Trike riders...

[si mark]

Hi,

I'm wondering if all of you who are trike riders out there would mind posting your age range.

I am trying to convince my wife to look at a trike since she tried a regular recumbent and had a hard time getting used to it. She has a bad back, so we figure a recumbent is the way to go. If I mention a trike, her response is she is an adult and NOT riding a tricycle. I would like to show her that people of all ages are riding a trike, which is most defintely not a kids tricycle. I hope to get her to try one next week when we head upstate NY.

Thanks.

Mark

[DJB14]

56 years old and riding a Greenspeed.

[cyclingshane73]

32 riding a Catrike Speed.

[Chickenlipz]

46 - Riding a Greenspeed 30 - 50 miles a day.

[atom bomb]

Age 44..... riding fast on a Catrike Road.

[cjs1948]

I'm 56 and lovin' my Logo--or any other trike I get to ride. I tell all the little kids out riding their teensy and bigger two wheelers with their parents that, if they are lucky, when they grow up they will get to have a TRIKE! This is after they eagerly point me out to their parents--that guy on that cool "bike".

Chip

[JenM]

I'm 2 . . . plus 27. I love my trike, and so will your wife.

[Ric]

53 years old and riding a Catrike Speed, my wife rides a Hotmover and we both enjoy the Greenspeed GTT. You don't have to be a kid to love Trikes, but when you start riding one you will think your a kid again.

[geebee]

I am 42 years old and I ride a GreenSpeed GT3, no one would mistake a recumbent tadpole trike for a childs or seniors upright trike. The most common reactions are "cool bike" and "I want one" from all age groups. The only problem is that after riding a trike you are unlikely to ever want to ride a 2 wheeler again.

[areles]

SI Mark,

I'm 62 and riding a Greenspeed GTO. Definitely, not a 'granny trike'. I've got a bad back, had one knee surgery (need another), and have balance problems. I don't use my two bikes any more, just the trike. I love it! It's so comfortable you could sleep on it and I have (a short story)! I agree with cjs1948 and geebee about the comments and attention you'll get.

Ron

[rbm]

48...and riding a Russian-built AS Engineering S32. Only get comments from passersby like "Sick, man" or "Cool machine" when I'm out riding. I have a titanium rod in my right leg and so can't do impact exercises like running or walking. I chose the trike because of the comfort, practicality, utility and safety factors.

Robert

[RCBrust]

I'm curious about something. I'm 46 and am very interested in trikes. My daily ride is along back roads with many lousy shoulders. It would seem very difficult, or even dangerous, to ride a trike in these conditions with cars passing by. Do any of you trike owners ride roads like this or are you typically riding cycling paths, etc.

Thanks,
Randy

[Gary Mc]

I am 59 and ride a Greenspeed GTO.

I do almost all my riding on roads though usually not in heavy traffic.

I had a few accidents when I rode an upright. Usually the front wheel caught in some road obstacle (road grate, train track, etc.) or trash (hair brush was the worst), and I was thrown to the ground, luckily never in the path of a car. Against these types of accidents, I think that a trike is good insurance.

I think a trike is most dangerous at cross streets where you come out from behind a parked car; but, an upright bike is also at greatest risk in this case.

Gary

[BigAlMN]

I am 56 and just getting back into biking; chose a trike because of the relaxed ride and the known discomforts of the DF. Looking forward to doing the RAGBRAI this summer. Currently getting into shape for that; enjoying the ride; still attempting to build the recumbent legs to motor the Trike.
I am riding the Trimuter BigWheel; that has the advantage of 81 speeds and a more conservative recline position.

[andrewh]

Wife and I are 46 and 45 respectively and both ride a LoGo trike. Both rode one around Australia 2001-03 and had a ball. Currently planing a tour of Alaska, Canada and the USA.
Do what I did, just buy her one :D she will love you for it.

http://www.geocities.com/andrewhooker59/CycleTouring.html

[BuckyYuen]

43 yo female riding a 2004 Catrike Speed. Used to ride Greenspeed GTO but prefer the lightweight, zippy cat.

[geebee]

I'm curious about something. I'm 46 and am very interested in trikes. My daily ride is along back roads with many lousy shoulders. It would seem very difficult, or even dangerous, to ride a trike in these conditions with cars passing by. Do any of you trike owners ride roads like this or are you typically riding cycling paths, etc.

Thanks,
Randy

95% of my riding is on the road in traffic, I feel more comfortable/safer on the trike than I did on a bike,
cars give you more clearance than a bike and the brakes are better.

[lowracer1]

37 catrike speed, although I prefer the 2 wheel lowracer for most of my riding.

[sukispop]

I'm 48, and love riding my Greenspeed GT3!

My wife's 43 and loves "zooming" her Catrike Speed...past me! :mad: And it's her first recumbent!

Tell your wife that, when she's riding a tadpole style trike(two wheels in front, one in back), she won't feel like she's riding a trike...she'll feel like she's riding a go-kart!

:)

[kfriend]

I am 67 and ride a Greenspeed GT3. I plan on riding the Philadelphia City to Shore MS 150 this year.

My wife is 59 and had major Scoliosis surgery & has Titanium rods in her back. She just got an ICE L trike.

[JenM]

Do dogs count?

[JenM]

Do dogs count?I'm lucky to get a turn!!

[opel70]

My wife and I are 33 and 35 and each have a Hase Kettwiesel. We have been really enjoying them since getting them last year. She has even gotten to riding to work many days.

[si mark]

Thanks for all the responses. You are all just confirming my thoughts and feelings, but I wanted her to be able to "hear" it for herself.

This weekend is a big bicycle show here in NYC, and there are going to be several recumbent companies showing off their stuff. I am hoping to get her to come with me and take a look.

Mark

[sukispop]

This weekend is a big bicycle show here in NYC, and there are going to be several recumbent companies showing off their stuff. I am hoping to get her to come with me and take a look.

Mark

Hi Mark,

'Just an FYI:

If Catrike is represented at this NYC bike show this coming weekend, and if your wife should happen to become seriously interested in a Catrike trike, you should be aware of the fact that Catrike is going to significantly increase the price points of their trikes, effective June 1st. They will honor the current price points, as long as your paid order is placed no later than May 31st. Catrikes are immensely popular, as they are light, fast, well-spec'd, cool looking, quality made in the U.S.A., and, until June 1st, considerably less expensive than most of their worthy competitors, especially those built in Australia and the U.K..
Catrike Aluminum Recumbent Trikes (http://www.catrike.com/)


Good luck in your search! Keep us posted!

:)

[si mark]

Geoff-

Thanks for the heads up on the Catrike price increase. Funny thing with them - when checking out dealers in the NYC area, there is one in NJ who does not answer his phone and whose website is no longer valid; and 2 that are 5+hours away in upstate NY :)

How come NYC bike shops don't carry recumbents and trikes?

Mark

[sukispop]

Geoff-

Thanks for the heads up on the Catrike price increase. Funny thing with them - when checking out dealers in the NYC area, there is one in NJ who does not answer his phone and whose website is no longer valid; and 2 that are 5+hours away in upstate NY :)

How come NYC bike shops don't carry recumbents and trikes?

Mark

Hi Mark,

Peter, of The Bicycle Man, is extremely knowledgeable in all things recumbent. I know that his shop is quite a few hours' drive from where you live, but if you can make the drive up to Alfred Station, it'll probably be well worth your time and effort. He has a lot of recumbent bikes and trikes, and it would really benefit your wife to be able to sit in the ones that interest her, take them for a spin, and see how she likes them. I wouldn't be surprised if Peter planned on attending that bike show in NYC this weekend...if you can, give him a call, tell him what you're hoping to find for your wife, and I'm sure that Peter would be more than happy to help you. I believe that he also ships his bikes/trikes, so that may be an option for you, too.

Here's a link to his webpage covering Catrike:

The Bicycle Man/Catrikes (http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/catrike/catrike.htm)

Good luck, Mark! Keep us posted....

:)

[LarryJay]

I'm curious if any of you trike riders live in southern California. I've seen several bents but haven't seen a single trike. I live in the San Gabriel Valley and ride my EZ Sport around the streets and bike paths and am considering a trike.
Larry

[geeklpc1985]

I'm 19 and I have a EZ-3 SX that I love to ride. Also I had a EZ-3 USX that I rode intill it died, only took me 4 months and 4000 miles.

[Owen2]

65 and my wife and I ride EZ Tadpole CX trikes.

[AverageCommuter]

38 and not currently riding a 'bent trike, but one is in my future.

[dougfoot]

I'm curious about something. I'm 46 and am very interested in trikes. My daily ride is along back roads with many lousy shoulders. It would seem very difficult, or even dangerous, to ride a trike in these conditions with cars passing by. Do any of you trike owners ride roads like this or are you typically riding cycling paths, etc.

Thanks,
Randy

I ride a Trice Micro and ride in rural Oregon (Newberg, St Paul area). The roads at times can be very busy, but for the most part, I look forward to my rides. I put in between 60 - 200 miles a week (I ride 2-4 times a week). Trikes seem to me to be very safe - no balance issues and you can go as slow as needed. Cars and trucks do give me room to ride, also, where I ride, there are usually 2-3 foot shoulders. I avoid bicycle paths,(some call them multi-use paths), as they don't go where I want to go.

[dmorellonh]

61 years old and riding a Catrike '04 Pocket and lovin' it.

[jeff-o]

OK, what do you think of this offer?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7163073796&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Seems like a sweet deal to me...

[cjs1948]

OK, what do you think of this offer?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7163073796&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Seems like a sweet deal to me...
Definitely a cost effective way to get an excellent first trike--second trike if you're already on a Sun or similar.

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO
303-618-5711

[jeff-o]

Definitely a cost effective way to get an excellent first trike--second trike if you're already on a Sun or similar.

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO
303-618-5711

First trike. The only trike I've ever ridden is an old, old catrike. I had rented it for a week.

Is there any room for upgrade on this thing? Would I feel the need to upgrade in a short period of time, or would it last me for a while? Are there any better deals out there? Is there any reason to wait until later, or even next year?

[Ric]

First trike. The only trike I've ever ridden is an old, old catrike. I had rented it for a week.

Is there any room for upgrade on this thing? Would I feel the need to upgrade in a short period of time, or would it last me for a while? Are there any better deals out there? Is there any reason to wait until later, or even next year?

Jeff
The trike on ebay is a WW3.3 and Wiz Wheel is already producing there 3.6 and I think their running around $1800.00 so I don't know how much of a deal that trike really is seeing that the reserve hasn't been met. IMO there are alot better trikes out there for not that much more money.

[cjs1948]

Jeff
The trike on ebay is a WW3.3 and Wiz Wheel is already producing there 3.6 and I think their running around $1800.00 so I don't know how much of a deal that trike really is seeing that the reserve hasn't been met. IMO there are alot better trikes out there for not that much more money.
New WW start at $1900. There are always better, newer trikes and everything else that one can buy. It depends on how much money one has. If better was all that mattered, then Sun wouldn't have a chance with their heavy, less costly trikes. Of course, as a percentage I am seeing more new Suns than anything else (actually than everything else combined--something I hope to help change). I continue to believe that a used trike from a major brand is a better deal.

The 3.3 on eBay seems to have been suitably upgraded already. If touring is what one has in mind, a trike like this would do just fine--as would a used Catrike, Greenspeed and so on. If bought right on eBay, one can ride for six months to a year and get most of your money back by reselling. I know, I've done it. It is a great way to get started.

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO
303-618-5711

[jeff-o]

Hmmm, still only 4 bids, with the reserve met at $1100. I'm in Canada, so converted to CDN that's $1375. A new one would cost $1000 more! That's a big difference.

One last question, what kinds of changes has WW made between versions 3.3 and 3.6? Anything of consequence?

[cjs1948]

Hmmm, still only 4 bids, with the reserve met at $1100. I'm in Canada, so converted to CDN that's $1375. A new one would cost $1000 more! That's a big difference.

One last question, what kinds of changes has WW made between versions 3.3 and 3.6? Anything of consequence?
I had a 3.4 and 3.5--I've never seen a 3.3 in person. By the picture and description most critcal parts have been upgraded and the seat cover appears to be the latest style (double layer of fabric). I supposed the steering geometry could have been tweaked following the 3.3. It would still be a good touring trike even so. A rider bent on racing would likely look elsewhere these days though TTs of this vintage were raced. About the only thing not accounted for might be wear in the kingpin bushings, but they are off the shelf standard hardware items that aren't costly (not including R and R). Some slack is tolerable and would not affect the handling adversely.

Chip

[jeff-o]

Well, I decided not to bid on that TT3.3. I read a review on Bentrideronline, and in it they actually compared a 3.3 to the new 3.6. In both cases, the TerraTrike was not very fast, in fact the reviewer had a tough time keeping up with his wife, who was riding an upright. That is definitely not what I want!

When I finally get a trike, it will be as fast as my Trek 7500FX... and not just on the downhills. The worst hill I climb at 12 km/h (it's a really nasty hill), I cruise at 25-30, and my fastest downhill is 58 km/h. The trike must match this, and preferably beat it, or I just won't be able to justify the price.

[cjs1948]

When I finally get a trike, it will be as fast as my Trek 7500FX... and not just on the downhills. The worst hill I climb at 12 km/h (it's a really nasty hill), I cruise at 25-30, and my fastest downhill is 58 km/h. The trike must match this, and preferably beat it, or I just won't be able to justify the price.
I think your price just went up quite a bit. But you will have a great time when you get there.

Chip

[jeff-o]

I think your price just went up quite a bit. But you will have a great time when you get there.

Chip

Ha, indeed. I've been looking at prices for a while now. It seems as if the closer you get to the performance of a good road bike, the closer you get to the price of my first car. A tough pill to swallow!

I'm considering learning to weld, not only because it seems interesting, but also so that I can just build my own! I could use 100% titanium and it would still be cheaper...

[BlazingPedals]

I'm curious if any of you trike riders live in southern California. I've seen several bents but haven't seen a single trike. I live in the San Gabriel Valley and ride my EZ Sport around the streets and bike paths and am considering a trike.
Larry
Don't know of any trike riders in your area, but you're not all that far from People Movers (http://www.recumbent.com/) to your south in Orange. They used to have free test rides on Saturdays, and it was a pretty large affair, almost a rally in itself. (Disclaimer: I'm not in their associate plan and get no commission from them.)

[ChiliDog]

I'm 50 and just got my first trike last week after 5 years of 2-wheeled bent riding. A Catrike Pocket.

My friend is 55...I just went with her to pick up her trike today! (EZ-3 from Sun)

[Orcish]

I am 47, and have an ez-tadpole cx on order. Now, if it will only get here! Last word is that the shipment has arrived in Calif.. Now if it will only get to Denver, and from there to the LBS. Is it always this bad ordering bents? I mean, I ordered this thing in May!

Orc

[E.W.]

Hi;
I'm 50.5 years old and just received my new EcoCycle trike,(www,ecocycle.ca), last week.This is my first bent.After three rides I am becoming comfortable with the seating and the handling.It's a blast! and I am looking forward to commuting.Highly recommend this.

Earl

[oldy57]

I am 48 and ride a Tri-Sled Cool Cruza. I bought it used this spring and it has been a blast. I have around 1500km on it with no problems so far. Done a few 80km rides and would like to do a century this year.

[redvirus217]

Ive tried to make a trike without welding, couldent really figure it out.

[jeff-o]

Ive tried to make a trike without welding, couldent really figure it out.

That's 'cause it's pretty much impossible to do without welding.

There's only one company that does it, Windcheetah (www.windcheetah.co.uk)