Speeroo

Hello,

I am contemplating buying a trike since I'm an adult and don't know how to ride a bike (all attempts to learn have failed) and I feel that a trike would be easier to maneuver than a bike.

After considerable research on various types and brands, I am considering purchasing a "Fold and Go" trike from True Bicycles. They have the "Fold and Go Three Speed Trike" which weighs 52 pounds, and the "Fold and Go Three Speed Special Edition Trike" which weighs 48 pounds. The only difference between these two is the weight. My preference would be to go for the lighter one, since I have a weak back and I will be loading it in / uploading it from my car on each riding occasion. However, I am thinking that the lighter version may not be as stable on the road as the heavier one (even though the weight difference may not be that considerable). Does a heavier trike equal more safety and stability on the road?

Please advise.

Thanks,

Spiros

10 Wheels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVI4JA5SUGI

Homebrew01

My guess is the heavier one will be harder to maneuver, due to the extra weight (assuming the over-all design is the same). Go with the lighter one.

Juan Foote

I am not sure that the weight, specifically, is the only determining factor for stability. I would consider that more inherent to design features.

As to safety, well....at least you aren't rushing down hills head first...so there is that.

JanMM

No.
But the 48 pound trike would be slightly easier to lift in and out of your vehicle.
Did you also research Sun trikes? Several of their Sunseeker models are of similar weight but they don't appear to offer any folding models. Sun Seeker | True Comfort in Cycling

VegasTriker

Absolutely not. Stability has a lot more to do with the design of the trike. I ride a 33 pound recumbent trike and have had it up to 38 mph on a fairly twisty road. It happens to be built very close to the ground which makes the trike way more stable at high speeds. I doubt you could get one of the 48 pound trikes going that fast unless you rode it off a cliff. The three speed version of the trike you are looking at costs $589 plus shipping and Canadian VAT. It is no bargain compared to a used Sun delta trike (two wheels in the back) which can often be found used here in the US at that price range or less. The Sun trike will have decent, brand name components and a much better set of gearing Sun Seeker | True Comfort in Cycling. The only difference is that I don't believe they have a folding model. In any case if I had a bad back I wouldn't want to be lifting a bulky object weighing 48 pounds at all, folding or not. The company recently changed the name from Sun to Sunseeker so you should find used ones listed under the Sun name. I looked using Ad Hunt'r - Search ALL of Craigslist? and more! but there aren't used trikes listed in BC. There was one listing in Abbortsford from March but it has been sold.

Speeroo

Many thanks for your reply, VegasTriker. After speaking with True Bicycles and wanting to order the Fold and Go, I was disappointed beyond measure with the quality of their customer care. So my search for a multi-speed foldable 20" trike continues. I would be getting the trike merely for recreational purposes (like riding in parks or on neighbourhood streets, so high speed is not a concern. I have tried several recumbents, but felt quite vulnerable, especially since I am a newbie, so I am looking for an upright trike. Foldability is a feature I am looking for, since I would need to fit it in a Volkswagen Golf. Are there any reliable folding trikes that you could please recommend? Thanks a lot

Speeroo

Thanks, JanMM. The SUN SEEKER Eco-Delta SX looks very appealing, as it is higher than regular recumbents and it wouldn't make me feel as vulnerable. However, carrying it in my Volkswagen Golf may pose some difficulty given that it doesn't fold... Are there any other folding trikes that you can please recommend? Thanks

Juan Foote

For your Golf, you may consider roof mounting it, and avoiding the folding model. Of course, you still have to have somewhere to put it and trikes aren't super doorway friendly.

As to the weight issue, I really wouldn't let 10# sway you one way or the other total weight. Both our Catrikes weigh in the neighborhood of 50# with all the bags, bottles, etc. and moving them by myself (with one foot) isn't terribly difficult.

delcrossv 

For a trike with a higher seat height, I recommend a Greenspeed Magnum. My wife loves hers and there's no problem with it being seen (she has the seat set at max height). The Magnum folds and the front wheels quick release. It's also under 40 lbs IIRC.

Upright trikes due to the riders position have stability problems when turning - unless you take turns very slowly- no way around that.

The Magnum:

fietsbob

^^ Lower Center of Gravity adds Stability , but lowers your visibility as you are lower , visually when seen from car and truck drivers seat.

JanMM

Catrike offers at least one folding trike: Catrike Recumbent Trikes. But that's tadpole (low to the ground) model. Not sure if there are any folding delta style trikes.
Disclaimer - I'm not a trike guy and have never ridden one.

delcrossv 

This one is still above the hood of a car. Even on an upright, you're not above the hood of a truck.