miller99

Hello to all,
I'm glad I found this forum, good info and a few grins.
Anyway, Talk about going full circle. Started out @ 5 with a tri, now at 57 looking for a little bigger one.

So. it's been 30 years since my last ride on any human powered bike. But, now with advanced arthritis
and on a disability pension, I don't have a lot of money to put in a bike
Seeing that this is going to be my main transportation for awhile, can't afford a car. I'm looking at all the options, to get the most bang for my dollar. Whats' my limit?? $1,500.00 Canadian dollars, without tax and saving a couple of hundred for helmet, gloves, a BIG lock, headlight, maybe a computer, etc, etc.

To get to the point. I'm seriously looking at buying a recumbent bike or trike, in the next month or sooner.
Wow, have things changed in bikedom these last few decades. It's like starting out with no knowledge about the different brands, let alone all the choices on parts. Looking at the bikes, then checking the upgrades that can be had is really mind numbing. With my searching the web and reading all the info and
reviews I can digest in these last few weeks, it boils down to common sence. You get what you pay for. Quality wise, sure Greenspeeds and the like with those specs and price range are very nice bikes.

But it's a process, like everything, it's what can I afford. Well, here in Ontario, Canada by where I live east of Toronto there are plenty of bike shops to deal with, of cource not all sell bents, but there is enough to get a good selection and some test rides whenever this @#@%^ snow finally goes away.

With Arthritis as my main enemy, the bike style that makes the most sence, I think, would be a trike.
Now Tadpoles are very cool looking and I have to try one or two just to see if getting in and out of one
will be an issue. If that turns out ok then a tadpole will be an option. If I can find one at $1,500
but we'll see. Then the other is the Delta style, that for sure will be easy to get on and off. I tried out
in the showroom a EZ-3 trike and that felt really nice, easy reach on the pedals and handlebars.
Here in this area those are $1,200, so it's in the ball park for dollars. Still have to ride it though.
I'm not one that would hard to fit as far as a bike. I'm 5'-10" at 180 lbs so that's not a problem.
Easyracers is comming out with a new tadpole that looks pretty cool in pictures. Haven't actually seen this in person ....yet. The one shop has it in stock so I'll have a look see very soon.

One of the main items of concern is gearing, on any bike, because of hilly country, and my feet and knees
I don't walk very far and not without a cane. Walking up a hill and draging a bike behind, is not in cards.
Another is reliability, as far as parts, like derailers and such, quality counts here IMO. They probably will
last longer, but I know zip about those things.
Also I plan on carrying a tool bag for extra chain links, tire patch kit and pump, etc. Thanks for reading all this, I'll get off the soapbox for now
Any tips, advice, or any info is very welcome. You all know this stuff better than me.
Thanks, John

Entropy

Hi John,
I have to say, trikes are the way to go!
I have an ICE QNT (www.ice.hpv.co.uk) and whilst it is quite low (you might want to look at the ICE T) it is just perfect to ride all day long! once you are in the chair there is no reason to get out! it is just perfect in that regard.

Hills? well they are not a problem, with three wheels, stability is not an issue, you can go as slow as you want (even just stop for a breather) without a problem! If you think hills are your problem, make sure your trike has a handbrake or parking brake.

the main challange is price but that is always going to be the way when it comes to custom machines such as these.

geebee

John, The EZ tadpole might well be worth a look.
If you have a lot of hills and arthritis you will want to get the lowest gearing you can fit, My GT3 has a non standard 22' front smallest ring and a 26' rear cog giving about 13.6 gear inches (slightly lower would be better). I found the original higher gearing agrevated my dodgy knee and developing arthritis in the hip, scince dropping the gearing and taking Glucosamine tablets (can't take other meds to help for varies reasons) the hip and knee are much improved, so spin fast and don't push hard up hills especially at first.
I find that now days if I don't ride every day the arthritis gets worse untill I get a chance to ride again.
Good luck in your search.
Gary

Wheel Doctor

On your budget the EZ Tadpole is the way to go. It is a heavy bike but for your use and again budget it would be a good fit.

Jude

Noah Scape

Check out Tom Teasdale trikes. He's a custom builder and very good. He could probably get something in your hands that will fit you quite well for the budget you're working with.

https://www.tetcycles.com/Trikes/trikes.html

dfulton

Check out the new KMX trikes, these are new to the US but have been made in GB for a while, they look wicked fun! and are under your price limit to boot.

www.kmxus.com

Darren

geebee

The Kmx has a very low seat so getting in and out maybe an issue, nice looking trike though.

miller99

Thanks for the tip...e-mail TET and waiting for reply. I think by his site he builds the frames but you have to buy the rest of the parts and put it together.

If that's the case, then that source won't work for me, but nice try, Thanks

miller99

In checking out the dimensions of the KMX. Getting in and out of it would be true but also that baby is so low I just might scrape the bottom of the frame on the rough spots. Real roads are not smooth.

In my feeling, by what I see on the web site, it's got limited use for a serious recumbent. With those
small tires and other equipment in the list, it's more like a big adult toy.

I think, so far, what the others have said the EZ tadpole or maybe the Catrike Pocket would be the best bet. I'll have to check what the pocket price in CAN. dollars.

Thanks to all,
John

Noah Scape

No, he sells finished cycles... they are pretty low to the ground, however.

miller99

OK, good he sells finished bikes, that's great news. I was really wondering, cause the web site is a bit confusing.

As he is the builder right from scratch, he could make a bit higher off the ground on a custom order.
That would be extra special having a one off bike built for you and still be a good price. That would be fantastic.

Still waiting for a reply from my e-mail, perhaps will hear back on Monday.

Thanks,
John

jeff-o

Be sure to factor in shipping, it'll be pricey. Or, try to find a Canadian distributor. AFAIK the Pocket model retails for $1500 CDN or something.

MrEWorm

The KMX may not be everything but its good to see another company through its hat into the under $1500 ring. If this trend continues, we may see tadpoles become much more popular.

Sylvan

Are you "handy" or into building stuff? (Or do you have a friend who is?)

Here's a link to PLANS for building a recumbent trike...

https://www.recumbent-bikes-truth-for-you.com/trike.html