Best Trike for Logging Roads?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Near Seattle, WA_USA
Posts: 45
Bikes: 2008 Novara Big Buzz
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best Trike for Logging Roads?
I've got the idea I would like to recumbent trike the dormant logging roads found in western Washington state. These would be gravel and some dirt with typically big potholes, the occasional minor washout, and a branch (or tree) laying across the road.
I'm wondering if any recumbent trike could handle being slowly driven over a four-inch diameter branch.
Right now, I'm leaning towards the Catrike Villager. https://www.catrike.com/villager.htm
Compared to the Catrike Expedition (https://www.catrike.com/expedition.htm), it's more maneuverable and has more ground clearance.
Obviously, the published 5.5" clearance of the Villager is frame clearance. Looks like the low-hanging chain would be inviting damage to the rear derailleur. I'm thinking a Rohloff internally geared hub would minimize the problem (no derailleur cage). In that case, I might be better off with a custom-built Greenspeed. Also, there is no front derailleur post on the Villager (a Schlumpf could be installed, I suppose).
I don't think I'll be camping, so luggage capacity is of secondary importance. However, I do like the idea of being able to tow a BOB or Burley trailer.
Edit: The ICE Trice T looks pretty cool--7 inches of ground clearance. https://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/t.htm
A Rohloff will mount to it but the site goes into some reasons why they don't offer it. One thing I hadn't considered: the twist grip shifter needs to be mounted at the end of the handlebar, sending the cables up into the air. I guess the twisting torque is more than the little fingers can handle.
Rigid Trice T with 26" rear wheel: https://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/t26.htm
ICE doesn't seem to have a strong marketing presence in the US.
I'm wondering if any recumbent trike could handle being slowly driven over a four-inch diameter branch.
Right now, I'm leaning towards the Catrike Villager. https://www.catrike.com/villager.htm
Compared to the Catrike Expedition (https://www.catrike.com/expedition.htm), it's more maneuverable and has more ground clearance.
Obviously, the published 5.5" clearance of the Villager is frame clearance. Looks like the low-hanging chain would be inviting damage to the rear derailleur. I'm thinking a Rohloff internally geared hub would minimize the problem (no derailleur cage). In that case, I might be better off with a custom-built Greenspeed. Also, there is no front derailleur post on the Villager (a Schlumpf could be installed, I suppose).
I don't think I'll be camping, so luggage capacity is of secondary importance. However, I do like the idea of being able to tow a BOB or Burley trailer.
Edit: The ICE Trice T looks pretty cool--7 inches of ground clearance. https://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/t.htm
A Rohloff will mount to it but the site goes into some reasons why they don't offer it. One thing I hadn't considered: the twist grip shifter needs to be mounted at the end of the handlebar, sending the cables up into the air. I guess the twisting torque is more than the little fingers can handle.
Rigid Trice T with 26" rear wheel: https://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/t26.htm
ICE doesn't seem to have a strong marketing presence in the US.
Last edited by kenja; 10-09-08 at 10:04 PM.
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
He gives two big thumbs-up for fireroads!
Although there are no deraileurs, there is a chain tensioner that looks like a rear deraileur cage, so it is still possible to throw the chain once in a while. I suppose that the chain length could be adjusted so that the tensioner could be eliminated.
Another note, he says that he should have gotten the MountainDrive instead of the SpeeDrive.
I have a MtnDrive on a GTX and low gear is sooo looow that if I had the ground clearance, I could easily walk over logs.
Of course my favorite fireroad trick is powerslides!!!!
Greenspeeds inspire riding on the edge of traction and are definately an E ticket ride!
In this case, the GTT (named Tigger).
Greenspeed/Burley...GREAT combination!
I use a B-O-B behind my Hurricane and it works really well!
Here's my oldests blog with video. All the above bents are in it....somewhere.
https://oliverbunten-blog.blogspot.co...ay-parade.html
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 540
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Might be worth looking at a KMX kart there is a video of one being ridden UP a short set of stairs, they just road straight into the bottom step and the oversized tyres did the rest.
#4
Senior Member
+1 on KMX Karts. They are built like 3-wheeled BMX bikes. A bit heavy, but perfect for something like fire roads.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Near Seattle, WA_USA
Posts: 45
Bikes: 2008 Novara Big Buzz
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies. Dr., I saw your comments in another thread that Schlumpf + Rohloff + FireRoads = GoodThing. Is that "button" on the Schlumpf hard to hit when wearing SPD cleats (men's size US 13 shoe)?
The KMX website has gorgeous profile shots. I didn't find the video but I haven't seen any steps near the logging roads I'm thinking about. It's the "up and over" maneuver I wonder about. I think it's Greenspeed that offers optional hand grips to assist getting in and out of the trike; I don't know if they would be useful for hefting the machine over obstacles.
I have an X-seam of 46" and the KMX's go to 44"
Edit: https://www.kmxkarts.co.uk/community/videos/
US site: https://www.kmxus.com/
The KMX website has gorgeous profile shots. I didn't find the video but I haven't seen any steps near the logging roads I'm thinking about. It's the "up and over" maneuver I wonder about. I think it's Greenspeed that offers optional hand grips to assist getting in and out of the trike; I don't know if they would be useful for hefting the machine over obstacles.
I have an X-seam of 46" and the KMX's go to 44"
Edit: https://www.kmxkarts.co.uk/community/videos/
US site: https://www.kmxus.com/
Last edited by kenja; 10-10-08 at 12:23 PM.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 540
Bikes: GT3 trike,Viper chopper, electric assist Viper chopper,Electric moped(Vespa style)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Picking up a trike is pretty easy, plenty of frame to grab at least on the GS's.
Just a matter of a quick test pick up.
My GT3 tended to like hanging sideways, but you won't need extra handles from my experience.
Just a matter of a quick test pick up.
My GT3 tended to like hanging sideways, but you won't need extra handles from my experience.
#7
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Posts: 32
Bikes: Brompton,Electric KMX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is a kmx going up stairs with an electric assist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irO27SNTDyI
I find the easiest way is to grab the back wheel and pull. That should get over a log with out too much effort?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irO27SNTDyI
I find the easiest way is to grab the back wheel and pull. That should get over a log with out too much effort?
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Near Seattle, WA_USA
Posts: 45
Bikes: 2008 Novara Big Buzz
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had the chance to ride a Catrike Trail yesterday (thanks Jim!). It "hefts" much easier than I would have suspected.
Is anyone making quads besides Utah Trikes? https://www.utahtrikes.com/
Is anyone making quads besides Utah Trikes? https://www.utahtrikes.com/