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Recumbent Trike Opinions
My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web a Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/ Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/ Organic Engines Triclops http://www.organicengines.com/ WizWheels Terra Trike http://www.wizwheelz.com/ Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. |
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#2
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
Wicks is no longer in the trike business. Jerome Hediger, former Wicks manager,
has left the company and purchased their recumbent inventory. The new company is Hediger Cycles. Their "Big Wheel" trike is the new model. I've tested both the Catrike and Wiz. While many compared the two based on price, they are very different trikes. The Catrike is performance oriented (low, small, stiff riding) and the Wiz is an all-arounder trike. I believe that it's the best selling trike in the USA at this time. We're hearing rumors of new sub $2000 trikes, from Sun and another mfr. to be introduced at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas next week. These are 2004 models and likely not to be available until next season. Bob Bryant http://www.recumbentcyclistnews.com |
#3
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
wrote: My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. An experienced frame builder, Tom Teesdale, recently announced that he is making recumbent trike frames and offering complete trikes. These will be very similar to the Trimuter or Scarab trikes, which are themselves near Greenspeed clones. Each trike is build to order and fit to your size. A complete trike should costs around $2,000, depending upon componentry. Tom's website is at www.tetcycles.com I'm planning on ordering one soon. Good luck with your search! Regards, Tony |
#5
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator) wrote: My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web a Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/ Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/ Organic Engines Triclops http://www.organicengines.com/ WizWheels Terra Trike http://www.wizwheelz.com/ Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. How about a Greenspeed? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ategory=72 98 #ebayphotohosting (^: I prefer tadpole trikes(like those you mention) over deltas. I've ridden a few. http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/174801833 http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/934061387 http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/844656287 http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/767377690 -- rorschandt May all beings be happy. May they be joyous and live in safety. All living beings, whether weak or strong, in high or middle or low realms of existence, small or great, visible or invisible, near or far, born or to be born, Let no one deceive another, nor despise any being in any state; Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another. Even as a mother at the risk of her life watches over and protects her only child, so with a boundless mind should one cherish all living things, |
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
wrote: Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. Greenspeed trikes are readily available in the US from Hostel Shoppe (http://www.hostelshoppe.com/) and other dealers. The GTR is right at the $3k limit you specified. There's also the Hase Kettweisel at $3050. At the other end of the spectrum is the Sun EZ-3 trike (http://www.easyracers.com/ez_3.htm), at 1/4 the price of the Greenspeed. I own a Greenspeed GTO and am very happy with the quality and performance. It's probably the most comfortable recumbent I've ever ridden. (Though I haven't tried any American trikes at all, only a few different Australian and UK models.) Ken Kobayashi http://solarwww.mtk.nao.ac.jp/kobayashi/personal/ |
#7
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
My wife really likes the height and ease of
getting on and off of our Penninger Voyager. It is a delta trike configuration. With delta trike configurations at least on our Voyager, there is no concern in regards to wheel alignment. Penningers are physically heavier but a pleasure to ride. Jim "Bobinator" wrote in message om... My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web a Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/ Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/ Organic Engines Triclops http://www.organicengines.com/ WizWheels Terra Trike http://www.wizwheelz.com/ Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. |
#8
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
I own a Penninger Voyager and a Wickes (Heidiger?) Trimuter.
The Penninger is like a Lincoln Town car. Comfortable, user friendly, but no sportscar on turns and kind of lethargic for acceleration. It is enjoyable to ride and real fun to make turns. The Trimuter is a green speed copy, but not exactly. The frame geometry is similar, it holds the road like it's on rails, and is great for touring. The downside is the incompatibility of GS parts. I converted to GS disk brakes and had to replace most of the front end with GS parts. The trike rides very nicely. I have it equipped with the Sachs dualdrive 3x9 and a triple front crank. It can climb any hill. If you are near NY or NJ you are welcome to try them. |
#9
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
Bob,
Over the last few months I have somewhat changed my attitude on the Wizwheelz trike. Being new to trikes four years ago, I thought overall the trike was a good value. I've owned three. The main thing you have to be concerned about on the TT is it becoming obsolete by Wizwheelz standards. If you visit their website, and look at the history of the trike, the 3.2 is considered "vintage". It was introduced in February of 2001, and the 3.3 replaced it in April of 2002. And I know own a "vintage" trike. Oh, and the 3.3 has been updated to a 3.4, in less then a years time frame. As well, the company sells it customers on items that don't exist. One of the big questions that a lot of trike owners have is, does it have an option for fenders. I was sold my first two (one for my wife and I) trikes on the fact that they would have them in a few months. I then purchased another later, still getting the same response. In August, the Wizwheelz folks sent a letter out to me reference their new tandem. I spoke to them about the dangers of riding a tandem with no fenders, as rocks and debris will shoot right towards your stoker (partner). I was literally told "They will be on the website next week, I have seen them with my own eyes". Well, that was two months ago. Now I see they won't be available on the 3.2 models. This is very sad. I have purchased three trikes from Wizwheelz, and spent well over 7000.00 total in upgrades, etc. To make your products obsolete so fast is a real disservice to your customers. I can't really get excited about fenders, even if I had a current model, because they likely would be obsolete soon after. There are a few design issues I really do not like about the trike. For one, they advertise an adjustable seat. But, the more you move the seat forward, the less turning radius you have. And it makes a BIG difference in our turning radius. This could have been offset by an adjustable boom, which they did come out with. However, even with the boom fully in, a rider of my size can not reach the pedals. I am 5'7 inches. Another area are the pulleys, or chain guides. The pulley is slotted for the pull and return path of the chain. Meaning, it has two sides. There are two of these, one in the front, and one in the back. The problem is, the chain moves two ways with opposing forces, while the pulley only moves one. In essence, they are fighting each other as you ride. I really don't know how much a difference it makes on speed, but judging by the extreme angle the chain makes from the front sprocket to the first pulley, I would say it makes enough of a difference to slow the trike somewhat. My pulley failed with just over 1000 miles on it from the extra force. They did come out with a stronger pulley, but that only fixes the symptom, not the problem. I am going to attempt to guide the chain through and bypass the first pully by using teflon chain tubes. If I'm succesful I will post a follow up. I can say that when I recently purchased my GLR, I gained 4+ mph average on my rides. This is no exaggeration. When I rode with a couple of friends who have a Windcheetah and a GTO, I was constantly dragging them behind. Now I am at the same pace as them. It may be somewhat unfair to compare the two trikes, as a GLR is more expensive, lighter, etc. However, I found it used for 2900 (with only 200 miles on it) so it was within the price range you are looking for. So, after all of that...whew. As far as my recommendation goes, I've owned a Windcheetah, Wizwheelz, Greenspeed (single and tandem), and have ridden a Cat Trike, Hotmover, and several home builts. Out of all of those I personally like the greenspeed. They have excellent workmanship, are not quickly outdated, and you can get parts fairly easy from places such as the Hostel Shop. You can find them used on the IHPVA for sale mailing list. A GTO just sold there for 2200. It lasted less then 8 hours though as that was a great price. That is where I found my GLR. Also, the Catrike is getting a lot of good press. I didn't personally like it, but I didn't get much stick time in either. I have seen and heard very little on the Organic Engines trikes. It is heavy though, at 42 pounds. Won't make much of a difference on flats, but once you hit the hills you will be able to tell. The trimuter looks pretty sweet and well thought out. Once again though, it is 42 pounds. iLiad "Bobinator" wrote in message om... My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web a Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/ Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/ Organic Engines Triclops http://www.organicengines.com/ WizWheels Terra Trike http://www.wizwheelz.com/ Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. |
#10
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Recumbent Trike Opinions
I don't have lots of trike experience, but I've spent some time with the WW
TerraTrike, and the Greenspeed. Of the two, I really liked the WW more. It's also domestic (Hastings, MI) and cheaper, to boot. The people at WW are really nice and very helpful. The TTR looks really cool, too, but I haven't ridden one yet. I'd really like to try out the WindCheetah Hypersport, too, but major $$ there... "Bobinator" wrote in message om... My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web a Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/ Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/ Organic Engines Triclops http://www.organicengines.com/ WizWheels Terra Trike http://www.wizwheelz.com/ Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends. |
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