Utility Cycling - Tricycles.

I'm about to receive a free tricycle from a friend's mother...and I AM EXCITED! :love: Granted, I'm a 25 year old woman, and this is not the typical ride (especially in NYC!)....but I am already thinking of all the possibilities for the rear basket: deli stops, beer hauling, camera equipment, a dog!

However, I'm sure this trike is not going to be in tip-top shape, so I'm wondering, is there a tricycle-specific place to shop on the web? I can't find a tricycle basket anywhere, and I also want to put a banana seat on this thing and not sure if it's possible.

Lastly, anyone else riding a tricycle? I'd love to see your rides.

TIA!
-Cat

I'm about to receive a free tricycle from a friend's mother...and I AM EXCITED! :love: Granted, I'm a 25 year old woman, and this is not the typical ride (especially in NYC!)....but I am already thinking of all the possibilities for the rear basket: deli stops, beer hauling, camera equipment, a dog!

However, I'm sure this trike is not going to be in tip-top shape, so I'm wondering, is there a tricycle-specific place to shop on the web? I can't find a tricycle basket anywhere, and I also want to put a banana seat on this thing and not sure if it's possible.

Lastly, anyone else riding a tricycle? I'd love to see your rides.

TIA!
-Cat

I am. This is a '07 Schwinn Town & Country.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q219/Sirrus-Rider/07%20Bikes/TrikeSideView.jpg


It's got the largest rear basket of all the conventional trikes. Most adult sized trikes have a basket the size of a single milk crate which isn't all that useful.:thumb:

i love it! very cool!

This is a trike our bike co-op uses to haul stuff, or has once or twice. Shimano 3-speed hub which we haven't messed with (yet), so it's only getting two speeds as far as I can tell. We have a larger basket to install on it (actually the basket part of a discarded shopping cart) that should increase its carrying capacity. I don't know the make of the trike. I'd guess it's from the 70's or 80's.

We've found the trike comes with a learning curve, sort of. Half the people who tried it hopped right on and had no problem. The other half could barely stay on it. Problem is that you lean the opposite direction from what you'd do with two wheels. The trike can't lean into curves, so you have to lean out a little to keep it steady. Once we figured that out, it got a lot easier to ride. Still not as nice as a bike and not as steady, but I drove it down the road with a bike rack on the back and it was no less steady then when it was empty, so that's a big bonus: extra baggage does not hurt how it handles.

On a normal banana seat, the rear posts go to the back axles on the wheel, and there's not a corresponding place to put them on a trike. Notice they might pass through the basket as well.

I've got a Worksman cargo tricycle, the reversed kind with 2 wheels in front and a bicycle rear end. Contrary to what you would think, it is less stable than a bicycle, as mentioned above. Another issue is that it is wide enough that it sort of forces you to take the lane whether you want to or not. The normal trikes are perhaps a little narrower. Also, when you ride on a sloping rode, you just have to deal with the lean.

However, I'm sure this trike is not going to be in tip-top shape, so I'm wondering, is there a tricycle-specific place to shop on the web? I can't find a tricycle basket anywhere, and I also want to put a banana seat on this thing and not sure if it's possible.

Lastly, anyone else riding a tricycle? I'd love to see your rides.

TIA!
-Cat

Just a thought before you go splashing out. Im wondering if an old shopping trolly basket would do the job?
Weld up or ziptie the flappy bit and bolt it on the back. If securly welded/bolted on it may offer a hold for your bannana seat?

Remember we wanna see pics when it arrives ;)

Regards
Tom

Thanks for all the tips and pics guys!! Never thought about the sloping road part, should be interesting!

I'm going to check out the trike tomorrow, hopefully bring it home with me if it's as described, take some pictures and show you all. I figured I wouldn't easily be able to attach a banana seat, oh well, not a big deal. The shopping cart idea is a good one, I just have to find a store in the area that doesn't have the big plastic carts!

I'm guessing baskets are not easily purchased, since googling doesn't come up with it. Then again, I don't know what size I'm looking for anyway.

I'm about to receive a free tricycle from a friend's mother...and I AM EXCITED! :love: Granted, I'm a 25 year old woman, and this is not the typical ride (especially in NYC!)....but I am already thinking of all the possibilities for the rear basket: deli stops, beer hauling, camera equipment, a dog!

However, I'm sure this trike is not going to be in tip-top shape, so I'm wondering, is there a tricycle-specific place to shop on the web? I can't find a tricycle basket anywhere, and I also want to put a banana seat on this thing and not sure if it's possible.

Lastly, anyone else riding a tricycle? I'd love to see your rides.

TIA!
-Cat

Why settle for a flimsy basket when , for a trike, there are all manner of plastic tub/containers that you can install (and some even lock!)?

As to the seat......if it's a standard 'granny" trike any bike seat will fit.

I'm guessing baskets are not easily purchased, since googling doesn't come up with it. Then again, I don't know what size I'm looking for anyway.

Yes, step one is to get the trike and find out what dimensions of a basket it can accommodate. I'm highly doubtful that anyone manufactures trike-specific baskets other then companies that manufacture tricycles. That said, there are a few of those companies, and you may find a compatible basket. But unless you get a basket from your own tricycle's manufacturer, there's a good chance that you'll need a different attachment system. So, again, you'll need to see the trike first. I am guessing, though, as has been said, that getting a basket for the tricycle will not be difficult if you are willing to figure out your own attachment system and go with some more generic options.

The banana seat, despite what Nightshade says, is probably a no-go without some modifications. Doesn't meant it won't work. I expect there is a way, but it won't be the same as any other seat: drop the seat on and tighten the bolt. Banana seats typically have three mounting points instead of just one. The two additional mounts are on either side of the rear wheel, and since you don't have a single, central rear wheel behind your seat. There is, however, a good amount of bike back there, and if you're willing to get creative, you may be able to mount a banana seat, but it may interfere with the basket. Or, if you get a sturdy enough basket, you may be able to mount the banana seat to the basket.

Echo - Echo - Echo - Echo.....


Rob_E
There is, however, a good amount of bike back there, and if you're willing to get creative, you may be able to mount a banana seat, but it may interfere with the basket. Or, if you get a sturdy enough basket, you may be able to mount the banana seat to the basket.


BossCat
If securly welded/bolted on it may offer a hold for your bannana seat?

2 for attaching bannana to basket. Any advance on 2?

Regards
Tom

Like some have said, pics / dims of said trike would help with ideas. There are lots of things that could be fit on, depending on the actual construction.

Some of the old trikes that have huge seats do not have a standard seatpost- more of a tripod affair, but you'll find out shortly, I reckon.

ok......why the banana seat.....just totally curious?

The handling of a 3 wheeler is wierd, very counter intuitive...When I was 14 I bought one from the prototype grandma to start a delivery service and nearly killed myself at first. Practice before going out in traffic.

I just got my trike last night. it's a big old yellow one.very heavy dutie and it's very fun to ride. A basket idea I had since there was none on my trike is like the old trucks had, them nice wooden fence beds. mind you my trike has a big flat area behind the seat, i'm new to trikes so I have no clue if all do, I know the other i'm getting has a dump bucket on it. lol Also I agree with slanted roads. I hate those...

I just got my trike last night. it's a big old yellow one.very heavy dutie and it's very fun to ride. A basket idea I had since there was none on my trike is like the old trucks had, them nice wooden fence beds. mind you my trike has a big flat area behind the seat, i'm new to trikes so I have no clue if all do, I know the other i'm getting has a dump bucket on it. lol Also I agree with slanted roads. I hate those...

Dump bucket on a trike would be awesome... that is, presuming, I'm understanding that the cargo area "dumps" like a dump truck.

I just got my trike last night. it's a big old yellow one.very heavy dutie and it's very fun to ride. A basket idea I had since there was none on my trike is like the old trucks had, them nice wooden fence beds. mind you my trike has a big flat area behind the seat, i'm new to trikes so I have no clue if all do, I know the other i'm getting has a dump bucket on it. lol Also I agree with slanted roads. I hate those...

Dump bucket sounds awesome. I know an old trike I used to ride had basically a wooden box on the back. It was big enough and sturdy enough to hold my sister, because that trike is how I managed to remain mobile when stuck babysitting back in high school.

It just occurred to me that some of those lowrider trikes do in fact have banana seats. Looks like on this one, there's basically a bicycle rear end down there to attach it to. Not sure if they're all like that, I kind of think not.
http://www.slowrider.dk/userimages/usr/20-lowrider-trike-series-618.jpg

hsean - very cool, congrats!

why the banana seat? i say why not?

and stephenh i knew i've seen a trike with a banana seat somewhere figures it's a lowrider! i doubt the granny trike will easily accommodate it but i'll find out tonight!

thanks again for all the tips, i'll post pics tonight!

For many years I rode an Worksman Industrial Tricycle (see link) in a General Motors plant. I carried a Kennedy cantilever tool box (see link) on the back platform. I loved that tricycle and due to the fact they had solid rubber tires it never got flats. Something to consider if that becomes an issue. They would call when one of the assembly lines would break and I'd race over on my trike and save the day - great fun and it paid well. Well now I live in Florida and work at a big powerplant the distance from the parking lot to the control room is about a 1/2 mile and I'm always got alot of stuff I'm carrying and I'm getting older as well. Well, I just bought myself a Schwinn Meridian Trike from Walmart on-line for $249 (see link). Its a very good tricycle and I recommend it on a budget and can't find a good used one for sale. On Walmarts site they have 609 customer reviews and currently it scores 4.5 stars out of 5 - not to shabby.

Worksman Bikes & Trikes
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/adaptable.html

Kennedy Cantilever Box
http://www.toolboxesdirect.com/tool-boxes/metal-tool-boxes/kennedy22incantilevertoolbox.cfm

Schwinn Meridian
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5679542

anyone know of any websites that address how to dismantle / overhaul a trike? I acquired a Hedstrom trike with a 3 speed coaster brake hub and I can't even figure out how to remove a wheel to true it up. I am fairly knowledgeable with 2-wheelers but this has me stumped.

For many years I rode an Worksman Industrial Tricycle (see link) in a General Motors plant. I carried a Kennedy cantilever tool box (see link) on the back platform. I loved that tricycle and due to the fact they had solid rubber tires it never got flats. Something to consider if that becomes an issue. They would call when one of the assembly lines would break and I'd race over on my trike and save the day - great fun and it paid well. Well now I live in Florida and work at a big powerplant the distance from the parking lot to the control room is about a 1/2 mile and I'm always got alot of stuff I'm carrying and I'm getting older as well. Well, I just bought myself a Schwinn Meridian Trike from Walmart on-line for $249 (see link). Its a very good tricycle and I recommend it on a budget and can't find a good used one for sale. On Walmarts site they have 609 customer reviews and currently it scores 4.5 stars out of 5 - not to shabby.

Worksman Bikes & Trikes
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/adaptable.html

Kennedy Cantilever Box
http://www.toolboxesdirect.com/tool-boxes/metal-tool-boxes/kennedy22incantilevertoolbox.cfm

Schwinn Meridian
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5679542

The one tip I could add if you buy either a Schwinn Town & Country or Meridan is before you assemble (Assuming you buy it from Walmart or mail order) is to get the wheels trued and tensioned. The machine assembled wheels leave much to be desired in tensioning and trueness.:(

so when i had asked my friend "is it rusted?" she said "just a little in a couple of spots" i figured ok no big deal.

when i got there, i see what was once a red tricycle....which was completely rusted. so no dice. no tricycle for me.

now i'm trying to decide whether to just turn my old bike into an xtracycle or just buy a tricycle, which is much cheaper.

so when i had asked my friend "is it rusted?" she said "just a little in a couple of spots" i figured ok no big deal.

when i got there, i see what was once a red tricycle....which was completely rusted. so no dice. no tricycle for me.

now i'm trying to decide whether to just turn my old bike into an xtracycle or just buy a tricycle, which is much cheaper.

Jest get a Schwinn Meridian from Walmart.. :thumb:

anyone know of any websites that address how to dismantle / overhaul a trike? I acquired a Hedstrom trike with a 3 speed coaster brake hub and I can't even figure out how to remove a wheel to true it up. I am fairly knowledgeable with 2-wheelers but this has me stumped.

I am not certain that tricycles are universal enough in their design to have a generic servicing site.

The trike I worked on most recently had caps over the bolts on the rear wheel that could be pried off (carefully) with a screwdriver. Under that is a standard nut. But that doesn't mean it's the same for yours.

so when i had asked my friend "is it rusted?" she said "just a little in a couple of spots" i figured ok no big deal.

when i got there, i see what was once a red tricycle....which was completely rusted. so no dice. no tricycle for me.

now i'm trying to decide whether to just turn my old bike into an xtracycle or just buy a tricycle, which is much cheaper.

I think you'd find that in riding them, you'd see a big difference between a cargo bike and a trike. I don't think I've ever seen anyone going over 8 or 10 mph on a trike for example, and not something you'd want to dodge around in traffic with. I suspect that 90% of the people that use them do so due to having problems riding a regular bicycle, rather than just going for cargo capacity, etc. I'd suggest to figure out which one actually would work best for you and procure accordingly.

Used trikes show up fairly regularly here in the Dallas area, usually from about $150 on up.

Even if it's rusted I would of accepted it. some trikes are just the back end bolted to a bike like my green one, wich in that case is great because you just need a donner frame. old single speeds and 3 speeds are very nice to use.

I think you'd find that in riding them, you'd see a big difference between a cargo bike and a trike. I don't think I've ever seen anyone going over 8 or 10 mph on a trike for example, and not something you'd want to dodge around in traffic with. I suspect that 90% of the people that use them do so due to having problems riding a regular bicycle, rather than just going for cargo capacity, etc. I'd suggest to figure out which one actually would work best for you and procure accordingly.

Used trikes show up fairly regularly here in the Dallas area, usually from about $150 on up.

I use it for cargo capacity and not having to find a convenient wall to prop it up to load. I have two wheelers for other tasks.

I assembled the Schwinn Meridian with the help of my co-worker -it really helps to have two people. All in all the Meridian is really a very decent machine. It rides very nice and seems to be a very good value.

Father's Day weekend build w/grandson persistently keeping the torch lit. I cheated, I started with a complete 'granny trike' rear axle, and grafted everything forward. Weighs about 19 kg, but that includes 3 steel hubs, steel stem and bars, 3 pounds of basket framing at the rear and shod with 2.10 x 20" rears and 2.125 x 16" front. Seat height is 17".

http://i28.tinypic.com/2rpv2ty.jpg

Father's Day weekend build w/grandson persistently keeping the torch lit. I cheated, I started with a complete 'granny trike' rear axle, and grafted everything forward. Weighs about 19 kg, but that includes 3 steel hubs, steel stem and bars, 3 pounds of basket framing at the rear and shod with 2.10 x 20" rears and 2.125 x 16" front. Seat height is 17".

http://i28.tinypic.com/2rpv2ty.jpg

Sweet Delta!:saweeet:

My National Relacle, an electric three wheeler. Front wheel is a 20 and the rear 18. Installed with a Nexus 3-Speed, and rims are stainless steel. On the handlebar is an umbrella holder. Front Basket is Stainless.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3689232298_0392b2b67b.jpg?v=0
Umbrella mounted.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3689239204_05f1808b8b.jpg?v=0
Nexus 3-Speed Hub
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3688431169_37e20c46a1.jpg?v=0
Under Chassis
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3689234352_baa26f3561.jpg?v=0
Switch
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3688432937_62d891c5a2.jpg?v=0

here is the trike I've been working on
the problem I'm having is that when I turn sometimes the wheels rub on the frame (hooked area) I have trued them up but it doesn't seem to help. I'm going to try a thinner tire next
http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww241/k8zero/trike.jpg

Do a google search for these key words: "tadpole trike" and "Delta Trike"

Upright 3 wheel bicycles are so "caveman times now" Its the 21st century people, lots of great design ideas during these times! :D

..the problem I'm having is that when I turn sometimes the wheels rub on the frame (hooked area) The 'hooks' look like severed outside axle support rods. If the rig has 3/8" diameter axles, then they won't support much weight when mounted on just one end of the axle - you'll bend'em. (look at the rear axle support framing on my trike in post #29).

oh crap...it does look like that...and 3/8" sounds like what the axles looked like...what can I do?
suggestions? oh man - i've got too much money invested in this for is to be scrapped

K8drums, About your only option is to fabricate the missing support tubes and reattach them to the 'hooks'. Torch brazing instead of welding would be preferred.

http://i25.tinypic.com/5nlt34.jpg

ok......why the banana seat.....just totally curious?

The handling of a 3 wheeler is wierd, very counter intuitive...When I was 14 I bought one from the prototype grandma to start a delivery service and nearly killed myself at first. Practice before going out in traffic.
Not all of them do. This one leans in curves like a 2-wheeler: see www.feetz.nl. Not sure if they are available outside Holland as yet. Also folds together like a shopping cart or stroller. Various bins, baskets, seats etc. available. 5 speed.

are the rims on trikes a weird size? I have had trouble mounting various tires successfully. they always seem to not seat well (like the rim is too small) sometimes the tube even blows out. The tires that were on it when I got it (and are also loose) are 24" x 2.10"
help?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjNzcjFgV6s

Hi Frits B,

I have a Feetz model getting x-rayed(yes, really) at customs in Southern California as we spea.....as we type.
I'll try and post a review and photos once I get my hands on it.
I got it for our shop, and as a personal ride, and will order more if I find a demand for them.
I don't know what they'd cost in qty, but it would be less than this initial one has cost.
It's my first time importing anything from Europe, so I'm learning the costs involved.
Apparently US Customs x-rays items with tubing, like a bike, and occasionally does an open box inspection, which I have sadly received. I have to pay the inspection cost too!
Anyways, I should have it at my door around September 30th or so, and will post photos at some point.

cheers,
Ross
store.emotors.biz (http://store.emotors.biz)

Hi Frits B,

I have a Feetz model getting x-rayed(yes, really) at customs in Southern California as we spea.....as we type.
I'll try and post a review and photos once I get my hands on it.
I got it for our shop, and as a personal ride, and will order more if I find a demand for them.
I don't know what they'd cost in qty, but it would be less than this initial one has cost.
It's my first time importing anything from Europe, so I'm learning the costs involved.
Apparently US Customs x-rays items with tubing, like a bike, and occasionally does an open box inspection, which I have sadly received. I have to pay the inspection cost too!
Anyways, I should have it at my door around September 30th or so, and will post photos at some point.

cheers,
Ross
store.emotors.biz (http://store.emotors.biz)

Please do. I'm looking forward to some response on them.

I bought this Miami Sun adult trike for my wife. SHe has balance issues but wants to ride a bike. In fact, we just got back from a couple mile ride along a freeway frontage road. This road is frequented by cyclists and has a 25 MPH speed limit. A few folks passed us asked about the trike... But it was nice to ride again with my wife...
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/zjrog/Starcraft%20Popup/StarcraftPup200908150059.jpg
Has a 3 speed Shimano coaster hub, right side rear wheel is driven. And the front wheel brake also sets as a parking brake. Has a 250 pound limit, and the basket isn't very strong.

There are so many things for trikes on ebay. :crash: Use the search words: "adult tricycle" . Choose the Sporting Goods Category and the search. I have a Schwinn Meridian '09 and use it to walk the dog. Yea I said walk the dog lol. Black lab 1yr old and trots along side of me. You definitely want to watch the sloping because I have almost wiped out lol. :lol: . Other then that they are fun. Question with the guy with the Schwinn, where did you get your seat?????:D

I love my Miami Sun trike. HATED the original seat. You should be able to put the banana seat and sissy bar on in place of the *&@#$*& "tractor" seat and rear seat brace with no problems, or just remove the *%$($#^#$% tractor seat and brace and replace with a "beach cruiser" type seat.
You'll be surprised what you can carry on it. Also, after you get used to the handling, going around corners on two wheel is fun - so are speeds in excess of the "recommended" 7 mph maximum.

are the rims on trikes a weird size? I have had trouble mounting various tires successfully. they always seem to not seat well (like the rim is too small) sometimes the tube even blows out. The tires that were on it when I got it (and are also loose) are 24" x 2.10"
help?

Try a standard 24 x 1.75 size tire.

Originally Posted by StephenH View Post
I think you'd find that in riding them, you'd see a big difference between a cargo bike and a trike. I don't think I've ever seen anyone going over 8 or 10 mph on a trike for example, and not something you'd want to dodge around in traffic with. I suspect that 90% of the people that use them do so due to having problems riding a regular bicycle, rather than just going for cargo capacity, etc. I'd suggest to figure out which one actually would work best for you and procure accordingly.

ONLY 8 to 10 mph?!? well, ok, at least with the Miami Sun trike they come with a "recommended" max speed of 7 MPH, but who wants to go that slow? Ditch the "tractor" seat and you can go a lot faster and without the pain in the thighs from a seat that interferes with pedaling. I got my trike for the cargo capacity and to pull a 4 wheel garden cart that can carry up to 1,000 pounds. To date, max load in trailer/cart was only 800 or so pounds of brick.

http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv247/bikecollectordave/Picture232.jpg

This one I built a few years ago. Dual evo motors on the front wheel. I didn't really like the motors on the front so I wielded a small gear on the roller and mounted the motors on the back. The ratio difference was too much, had no torque but once you got going it was out of control fast. The person I built it for never really liked it, right now it's stripped down and may come back to life in another form.

My Schwinn Meridian is working out great, saves me all kinds of time and effort at work.

here is the trike I've been working on
the problem I'm having is that when I turn sometimes the wheels rub on the frame (hooked area) I have trued them up but it doesn't seem to help. I'm going to try a thinner tire next

I don't know if you ever resolved this or not, but if the wheel is consistently rubbing on the same side, you might have luck dishing the wheel to move it a little in the other direction. I know with either our trike or trailer at the shop, the wheels were dished to put the rims a little farther out than the center of the hub.

As for the missing supports, I'd be tempted to see how it does without them. Our shop trike has no such system and seems to do fine. Of course that depends on how upset you'd be if it broke.

Get a Surrey-Cycle (4 wheels) a great deal more stable, or get a 20" wheeled trike (lower CG, stronger wheels too), so at least it will be more nearly stable. Riding a trike is like riding a motorcycle with side car. It can be a great deal more dangerous because the instincts learned on a bicycle/motorcycle are all wrong. On a bike you turn left by pushing RIGHT on the bars.

[No, really, go try it. I'll wait. Remain in the upright, and fully locked position. Push the handle bars left. See which direction you move. Don't do this on the road. Welcome back. Got band aids? Okay, then.]

The direction of the wheel movement is opposite to the direction of turn because the wheel causes a lean into the turn. It doesn't take much. Go look up Gyroscopic Precession on wikipedia. Ever get trapped against a railroad track or curb, or have a groove in the pavement the tire wants to follow? You can't turn with wheels locked straight ahead. So LEAN. Its how Good riders do it, unconsciously.

Not on a trike though. So, it has to be rewired mentally, and so I advise people to go to a deserted parking lot, to learn to ride a 3 wheeler. A 4 wheeler is MUCH more stable. And you can add another pedal mechanism to improve the power to weight ratio. A hour is about all it takes.