I posted in the +50 forum that I am currently riding a mountain bike to lose weight (325) and plan to reward myself with a bike at 275. (Years ago I used to race and do triathlons.....oh well). I've also had a knee replacement and the other's working toward the same treatment (too much running and jumping when younger).

I initially inquired in another thread about a bent because I was curious about their suitablity. A person in that thread recommended a trike. but I have concerns as well.

First, I live in WV....mountains. Steep grades and narrow roads with hardly any shoulders. I find that I am spinning in my lowest gear on my MB on most climbs (heart rate 160+, when I had my EKG I got my heart 190+ and the doc was really suprised...) and wonder if a trike would be even more difficult to climb in or easier than a bent.

I know nothing about trikes....always associated them with old people in Florida (silly I know).

How do they hold up with heavier people?

How safe are they in traffic?

How do they climb compared to a bent?

How hard are they to transport....do you just use a bike rack?

Can you get them more elevated? Most I've seen in pictures are really low. How maneuverable are they and how quick are they? (I have to confess that due to my earlier racing years I tend to be one who really rides hard...I never seem to be able to ride just for enjoyment....always trying to better my last time etc)

How many here ride them as the primary form of riding?

What ones are the best to look at?

I must say that I have never seen one being ridden (Even in CA where I used to train and do triathlons). I can guess that to buy one I would have to go outside this area to even find them.