Recumbent - Who makes a ...

I'd like to get a trike. Factors include:

I weigh 285# (working on it, but for now...)
I want an enclosed, multi-speed rear hub (Rolhoff or Shimano) without a front derailleur
I want front brakes (some deltas come without)
I want weight distribution that lessens the chance of an endo
I'd prefer a fully-enclosed drive train to minimize maintenance

What brands should I shop? The weight limit and rear hub preference are the main factors that disqualify most makes. If I wanted to spend half a day digging through the manufacturers' web sites via bentrideronline, I could find out for myself, but I thought that by asking here, someone would know off the top of their head.

Thanks!

What kind of riding do you want to do?

I'm very happy with my tadpole(Catrike), but your over the weight limit. As far as endos go I don't think it's really much of an issue, since I've almost 4000 miles on my Road and have never had one.

I've never seen a trike with enclosed drive.

I probably would recommend a Greenspeed, but they have a front derailleur.

I believe these two bikes are exactly what you are looking for:

http://www.flevobike.nl/content/view/25/55/lang,en/

http://www.go-one.us/

Do a search on velomobile to see other versions.

What kind of riding do you want to do? I'm very happy with my tadpole (Catrike), but your over the weight limit...

Hi Megaman!

I'll be doing road riding or dirt-roads at worst. I had a Catrike Speed, but found it too low to the ground and a bit overstressed by my weight. I don't want a suspended trike, but I'd like one with heavier-duty wheels and tires than the Speed had.

Thanks!

I believe these two bikes are exactly what you are looking for...

Hi djsincla!

Alas, I live in Louisiana - the land of 100-degree temperatures with 100-percent humidity. The enclosed structure of your two recommendations would absolutely be lethal in this environment. I'll definitely need a "shell-less" trike for here.

Thanks!

Hi djsincla!

Alas, I live in Louisiana - the land of 100-degree temperatures with 100-percent humidity. The enclosed structure of your two recommendations would absolutely be lethal in this environment. I'll definitely need a "shell-less" trike for here.

Thanks!

No worries! The fully enclosed drive train has me stumped. The company http://www.flevobike.nl also sells a two wheel recumbent with an enclosed drive train but not a trike.

The multispeed hub is something anyone can put on their bike.

Fully enclosed does not necessarily mean lower maintenance. A single ring chain with multispeed hub or our existing 27/30 speed chain drives are low maintenance.

Maybe something like THIS (http://www.tripendo.com/EDEFAULT.htm) one?

Maybe something like THIS (http://www.tripendo.com/EDEFAULT.htm) one?

That might work. The drive is mostly enclosed, and I like the front wheel drive. It lacks the Rohloff, but maybe I can do without...

Thanks!

That might work. The drive is mostly enclosed, and I like the front wheel drive. It lacks the Rohloff, but maybe I can do without...

Thanks!

Ha, good luck trying to find one of those. I think you'd be one of a dozen or less owners in the USA.

Your requirements may require some custom work. Whatever trike you choose, you may have to get the dealer to swap out the existing drivetrain for something that matches your specs. A Rolhoff internally geared hub will set you back over $1000 - just so you know. A Shimano internally geared hub will be a quarter the price, but you'll be limited to eight gears.

Look for a tadpole design, you'll get dual front disc brakes with plenty of stopping power. Endos on a trike are possible, but very rare, especially if you're not a tall person. This isn't something you'll have to worry about on any trike you're looking at.

I'd suggest looking at a Greenspeed trike, or maybe a WizWheelz.

I didn't see anything about a price limit in the request. I do agree with Jeff, though... Endo's are not something a tadpole trike does on a regular basis. You might plant the chainring in the ground, but only in extreme cirumstances. Most tadpoles will stop with a single brake without problems. You don;t want a rear brake since this will spin the rear around way to easy. And yes, Buying a fully loaded Greenspeed with a Rohloff and no deraileurs may be the cleanest most reliable setup you can get. You might also consider the new loaded Delta offering from Greenspeed.

THANKS to everyone for the replies. I'll next have to either shrink to the weight limit of existing trikes or have a custom-build. I favor the first choice rather than the second. And now to increase exercise and reduce calories... :)