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Granny trike - stability query?

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Granny trike - stability query?

Old 06-13-08, 02:25 PM
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Granny trike - stability query?

My neighbour wants to buy an upright tricycle. Does anyone know anything about them? Aren't they VERY unstable going round bends? !
She has never learned to ride a 2 wheeler, and believes she would not be able to, so thinks a trike is the answer. Ideas anyone??
Thanks!
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Old 06-13-08, 03:17 PM
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I think a racing trike you turn right by throwing your body to the right and lifting the right rear wheel into the air to kind of accentuate the counter-steering of the fork. A Granny trike, I think you just go slow. They sell 'em at a couple local dept stores:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IORU06
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Old 06-13-08, 05:54 PM
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There are fully upright trikes, and there are semi-recumbent trikes that are somewhat more stable.

Check the Sun EZ-3 trikes https://www.sunbicycles.com/sun/index.htm

Worksman also makes a trike that's a bit lower https://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s...html/pav3.html
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Old 06-13-08, 07:00 PM
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Yes trikes do flips if you try to get ANY spped thru a turn . therefore dont go fast and she'll be fine.

Otherwise you have abeater you could teach her with a a slight grassy downhill?
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Old 06-14-08, 04:23 AM
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Originally Posted by st0ut

Otherwise you have abeater you could teach her with a a slight grassy downhill?
Not up on the slang - Is abeater an old wrecked bike that is expendable??

(I'm pretty new to cycling myself, so only have my shiny new Marin Juniper Trail which is precious!)
She has an old bike herself but, has it's in her head already that she CAN'T learn. I've told her if I can do it, anyone can... but I don't think she is convinced. I've been looking to see if there are adult training courses available locally, so maybe that's the way to go.
She's hoping to keep up with 2 kids on regular bikes and thought a tricycle was the answer, but we're not so sure! Don't think her budget (or desire) would stretch to a fancy recumbent.

Thanks for the info though (and the links Deraltekluge & HW) - keep it coming!
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Old 06-14-08, 09:15 AM
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"Beater" isn't just bike slang. From Merriam-Webster Collegiate Unabridged:

3 : a dilapidated old automobile : CLUNKER
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Old 06-14-08, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by deraltekluge
"Beater" isn't just bike slang. From Merriam-Webster Collegiate Unabridged:

3 : a dilapidated old automobile : CLUNKER

Thanks!! Living halfway round the world the language is a little different
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Old 06-15-08, 10:25 AM
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Ahhh since you areover inthe EU...this is likely a better ft for her but not any less expensive than a catrike.

https://www.bakfiets.nl/eng/models_cargo_bike.php

Last edited by st0ut; 06-15-08 at 10:33 AM.
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Old 06-15-08, 06:34 PM
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It is the high center of gravity that gets you on an upright trike. I have a recumbent trike and have cut a few 180 and 270 degree spin-outs deliberately on dirt and gravel. On pavement a buddy made a controlled snap turn in it putting it up on two wheels, riding several hundred yards that way. We are going to see a lot more of those "geriatric" trikes soon enough.
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Old 06-16-08, 11:33 AM
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The solution to trike cornering is really quite simple. Im sure your neighbour will get the hang of it.

Seriously, bike riders have to relearn to ride trikes which is why they feel unstable. Bikes steer by balance and balance by steering. Trikes balance all on their own and steer by steering. For riding at the speeds of everyday utility trikes, cornering is no problem.
I have done stunt "handbrake" turns on a short wheelbase trike recumbents and they are fun with a big smile.
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