Originally Posted by
noglider
Wow.
They're both front wheel drive. Both rear wheels are just there for the ride.
I've seen some hot new racing tricycle, with regular leg-cranks. It's rear wheel drive and has two wheels in front and one in back. Both of these designs have the drivetrain powering only one drive wheel, as things always are on bicycles. Seems more efficient than two-wheel drive on a tricycle, no?
But with a front wheel drive recumbent tricycle, hand- or leg-cranked, is there a problem with traction going uphill?
Most old style trikes don't actually power both rear wheels. The"reverse" trike is called a tadpole, they're becoming very popular, I'm working on building one myself. And yes, the single drive wheel usually has plenty enough traction on pavement. A lot of non-disabled people ride them just for fun.
Handcycles are something I have no experience with, though. How do they steer? How well does regular gearing work with them?