Recumbent - Tadpole or Delta?

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Elkhound
03-25-07, 11:24 PM
I am thinking of getting a tricumbent; not to ditch my current cycle, but as an alternative.

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two styles?

Perhaps I should mention that I am a borderline Clydesdale.

Tom Stormcrowe
03-26-07, 12:21 AM
Tadpole= More stable and faster

Delta = longer wheelbase and a bit easier to mount and dismount.
Woodlark
03-26-07, 06:25 AM
Tadpole = Wheeeee! factor (it's a pedal powered go-kart.:D

banerjek
03-26-07, 12:39 PM
Tadpole= More stable and faster

Delta = longer wheelbase and a bit easier to mount and dismount.
I have a tadpole. They're absolutely a blast to ride but don't let their looks fool you. They are reasonably fast, but not exactly rockets and you can definitely flip them.

If I had to choose again, I'd stick with my tadpole.
megaman
03-26-07, 10:20 PM
I've never ridden a delta, but I've spoken with a few owners. They love em. Of course I love my tadpole. When I have ridden with a delta, it's obvious that I could be much faster than them. BTW, I'm about 215 lbs., 6' tall.
Elkhound
03-26-07, 10:57 PM
I'm 6"1", 240 lbs., with a 32" inseam, if that helps.

Suggestions?
Wheelchairman
03-27-07, 04:48 AM
I'm 6"1", 240 lbs., with a 32" inseam, if that helps.

Suggestions?I don't believe your weight will be an issue. Catrike build aluminium frames that are rated to 275lbs, so I'm sure cro-mo or steel ain't gonna be a problem.

I've only ridden a delta once. It's a weird setup to me. The nature of the machine made me feel very relaxed. There was no obligation to go fast. Tadpole's are different. As someone said above, they really are the go-karts of the bent world. You always feel inclined to wring a tadpoles neck out, no matter what it's built for.