Recumbent - Why shouldn't I get a trike?

Hello,

I am in excruciating pain from cycling and I can't take it anymore. The doctors have not been helpful and I can't just stop riding, so I've been putting up with it, but I am angry all the time. heh :( (The pain is in my wrists, and sometimes radiates through my arms, shoulder and neck.)

SO! I am looking at recumbents.

I want to commute (currently 11 miles each way over large hills, with a couple of miles on a highway shoulder), ride for fun (huge, crazy hills) and eventually ride centuries and go on tours. It is my dream to tour and ride brevets, but I can't ride more than 15 miles without being in pain for a couple of weeks so I don't see it happening on a DF bike.

Anyway, I am curious what the catch is with recumbent tadpole trikes. I know it will be hard to haul one on my Corolla (I will need to carry another bike or trike with it), and I see that attaching water bottle cages, headlights and a computer will be trickier, but what else?

Does a Catrike sound like a good match for what I want? What problems should I be looking for or wary of? I am a bigger person--will my feet fall off from holding them up so high?

I have bought and modified a number of bikes in the past 5-7 years, trying to get comfortable, and I'm tired of throwing money at the problem. So any issues you can warn me about would be a great help.

Thanks a bunch! I am just glowing, thinking about being able to ride until I'm tired, instead of riding until I can't take the pain anymore.

What and where is the pain may I ask?

Greenspeed, Catrike, TerraTrike may be the way to go.
I ride with a group that has each.

What and where is the pain may I ask?

Oh, whoops!
I have debilitating pain in my right wrist and hand, and it's starting in my left wrist as well. When I ride a lot, it goes into my right arm, elbow and shoulder as well, and sometimes neck/back. It's a burning and aching pain that I'm told comes from hypermobility in my joints.

Chuck age 70 has a bad back and nerve damage in his arms and hands.
Took him 6 months to get used to the Cat trike. It is nice.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Chucks%20New%20Green/ChucksNeweGreen002.jpg

Can they fit through most places you'd ride a DF bike? I've read they're slower than recumbent bikes and road bikes...is it a big difference?

They seem so great that I'm not sure why I don't have one already. I just don't know how I'll haul it.

I was looking at the Catrike Expedition but that may be too much bike for me :)

PS: That's such a great photo! I hope I look half that good when I'm 70. Also when you say it took 6 months, do you mean it took that long to strengthen his pedaling muscles?

They are wider then a DF, but they will go inside a motel or hotel room.
We all (8) went on a 11 day, 10 night camping trip this past May.

Slide show of pics.
one recumbent, Greenspeed, Catrike, TerraTrike

http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/Birth%20Place%20of%20Texas%20Ride/?albumview=slideshow

Other than wrist pain, is there any special reason why you're thinking trike instead of 2-wheel 'bent?

I'd say they're 'noticeably' slower than 2-wheelers I doubt you'll get a trike inside of a Corolla, but then again I don't think most 2-wheelers would fit either. With either, you'll probably wind up using a roof rack or a trunk/hitch rack.

Trikes can ADD to your pain.

They are great fun so
You grin while riding
ride longer
exposing your lips to wind and sun
causing them to dry
so the grin causes painful cracking


My only "warning" would be a strong recommendation that you do some good long test rides before buying. Some trikes will suit you much better than others. ICE, Greenspeed, Catrike, TerraTrike and others make some great machines. The issue is finding ones best for you.

Well, maybe one more "warning." Unless you need some time to save up the money, do your testing and get a trike ASAP. Life is short and riding seasons even shorter.

Do not buy a trike! You will spend far too much time riding it instead of doing all of the other things you should be doing. Why would you want to foster a new addiction?

Hahaha okay! Thanks guys!

I am looking for a trike instead of a bike because I am going to be somewhat slow, especially up hills, and I don't want to fall over. I also feel like switching to a recumbent but staying with steering that keeps my arms up in the air would be a dumb idea, because my arms are just not doing okay. I don't want to get a $2500 recumbent bike and then realize I needed under-seat steering.

Luckily we have a dedicated recumbent bike shop in Portland and I can try out a lot of different bikes and trikes! I will have to save up so I doubt I'll be getting a bike or trike this year. But it is my first priority right now :) :) :)

I am looking for a trike instead of a bike because I am going to be somewhat slow, especially up hills, and I don't want to fall over.



OK, I can buy that.



I also feel like switching to a recumbent but staying with steering that keeps my arms up in the air would be a dumb idea, because my arms are just not doing okay. I don't want to get a $2500 recumbent bike and then realize I needed under-seat steering.


That's where test rides come in. You may be right, but I wouldn't write off possibilities until you confirm that. Unless you just really want a trike, of course. :) And that's OK too.

Hey! FWIW we are in the same proverbial boat - I have been diagnosed with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in both elbows & have moderate to severe Ulnar nerve damage in both. My utility cycling days have ground to a halt, the pain, numbness and lack of grip shows up sooner and sooner with every ride. I am staring at surgery on both elbows (one at a time) and realized I needed to look at other alternatives to the DF type frame. The Catrike Expedition will be the trike of choice for me as my wife and I plan on touring and the Expedition is capable of fully loaded touring including a trailer. I have been reading journals about folks touring on trikes, primarily the Terra's and Cats. Moving off topic - It seems you probably need a specialist to do a work up on you to find the root problem, may turn out to be the same that I have - nerve related. Good luck with the diagnosis, and I look forward to hearing about your new trike! I'll post when we become a 3 wheeled 'bent family!

dzrthauler, sweeet! The Expedition is what I was looking at, too, but I did see a Greenspeed that looks similar and folds really easily to fit in the trunk (!!). It just costs near twice as much :) I went in to Physiatry some time ago for my arms, and they did a lot of nerve conductivity tests, but I'm not sure they ran the impulses through my elbows. Do your elbows burn a lot? If I lean my elbow on my knee, it feels sore, like a bruise, but there isn't anything on my skin. Do you feel pain more in your elbows or wrists?

I want to use whatever I get for utility purposes but I have a $1000 bike now and I already am not comfortable leaving it locked anywhere! I might end up with a cheap vintage bike for grocery runs and then a bent for long stuff. Then insure it like crazy :)


BlazingPedals, the trikes do appeal to me! They're so spunky-looking. I'll get whatever seems like the best fit, though. The problem is that everything seems great until I've ridden it for a couple hours, multiple times. The bike I have now seemed great until I put some miles in, and now I'm losing ability in my right hand again, augh. So I guess I'm looking for warnings like "I GOT A BENT AND MY WRIST FEELS WORSE AND ALSO THE TRIKE DOESN'T FIT IN THE BIKE LANE ROOOOAR!" :) That doesn't seem to be happening, though! I just don't want to get my hopes up, throw money away, and feel more disappointed than ever. My happiness is, unfortunately, tied in to cycling, which has thus far injured me repeatedly and enduringly. haha. I'm going to look for rentals so I can have a longer-term evaluation. Crossing fingers!

I strongly suggest you consider an Ice trike. They are very adjustable compared to the others and they fold quickly and easily and the ride is sweet because of the steel frame and rear suspension. They offer many models with a wide price range but if you stick to just rear suspension you should be able to get out the door for around $2,600. I know that's a bit spendy but believe me, it is money very well spent.

Do your elbows burn a lot? If I lean my elbow on my knee, it feels sore, like a bruise, but there isn't anything on my skin. Do you feel pain more in your elbows or wrists?



The pain is a very intense ( so intense - I describe them as Lightning Bolts - a severe one caught me off guard in Feb and I ended up totaling our car by swerving into a fire hydrant!! me - unscathed, thankfully) burning pain caused from the inflamation of the nerve and centralized inside the elbow... my Ortho has somewhat eased that pain with heavy Motrin (800mg) but the pain I get from my job (heavy repetitive lifting) will not go away with out surgery. For the last, oh, 4 months the classic signs of the tingling in my ring and little fingers has progressed as is the "losing my grip" in both hands. Having pressure on my elbows is no longer an option, so the low controls of the tadpole type trikes with the under seat steering is my one and only option... seriously giddy about getting it and the thought of touring on it !!

Luckily we have a dedicated recumbent bike shop in Portland and I can try out a lot of different bikes and trikes! I will have to save up so I doubt I'll be getting a bike or trike this year. But it is my first priority right now :) :) :)

Yes, Coventry will let you test ride anything- there's differences among them so making a decision will be a laong, drawn-out process.

If you like, you could come out to the Recumbent Retreat in August. The trike population has been growing in the last couple years, so you'll be able to look at and test out a bunch of trikes. Here's the trike gang last year:

http://www.recumbentretreat.org/photo_album/data/media/55/RR_2009_Trike_1_1to3_med.jpg

I had cubital tunnel syndrome (self-diagnosed). I got rid of it by wearing towels to bed wrapped around my arms to keep my arms from bending at the elbows.

You asked a few questions that did not get answered. You can solve the problem of your foot coming off the pedals and your foot/leg getting caught under the crossbeam (foot suck) by either using clip-in pedals and cycling shoes or if you are ultra cheap like me by buying a pair of strapless toe clips from Nashbar for around $5 or $6. Then you can wear out ordinary shoes instead of expensive cycling shoes and the pedals are also inexpensive even for some really good ones.

I've never seen a quality trike that did not have braze-on fittings for water bottle cages. As far as lights, rack, computer, and horn - there are lots of accessory holders that are available for most brands of trikes. They mount to the deraileur post in front or to the steering mechanism. My Greenspeed GTO has mounts for a mirror, front light, computer, and for an Airzounds air horn. It came with a rear rack installed so there's not much you can't carry on the trike.

Test ride as many trikes as you can and learn as much as you can about the different brands. While you are doing test rides and researching different trikes, look for a used trike that is the type you want. Many people buy their first trike used to both reduce the initial cost, and to see if they are really going to like it. Trikes hold their value very well so it can always be re-sold if you don't like it or when you are ready to tradeup. Places like Bent Rider On Line and the Catrike Forum have classified ads. Craigslist (for your area) can be a good option too. Look for other riders in your area to talk to about trikes. Post questions on BROL as well as here - they have an especially large trike group over there under "Specialty". You can get a receiver hitch mounted to your car that will then hold a rack that can accommodate a trike (some models will hold a bike and a trike). I drive a Subaru Forester and can carry both my trike (Catrike Road) and my son's (Catrike Pocket) in the back. By the way, Trident is another company (that has not been mentioned previously) that makes a folding trike, if that will be better for your needs. Putting accessories on a trike is usually quite easy. I've added a headlight, 3 tailights, computer, and Airzound horn to mine with no effort. I use a Camelback strapped to my rack for hydration. The drinking tube runs over my shoulder and clips to either my seat cushion or my shirt.

Being you are in the Portland area it seems to offer a lot of trike shops from what I have been reading on the forums. Everyone has given you good advise. The key is to rest ride and the trike will pick you I sold all my road bikes and 2 wheeled recumbent's. Strictly trikes now Catrike Expedition and Catrike Speed. Happy hunting. Nobody mentioned this but check out www.bentrideronline.com Go to the message board and under specialties section there is a forum dedicated to trikes

Yes, Coventry will let you test ride anything- there's differences among them so making a decision will be a laong, drawn-out process.

If you like, you could come out to the Recumbent Retreat in August. The trike population has been growing in the last couple years, so you'll be able to look at and test out a bunch of trikes. Here's the trike gang last year:

http://www.recumbentretreat.org/photo_album/data/media/55/RR_2009_Trike_1_1to3_med.jpg

I will look up that retreat! I've seen it mentioned a few times and it seems interesting. I'd like to see how people have their bikes and trikes set up. I have tried to get to Coventry twice and failed both times, but I'm not giving up! :)


I had cubital tunnel syndrome (self-diagnosed). I got rid of it by wearing towels to bed wrapped around my arms to keep my arms from bending at the elbows.

I read about that on a page I found! That's awesome that it worked. I don't think I can do towels but I'm going to have to figure something out...


You asked a few questions that did not get answered. You can solve the problem of your foot coming off the pedals and your foot/leg getting caught under the crossbeam (foot suck) by either using clip-in pedals and cycling shoes or if you are ultra cheap like me by buying a pair of strapless toe clips from Nashbar for around $5 or $6. Then you can wear out ordinary shoes instead of expensive cycling shoes and the pedals are also inexpensive even for some really good ones.

I've never seen a quality trike that did not have braze-on fittings for water bottle cages. As far as lights, rack, computer, and horn - there are lots of accessory holders that are available for most brands of trikes. They mount to the deraileur post in front or to the steering mechanism. My Greenspeed GTO has mounts for a mirror, front light, computer, and for an Airzounds air horn. It came with a rear rack installed so there's not much you can't carry on the trike.

I have combo pedals and own clipless shoes but I HATE THEM! I have hard-to-fit feet, and those shoes make me miserable. It's hard enough to find regular shoes, not to mention shoes with cleats on the bottom. If I ever get my trike, I will try toe clips! I had them on my bike but for various reasons I let them go. Way better than clipless though! Good info about the braze-ons...I saw bottle cages but some of the other stuff looked harder to fix up. It seems like it could get expensive for nice things, but short of that I could probably engineer something anyway. I realized that trikes can't carry front panniers, so would that make it harder to go on longer tours, do you know?
Thanks yet again! :)


Test ride as many trikes as you can and learn as much as you can about the different brands. While you are doing test rides and researching different trikes, look for a used trike that is the type you want. Many people buy their first trike used to both reduce the initial cost, and to see if they are really going to like it. Trikes hold their value very well so it can always be re-sold if you don't like it or when you are ready to tradeup. Places like Bent Rider On Line and the Catrike Forum have classified ads. Craigslist (for your area) can be a good option too. Look for other riders in your area to talk to about trikes. Post questions on BROL as well as here - they have an especially large trike group over there under "Specialty". You can get a receiver hitch mounted to your car that will then hold a rack that can accommodate a trike (some models will hold a bike and a trike). I drive a Subaru Forester and can carry both my trike (Catrike Road) and my son's (Catrike Pocket) in the back. By the way, Trident is another company (that has not been mentioned previously) that makes a folding trike, if that will be better for your needs. Putting accessories on a trike is usually quite easy. I've added a headlight, 3 tailights, computer, and Airzound horn to mine with no effort. I use a Camelback strapped to my rack for hydration. The drinking tube runs over my shoulder and clips to either my seat cushion or my shirt.

All of that is great to know! Thank you! The CamelBak thing is really interesting because I'd written them off due to not wanting to carry anything on my back. But it wouldn't be on my back, on a trike! Nice.

I hate to buy twice, but I think I will have to get a lower-end trike (or maybe bike...we'll see) until I have more time to save. I'm in school and just bought a new car, so it's going to take awhile. I love the idea of riding something for 3,000 miles and selling it for not much less than I paid. And I'll look up Trident, thanks! I love hitch racks, but all the trike racks I've seen have been way too rich for my blood. I'll just have to work something out if I can't get a folder. I plan to ride from home mostly, anyway.



Being you are in the Portland area it seems to offer a lot of trike shops from what I have been reading on the forums. Everyone has given you good advise. The key is to rest ride and the trike will pick you I sold all my road bikes and 2 wheeled recumbent's. Strictly trikes now Catrike Expedition and Catrike Speed. Happy hunting. Nobody mentioned this but check out www.bentrideronline.com Go to the message board and under specialties section there is a forum dedicated to trikes

I love to hear that people ride only trikes! I've heard that they are too slow for some, and it's hard to avoid potholes and rocks, etc., so it's nice to hear that it's worth it for so many people! I can't wait to try one out. I found some great trikes on BROL so when I finally know what I want and have the money handy, I know exactly where to go!

Thanks so much, everybody! This is awesome and I'm really excited.

The pain is a very intense ( so intense - I describe them as Lightning Bolts - a severe one caught me off guard in Feb and I ended up totaling our car by swerving into a fire hydrant!! me - unscathed, thankfully) burning pain caused from the inflamation of the nerve and centralized inside the elbow... my Ortho has somewhat eased that pain with heavy Motrin (800mg) but the pain I get from my job (heavy repetitive lifting) will not go away with out surgery. For the last, oh, 4 months the classic signs of the tingling in my ring and little fingers has progressed as is the "losing my grip" in both hands. Having pressure on my elbows is no longer an option, so the low controls of the tadpole type trikes with the under seat steering is my one and only option... seriously giddy about getting it and the thought of touring on it !!

YEEIKES! I'm so glad you're okay! I feel the same way about the trikes, but with less provocation! I have a lot of pain, some pronounced weakness/clumsiness, but it isn't as drastic as yours, I don't think. It just constantly burns and hurts, and when I antagonize it, it spreads and gets really bad. I had to change a tube today without tire levers, and by the time I got the tire off, my hands and arms were practically useless. Anyway, I think part of why it's gotten so much worse over the past weeks, even though I've been riding less than last year, is that I've been trying not to sleep on my stomach. That makes me either lean on my arm in a weird way (bent elbow) or throw my arms over my face (bent elbows). My arms feel better after ONE night of trying not to bend them, and I rode 27 miles yesterday, 15 today. So I thank you! I don't think the cubital tunnel stuff started the problem, but I'm sure it's vulnerable to the same problems I have everywhere else, so it's nice to be able to help where I can!

I strongly suggest you consider an Ice trike. They are very adjustable compared to the others and they fold quickly and easily and the ride is sweet because of the steel frame and rear suspension. They offer many models with a wide price range but if you stick to just rear suspension you should be able to get out the door for around $2,600. I know that's a bit spendy but believe me, it is money very well spent.

These look AWESSSOOOOOME! They have them at Coventry, too. There is no way I can afford one right now, but I will definitely include them in my research :) Thanks!

I can give you the reasons why I didn't seriously consider buying a trike this spring.

1. I wanted to stay away from 20" wheels if I could. (Didn't happen.)
2. I didn't want to have to manage 3 wheel tracks when I ride.
3. I don't know how much of an issue it is but I was concerned about bottoming out on bumpy roads.
4. I'm getting older and it looks like a long way down to the seat and a long way up afterward.
5. The door to my shop is 32" wide.
6. Transportation by car issues.
7. Trikes look like they would take up more storage space.
8. I think that I'd be spooked riding in traffic due to the lower and wider stance.

Those sound like almost the exact same things I'm worried about, except replace #4 with being slower going up hills (but being less likely to fall over!).

What did you end up with?

I actually bought two recumbents this Spring; a Rans Screamer tandem and a Rans Enduro Sport SWB. I had an accident last August and broke both of my elbows so I had to give up DF bikes for anything longer than about an hour (sometimes less) at a time.

I picked the Enduro Sport because I wanted a SWB so it would fit inside my Honda Element with minimum monkeying. I didn't want a 26" front wheel because a short test ride convinced me that the high BB would be too hard for me to learn on with no recumbent experience. I picked Rans because they treated me so nice when I drove out there in the middle of winter for a test ride. I picked the Enduro Sport because Carl at Rans told me they expect that to eventually replace the V-Rex which gets such good reviews.

I bought the Enduro as a frame set because I already owned some Magura hydraulic rim brakes (which ultimately didn't fit) and a Chris King hubset. I've done quite a bit of handlebar adjusting but think that I've finally gotten the riding position right. I'm using a mountain bike drive train right now but I'll probably change that out next winter once I'm sure of what gear ratios I need.

Can they fit through most places you'd ride a DF bike? I've read they're slower than recumbent bikes and road bikes...is it a big difference?

They seem so great that I'm not sure why I don't have one already. I just don't know how I'll haul it.

I was looking at the Catrike Expedition but that may be too much bike for me :)

PS: That's such a great photo! I hope I look half that good when I'm 70. Also when you say it took 6 months, do you mean it took that long to strengthen his pedaling muscles?

I ride a Trice QNT. The NT stands for "Narrow Track". I measured once and the distance between my tires is roughly the same as a bike, so I can go most places a bike can. We keep my trike in our apartment with it's limited space and narrow doorways. It is manageable. There are also folding models of trikes which could make transport much easier. Greenspeed and the new trikes from Inspired Cycle Engineering are good examples though the ones from ICE are on the higher end.

You also mentioned about being slow up hills? Same here. With my bad knees, I creep up some hills around here between 1.5 to 3 mph. It's nice to not worry about falling over and focus instead of simply making it up that hill.

I actually bought two recumbents this Spring; a Rans Screamer tandem and a Rans Enduro Sport SWB. I had an accident last August and broke both of my elbows so I had to give up DF bikes for anything longer than about an hour (sometimes less) at a time.

I picked the Enduro Sport because I wanted a SWB so it would fit inside my Honda Element with minimum monkeying. I didn't want a 26" front wheel because a short test ride convinced me that the high BB would be too hard for me to learn on with no recumbent experience. I picked Rans because they treated me so nice when I drove out there in the middle of winter for a test ride. I picked the Enduro Sport because Carl at Rans told me they expect that to eventually replace the V-Rex which gets such good reviews.

I bought the Enduro as a frame set because I already owned some Magura hydraulic rim brakes (which ultimately didn't fit) and a Chris King hubset. I've done quite a bit of handlebar adjusting but think that I've finally gotten the riding position right. I'm using a mountain bike drive train right now but I'll probably change that out next winter once I'm sure of what gear ratios I need.

Thank you! I still don't know if I will be able to hold my arms up comfortably, but $1500 new (hopefully I could find one used...) would be a lot more attainable for me and both the Enduro Sport and V-Rex look GREAT. I've heard such amazing things about Rans, as well. They both look like they would be really comfortable, reasonably fast and still high enough for the rider to see and be seen in traffic. That could be a good compromise for me if trikes don't work out. Love it!

I ride a Trice QNT. The NT stands for "Narrow Track". I measured once and the distance between my tires is roughly the same as a bike, so I can go most places a bike can. We keep my trike in our apartment with it's limited space and narrow doorways. It is manageable. There are also folding models of trikes which could make transport much easier. Greenspeed and the new trikes from Inspired Cycle Engineering are good examples though the ones from ICE are on the higher end.

You also mentioned about being slow up hills? Same here. With my bad knees, I creep up some hills around here between 1.5 to 3 mph. It's nice to not worry about falling over and focus instead of simply making it up that hill.

Does a narrow track change how it handles? Do you think you'd be much faster on a DF or bent bike? Just curious! I don't want that to be my deciding factor but I'm slow enough already that it might be an issue for commuting over hill and dale. I should ask the shop if they have a trike outfitted w/computer, to see how fast I'm going compared to the effort I put out.

I'm really interested in Greenspeed...I think I might have to make that a longer-term life goal, though, because I can't imagine being able to afford one anytime soon.

This is all very interesting and helpful to me, and thanks again to everyone for being so patient and thorough!

Thank you! I still don't know if I will be able to hold my arms up comfortably, but $1500 new (hopefully I could find one used...) would be a lot more attainable for me and both the Enduro Sport and V-Rex look GREAT. I've heard such amazing things about Rans, as well. They both look like they would be really comfortable, reasonably fast and still high enough for the rider to see and be seen in traffic. That could be a good compromise for me if trikes don't work out. Love it!

I didn't think very much about seat height until I actually started riding bents. For me at least, seat height is a biggie. When I tried to test ride a Seavo tandem, I could just barely touch my toe nails to the ground on each side. I knew immediately that wasn't going to be the bike for me - at least until I got some recumbent riding experience.

Bottom bracket height is another biggie. I don't know how old you are but I've got 65 years of experience not pulling both feet up in front of me. That's a long habit to break and the higher the bottom bracket, the more disconcerting to me it is. I guess that a trike would fix both of those issues wouldn't it?

FWIW, the Rans people say the objective of the Enduro Sport design was to lower the seat high of the V-Rex. There's probably truth in that statement, but I also suspect that it's single main tube design is less costly to produce. If it wasn't cheaper to produce, I'd probably be sitting on a higher seat when I ride.

I didn't think very much about seat height until I actually started riding bents. For me at least, seat height is a biggie. When I tried to test ride a Seavo tandem, I could just barely touch my toe nails to the ground on each side. I knew immediately that wasn't going to be the bike for me - at least until I got some recumbent riding experience.

Bottom bracket height is another biggie. I don't know how old you are but I've got 65 years of experience not pulling both feet up in front of me. That's a long habit to break and the higher the bottom bracket, the more disconcerting to me it is. I guess that a trike would fix both of those issues wouldn't it?

FWIW, the Rans people say the objective of the Enduro Sport design was to lower the seat high of the V-Rex. There's probably truth in that statement, but I also suspect that it's single main tube design is less costly to produce. If it wasn't cheaper to produce, I'd probably be sitting on a higher seat when I ride.

Ohh, man, I didn't think about that at all. I need to be able to touch the ground easily because of all of my hills. I had worried about having my feet up really high in the air, because it looks like a great way to move my pain from my wrists to my neck :)

Do you love your new bikes so much? Do you think the Enduro Sport would be okay for touring? The Rans site doesn't go into those kinds of details that I've seen.

I've only been riding recumbents for a little over a month so I don't have a lot of experience. On the other hand, my newness means that the learning process is still fresh in my mind so, in some ways, my experience might be more helpful.

Mrs. Grouch and I have had some serious struggles tameing the tandem. We're still not 100% there yet, but we're making progress. I'll tell you this: neither of us suffers from any arm, shoulder, fanny or any other riding related pain. Once we get a little bit more experience, we are going to LOVE our recumbent.

Most of the issues that I had with the Enduro have to do with the fact that I bought it as a frameset and assembled it with no previous recumbent experience. Consequently it has taken me a few tries to get the riding position set up satisfactorily. If I had bought it from a local dealer the learning process could have been made a lot easier. For sure it's a lot easier to ride than the tandem.

Define "touring" for me. The advantage of a SWB recumbent, like the Enduro Sport, is that it's easier to transport and more maneuverable in tight turns. If those aren't important features for you, you might do well to consider a LWB recumbent like the Rans Stratus. It has lower seat and bottom bracket heights so it's easier to learn on.

Does a narrow track change how it handles? Do you think you'd be much faster on a DF or bent bike? Just curious! I don't want that to be my deciding factor but I'm slow enough already that it might be an issue for commuting over hill and dale. I should ask the shop if they have a trike outfitted w/computer, to see how fast I'm going compared to the effort I put out.

I'm really interested in Greenspeed...I think I might have to make that a longer-term life goal, though, because I can't imagine being able to afford one anytime soon.

This is all very interesting and helpful to me, and thanks again to everyone for being so patient and thorough!
Same here. And someday I hope to have that Anura (http://www.greenspeed.com.au/anura_main.html)...

Does a narrow track change how it handles?
My Catrike Pocket is a shade over 31 inches wide. I saw it on Craigslist in a very poor photo, but it has surprised me. Steering was pretty hard for me at first, but in a few days it handles quite well.

I've got an old V-Rex24, which has a 24-inch rear wheel. It's sort of halfway between a V-Rex and a Rocket. Call it a V-Rocket. The seat height is reasonable, especially with a thin seat pad instead of the 3" upholstery foam. V-Rexii are great do-everything machines. They're classics for a reason! They're about the same speed as a low-end road bike, comfy, sturdy, and handle loads and hills with aplomb. That Enduro Sport looks good, but the model is fairly (OK, very) new, so there won't be many on the used market.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/blazingpedals/bike%20pics/VRex3.jpg

I've only been riding recumbents for a little over a month so I don't have a lot of experience. On the other hand, my newness means that the learning process is still fresh in my mind so, in some ways, my experience might be more helpful.

Mrs. Grouch and I have had some serious struggles tameing the tandem. We're still not 100% there yet, but we're making progress. I'll tell you this: neither of us suffers from any arm, shoulder, fanny or any other riding related pain. Once we get a little bit more experience, we are going to LOVE our recumbent.

Most of the issues that I had with the Enduro have to do with the fact that I bought it as a frameset and assembled it with no previous recumbent experience. Consequently it has taken me a few tries to get the riding position set up satisfactorily. If I had bought it from a local dealer the learning process could have been made a lot easier. For sure it's a lot easier to ride than the tandem.

Define "touring" for me. The advantage of a SWB recumbent, like the Enduro Sport, is that it's easier to transport and more maneuverable in tight turns. If those aren't important features for you, you might do well to consider a LWB recumbent like the Rans Stratus. It has lower seat and bottom bracket heights so it's easier to learn on.

Man. I want it all! :) I want to be able to carry enough junk to commute to work or to camp for a week (probably eating at restaurants or buying no-prep foods from grocery stores), without hurting the bike or making it handle crazy, or hauling a trailer. I'd prefer to be high up enough that traffic can easily see me (but obviously I'm willing to compromise on this). I want the handling to be less "race" and more "tour." I'd like a bike that's reasonably efficient so I can get to work in a reasonable amount of time, and so I'm not "throwing away" energy trying to get from one campground to another. That is probably a tall order.

Thanks for mentioning more about SWB and LWB. I'm going to go read more about those.


Same here. And someday I hope to have that Anura (http://www.greenspeed.com.au/anura_main.html)...

That's nice! I hadn't heard of that one. And $2500 (what I saw for the Anura) isn't too bad for a dream bike! I guess that's how I should look at it for the bikes and trikes I'm panting over :)


My Catrike Pocket is a shade over 31 inches wide. I saw it on Craigslist in a very poor photo, but it has surprised me. Steering was pretty hard for me at first, but in a few days it handles quite well.

That's awesome! What was hard about it? Was it twitchy?


I've got an old V-Rex24, which has a 24-inch rear wheel. It's sort of halfway between a V-Rex and a Rocket. Call it a V-Rocket. The seat height is reasonable, especially with a thin seat pad instead of the 3" upholstery foam. V-Rexii are great do-everything machines. They're classics for a reason! They're about the same speed as a low-end road bike, comfy, sturdy, and handle loads and hills with aplomb. That Enduro Sport looks good, but the model is fairly (OK, very) new, so there won't be many on the used market.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/blazingpedals/bike%20pics/VRex3.jpg

Great-looking bike! That's the kind of recumbent bike I see in my head when I imagine myself on one. :) (Except mine is orange!) So when you say they handle loads and hills with aplomb (one of my favorite words), do you mean it would be a good match for a week-long bike-camping trip? The V-Rex and Enduro Sport are making their way onto my short list....

Carrying capacity for a "credit card" tour shouldn't be an issue. I bought a Rans seat back bag for the Enduro that's 800 cu/in. I bought an Angletech tail box for the tandem that's a whopping 2,800 cu/in. That's huge. I read a book by a couple who rode all the way across the country on a recumbent tandem using just that tail box.

As you shop for bikes keep in mind that there are some two wheeled LWB & SWB Under Seat Steering models available also. Research Bentrideronline and check with the staff at your LBS for suggestions.

These could fit all of your requirements except tipping over at super slow speed.

I've seen V-Rexii loaded to death with a monstrous load on the back and underseat panniers stuffed full. The triangle frame is incredibly strong, so anyplace you can hang stuff, the bike will take it. Weight distribution can be an issue if you put too much in back, though. Also, some ingenuity may be required to install a rear rack, because there's no brake bridge or rack brazeons to which to attach the brace. If you want to load it down, get the XL size, so that your COG is as far forward as you can get it.

LWBs will have more places to hang baggage, if that's really an important consideration. With a TourEasy, you can not only have rear and underseat panniers, you can also put them on the front.

I can give you the reasons why I didn't seriously consider buying a trike this spring.
An excellent list, I think. Here's one trike rider's response.


1. I wanted to stay away from 20" wheels if I could. (Didn't happen.)
Twenty inch wheels work fine except for the issue of highest gearing. Some trikes have a larger rear wheel.


2. I didn't want to have to manage 3 wheel tracks when I ride.
That's no longer a problem after a few miles except that you start driving a car as if it had a midline wheel. Cambered roads that leave you riding on a sidehill are a continued minor pain.


3. I don't know how much of an issue it is but I was concerned about bottoming out on bumpy roads.
No issue on bottoming unless you are accustomed to bunny hopping curbs , but many trike riders appreciate a bit of suspension or fat tires on rough surfaces.


4. I'm getting older and it looks like a long way down to the seat and a long way up afterward.
I suspect that's why some trike manufacturers are offering models with the seat a bit higher. I've not yet run into problems with my very low ICE but hope to live and ride long enough to need a higher seat.


5. The door to my shop is 32" wide.
Going through the door with steering cranked to one side reduces clearance needs.


6. Transportation by car issues.
Solvable in various ways but real. Public transport is a much bigger problem.


7. Trikes look like they would take up more storage space.
They do want their space. If you have the overhead room, ropes and pulleys leave the floor open.


8. I think that I'd be spooked riding in traffic due to the lower and wider stance.
I've found trikes even better than bikes in traffic until the puddles form.

Again this year I find myself putting more miles on the trike than on a bike. If I had to choose between three wheels and two I'd stall, complain, bargain etc as long as possible and then choose three.

When I see a post about a trike rider going up hills at 3 mph, I always wonder if they are on a fully loaded touring trike or if they are just going up a really hellacious hill. There are a few hills nearby where I would slow down to 3 mph while just riding my trike with the normal load. However, they are hills where many experienced upright or 2-wheeled recumbent riders walk their bikes up the hill because they are so steep. Those are the only hills where I would gear down so low as to only go a few mph. I can pedal up slowly when they can't without standing up off the saddle and pumping like mad. Most of the time I can keep up a pretty good pace and while I would fall behind a rider on a lightweight upright, that's to be expected.

I pick up my catrike this weekend from Easy Chair bikes in Tenn. wow...3 miles first time out and love it.....did not kill my butt, or over work my heart..just a good beat, and know back or hip pain..........now when I see a up right, I know what I'm not feeling.....

VegasTriker, have you ever found a hill that made it hard to keep your front wheels on the ground? Is that possible? I've had that issue on my DF bike and it's part of why I'm so concerned about hills, hehe :)

Emmitt, CONGRATULATIONS! That's awesome and I may be really, really jealous :) Have fun on it!

gcottay, thank you for that! I hadn't even thought of puddles (I'm in Oregon...) so that will take some consideration. Your list is very helpful.

BlazingPedals, I'd seen a ton of bents with racks on the back so I figured they were an easy fit. Good to know. I will talk to the shop about that before I commit to anything at all!

RetroGrouch, that looks great. I always see people on bikes with 4 giant panniers and a rack trunk, rolling down the highway near my house, and I'm sort of a pack rat, so I figured I'd need at least that much. I bet if I followed someone else's list and got some tinier camping tools, I could get it down as well. That tailbox is really cool.

cranky old dude: The USS on bent bikes scares me a little because it seems a lot more likely that I'd run myself into a wall or something like that. But I am going to try it for sure! I worry because even driving hurts my arms right now, but I don't think having my arms up for driving or riding an OSS bent should make them hurt if they don't already (I hope).

I think all that's left is to go test-ride! I have had homework and transportation problems so far but I expect to get out sometime in the middle of next week.

THANKS EVERYBODY SO MUCH! You guys are awesome, BF is awesome and this forum is awesome. Thanks!