mcjabos

i am not him. i am helping him look. my friend is an athletic, avid paddler, but experiencing balance issues with his m.s. diagnosis, and bored to death of the leg press machine in the gym. i'm a recent bent owner and helping him hunt for a stable trike --his x seam is 46 1/2 inches.

we looked at a catrike -the weight is good so he can pick up and put in back of subaru - but it was too short. any ideas?

also -- does anyone out there have opinion on wether tadpole or delta design is more stable?

mm

Dr.Deltron

There are many brands of both tadpole & delta style trikes these days.
I have 2 tried & true Greenspeeds. Wonderful, simple, rugged designs.
From my experience, I would recommend a Greenspeed GTO or GTR.
The 20" wheels are pretty standard stuff & tough. And the ground clearance is good too.
A friend of mine has a GTR that has the Rholoff 14 speed hub and the Schlumph speed drive.
28 speeds & no deraileurs to go wrong.

If budget is a factor (Greenspeeds new, aren't "entry level" rigs) definetly look for used.
You may end up paying close to retail, but you don't have the wait associated with ordering "your own" brand new rig. Or you may find a deal and save a bundle.
(I just sold an ICE X2 for $6K! A DEAL??? new....$14,682.00! So, YES! Stinking good deal!!!
But it still cost $6K! )

And if you are anywhere near here, PM me, and I'll let you & your friend try mine!

Opedaler

No recommendations or advice, just a thumbs up to you and your friend. To you for being a helping friend and to your friend for keeping the faith and making the most out of his situation.

Shaman

Tadpoles are more stable in general. Choices include hardshell seats and "lawnchair" seats. First know which will be more comfortable for your friend. You also didn't mention anything about budget and this will make a big difference in what you will be looking at.

Top of the line Tadpole trikes include Greenspeed and Trice with Catrike folling a close 3rd. Hase makes the best Delta's out there. Greenspeed also is coming out with a new Delta.

I have an Actionbent Tadpole trike. It is a great machine at a great value and fits this 6'2" 240# frame of mine just fine. The actionbent cost 1/2 to 1/3rd what Greenspeed or Trice's go for so budget is a consideration here.

Anyway, considering your friends limitations, knowing the style seat he will be comfortable in is key to making an informed decision.

cjs1948

A good tadpole or a good delta won't matter. The tadpole is generally going to feel like a sportier ride. While I sell the ICE trikes, I also believe that they represent the best value. They have the reputation for unsurpassed quality, they have rear suspension, and can fold. These fine trikes should at least be on the list for proper test riding.

Chip
recumbenttrikestore.com

jeff-o

The trike I sell, and which ActionBent also sells in the States, would fit your friend. I ride the same model, and have an X-seam of 48" (I'm 6'4"). It's a sporty, stable and quite refined tadpole trike. The price is almost unbeatable. Check it out!

funbun

Wow the new Apoyo sounds like a good deal. 300 limit. The frame looks similar to a GS GTR.

jeff-o

Yup, it's a great trike, though I cannot confirm the maximum x-seam on it. When it was first introduced the boom was shorter than the TW-Trike (and thus could not accomidate as tall a rider), though I think that has been fixed now. If you're interested in the Apoyo then contact AB about the max rider x-seam.