Just wanted to know if any forum members have had any experience with recumbent trikes.

Several years ago I fell and injured my knees. I did not properly rehab them and as a result my quads have atrophied. Visited an orthopod yesterday and he advised that cycling is a good exercise to restore my quadriceps. I enjoyed cycling 30 years ago, but there's no way I'm putting my fat ass on those skinny seats. I seem to have some balance issues also, but I'm not sure if that is part and parcel of the atrophied muscles, but it does preclude a two-wheeled conveyance. Which brings me to the topic of this thread.

Looking at Velotechnik and Trident recumbents. Thanks for any info you can offer.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

I have 2 Terra Trike Tour II's

Wife and I ride for miles now without pain in Neck, back, wrist, butt etc.

You are slower, as trikes are heavier, and moving three wheels.

Using leg muscles to climb hills, no cheating and climbing out of your seat. However, you can go 1/2 mile an hour and not fall over either;-)

Like riding a go kart, lots of fun.

I prefer trails to roads. You are low, and wider than normally used to.

Ride as many types as you can. They all have different feels to them, and positives and negatives of course.

They also cost quite a bit more...

Comfort wise, I have no interest in going back.

Wife and I are mid 40's.

IF you are going to ride in the bike lanes on streets get a reflector on the back and one of the tall signal flags, flashing led lights for early am or pm rides in darkness.

They are harder to see as they are so low and can match the color of the roads (black, grey)

I'd like one but wonder if I could get out of the thing without looking goofy. No, no I could not...

I had one for quite a few years:
You have to be careful cornering it, as it will lift a wheel.
It was hard to haul around, since I did not know of any bike racks to fit it.
It takes up quite a bit of room to store.
Other than that, it was great!

I have ridden recumbent bikes since 1999 and trikes since 2002. Trike-wise, I started out with a Greenspeed and am now on my fourth ICE. It is a Sprint X 26 full suspension. They can be a hoot to ride even though they are typically slower than a comparable bike. Kinda like a go kart. Since they require more effort to go the same speed, they can give you a good workout. I have ridden mine with the local bike club on rural roads without any real issues.

Notice you are eyeing HP Velo and Trident. You might also want to consider Greenspeed, ICE and Catrike. TerraTrike will get you going for less but they do tend to be slower so it depends on your needs and riding style. If you haven't already done so, check out the forum/message board at bentrideronline.com. There is a wealth of information on there regarding the various trikes.

Thanks to all who have replied. I spent yesterday at the recumbent bike shop (Jersey Bents) and got to at least sit in some and examine others - weather should improve tomorrow so I may go for the second round then.

Thus far the HP Gekko FX26 leads the pack, but I've expanded my consideration to include:
Catrike Expedition
ICE Sprint
AZUB T-Tris 26
Greenspeed Magnum SD

Trident has been dropped from consideration.

@Dreamerx4 - the shop had two Tour II's in stock and I got to try (sit in) one. Didn't make my cut because I'm a widebody and the seat was too narrow and the end of the tubes of the seat frame dug into the back of my thighs. Also didn't like that the steering cross link was so far forward of the seat - made it hard to get on (in?). Wish it would have worked as he was willing to deal on his previous model year trikes.

Again thanks for the info and keep it coming if you have something to add.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

This is interesting. At 81, with supporting rods surgically implanted in hip & thigh, and balance compromised by Guillain Barré Syndrome, this might be just the ticket for some decent exercise.

I will be watching this thread, hoping for some good information.

I would be looking for something just for exercise. Not competition, not interested in setting any speed records, just something to keep me active.

I live in a gated community, so short rides are likely to be pretty safe.

Not far from me, there is a nicely paved jogging / bicycling trail, no motor vehicles.

We have direct access from our property to the Mikelson Trail here in the Black Hills. Hope to be riding the horse and the 3 wheeler bike I got. Not a recumbant, but has a basket for Baillee our shih-tzu. Kinda heavy but with having to work thru senior issues and here the trail is flatter, maybe some success with balance and getting in shape?
Of course it is snowing again with heard utterances of 5"-8" possible we shall see when that starts? Out today getting more fire wood refilling the wood shed, for next year.

How are they for hills? Do you go to dead slow or can you maintain speed? I ride regular bikes as often as weather lets me not a speed rider but like to do 10 miles or so when out.