral to our mission to make cargo biking more accessible throughout North America! You can read more about the "why" of this program here, We think our policy is unique in the cargo bike world, and we're proud of it!

• What happens if I need parts or accessories? 
  

We try to be super easy to reach! If you need help, you can text us, call us on the phone, or send us an email. We don't use AI replies or a phone tree. If our office is open - a real live human will pick up the phone. 

Our warehouse and HQ is in Denton, Texas, and we strive to keep parts in stock not just for our current model bikes, but for every bike we've sold since we opened. In most cases, we can get parts out to you same day or next day. We know families rely on our bikes for daily transportation - so we try to make sure you can get what you need right away. 

We always recommend finding out how you will get parts or service when needed - and how long it may take for parts to arrive! 

• What's the reputation? 

At Bunch Bikes, there is nothing more important than our relationships and our trust with our Bunch fam. We will consistently go above and beyond to make sure that families know we will take good care of their needs - so that they can count on us to provide safe, reliable daily transportation. (And also a lot of joy!) 

We're proud that our reputation for exceptional care is well known and widely recognized. And we're proud of our commitment to community - through our Bunch Squad advocacy program, our support for families with adaptive needs, and our commitment to access for all families. We draw heavily on family feedback to continue to improve our bikes and our accessories, too.

We are Bunch parents ourselves - and we're here to build a better, more active, more sustainable future for our own families and our community. We think that bigger-picture vision helps us stay focused on creating the best possible experience for owners. 

So - Why Bunch Bikes?

We think our bikes offer the best quality, the best design, the best customer service - and the best community. 

If you're looking for a "bike minivan" that can handle all your kids and gear, is easy to ride and reliable - we'd love to take great care of you!

The Bunch Bike isn't the right fit for every family - and that's okay too. Whether it's a Bunch or another great-quality, reliable family bike, we'd love to help your family get started on a lifestyle that's more active, more sustainable - and a whole lot more fun.

If you still have questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can call or text us anytime at 940-536-0597. Schedule a chat with one of our family biking experts here. Or reach out to a real life Bunch owner here!