attempting to afford an overly luxurious tadpole
02-22-10 | 07:24 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Seņor Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: steel city
Bikes: travelers check, trucker deluxe, double cross dc, caad 10, rum runner, fuji america, karate monkey, tommasini prestige, parkpre tt, assorted beater/loaner bikes
attempting to afford an overly luxurious tadpole
this has become a new object of my deep desire:
https://www.tridenttrikes.com/chameleon.htm
i've never had a recumbent yet, but it's been my "next in line" bike build/purchase for some time (it's about the only kind of bike i wouldn't be sure of building up myself). so, it would seem that this is way excessive for a first model at USD5000. however... i'll be married in three months, and the wife's not so graceful on a bike. so any trips we might do together would be much better on a tandem. and since i was pretty sold on a tadpole for my recumbent anyway, she could also use it as her main single bike, what with no need to balance and all. so, this model makes total sense as a triple investment (tandem, recumbent for me, easy-to-ride-means-she'll-use-it-more bike for her).
so, i do want yinz's imput on my logic or unlogic there. however, here's the issue: i'm a bike messenger. this thing is 1/2 or 1/3 my normal work income for a year! she's not a high roller either. we live very cheaply. but it would be unwise to dedicate that much money to a single object.. other than our 2800 square foot mansion we and another friend just bought for USD18,000! anyway, does any of you know of any similar product from a not-so-reputable company? or know which trident chameleon owner wants to sell his to me used?
thanks much for all consideration and responses!
https://www.tridenttrikes.com/chameleon.htm
i've never had a recumbent yet, but it's been my "next in line" bike build/purchase for some time (it's about the only kind of bike i wouldn't be sure of building up myself). so, it would seem that this is way excessive for a first model at USD5000. however... i'll be married in three months, and the wife's not so graceful on a bike. so any trips we might do together would be much better on a tandem. and since i was pretty sold on a tadpole for my recumbent anyway, she could also use it as her main single bike, what with no need to balance and all. so, this model makes total sense as a triple investment (tandem, recumbent for me, easy-to-ride-means-she'll-use-it-more bike for her).
so, i do want yinz's imput on my logic or unlogic there. however, here's the issue: i'm a bike messenger. this thing is 1/2 or 1/3 my normal work income for a year! she's not a high roller either. we live very cheaply. but it would be unwise to dedicate that much money to a single object.. other than our 2800 square foot mansion we and another friend just bought for USD18,000! anyway, does any of you know of any similar product from a not-so-reputable company? or know which trident chameleon owner wants to sell his to me used?
thanks much for all consideration and responses!
02-22-10 | 09:37 PM
#2
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Those are trikes, not bikes.
That is an interesting, expensive trike. You wouldn't be interested in two somewhat cheaper single trikes?
That is an interesting, expensive trike. You wouldn't be interested in two somewhat cheaper single trikes?
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
02-23-10 | 08:56 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln Ne
Bikes: RANS Stratus and a Mountain bike
IMHO there is probably a trike that would be just as good but not cost as much. Ever increasing prices gets you a better machine ----------- up to a point. Then you are just buying a name or snob appeal.
On a slightly different note, almost all old people admit they are more sorry for what they didnt do than what they did. If that trike is a burning want----go for it.
On a slightly different note, almost all old people admit they are more sorry for what they didnt do than what they did. If that trike is a burning want----go for it.
02-23-10 | 06:52 PM
#4
Zircon Encrusted Tweezers
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 164
From: high ground
There is nothing snobbish at all about the Trident Chameleon. It is one of the most affordable tandem trikes out there, with the bonus of the convertability. It's a super value. It's not like you are getting a Calfee or an ICE tandem (not made anymore) or a Greenspeed GTT. Those all cost $8K on up.
A few other thoughts:
1. How quick is it to convert? Might be more hassle than you'd think depending on how often you do it.
2. You can buy two nice single tadpole trikes for less.
3. You can buy two delta trikes like the Rans Trizard for less and you'd be getting three trikes for the price of two, since they can be hitched together to form a tandem when desired - even on the fly if you stow the stoker trikes front wheel somewhere.
4. You can buy two wheel recumbent tandem, used, for a lot less - often in the low $3K's.
I think you need to prioritize what you want out of this whole deal.
A few other thoughts:
1. How quick is it to convert? Might be more hassle than you'd think depending on how often you do it.
2. You can buy two nice single tadpole trikes for less.
3. You can buy two delta trikes like the Rans Trizard for less and you'd be getting three trikes for the price of two, since they can be hitched together to form a tandem when desired - even on the fly if you stow the stoker trikes front wheel somewhere.
4. You can buy two wheel recumbent tandem, used, for a lot less - often in the low $3K's.
I think you need to prioritize what you want out of this whole deal.
