Together & Outdoors PullMe at a glance
- Weight 173 g
- Rope length 2,5 m
- Traction capacity 150 kg (attached rider with bike/e-bike and luggage)
- Assembly via clamp on seat post (30.9 / 31.6 mm)
- Colours Anthracite / corn yellow / light blue / fluorescent green
- Price 69,90 Euro
"Dad, pull!" scream the kids from behind as soon as the path rises even slightly from the horizontal. Sure, there are more exciting things than pedalling up a mountain. But if you want to get down, you have to get up first. With a tow rope, you can support your lazy offspring and spare their nerves - especially if the towing system is as cleverly designed as the PullMe from the Allgäu.
Top premise: better than other systems
Thomas Merkel spent three years tinkering with his tow rope. The impetus for his own design came from dissatisfaction with the systems available on the market. With one system, the designer was annoyed by the cumbersome attachment using cable ties. Another was the mounting position on the saddle frame. Especially with long-stroke telescopic supports, high leverage forces are generated here, which are not good for the sensitive components in the long term. The mechanical engineer knows this from his many years of experience in the field of vehicle technology and production. So he had to come up with his own system.
The basic idea behind PullMe: It should be easy to fit, be mounted close to the seat clamp to reduce unnecessary leverage and be suitable for a maximum system weight of 150 kilos. This would also make the PullMe interesting for adults - as a last resort if something breaks or runs out of power (or juice in the case of e-bikers).
PullMe: Simple assembly
The PullMe is mounted to the solid plastic sleeve using a simple clamping mechanism. This allows the system to be attached to posts with a diameter of 30.9 or 31.6 millimetres in just a few simple steps. A sleeve with which the PullMe can also be attached to slim 27.2 mm posts is currently still being developed, but will be available in the foreseeable future.
A foam insert on the inside of the clamp ensures a secure hold on the two standard support diameters - no rattling, no twisting too easily. All you have to do to remove it is open the small lever and you can stow the system in your rucksack. This is actually much more relaxed than with most other towing systems for children's bikes on the market.
Easy to operate
The 173 gram tow rope works according to the dog lead principle - the kids grab the rubberised loop, put it around the stem and off they go. Once at the top, you simply let the cord snap back and it automatically retracts. This is practical and works reliably. The 2.5 metre long cord ensures sufficient distance from the towing bike. Because it offers no flex, i.e. elasticity, you have to get used to a slight jerking during the ride, especially if you pedal a little unevenly.
Minor weaknesses in handling
For the descent, the loop of the PullMe should be placed around the plastic housing, as otherwise it can rub against the tyre. Unfortunately, there is no small holder for the loop. Another problem is that the system can collide with the tyre on full-suspension bikes when the rear suspension compresses. This happened to us several times during the test. There is a risk of the housing shearing off or at least being damaged.
Our recommendation: simply remove the PullMe for the descent and stow it in your rucksack. If you don't have a suitable bag with you, you can also simply turn the system forwards in the direction of travel and it will no longer be in the way. Important before buying: Telescopic supports require at least 32 millimetres of extension to be able to mount the system on the fixed support tube. There is no such restriction for fixed uprights.
Our verdict on the Together & Outside PullMe:
The clever and simple installation in particular sets the PullMe apart from other towing systems on the market. It also protects the already sensitive technology of the telescopic supports. Operation is also child's play. Top: Because the maximum system weight is 150 kilograms, even e-bikers can tow each other with the PullMe - great in the event of a defect or an empty battery.
Stefan Frey
Editor
