First time....

[Cal44]

On a recumbant the other night there, was a three wheeler as I was at a cycling for the disabled weekly club. The cyclists there have learning disabilities of one sort of another and love the stability and familiar feeling of sitting in a familiar and comfortable position. Lots of different bikes to try and I found it a good experience and can understand why these bikes are gaining in popularity for commuting. Comfy and felt fast, although no idea how quick I was going. Two wheels at back by the way as I see from this section of the forum some prefer the other way around with the two wheels at front....

 

[byegad]

For real speed you probably need a two wheel recumbent, I'd not describe most trikes as fast, but yes very comfortable. Not all trike riders are disabled, many people just like the comfort and ability to ride further without any strain.

 

[Cal44]

not all trike riders are disabled, many people just like the comfort and ability to ride further without any strain.

Of course they're not. Just filling in the backstory of the situation I was in when I tried it. Would love to try a two wheeler as well but alas in not sure when that will happen. Great bits of kit either way!

 

[byegad]

Where are you? There a only a few places to try a lot of different rides so you may need to travel, but well worth the effort to see what suits you.

 

[BlackPanther]

Of course they're not. Just filling in the backstory of the situation I was in when I tried it. Would love to try a two wheeler as well but alas in not sure when that will happen. Great bits of kit either way!

Depends where you are. A lot of 'bent riders are willing to let interested folk have a look, or even a ride of their machines. I'm the only 'bent rider in Doncaster (I think) and have a 2 wheeler (Bacchetta Strada) and a trike (Ice Trice) which I'd be happy to let someone have a play on.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Beware of the cost of free rides! I let a neighbour (who had a Bacchetta) try my Trice Q and he ended up buying one.

 

[Cal44]

I'm in the south west of Scotland, haven't looked online yet to see if there are any shops locally or in Glasgow area where you can try them.

Also just watched a video on YouTube of a guy in the states doing an 80ish mile ride. looks like he had a lot of fun! Was the first time he had tried it. On a side note the cycle paths where he was looked fantastic. Made me want to plan a trip!

By the way think its great the 'bent riders would be willing to let others try them out. Very trusting and a great attitude!

 

[byegad]

Kinetics are in Glasgow.

 

[Cal44]

Just looked them up and know exactly where that is....might pay them a wee visit soon...

 

[Scoosh]

I would thoroughly recommend a visit to David Gardiner at Laid Back Bikes in Edinburgh.

Top bloke , great selection of 'bents.

 

[sandman]

Trikes with the tadpole design are more stable as they have two wheels at the front.

Depends on the commute, if you have a lot of traffic to filter through it can a pain, as the trike can be too wide to filter effectively.

The difference between a two wheeled bent and three wheeled bent is roughly 2-3 mph rising as the speed increases to roughly 6-7 mph at speeds of roughly 35mph on the flat.

 

[Flyfisher]

Cal44
I live in Greenock and have a Trice QNT, your are more that welcome to have a go if you wish.
But I'm away next week for a few weeks holiday. I'll be back in July.
Jim

 

[BlackPanther]

For real speed you probably need a two wheel recumbent, I'd not describe most trikes as fast, but yes very comfortable. Not all trike riders are disabled, many people just like the comfort and ability to ride further without any strain.

I'm a little disappointed with the top speed of my Trice. I have the obligatory cycle computer, and while my average speed is around 3mph slower than the 2 wheel Bacchetta Strada, my top speed downhill is a paltry 35 mph, compared to 44 on the B.S (same hill.) Of course speed isn't everything, and the Ice is more enjoyable, but it's a real struggle to stay in front of a determined road biker. Whereas I completely annihilate them when I'm on the B.S.....it's actually too easy!

For this reason, I'm saving my pennies for an Ice Vortex, which should be a wee bit faster.

 

[swscotland bentrider]

Hi Cal44

As you can see from my name I'm in Dumfries area. Get in touch if you want to have a look at / chat about my machines. I've owned a few!! An earlier post did warn you!

 

[CopperBrompton]

my top speed downhill is a paltry 35 mph, compared to 44 on the B.S (same hill.)

How much of that is down to gearing differences between the two?

I have 9-34 on the rear and 30/42/52 on the front which gives me 17-112 inches. Maximum speed so far is 54mph, and 40+mph is commonplace.