Recumbent Trike Opinions

[Bobinator]

My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:

Catrike Speed
http://www.catrike.com/

Trimuter
http://www.trimuter.com/

Organic Engines Triclops
http://www.organicengines.com/

WizWheels Terra Trike
http://www.wizwheelz.com/

Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[DrRecumbnt]

Wicks is no longer in the trike business. Jerome Hediger, former Wicks manager,
has left the company and purchased their recumbent inventory. The new company
is Hediger Cycles. Their "Big Wheel" trike is the new model.

I've tested both the Catrike and Wiz. While many compared the two based on
price, they are very different trikes. The Catrike is performance oriented
(low, small, stiff riding) and the Wiz is an all-arounder trike. I believe that
it's the best selling trike in the USA at this time.

We're hearing rumors of new sub $2000 trikes, from Sun and another mfr. to be
introduced at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas next week. These are 2004
models and likely not to be available until next season.

Bob Bryant
http://www.recumbentcyclistnews.com

[Tony]

On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
wrote:

>My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
>opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
>under $3K.

An experienced frame builder, Tom Teesdale, recently announced that he
is making recumbent trike frames and offering complete trikes. These
will be very similar to the Trimuter or Scarab trikes, which are
themselves near Greenspeed clones. Each trike is build to order and
fit to your size.

A complete trike should costs around $2,000, depending upon
componentry.

Tom's website is at www.tetcycles.com

I'm planning on ordering one soon.

Good luck with your search!

Regards,


Tony

[jbaatjbaz.com]

Definitely check out the Penninger site!!

http://www.penningerrecumbents.com/

My wife and I own two(2) Voyagers and we love them..

Also we can quickly hook them together and ride them as a tandem...

Check it out...

Jim Andrews -




On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
wrote:

>My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
>opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
>under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
>
>Catrike Speed
>http://www.catrike.com/
>
>Trimuter
>http://www.trimuter.com/
>
>Organic Engines Triclops
>http://www.organicengines.com/
>
>WizWheels Terra Trike
>http://www.wizwheelz.com/
>
>Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
>search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
>lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[rorschandt]

>
> On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
> wrote:
>
>>My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
>>opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
>>under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
>>
>>Catrike Speed
>>http://www.catrike.com/
>>
>>Trimuter
>>http://www.trimuter.com/
>>
>>Organic Engines Triclops
>>http://www.organicengines.com/
>>
>>WizWheels Terra Trike
>>http://www.wizwheelz.com/
>>
>>Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
>>search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
>>lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.
>
>

How about a Greenspeed?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3629983643&category=7298
#ebayphotohosting

(^:

I prefer tadpole trikes(like those you mention) over deltas. I've ridden a
few.
http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/174801833
http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/934061387
http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/844656287
http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/767377690
-- rorschandt
May all beings be happy.
May they be joyous and live in safety.
All living beings, whether weak or strong,
in high or middle or low realms of existence,
small or great, visible or invisible,
near or far, born or to be born,
Let no one deceive another, nor despise any being in any state;
Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another.
Even as a mother at the risk of her life watches over
and protects her only child,
so with a boundless mind should one cherish all living things,

[Ken Kobayashi]

On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator)
wrote:
>Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
>search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
>lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

Greenspeed trikes are readily available in the US from Hostel Shoppe
(http://www.hostelshoppe.com/) and other dealers. The GTR is right at
the $3k limit you specified. There's also the Hase Kettweisel at
$3050.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Sun EZ-3 trike
(http://www.easyracers.com/ez_3.htm), at 1/4 the price of the
Greenspeed.

I own a Greenspeed GTO and am very happy with the quality and
performance. It's probably the most comfortable recumbent I've ever
ridden. (Though I haven't tried any American trikes at all, only a few
different Australian and UK models.)
Ken Kobayashi

http://solarwww.mtk.nao.ac.jp/kobayashi/personal/

[Jim]

My wife really likes the height and ease of
getting on and off of our Penninger Voyager. It
is a delta trike configuration. With delta trike
configurations at least on our Voyager, there is
no concern in regards to wheel alignment.

Penningers are physically heavier but a pleasure
to ride.

Jim


"Bobinator" > wrote in
message
om...
> My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I
would like your
> opinions on the various trikes on the market.
We would like to stay
> under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at
on the web are:
>
> Catrike Speed
> http://www.catrike.com/
>
> Trimuter
> http://www.trimuter.com/
>
> Organic Engines Triclops
> http://www.organicengines.com/
>
> WizWheels Terra Trike
> http://www.wizwheelz.com/
>
> Are there any others we should consider? I
would like to limit my
> search to sonething I can get the US without
going to extraordinary
> lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[Jonathan Kaplan]

I own a Penninger Voyager and a Wickes (Heidiger?) Trimuter.

The Penninger is like a Lincoln Town car. Comfortable, user friendly, but no
sportscar on turns and kind of lethargic for acceleration. It is enjoyable
to ride and real fun to make turns.

The Trimuter is a green speed copy, but not exactly. The frame geometry is
similar, it holds the road like it's on rails, and is great for touring. The
downside is the incompatibility of GS parts. I converted to GS disk brakes
and had to replace most of the front end with GS parts. The trike rides very
nicely. I have it equipped with the Sachs dualdrive 3x9 and a triple front
crank. It can climb any hill.

If you are near NY or NJ you are welcome to try them.

[iLiad]

Bob,
Over the last few months I have somewhat changed my attitude on the
Wizwheelz trike. Being new to trikes four years ago, I thought overall the
trike
was a good value. I've owned three.
The main thing you have to be concerned about on the TT is it becoming
obsolete by Wizwheelz standards. If you visit their website, and look at the
history of the trike, the 3.2 is considered "vintage". It was introduced in
February of 2001, and the 3.3 replaced it in April of 2002. And I know own a
"vintage" trike. Oh, and the 3.3 has been updated to a 3.4, in less then a
years time frame.
As well, the company sells it customers on items that don't exist. One of
the big questions that a lot of trike owners have is, does it have an option
for fenders. I was sold my first two (one for my wife and I) trikes on the
fact that they would have them in a few months. I then purchased another
later, still getting the same response. In August, the Wizwheelz folks sent
a letter out to me reference their new tandem. I spoke to them about the
dangers of riding a tandem with no fenders, as rocks and debris will shoot
right towards your stoker (partner). I was literally told "They will be on
the website next week, I have seen them with my own eyes". Well, that was
two months ago. Now I see they won't be available on the 3.2 models. This
is very sad. I have purchased three trikes from Wizwheelz, and spent well
over 7000.00 total in upgrades, etc. To make your products obsolete so fast
is a real disservice to your customers. I can't really get excited about
fenders, even if I had a current model, because they likely would be
obsolete soon after.

There are a few design issues I really do not like about the trike. For one,
they advertise an adjustable seat. But, the more you move the seat forward,
the less turning radius you have. And it makes a BIG difference in our
turning radius. This could have been offset by an adjustable boom, which
they did come out with. However, even with the boom fully in, a rider of my
size can not reach the pedals. I am 5'7 inches. Another area are the
pulleys, or chain guides. The pulley is slotted for the pull and return path
of the chain. Meaning, it has two sides. There are two of these, one in the
front, and one in the back. The problem is, the chain moves two ways with
opposing forces, while the pulley only moves one. In essence, they are
fighting each other as you ride. I really don't know how much a difference
it makes on speed, but judging by the extreme angle the chain makes from the
front sprocket to the first pulley, I would say it makes enough of a
difference to slow the trike somewhat. My pulley failed with just over 1000
miles on it from the extra force. They did come out with a stronger pulley,
but that only fixes the symptom, not the problem.
I am going to attempt to guide the chain through and bypass the first pully
by using teflon chain tubes. If I'm succesful I will post a follow up.

I can say that when I recently purchased my GLR, I gained 4+ mph average on
my rides. This is no exaggeration. When I rode with a couple of friends who
have a Windcheetah and a GTO, I was constantly dragging them behind. Now I
am at the same pace as them. It may be somewhat unfair to compare the two
trikes, as a GLR is more expensive, lighter, etc. However, I found it used
for 2900 (with only 200 miles on it) so it was within the price range you
are looking for.

So, after all of that...whew. As far as my recommendation goes, I've owned a
Windcheetah, Wizwheelz, Greenspeed (single and tandem), and have ridden a
Cat Trike, Hotmover, and several home builts.
Out of all of those I personally like the greenspeed. They have excellent
workmanship, are not quickly outdated, and you can get parts fairly easy
from places such as the Hostel Shop.
You can find them used on the IHPVA for sale mailing list. A GTO just sold
there for 2200. It lasted less then 8 hours though as that was a great
price. That is where I found my GLR.

Also, the Catrike is getting a lot of good press. I didn't personally like
it, but I didn't get much stick time in either. I have seen and heard very
little on the Organic Engines trikes. It is heavy though, at 42 pounds.
Won't make much of a difference on flats, but once you hit the hills you
will be able to tell. The trimuter looks pretty sweet and well thought out.
Once again though, it is 42 pounds.


iLiad





"Bobinator" > wrote in message
om...
> My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
> opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
> under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
>
> Catrike Speed
> http://www.catrike.com/
>
> Trimuter
> http://www.trimuter.com/
>
> Organic Engines Triclops
> http://www.organicengines.com/
>
> WizWheels Terra Trike
> http://www.wizwheelz.com/
>
> Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
> search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
> lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[Philbert]

I don't have lots of trike experience, but I've spent some time with the WW
TerraTrike, and the Greenspeed. Of the two, I really liked the WW more.
It's also domestic (Hastings, MI) and cheaper, to boot. The people at WW
are really nice and very helpful. The TTR looks really cool, too, but I
haven't ridden one yet. I'd really like to try out the WindCheetah
Hypersport, too, but major $$ there...


"Bobinator" > wrote in message
om...
> My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
> opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
> under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
>
> Catrike Speed
> http://www.catrike.com/
>
> Trimuter
> http://www.trimuter.com/
>
> Organic Engines Triclops
> http://www.organicengines.com/
>
> WizWheels Terra Trike
> http://www.wizwheelz.com/
>
> Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
> search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
> lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[iLiad]

Phil,
The Windheetahs are very nice, but I can almost guarantee that going from
the Wizwheelz with the handlebar steering to the joystick steering will be a
dissapointment. The Windcheetah's are very squirley as a trike and can be
difficult to control on hills and faster speeds.
I got rid of mine because of that very issue and a friend of mine who
recently purchased one has the same complaints. We are a small control group
though ;-) A ton of people love their Windcheetahs.
As you know, with a wizwheelz you can pretty much shoot across anything just
by turning and holding on. The Windcheetah has a tendancy to get on two
wheels if you play to much. I've heard people argue that the WIndcheetah is
designed for racing/speed and that is why. However, my GLR is designed for
racing, and it is extremely stable at speeds, cornering, etc.



"Philbert" > wrote in message
...
> I don't have lots of trike experience, but I've spent some time with the
WW
> TerraTrike, and the Greenspeed. Of the two, I really liked the WW more.
> It's also domestic (Hastings, MI) and cheaper, to boot. The people at WW
> are really nice and very helpful. The TTR looks really cool, too, but I
> haven't ridden one yet. I'd really like to try out the WindCheetah
> Hypersport, too, but major $$ there...
>
>
> "Bobinator" > wrote in message
> om...
> > My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
> > opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
> > under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
> >
> > Catrike Speed
> > http://www.catrike.com/
> >
> > Trimuter
> > http://www.trimuter.com/
> >
> > Organic Engines Triclops
> > http://www.organicengines.com/
> >
> > WizWheels Terra Trike
> > http://www.wizwheelz.com/
> >
> > Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
> > search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
> > lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.
>
>

[trikester]

jbaatjbaz.com wrote:
> Definitely check out the Penninger site!!
> http://www.penningerrecumbents.com/http://www.penningerrecumbents.com/
> My wife and I own two(2) Voyagers and we love them..
> Also we can quickly hook them together and ride them as a tandem...
> Check it out...
> Jim Andrews -
> On 3 Oct 2003 06:39:11 -0700, (Bobinator) wrote:
> >My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your opinions
> >on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay under $3K.
> >Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
> >
> >Catrike Speed http://www.catrike.com/http://www.catrike.com/
> >
> >Trimuter http://www.trimuter.com/http://www.trimuter.com/
> >
> >Organic Engines Triclops
> >http://www.organicengines.com/http://www.organicengines.com/
> >
> >WizWheels Terra Trike
> >http://www.wizwheelz.com/http://www.wizwheelz.com/
> >
> >Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
> >search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
> >lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

It's good to know about all these recumbent trikes. When I started
checking over three years ago, there didn't seem to be many available.
I got the Hase Lepus rather than the lighter, sportier Kettwiesel,
because I don't have a car and wanted the "cargo bay" in the back. I
love the trike, because it enables me to ride despite my disabilities;
it's comfortable, with a terrific steering mechanism (needing only a
very light touch), and handles beautifully. I couldn't shift the Cat
Trike, and the two wheels in front made it harder for me to steer. It
*was* expensive, and some adaptations someone made for me in California
added about 10% to the cost, but it's been worth every penny. FWIW.
Joan in Oakland




--
>--------------------------<
Posted via cyclingforums.com
http://www.cyclingforums.com

[Alan Mushnick]

I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
and comments.
Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
design a delta with a performance style?
The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
out.
I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
this thread.

Alan Mushnick

[Ian Smith]

On 5 Oct 2003 05:00:41 -0700, Alan Mushnick > wrote:

> Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety?

Because deltas fall over on corners more easily.

> Would anyone design a delta with a performance style?

Probably, but it wouldn't corner as well, and most of the time if you
can go fast in a straight line, you'd like to go fast round corners
too.

regards, Ian SMith
--
|\ /| no .sig
|o o|
|/ \|

[Christopher Jordan]

Very interesting! The fender was an annoyance on my TT which a cheap
aftermarket part remedied.

With a motor, 2 fairings, trunk, stereo, etc., the last thing I need
is an obsolete part breaking. Thanks for the warnings.

About the Catrike- mine IS a sports car it seems! Seeking a certain
trike is very interesting with so many differences.

Of my 4 current trikes, I cannot part with any. Now I will be a bit
more cautious with my TT

Chris Jordan
Santa Cruz, CA. (private west coast trike museum! ;-) Long term
Research & Developement).)


"iLiad" > wrote in message >...
> Bob,
> Over the last few months I have somewhat changed my attitude on the
> Wizwheelz trike. Being new to trikes four years ago, I thought overall the
> trike
> was a good value. able on the 3.2 models. This
> is very sad. I have purchased three trikes from Wizwheelz, and spent well
> over 7000.00 total in upgrades, etc. To make your products obsolete so fast
> is a real disservice to your customers. I can't really get excited about
> fenders, even if I had a current model, because they likely would be
> obsolete soon after.
> Also, the Catrike is getting a lot of good press. I didn't personally like
> it, but I didn't get much stick time in either. I have seen and heard very
> little on the Organic Engines trikes. It is heavy though, at 42 pounds.
> Won't make much of a difference on flats, but once you hit the hills you
> will be able to tell. The trimuter looks pretty sweet and well thought out.
> Once again though, it is 42 pounds.
>
>
> iLiad
>
>
>
>
>
> "Bobinator" > wrote in message
> om...
> > My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
> > opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
> > under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
> >
> > Catrike Speed
> > http://www.catrike.com/
> >
> > Trimuter
> > http://www.trimuter.com/
> >
> > Organic Engines Triclops
> > http://www.organicengines.com/
> >
> > WizWheels Terra Trike
> > http://www.wizwheelz.com/
> >
> > Are there any others we should consider? I would like to limit my
> > search to sonething I can get the US without going to extraordinary
> > lengths--my apologies to my Aussie friends.

[Larry Varney]

Alan Mushnick wrote:
> I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
> and comments.
> Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
> design a delta with a performance style?
> The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
> and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
> out.
> I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
> this thread.
>
> Alan Mushnick

Regarding the differing reiews (somewhat) between RCN and BROL of the
Catrike Speed - much of the differences lies in purely subjective areas.
I'd have to go back and look for the exact terms and phrases, but I
think they dealt with harshness of ride and stability at speed. And,
unless someone has a reproducible method of measuring such things, they
are very subjective.
In my humble opinion, I do not find my Speed to be harsh-riding at
all. Sure, it'll bounce all over the place if ridden over a
sufficiently-bumpy road at high enough speeds, but all trikes will do
that. As for stability at speed, granted that these speeds were going
downhill, but I have felt quite comfortable at 45 mph, and twice took my
hands off the bars at 35 mph. Brake steer? Yep, and I wish it wasn't
there, even though I've "gotten used to it" and feel that I can handle
it - but that's like learning to live with an abusive spouse - you
shouldn't have to.
And you are right - it is interesting to read differing opinions
about the same bike/trike, especially if those opinions are coming from
people who should know what they're talking about.

--
Larry Varney
Cold Spring, KY
http://home.fuse.net/larryvarney

[rorschandt]

Larry Varney > wrote in
:

> Alan Mushnick wrote:
>> I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
>> and comments.
>> Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
>> design a delta with a performance style?
>> The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
>> and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
>> out.
>> I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
>> this thread.
>>
>> Alan Mushnick
>
> Regarding the differing reiews (somewhat) between RCN and BROL of the
> Catrike Speed - much of the differences lies in purely subjective areas.
> I'd have to go back and look for the exact terms and phrases, but I
> think they dealt with harshness of ride and stability at speed. And,
> unless someone has a reproducible method of measuring such things, they
> are very subjective.
> In my humble opinion, I do not find my Speed to be harsh-riding at
> all. Sure, it'll bounce all over the place if ridden over a
> sufficiently-bumpy road at high enough speeds, but all trikes will do
> that.

This trike doesn't http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/174801833

(^:

rorschandt

[Larry Varney]

rorschandt wrote:
> Larry Varney > wrote in
> :
>
>
>>Alan Mushnick wrote:
>>
>>>I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
>>>and comments.
>>>Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
>>>design a delta with a performance style?
>>>The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
>>>and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
>>>out.
>>>I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
>>>this thread.
>>>
>>>Alan Mushnick
>>
>> Regarding the differing reiews (somewhat) between RCN and BROL of the
>>Catrike Speed - much of the differences lies in purely subjective areas.
>>I'd have to go back and look for the exact terms and phrases, but I
>>think they dealt with harshness of ride and stability at speed. And,
>>unless someone has a reproducible method of measuring such things, they
>>are very subjective.
>> In my humble opinion, I do not find my Speed to be harsh-riding at
>>all. Sure, it'll bounce all over the place if ridden over a
>>sufficiently-bumpy road at high enough speeds, but all trikes will do
>>that.
>
>
> This trike doesn't http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/174801833
>
> (^:
>
> rorschandt
Ah, but I used just the right degree of ambiguity to insure that what
I said was correct: "sufficiently-bumpy" and "high enough speeds". So,
even the most well-behaved suspended vehicle will bounce around, if
ridden at "high enough" speed over a "sufficiently-bumpy" road.
In this particular case, perhaps it would involve multiple bumps of
no less than 6 inches in height and no more than 12", at a speed of, oh,
let's say 45 mph?
But seriously, yeah, that suspended trike should handle most
real-life roads at real-life speeds with lots more aplomb. Not to
mention grace and style.

--
Larry Varney
Cold Spring, KY
http://home.fuse.net/larryvarney

[Mark Leuck]

Whatever happened to the other trike? the one with the tube-mesh type frame?

"rorschandt" > wrote in message
. 97.132...
> Larry Varney > wrote in
> :
>
> > Alan Mushnick wrote:
> >> I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
> >> and comments.
> >> Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
> >> design a delta with a performance style?
> >> The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
> >> and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
> >> out.
> >> I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
> >> this thread.
> >>
> >> Alan Mushnick
> >
> > Regarding the differing reiews (somewhat) between RCN and BROL of the
> > Catrike Speed - much of the differences lies in purely subjective areas.
> > I'd have to go back and look for the exact terms and phrases, but I
> > think they dealt with harshness of ride and stability at speed. And,
> > unless someone has a reproducible method of measuring such things, they
> > are very subjective.
> > In my humble opinion, I do not find my Speed to be harsh-riding at
> > all. Sure, it'll bounce all over the place if ridden over a
> > sufficiently-bumpy road at high enough speeds, but all trikes will do
> > that.
>
> This trike doesn't http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/174801833
>
> (^:
>
> rorschandt

[Ian]

Mark Leuck must be edykated coz e writed:

> Whatever happened to the other trike? the one with the tube-mesh type frame?
>
Still available in kit form allegedly.

--
Ian

http://www.catrike.co.uk

[rorschandt]

"Mark Leuck" > wrote in
. net:

> Whatever happened to the other trike? the one with the tube-mesh type
> frame?
>
>

http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/844656287
It's in the attic. There were some stabilty problems, which I originally
blamed on the high center of gravity/flexy frame. I later determined that
it was a fairly easy to fix problem regarding steering linkage. It my be on
the "anti-insanity projects" list for the soon to be upon us Season of
Death, or as some call it less dramatically, W*nter. Anyway, most of the
brakes,wheels,headsets and such from the Chaco are installed on the
Psycledelic.
Thanks for asking (^:
R.

[Mark Leuck]

Thats the one, thanks!

"rorschandt" > wrote in message
. 97.132...
> "Mark Leuck" > wrote in
> . net:
>
> > Whatever happened to the other trike? the one with the tube-mesh type
> > frame?
> >
> >
>
> http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/844656287
> It's in the attic. There were some stabilty problems, which I originally
> blamed on the high center of gravity/flexy frame. I later determined that
> it was a fairly easy to fix problem regarding steering linkage. It my be
on
> the "anti-insanity projects" list for the soon to be upon us Season of
> Death, or as some call it less dramatically, W*nter. Anyway, most of the
> brakes,wheels,headsets and such from the Chaco are installed on the
> Psycledelic.
> Thanks for asking (^:
> R.

[Steve Baker]

"iLiad" > wrote in message >...
> Phil,
> The Windheetahs are very nice, but I can almost guarantee that going from
> the Wizwheelz with the handlebar steering to the joystick steering will be a
> dissapointment. The Windcheetah's are very squirley as a trike and can be
> difficult to control on hills and faster speeds.
> I got rid of mine because of that very issue and a friend of mine who
> recently purchased one has the same complaints. We are a small control group
> though ;-) A ton of people love their Windcheetahs.
> As you know, with a wizwheelz you can pretty much shoot across anything just
> by turning and holding on. The Windcheetah has a tendancy to get on two
> wheels if you play to much. >>

Wow! I can't let this one go by. My experience with the Windcheetah is
exactly the opposite. It is extremely stable at high speeds; you just
can't ham-hand the controls. Fingertips will do it quite nicely.

I'm still testing the limits of mine (@1500 miles) but wheel lift
isn't a problem either. When it does happen it's gentle and very
controllable. Developing a good lean will help with the slalom
maneuvers (and really impress the on-lookers!). You should also
consider that the narrow track lets it fit through doors and gates
where wider trikes can't, at least not without acrobatics.

My $0.02.

Steve Baker
#K628

[Mike Euritt]

> Brake steer? Yep, and I wish it wasn't
>there, even though I've "gotten used to it" and feel that I can handle
>it - but that's like learning to live with an abusive spouse - you
>shouldn't have to.

I've got the earlier model, "Road" and it has a lot of brake steer, especially
at higher speeds. To be honest the steering is so sensitive that I feel I have
better control at high speed by feathering a brake than by trying to deal with
the steering. I couldn't tell you at what speed I like one or the other, but i
do love the control I have working the brakes.

Yesterday, during a 45mph descent, I was up on two wheels for the first
time....whooo, that was fun! I gotta work on that body english

My GTT has little brake steer by comparison, but that shouldn't be a surprise,
it has more than twice the wheel base and everything happens slower, but as I am
screaming down hills, I do work the inside brake and have occasionally skidded
the inside wheel.

Mike

[Sticker Jim]

"rorschandt" > wrote in message
. 97.132...
> "Mark Leuck" > wrote in
> . net:
>
> > Whatever happened to the other trike? the one with the tube-mesh type
> > frame?
> >
> >
>
> http://pictures.care2.com/view/1/844656287
> It's in the attic. There were some stabilty problems, which I originally
> blamed on the high center of gravity/flexy frame. I later determined that
> it was a fairly easy to fix problem regarding steering linkage. It my be
on
> the "anti-insanity projects" list for the soon to be upon us Season of
> Death, or as some call it less dramatically, W*nter. Anyway, most of the
> brakes,wheels,headsets and such from the Chaco are installed on the
> Psycledelic.
> Thanks for asking (^:
> R.

That's too bad it ended up in the attic. I like the space frame concept.
I'm planning one too but the frame will be wider and I want to see if I can
sling the seat in the middle of the frame with your butt just hanging in the
air (hopefully) a few inches above the road. Chain routing will be the only
glitch unless I raise the seat/frame high enough. I'll worry about that
when I start laying up the frame though :)

[MLB]

(Alan Mushnick) wrote in
om:

> I haven't ever tried a trike. I would like to. I have a few questions
> and comments.
> Why are all "performance" trikes of the tadpole variety? Would anyone
> design a delta with a performance style?
> The difference between the current RCN review of the Catrike Speed,
> and the review on Bentrider online is interesting. Check them both
> out.
> I was also surprised to hear the negative wiz wheels comments above on
> this thread.
>
> Alan Mushnick

My Hase Kettwiesel handles every bit as well and is every bit as sporty as
the WizWheelz 3.3 I had before it. Most opinions on this topic have not
even ridden a kettwiesel :)

[Peter M Spirito]

(Bobinator) wrote in message >...
> My wife is looking for a recumbent trike and I would like your
> opinions on the various trikes on the market. We would like to stay
> under $3K. Some of the trikes we have looked at on the web are:
>


My wife and I test rode the Catrike Speed at their factory in Orlando
just this afternoon. It is quite the hot-rod. Beautifully made. The
folks at the factory were very nice to talk to and they happily spent
a lot of time with us. We plan to order one for my wife within the
next couple of weeks from our LBS, Atlantic Bicycle in Margate
Florida.

[avgrin]

B"H
You should also try Swift Recumbent trike. I bought one close to two
years ago and the last spring bought the second for my children. I
use it primarily for commuting ( 9 mi each way 5 times a week) and a
long distance touring during vacations (1,000 + miles). It is well
made, rides as well any other trike, and for a complete trike with
fenders, a custom rack for 4 panniers, brazeons for a fairing, an
under-the-seat shelf, a mirror, a flag, and a horn is under US$2,000.
Completely forgot, it is also foldable for inexpensive shipping. By
now I have over 5,000mi on the first trike and absolutely love it.
Mike Rogan the trike maker is a great person to deal with even from
Houston, Texas. If you are near by, come to test a Swift.

http://mrrecumbenttrikes.com

Victor
Of Swift Riders Family

[Daniel Towner]

> The Windheetahs are very nice, but I can almost guarantee that going from
> the Wizwheelz with the handlebar steering to the joystick steering will be a
> dissapointment. The Windcheetah's are very squirley as a trike and can be
> difficult to control on hills and faster speeds.

I don't find it a problem. Have you got your tracking set up properly,
and your tyres inflated as much as you can? My 'cheetah handles
beautifully at speed - very precise and easy to control.

> I got rid of mine because of that very issue and a friend of mine who
> recently purchased one has the same complaints. We are a small control group
> though ;-) A ton of people love their Windcheetahs.

You bet!

> As you know, with a wizwheelz you can pretty much shoot across anything just
> by turning and holding on. The Windcheetah has a tendancy to get on two
> wheels if you play to much.

Yep ;-) Its very controllable though, and its easy to predict when its
going to happen (or deliberately make it happen!). I've never felt
unsafe because of this tendancy.

I've just had a look at the Wizwheelz and it looks very wide, which is
obviously why its stable. I use my Windcheetah for commuting on a
range of roads and cycles paths, and if it was any wider than it is, I
would have a lot of problems (barriers, chicanes, stationary traffic,
etc). I'd be cautious about getting such a wide trike, unless you know
for certain that you will never encounter narrow gaps!


dan.

Windcheetah 626

[Willy McDuff]

Fat old guys have a tendency to bounce around all over the place on any
type of trike they ride.

There are some diet books at the library with good advice to aid in
prevention of road bounce.

Willy McDuff


Larry Varney wrote but I used just the right degree of ambiguity to
insure that what I said was correct: "sufficiently-bumpy" and "high
enough speeds". So, even the most well-behaved suspended vehicle will
bounce around....



--
>--------------------------<
Posted via cyclingforums.com
http://www.cyclingforums.com

[Russ Price]

Daniel Towner > wrote:
> I've just had a look at the Wizwheelz and it looks very wide, which is
> obviously why its stable. I use my Windcheetah for commuting on a
> range of roads and cycles paths, and if it was any wider than it is, I
> would have a lot of problems (barriers, chicanes, stationary traffic,
> etc). I'd be cautious about getting such a wide trike, unless you know
> for certain that you will never encounter narrow gaps!

Heh - when I took my WizWheelz up the Fox River trail (far west suburban
Chicago, for those unfamiliar with the area), I had to slow down to a
crawl at almost every vehicle barrier, with about an inch of clearance
on each side. It was maddening, to say the least. The Old Plank Road
Trail in the far south suburbs is much more trike-friendly, with center
posts instead of narrow gates to keep the cars out.
--
Russ --kill the wabbit to despam
"The solution is simple: all spammers, if convicted of spamming, should
be drowned in cow diarrhoea in televised public ceremonies. Start with
Ralsky." -Guy Chapman

[Larry Varney]

Russ Price wrote:
> Daniel Towner > wrote:
>
>>I've just had a look at the Wizwheelz and it looks very wide, which is
>>obviously why its stable. I use my Windcheetah for commuting on a
>>range of roads and cycles paths, and if it was any wider than it is, I
>>would have a lot of problems (barriers, chicanes, stationary traffic,
>>etc). I'd be cautious about getting such a wide trike, unless you know
>>for certain that you will never encounter narrow gaps!
>
>
> Heh - when I took my WizWheelz up the Fox River trail (far west suburban
> Chicago, for those unfamiliar with the area), I had to slow down to a
> crawl at almost every vehicle barrier, with about an inch of clearance
> on each side. It was maddening, to say the least. The Old Plank Road
> Trail in the far south suburbs is much more trike-friendly, with center
> posts instead of narrow gates to keep the cars out.

I remember those barriers! When I rode GITAP earlier this year, the
"homeward bound" leg was on that very trail - and a gorgeous trail it
is, too. The Fox River area, and not just the trail, is worth visiting.
Anyway, I had to slow down and sometimes stop, just to make sure that
I didn't scrape something vital on my Greenspeed GTO. I'm looking
forward to next year's GITAP, and this time I'll be riding my
no-reason-to-slow-down Speed!

--
Larry Varney
Cold Spring, KY
http://home.fuse.net/larryvarney