newbert

Budget aside, which tadpole recumbent (plus options) would be your ideal choice for a rider like me?


I'm 70 years old and need the daily exercise a 'bent trike provides. I currently ride a Catrike Villager with pedal e-assist, which is great for around town on smooth paved surfaces. However, I have a lot of unpaved (gravel and/or crushed stone) bike paths and rural roads in my area that I would also like to ride on, but the Villager just doesn't cut it on those (ie - too bumpy and rough a ride). My area is also hilly, so that needs to be factored in as well.


From my research, it looks like Azub, HP Velotechnic and ICE seem to the "big three" for high performance trikes. Expensive, but again, let's not consider that for now. If there are other, please consider them as well.)


In terms of optional features, my priorities would be in this order:


Comfort: Although I'm not interested in riding thru the woods on rough mountain bike trails, I do want to ride on gravel and crushed stone in addition to paved routes. So, good suspension would be needed to smooth out the ride.

Some kind of power-assist or extra-wide gearing range: To me, that would mean either e-assist (like the Bosch my Villager has) and/or a "Pinion" unit in front and/or an internal hub (like Rohloff) in back. Or perhaps there are other options?

Foldable: While it might be nice, it's not an absolute need since I already have an adjustable trike rack for my car.


I'd appreciate your thoughts on which make/model/options would be ideal for me. If more info on my needs is helpful, just ask away.


Thanks!

Bert

10 Wheels

Look for a used GreenSpeed Magnum.

Darth Lefty 

I had a trike after my heart surgery and man, it was a bumpy ride with the stock Marathon. A balloon rear tire at 2 bar was a huge improvement. A Schwalbe, forget which, a Big Apple or something like that. I can see why premium versions have rear suspension, and why some thoughtful design of the frame might be a good idea, rather than just a beam of chromoly with the seat stays going straight from the hub to the shoulder blades

Worry not about riding through the woods on mountain bike trails. They are called single track for a reason

linberl

This one: Scorpion fs 20: The Compact Full Suspension Adult Trike (hpvelotechnik.com). They offer optional e-assist. This is my dream trike. Small, fast, folding, comfortable, and beautiful. They offer it with Shimano Steps system. You can also have any after market mid drive installed if you have a preference.

newbert

Thanks for your recommendation. But, other than price, why would you prefer the FS-20 over the FS-26? Wouldn't the FS-26 inherently provide a smoother ride?

linberl

With full suspension I don't think a 26" is a big factor, and 20" wheels are stronger. Also creates a more compact unit esp. if you do fold it.

rydabent

An Azub 26 TiFly. IMO it is the absolute top of the heap. Like most everything, the more you pay the more you get. Up to a point on some things anyway.

DeadGrandpa

Since you specify comfort, and Full Suspension seems to be a part of the answer to that, I want to point out one detail that might be of interest (I only became aware of this recently): the amount of travel in the front suspension is 1+1/2 inches in two of the brands, but is 4 inches in one of them. I can't remember which one (maybe the HPVelo fs Scorpion). At least I think I heard that in a YouTube video a few weeks ago. So if you need max front suspension, you should look into those specs.

Tony Marley

From my experience, I suggest you look at the Catrike Expedition with wide tires. For e-assist, you could get it through Utah Trikes, who will modify it to your specifications. Another option - which I have never ridden - is the Catrike 529 with suspension.

7up

If you like your trike I’d convert the trike to a fat tired version for a cushier ride or like a few have suggested at least a much wider tire.Full suspension trikes are known for eating up some of your energy output.There are a few really nice units for 2023 but I’d suggest you take each one for a ride personally.whichever one you decide on I’d definitely say Outfit it with a middrive.Good luck.

newbert

Agree 100% with trying before buying.

Now (the Adventure) has caught my eye....