C y c l i s t Recumbent - Steve Briggs

contact will be improved with the new
Greenspeed offices being in Highland, Illinois.
For more information, contact: Greenspeed,
Jerome Hediger, Tel. 866-314-4323, Email
jerome@ greenspeed.com.au
Accessories: The GT-3 comes with a rear
fender, mirror, a safety flag and braze-ons for
a Rohloff 14-speed internal hub, dynamo, front
and rear lights, and Schlumpf 2-speed bottom
bracket.
Options include a standard rack ($40), a
heavy duty rack ($120), front fenders ($108)
and a second mirror ($24). (Prices quoted are
in US dollars.)
MARKET
There are no other folding tadpole trikes. The
GT-3 is in a league of its own.
If you want to compare it to Micro trikes,
or like-trikes, you should compare it to the ICE
12 12 Recumbent Cyclist News
The Greenspeed UTE
Greenspeed’s lockable tailbox concept drawings
Micro and Mini, both of which are much more
expensive; the Catrike Speed, which is lighter,
more affordable and made of aluminum — but
doesn’t fold.
This past July ICE announced that two new
trike models (a tour and a sport) would soon
be available from $2670 USD.
VERDICT
The GT-3 is an awesome trike. It’s the most
affordable Greenspeed, it’s compact, it rides
wonderfully and it should have excellent resale
value. The only criticism I can think of is
the lack of disc brakes — which are not an
option. Just about every other component on
the trike can be updated by a dealer.
On the financial side, If the US dollar continues
to tank, Greenspeed will continue to
have a difficult time competing against the
likes of Catrike and WizWheelz (both built
here in the US; no airfreight or duty costs).
Also, the tanking of the US dollar has not and
will not be good for any imported recumbent.
16” wheels are more of a hassle than 20’s.
The primary reason for using them is compactness.
The GT-3 uses the 349mm 16” x 1-3/8”
wheel which is primarily used for folding bicycles
such as the Brompton and other European
models. It’s not often used on recumbents
other than on a few micro trikes.
Recumbents trikes are difficult to haul and
store. A folding trike is a great idea. The recumbent
world could use a few more compact
or folding models of all types.
Greenspeed has a long history of building
world class robust recumbent trikes for nearly
any use you can imagine. The GT-3 is a wonderful
addition to the line. ◆
From the Greenspeed eNewsletter:
GREENSPEED NEWS
Full suspension: We’re still doing rear suspension
on special order. We refined it last
year, eliminating most of the pogo by adjusting
the design. A major improvement to the
feel of the ride came about when we tried the
new Cain Creek Cloud Nine shock. Rear suspension
on a GTR or a GTO costs approximately
$800 USD and front suspension is also
$800. Front suspension is done via longer kingpins
and springs which we were pretty happy
with but the Pantour hubs should make things
a lot neater and be more easily ”retrofittable.”
The GTU UTE (Aussie slang for Utility
Vehicle or pick-up truck). This will be a large
capacity trike based on some commercial work
we’ve been doing in Australia. The first prototype
is completed and should make a debut
on the website soon (see photo above).
SLR Race trike: We’ve started cutting out
the tubing for a brand new prototype racing
trike. This will be an evolutionary step beyond
the GLR Low Racer. The GTX sports trike has
now taken its place as a more practical and
fast tourer.
GTH redesign: We hope to do a complete
redesign this year to add the folding feature
and make it more adjustable.
Folding trikes: we are looking at developing
the trike in two different directions. The
first is a model to fit smaller adults. Next will
be a racing model.
Fairings: We’re looking at a new head-out
style full-body fairing. We have developed a
new frame to which the fairing can be added.
Disc Brakes: The new Magura Disc brakes
have been having some great field testing and
have been working excellently.
Tail Boxes: We’re working with a design
company on lockable tail boxes for our trikes.
We now have four possible designs. The objective
was it had to be aero, look good, be
practical, and hold at least 60 liters.
Pannier Bags: The New RT-60 Recumbent
Pannier Bags are now shipping. ◆