Recumbent - $399 recumbent trike

What do you all think of this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Triton-Three-Wheel-Cruiser-Recumbent/dp/B000SMRU3A/ref=sr_1_9/102-2227687-8202507?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1191419849&sr=1-9

Interesting concept,,,looks like for around town riding.

Here's one for just $200!
http://www.amazon.com/Triton-Ultimate-3%252dWheeled-Cruiser-Silver/dp/B000PGC9J4/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2/102-2227687-8202507?ie=UTF8&qid=1191419849&sr=1-9

Toy, careful assembly required.. re-torque of nuts and botls required after riding, could be fun for kids and neighborhood riding.

It's interesting that there's no chain, and the legs drive the front wheel directly. Is that a good idea or bad?

oh wait a minute...does this thing have gears or just one speed?

That would make it a one-speed, right? I'm still trying to figure out how it steers - lean-steer, I think; possibly RWS.

It's interesting that there's no chain, and the legs drive the front wheel directly. Is that a good idea or bad?

oh wait a minute...does this thing have gears or just one speed?

Don't even bother with this thing. One speed on a recumbent is just asking for trouble. The first hill you have to climb will be murder. Save your pennies a while longer and get a real recumbent!

It ain't no Catrike.

That would make it a one-speed, right? I'm still trying to figure out how it steers - lean-steer, I think; possibly RWS.
It's rear-wheel steer, and one-speed/direct-drive only. Not anything for typical distance riding.

Rear-wheel steering is unstable at high speeds, which is why this thing is designed so that you basically can't pedal it very fast. It's a sidewalk toy.
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Don't even bother with this thing. One speed on a recumbent is just asking for trouble. The first hill you have to climb will be murder. Save your pennies a while longer and get a real recumbent!
I had a similar (low price, lean steer,one speed) Brike. Parking lot trike at best. VERY slow originally. I put an old French 7 speed Sachs internal hub, a derailleur, thin chain and 2 large chain rings on the old crank. 14 gears, but it was under 15 mph.

That steering was a 20' diameter nightmare!. Good part was I sold it at a profit to a guy who didn't buy it for turns. I am not sure how to begin upgrading the Triton!

See the video here:

http://www.asaproducts.com/Tri_501_Gray_p/tri-501%20gray.htm

Apparently, it IS direct drive- they're pedaling like crazy and going 8 miles an hour. On or off grass. Could be fun, but it's a Big Wheel, not a recumbent.

I like the look on the guys face, it looks like he is tying to pedal as fast as he can without making it look uncomfortable but it obviously is. One speed is basically useless unless your 12 and under just riding around the neighborhood.

One speed wouldn't be AS useless except the direct drive makes it a very low speed! Gear it up like a normal coaster bike and you could go places, provided it wasn't too hilly.

I think the Funcycle is only $40 more, and is much more (relatively speaking) capable. The Funcycle is FWD single speed, lean-steer, FWS. Still not much good except on sidewalks and boardwalks, though.