Thank you for the explanation. The Meridian is very reasonably priced and as I said, there were no problems with the warranty. The bike brand new I think cost around $250,(they are around $300 now at Walmart, but that includes the free assembly) a new wheel is $40. If tensioning was the explanation for all of the fails, one would think that the mfr would make sure tension was proper so they would not have to fork out $ during the warranty period for a new wheel.
Or perhaps your explanation is valid but I have used my trike more consistently than others? I have ridden it maybe 4 times a week for 45 minutes this entire year. I really enjoy riding it. My local terrain is completely flat so the fact that it has one speed has not been an issue.
What I find interesting is that during my rides I will sometimes see others on similar trikes, maybe 80% are seniors like myself. As I said in my previous posts I also have a bicycle I ride, but there is no question that the trike has a great appeal.