Recumbent - Thinking about getting a Trike

Hi,
I have recently "discovered" recumbent trikes via the web and I'm interested in trying one. I've recently gotten back into cycling - having restored my old Gitane TdF and I've been enjoying getting out this winter on my old Specialized mountain bike - riding in the snow is really fun and great excersize too.
But back to the trike idea - First off I'm what's known as a "Clydesdale" - and a Senior one at that! I'm 6'2", @ 250lbs and I've seen the last of my 50s. I'm in excellent heath tho and still jog, bike and hike regularly. The trike thing tho attracted me mainly due to their rep for stability, comfort and, I must admit, the "cool factor" as well.
Anyway, after investigating the subject some, I think the tadpole-type of trike is what I'm looking for. As a noobie, I need some direction in what brand & model would best suit my needs. I'd like the trike to be suitable for excersize & touring, be narrow enough to get it thru a 35" door (no garage) and light enough to haul in/on my Subau Outback wagon. Oh, and pricewise somewhere in the range of @ $1500 - $2000. One factor I have to concider is load capacity - at 250, I'm at the upper end of some trikes, nevermind adding any gear to haul on a weekend trip. Another factor is hill climbing ability. I live in a fairly hilly region so the trike has to be geared low enough to climb some long hills. Some of the trikes that seem to fill the bill are - in no particular order

TerraTrike Cruiser
Catrike Trail
Organic Engines Triclops

So, suggestions?

Tom
Saranac Lake, NY

Well, if you actually join the 'bent triker' group, let me welcome you.

Unforunately, I don't have any experience with any of the trikes you've listed. I ride a Trice QN-T (Narrow Track). It is a tadpole and I've had nothing but fun with it. I'm rather slow going up hills, but it's hard to say how much of that is the trike or my bad knees. Still, with the trike I can make it up the hills without walking. Something I haven't been able to do with a DF bike since I was in my teens. I don't think I'd trade my trike for anything. Except maybe another trike. :p

The Trice is a bit higher than the price range you listed and I'm not sure what the weight restriction is on it.

Hopefully others can be a bit more helpful, just wanted to say hello. :)

Welcome.

On the trikes you mention:

TerraTrike Cruiser -- you may be happier with a TT Tour given gearing limitations of the Cruiser.
Catrike Trail -- it does not fit me exactly well, but has many happy owners.
Organic Engines Triclops -- I'm totally clueless.

I'm the happy rider of a Trice Q. I'd also suggest Greenspeed trikes for your consideration.

Though it's a longish drive, you might want to visit the Bicycle Man (http://www.bicycleman.com/index.html) in Alfred Station.

The Catrike or Terratrike would do the job, but it depends on how you like the feel of the bike. You might also include the Terratrike Tour in your list. It's made specifically for touring. You could always change out the cassette at purchase for a few less gear inches.
For that much money, I'd be on the phone with the Bicycle Man. From their website, you can get good test rides in that area. After a serious discussion with them, a weekend trip would be worth it.

.....

Though it's a longish drive, you might want to visit the Bicycle Man (http://www.bicycleman.com/index.html) in Alfred Station.

I've emailed Pete at Bikeman just this afternoon. I'll be planning a weekend drive down there to try out several trikes as soon as weather permits.

For your criteria, I would think that a Catrike Road would be a better choice than a Catrike Trail. Check into that........

In your price range, I am pretty sure you'll be looking for a used trike.

Yeah the test ride is the way to go. I test rode several models of Catrike.TT and Trice. I just ordered the Catrike Exhibition as it choice me. I am having a 48/39/24 front chainring set up and a 12/34 rear cassette. That will give me the gear inches I need for San Diego Area hills. I am like you but a little lighter but have not seen the 50's for a while either. Currently chugging along on my Rans Stratus & V2

BigBird2, I am somewhat in your shoes being 6'0" and 210 pounds. Do not worry about the load as you have three wheels instead of two and smaller wheels tend to be stronger. I have done some long tours on my LWB tadpole. Only problem was luggage space as I cold only carry stuff on the little rack around the rear wheel. a pain if you are camping. next time I'll rig a trailer. Two problems you may never run into. When going off pavement at speed onto gravelled dirt and steering sharply I can make the rear wheel spin out. It may be fun but it will scare the $^*% out of any bikers trying to pace you. If you let anyone try it warn them NOT to try to take it up onto two wheels. A buddy did, when across a parking lot and back then dropped back onto two wheels. It trashed the bearing in the rear wheel.

Hey Big Bird,

I'm over in Vermont, but often go over to the 'dack's to hike and canoe. I have a Catrike Road, 2005. Given that I feel that the steering/controls are a little closed in, and I'm 5-10, I think the Catrike Trail may be a little small for ya. At the time I tested a Greenspeed, Trice Q-NT, and the Catrikes. I liked the Trice, but it was a good deal more money and everyone loved their Catrikes. If I had it to do over again, I'd get the Trice. Now they come with a suspension and have the ability to fold/come apart.

Brian

In your price range, I am pretty sure you'll be looking for a used trike.

Agreed. In fact I may have one for you if you are looking.