Understanding model numbers, layouts and more

Q: Hey, is that an "original" bunch bike?

A. Sure, it's the real thing, not a knockoff
B. Sure, it's from their very first manufacturing run back in 2017
C. Sure, it's brand new and it's their flagship 4-seat layout

We know, we know - the terminology can be confusing!

Read on to learn more about how our awesome cargo bikes have evolved over the years - and how to correctly identify your bike. 

Scroll all the way down to learn some fun facts about our older and discontinued models too!

What brand is it? 

Founder Aaron Powell started Bunch Bikes back in 2017. The company was very briefly known as Urban Tribe Bicycles but had its new name and website before the first shipment of bikes arrived! The first few bikes we sold still carry the Urban Tribe logo. 

We sometimes see folks online selling a "bunch bike" that was definitely not produced by our brand - they're just referring generically to a three-wheeled, front loading cargo bike. 

It's kind of flattering, for sure, but we do want you to be aware that knockoffs are out there. If you're shopping secondhand, make sure the bike you're looking at is actually a Bunch Bike - otherwise you can't be sure of the quality and won't be able to get compatible parts or upgrades. When you purchase, make sure to register the transfer of ownership with us. 

Which layout is it?

We build four different cargo box layouts - Original, Preschool, K9 and Delivery.

All four layouts are modular, built on the same frame and using most of the same components other than the cargo box. This means it's possible to swap from one layout to another without replacing your entire bike! 

You can find all these layouts on both our older and our newer model bikes. 

• The Original: Our flagship layout! Seats four kids, two on the rear bench and two on the front bench. Can readily be reconfigured into the K9 layout. Upgrading to the Preschool layout is possible but more cost and labor intensive. 
  
• The Preschool: Biggest of our Bunch! Seats six kids, three on each side, with a front door. Downsizing to another layout is possible but cost and labor intensive.
• The K9: Specially designed for pups, with a removable rear bench and a front door. Can also seat two kids or an adult passenger. Can readily be reconfigured into the Original layout - some families switch back and forth on a regular basis! 
• The Original + Front Door, sometimes called The Flex: Seats 2 kids on the rear bench. Has a swing-open front door for easier access for folks with mobility needs. Similar to the K9 but without the leash and dog treats!
• The Delivery: Lesser known, mostly used for small business. No seating, just cargo space with a hinged, lockable lid on gas springs. 

Compare photos and read more about which layout to choose for your family here. 

Which model is it? 

The model number of your Bunch Bike tells you how new or old it is!

Bunch Bike 1.0

The earliest model Bunch Bike. The 1.0 name actually refers to six different bike builds as we iterated quickly over our first few batches! This means not all 1.0 bikes are the same and not all 1.0 parts are cross compatible. 

The 1.0 bikes used a different frame from our later models, fabricated at a different factory. 1.0 bikes are NOT qualified for our upgraded weight rating. 

1.0 owners can upgrade to our newer cargo box style and our newer battery system. However, most 1.0 parts are not cross compatible with our current bikes. 

How to recognize a 1.0 bike: 

• Older style cargo box - no side step, no rubber stripping. (Note that some 1.0 owners have upgraded to the newer style of cargo  box.)
• Grey case battery (Note that some 1.0 owners have upgraded to newer battery style)
• Rounded frame tubing (2.0 to 4+ bikes are squared) 
• Tan foam handgrips
• Different display screen
  
• Mechanical brakes in front and rim brakes in rear - vs. hydraulic disc brakes on 2.0 and beyond

Bunch Bike 2.0

The first "modern" Bunch Bike, with frame fabricated by our current factory and new style cargo box. Compatible with our current battery, many component upgrades and most accessories.

The 2.0 bikes included two different builds - some with Tektro brakes (with a small black parking brake switch on both sides) and some with Bengal brakes (with a round metal parking brake pin on both sides.) 2.0 bikes were equipped with a crank-mounted torque sensor. 

How to recognize a 2.0 bike: Check the serial number with us! Many of these elements may have been upgraded later. However, some clues to consider... 

• Shorter front panel (4 bolts rather than 6) although some owners have upgraded to the taller front panel
• Only came in Sedona Woodgrain 
• Button unit is separate from display screen
• Narrow, flat black seat
• Parking brake is a small black side-to-side switch or a round silver button
• Check the serial number with Bunch Bikes!

Bunch Bike 3.0

The first Bunch Bike to come in different colors! Honey Woodgrain, Cool Black and Sleek White were added to the classic Sedona Woodgrain color. 

The 3.0 bikes included two different builds - some with Tektro brakes (with a small black parking brake switch on both sides) and some with Bengal brakes (with a round metal parking brake pin on both sides.)

Some 3.0 bikes have the shorter front panel while later "3.1" builds have the taller front panel. Most 3.0 bikes were equipped with a cadence sensor, but some owners did upgrade to the torque sensor. Most 3.0 bikes shipped with a display that looks similar to the current model, but did not include a USB output on the underside. 

We recommended upgrading the original 3.0 firmware to updated 3.1 firmware to remove a "battery saver" feature that caused reduced power when the charge level dropped below 50%. 

How to recognize a 3.0/3.1 bike: 

• Combined button & display unit, like on current bikes
• Wider, puffier black seat
• Doesn't have the distinctive 4/4+ brakes

Bunch Bike 4

The Bunch Bike 4 brought several major and long-awaited improvements over the 3.0 model: 

• Torque sensor equipped on every bike
• Taller front panel on every bike
• Dropped rack on every bike - easier to accommodate shorter riders
• New supersized Tektro Auriga E-Twin+ 545/540 brakes
  
• New Power Boost throttle and new assist level programming
• Read more about the 4 and 4+ features here!

The easiest way to recognize the 4 and 4+ model is via the distinctive "butterfly" parking brake. It is found only on the front brake (left brake lever) and has a larger black parking switch and a smaller red release switch. 

Some owners of earlier model bikes did upgrade to the 4/4+ brake system, though - always double check serial number with us! 

We offered a firmware update for the 4.1 build to address a minor bug that caused some uneven power output in assist levels 1 and 2 and could contribute to premature overheating.

We also offered a firmware update for the 4.2 build (first batch of 4+) to offer quicker assist response in some power levels. 

Bunch Bike 4+

Our fabulous current model! Includes 4.3 and 4.4 series builds. For most users, the 4 and 4+ offer similar features, but there are two key differences between these builds. 

• The Bunch Bike 4+ is fully UL certified (read more)
• The Bunch Bike 4+ uses a bottom bracket torque sensor rather than a crank mounted torque sensor. This does mean that some electronic components are no longer cross compatible with earlier models.
  
• The Bunch Bike 4+ uses eyeletted rims and our strongest ever wheel build.

All current accessories are compatible with both the Bunch Bike 4 and Bunch Bike 4+. 

Finding your serial number

On 2.0 and beyond Bunch Bikes, the serial number is engraved on the left side of the frame, just below or behind the cargo box. It's also written in your owner's manual and recorded via email. 

We always recommend reaching out to us to verify the serial number on any secondhand bike - and to record your transfer of ownership!

Obscure & Discontinued

Quick quiz for All Stars! Which of these is NOT a real (but discontinued) Bunch Bike model?

a. The Bunch Coupe
b. The Bunch Swift
c. The Bunch Bark
d. The Bunch Delivery 
e. The Lucca & Livvy

Read to the end for the answer!

The Bunch Coupe

The Coupe was a European model we imported from the Netherlands in 2021. It was compact and stylish, with super fancy tech, and had to be priced quite a bit higher than our other models.

Coming from the European market, the Coupe offered smaller cargo capacity than our other bikes, a weaker motor, and no throttle. Although it was great looking, many customers found it underpowered for use on North American infrastructure.

In side by side test rides, it was hard to make the case for a smaller bike with a weaker motor - at a higher price! That said, it's still beloved by many owners of small dogs or 1-2 small kids and it did offer a very nice car seat mounting option for infants. 

We continue to provide service and support for Coupe owners with help from our friends at soci.bike in the Netherlands, who continue marketing this brand in Europe. 

The Bunch Swift

In 2019 we briefly offered a two-wheeled box bike called the Swift! We quickly realized that with plenty of other fabulous options in that "long john" space - Urban Arrow and Bullitt come to mind - we preferred to focus on the distinctive, super stable three-wheeled design that best fits our families and our vibe. 

The Bunch Bark

A limited edition collaboration with Bark.com, featured in People Magazine back in 2019! A 1.0 K9 with custom wrap. Rare and fun to find!

The Bunch Delivery

This is the trick answer! The Bunch Delivery may be obscure, but it is NOT discontinued. We still offer this cargo box style for small businesses and last-mile delivery! 

No passenger seating, just cargo space and a lockable top on gas springs. Can be modified to a different cargo box style, but will be cost and labor intensive.

The Lucca & Livvy

A limited-edition trike designed specially for cold press juice carts! Offered to Lucca & Livvy franchisees in early 2020s with a cool-looking weathered wooden box and a bright yellow frame. Rare and fun to find! 

BONUS: The Bunch Mini

The adorable little-kid Bunch Bike in the title photo! Designed for Bunch kids to carry  their stuffies and snacks. Currently discontinued but we hope to resurrect in the future.