C y c l i s t Recumbent - Steve Briggs

most on their trikes, and Catrike offers them: lightweight aluminum
frame, disc brakes and high performance. With Catrike’s space-frame
and aluminum frames and direct steering, the models weigh just 27-30
lbs., which is noticeably lighter than the competition. Catrike prices
currently start at $1,500, but the best selling model is the Road at $2,350
(See this issue and watch for upcoming 2005 Road and Speed reviews).
Contact: www.catrike.com.
Greenspeed and the Sims family are the most respected names in
the recumbent world. They design and engineer their trikes to be robust
and to perform well. Their models are carefully segmented by
what the trike will be used for. They specialize in high-end performance,
touring and expedition trikes. (By expedition, we mean circumnavigating
Australia.) Greenspeed has been a mainstay in the US
market for years, and while they are located in Australia, doing business
with them is like doing business with a company across town.
Most Greenspeed trikes are out of the price range for this article, but
the two exceptions are the new folding models: the Greenspeed GT-3
and GT-5. These machines offer removable seats, folding frames exceptional
handling and a sporty ride (see RCN 084). Contact:
www.greenspeed.com.au.
ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering): This builder from the UK also
makes some of the finest trikes in the world. ICE is also known for
high-end performance, racing and touring designs, and there are 25
models to choose from! For 2005, ICE has just unveiled a budget line,
including several 3x20” touring and sport trike models that sell for
approximately $2,400. These models are based on more expensive
ICE models, but are built in batches and the designs are simplified (see
RCN 077 & this issue).
Sun: Sun is the new kid on the block, with two new very affordable
tadpole trikes just now hitting the market. Sun trikes are built in Taiwan
and warehoused throughout the US, resulting in the best distribution
of any recumbent builder. Sun mostly builds entry-level
recumbents, and the new trikes are no exception. While they are mostly
robust, they are heavy. Contact: www.sunbicycles.com.
WizWheelz: This company has been building recreational/touring/
commuter trikes in Michigan for several years. They have a basic format,
a ChroMoly steel spine design (no rear triangulation), a bolt-on
seat, 3x20” USS design and an affordable price. With their recent expansion,
there are carbon fiber and aluminum framed variants. For 2005
there is the already popular TT (TerraTrike) 3.6 model with a host of
upgrades. At $1,899, the TT 3.6 is the most affordable enthusiast trike
sold in North America. (There are cheaper trikes, but they are heavier.)
We’re very excited about what they are doing and the incredible progress
they’ve have made over the years. (See RCN 087 and this issue). Contact:
www.wizwheelz.com.
Other builders
TriMuter: Jerome Hediger, the US rep for Greenspeed, also has his
own line of trikes. The Trimuter is a 3x20” ChroMoly touring trike that
retails for $2,885 crated. Contact: www.trimuter.com.
Organic Engines builds trikes in Florida. The Triclops model starts
at $2,300. Contact: www.organicengines.com.
Another unique new entry is the KMX Kart from the UK. Their
website says, “Now available in the USA for an amazing $1,299 +
shipping and handling within the USA.” Contact: www.kmxkarts.co.uk.
The ICE S — We’ve had several requests to test this trike.
Sadly we don’t get the opportunity to review many ICE trikes.
The T review in this issue is only our second ICE test trike.
The GT-3 has the usual excuisite handling and design features
that we’ve come to expect from Greenspeed. A new GT-5 with
disc brakes and upgraded parts is available now.
The new Sun Tadpole, priced from $1100
STEERING
All of the trikes listed here are under-seat steering (USS). While
USS is rare on two-wheeled recumbents, it is the standard on trikes.
There are two types of trike USS:
Indirect Linkage: Until a few years ago this was the trike standard.
A USS handlebar which pivots at the mainframe (on a kingpin or headset)
has connecting rods to each kingpin/front wheel. Most linkagesteered
trikes are more stable and handle predictably.
The WizWheelz carbon fiber Edge was reviewed in RCN 087.
What a cool trike!
May/June 2005 7