anyone riding trikes?
03-19-11, 09:35 AM
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anyone riding trikes?
anyone riding trikes?
have had to reconsider my ride options. recent crash (solo) put me into hospital 10 days with broken ribs, clavicle and collapsed lung. do not remember accident so am not sure what happened to cause the fall. have been commuting daily (22 miles round trip) over 3 years and have had 2 accidents (one hit and run _NOT_ my fault_ my first year and then this solo accident out of the blue it seems). Am a bit concerned about balance issues maybe? I don't normally have a balance problem but have to wonder what in the world happened to cause me to crash on my commute home last month.
Anyway am considering a trike as a more stable and as for my shoulder/clavicle less painful option?
Have not seen one in action on my rides. So am not sure how well they work for commutes or long rides.
what are your trike experiences? pro's and con's? and stop laughing....
have had to reconsider my ride options. recent crash (solo) put me into hospital 10 days with broken ribs, clavicle and collapsed lung. do not remember accident so am not sure what happened to cause the fall. have been commuting daily (22 miles round trip) over 3 years and have had 2 accidents (one hit and run _NOT_ my fault_ my first year and then this solo accident out of the blue it seems). Am a bit concerned about balance issues maybe? I don't normally have a balance problem but have to wonder what in the world happened to cause me to crash on my commute home last month.
Anyway am considering a trike as a more stable and as for my shoulder/clavicle less painful option?
Have not seen one in action on my rides. So am not sure how well they work for commutes or long rides.
what are your trike experiences? pro's and con's? and stop laughing....
03-19-11, 10:39 AM
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I don't ride one but I have tried and failed several times to keep up with some area riders who do ride trikes.
You'll get lotsa info over here...https://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/index.php
You'll get lotsa info over here...https://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/index.php
03-19-11, 11:11 AM
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I think Cranky has offered good advice. Most "cruiser" style trikes seem to be intended for the residents of retirement communities - that is, single speed, cushy wide saddles, etc.
I think a tadpole trike would be cool, though!
Where I'm currently working, we just purchased a bunch of Schwinn adult trikes through Wal-Mart.com site-to-store for about $250.00 each. The building is about 1/2 mile long, and these trikes facilitate getting around inside the building, and have a large rear basket that can hold tools, documents, laptop PCs, etc. They work great for that, but I wouldn't want to ride one on the road (or sidewalk).
I think a tadpole trike would be cool, though!
Where I'm currently working, we just purchased a bunch of Schwinn adult trikes through Wal-Mart.com site-to-store for about $250.00 each. The building is about 1/2 mile long, and these trikes facilitate getting around inside the building, and have a large rear basket that can hold tools, documents, laptop PCs, etc. They work great for that, but I wouldn't want to ride one on the road (or sidewalk).
03-19-11, 12:15 PM
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There are trikes, trikes, trikes, trikes, trikes, trikes, trikes and trikes, if you get my meaning.
The ~874 mile Land's End to John O-Groats record for a standard diamond framed bicycle is 44 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds. The record for a three wheeler is 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds. I think the right trike with an experienced rider can be pretty speedy.
The ~874 mile Land's End to John O-Groats record for a standard diamond framed bicycle is 44 hours, 4 minutes and 20 seconds. The record for a three wheeler is 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds. I think the right trike with an experienced rider can be pretty speedy.
03-19-11, 12:19 PM
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The record for a three wheeler is 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
You are fast......
You are fast......
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03-19-11, 12:46 PM
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As tcs pointed out, there are more kinds of trikes that you can shake a Zefal frame pump at. As far as I know, none of them will fall over at rest, if that is your main concern because of balance issues. If you're not sure whether or not you do have balance issues, you could probably get that evaluated by a physician of some sort, or a physical therapist?
If balance is not a major problem, then a recumbent bicycle might let you ride without stressing your shoulder/collarbone.
If balance is not a major problem, then a recumbent bicycle might let you ride without stressing your shoulder/collarbone.
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03-19-11, 02:05 PM
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Here's a post from BROL. Take a virtual ride with some of the guys...
https://www.bentrideronline.com/messa...ad.php?t=69810
https://www.bentrideronline.com/messa...ad.php?t=69810
03-19-11, 04:43 PM
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Nope, nobody rides trikes. Those are figments of your imagination.
Aside from the 100+ pound granny trikes you see at many retirement communities, there are two styles for serious riding by adults - the delta trike with one wheel in the front and two in the rear and the tadpole trike with two wheels in the front and one in the rear. They come in a variety of price ranges from around $600 to many thousands of dollars. As with most things, you get what you pay for. A high quality trike usually weighs less, handles better, has much better components, and will last you for years. I ride a Greenspeed GTO which is a top of the line trike from an Australian builder. It replaced a cheaper, much less durable trike. I only wish I had bought it as my first trike. I recently rode with a couple who were riding two Ketterweisel delta trikes linked together to make a tandem trike. It was very LONG and turned many heads as we rode. The Ketts were beautiful and obviously the same quality as my GS trike. I prefer tadpole trikes because they are so much fun to ride aggressively but if getting in and out of one is a problem, then a delta may be more appropriate because of the higher seat position.
Aside from the 100+ pound granny trikes you see at many retirement communities, there are two styles for serious riding by adults - the delta trike with one wheel in the front and two in the rear and the tadpole trike with two wheels in the front and one in the rear. They come in a variety of price ranges from around $600 to many thousands of dollars. As with most things, you get what you pay for. A high quality trike usually weighs less, handles better, has much better components, and will last you for years. I ride a Greenspeed GTO which is a top of the line trike from an Australian builder. It replaced a cheaper, much less durable trike. I only wish I had bought it as my first trike. I recently rode with a couple who were riding two Ketterweisel delta trikes linked together to make a tandem trike. It was very LONG and turned many heads as we rode. The Ketts were beautiful and obviously the same quality as my GS trike. I prefer tadpole trikes because they are so much fun to ride aggressively but if getting in and out of one is a problem, then a delta may be more appropriate because of the higher seat position.
03-19-11, 05:05 PM
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Very sorry to hear about your crash and your injuries. Trikes could be a good choice, but are you maybe leaping to a conclusion about the cause of your accident? Other than the fact that you don't know what happened to cause you to crash, are there reasons to suspect that you lost your balance? Have you had other balance issues?
03-19-11, 05:20 PM
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A couple of guys in our group ride Catrikes https://www.catrike.com/
Sometimes they irritate me to no end... nothing there to draft, and they seem to be immune to headwinds.
Sometimes they irritate me to no end... nothing there to draft, and they seem to be immune to headwinds.
03-19-11, 06:13 PM
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A couple of points...
Right now, there's a discussion on BROL about how trikes are out-selling 2-wheeled bents.
The recumbent forums here on BikeForums has a healthy trike contingent.
What are you planning on spending? Trikes can be kinda spendy...
Performance expectations?
If a 2-wheeler might work, something with 'hamster bar' steering might be comfy enough. Imagine steering with the handlebars here...
Of all the trikes I've seen on the road, I think the Windcheetah is the most performance-oriented. They can be a problem to get, though. Their joystick steering might be best for comfort with a broken clavicle, too. The control unit just lies on your belly. Most other trikes have handlebars attached, directly or indirectly, to the steering knuckles, and one-handed steering is a bit awkward. Any trike will have problems mixing with uprights, even more than 2-wheeled recumbents.
Right now, there's a discussion on BROL about how trikes are out-selling 2-wheeled bents.
The recumbent forums here on BikeForums has a healthy trike contingent.
What are you planning on spending? Trikes can be kinda spendy...
Performance expectations?
If a 2-wheeler might work, something with 'hamster bar' steering might be comfy enough. Imagine steering with the handlebars here...
Of all the trikes I've seen on the road, I think the Windcheetah is the most performance-oriented. They can be a problem to get, though. Their joystick steering might be best for comfort with a broken clavicle, too. The control unit just lies on your belly. Most other trikes have handlebars attached, directly or indirectly, to the steering knuckles, and one-handed steering is a bit awkward. Any trike will have problems mixing with uprights, even more than 2-wheeled recumbents.
03-19-11, 06:32 PM
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A couple of points...
Right now, there's a discussion on BROL about how trikes are out-selling 2-wheeled bents.
The recumbent forums here on BikeForums has a healthy trike contingent.
What are you planning on spending? Trikes can be kinda spendy...
Performance expectations?
If a 2-wheeler might work, something with 'hamster bar' steering might be comfy enough. Imagine steering with the handlebars here...
Of all the trikes I've seen on the road, I think the Windcheetah is the most performance-oriented. They can be a problem to get, though. Their joystick steering might be best for comfort with a broken clavicle, too. The control unit just lies on your belly. Most other trikes have handlebars attached, directly or indirectly, to the steering knuckles, and one-handed steering is a bit awkward. Any trike will have problems mixing with uprights, even more than 2-wheeled recumbents.
Right now, there's a discussion on BROL about how trikes are out-selling 2-wheeled bents.
The recumbent forums here on BikeForums has a healthy trike contingent.
What are you planning on spending? Trikes can be kinda spendy...
Performance expectations?
If a 2-wheeler might work, something with 'hamster bar' steering might be comfy enough. Imagine steering with the handlebars here...
Of all the trikes I've seen on the road, I think the Windcheetah is the most performance-oriented. They can be a problem to get, though. Their joystick steering might be best for comfort with a broken clavicle, too. The control unit just lies on your belly. Most other trikes have handlebars attached, directly or indirectly, to the steering knuckles, and one-handed steering is a bit awkward. Any trike will have problems mixing with uprights, even more than 2-wheeled recumbents.
03-19-11, 06:46 PM
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There are some serious trikes, but I have yet to see one here in the USA. They are unusual, but not rare in the UK.
When I lived there, trikes were not unknown at the local time trial trials, some piloted by rugged individualists, some by riders with mobility/balance issues.
These were not your grandma's tricycle.
When I lived there, trikes were not unknown at the local time trial trials, some piloted by rugged individualists, some by riders with mobility/balance issues.
These were not your grandma's tricycle.
03-19-11, 08:15 PM
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I would worry why you crashed and have no clue as to what happened first.
Is it possible you were hit by a large truck mirror from behind? Hit and run?
To be in the hospital for 10 days with all those injuries And not have a clue as to what happened I would get checked out. Maybe a medical issue as well.
Is it possible you were hit by a large truck mirror from behind? Hit and run?
To be in the hospital for 10 days with all those injuries And not have a clue as to what happened I would get checked out. Maybe a medical issue as well.
03-19-11, 09:18 PM
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Trike touring and racing is a club activity in the UK with quite a following. Check this out--https://www.tricycleassociation.org.uk/Home.html I'd like to see trike criterium racing with cornering on two wheels.
03-20-11, 03:26 AM
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Coincidentally...
https://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2011-03-20
https://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2011-03-20
03-20-11, 10:16 AM
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My dad is 99 and was an avid cyclist all his life. Not a racer, but a commuter and recreational rider. He's very unhappy that we took his bike away when he hit about 92. His balance isn't what it was, and we worry that if he falls over he'll break every bone in his body. My wife and I are his "caretakers" (because we live a couple miles away.) My brothers and their wives, who live 1,000 miles away, would never forgive us if we aided my dad's wishes, let him ride his bike, and something tragic happened.
Last week I saw the posting about the 103-year-old guy on a tricycle. My dad got very excited. We're now looking into a trike for him. In his case we're looking for an upright riding position, wide saddle, three speed rear hub, and light weight. We found one that folds, which would be nice since we want to be able to pick him and his trike up if he gets over-tired and needs a sag. He wants to ride it to the grocery store, which is about a half mile away, fill up the basket with groceries, and ride home. It sounds great, but we're thinking he might poop out at the store and need a ride home.
I'll keep you posted.
Last week I saw the posting about the 103-year-old guy on a tricycle. My dad got very excited. We're now looking into a trike for him. In his case we're looking for an upright riding position, wide saddle, three speed rear hub, and light weight. We found one that folds, which would be nice since we want to be able to pick him and his trike up if he gets over-tired and needs a sag. He wants to ride it to the grocery store, which is about a half mile away, fill up the basket with groceries, and ride home. It sounds great, but we're thinking he might poop out at the store and need a ride home.
I'll keep you posted.
03-20-11, 02:44 PM
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Saw that story too. Gives me some hope ;-) best of luck with your dad.
03-20-11, 03:19 PM
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03-20-11, 05:40 PM
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BigBlueToe, if it's only a half mile to the store, don't worry about light weight or easy packing. If he peters out and needs a ride, you and your wife both drive up to get him and you ride the trike back.
Dnvr, actually, since that pic was taken, I've replaced that little head cushion with a taller one.
Dnvr, actually, since that pic was taken, I've replaced that little head cushion with a taller one.
03-20-11, 08:47 PM
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03-21-11, 05:42 AM
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