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By Travis PrebbleRecumbentJournal.comPosted on November 14, 2011 The New Tour II is an upgrade to the platform which included the Path, long-time best seller Cruiser as well as the original Tour models. TerraTrike earlier this year discontinued both only to now be rolled into the new Tour II. The new Tour II will feature the same award winning frame design along with a few new twists. Standard now on all models are the locking ProMax brake levers as well as a new tighter turning radius and still featuring linkage steering. It also comes standard with the new sliding seat bracket that is currently being used on the Rambler model. This allows for quick adjustments between riders of similar leg length and gives the seat a sleeker look. The new Tour II will come in the popular Sunset Gold color and ship with 3 different decal colors for customization – Silver, Brick and Blue. It will also be available in four different component levels starting at $1399.00. “The Path, Cruiser, and Tour have all been rolled into one model now”, says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director at TerraTrike. “This makes it much less confusing to the consumer and streamlines our line now to where we have only four different model plus our Tandem – The Rover, The Rambler, The Tour II and the Sportster – Each available in three to four different component level packages.” “The Tour II is the culmination of 15 years of refinement to the platform that started it all” says Yonker. “With the new improvements, it’s ready to take on another 15 years.” The Tour II will be available in four different component levels beginning in December of 2011.

By Travis PrebbleRecumbentJournal.comPosted on November 14, 2011 The new Sportster combines the Zoomer and Sport models in to a sleek new design. It’s aluminum frame, direct steering and artisan build quality is the culmination of their 15 years experience with trike design. With a wider track width and longer wheelbase, the trike was designed to go fast. “This trike is definitely a speed demon”, says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director at TerraTrike. “We started with a no-compromise approach to design and have come up with a trike that not only accelerates faster, climbs better and maintains high speeds easier than any trike we’ve ever ridden, but is also a beautiful work of art. On top of all that it’s completely built in the USA.” “If your goal is to simply move as fast as possible under your own power, then look no further. This is the supercar of trikes, and a complete thrill to ride” says Yonker. With this announcement TerraTrike has also discontinued the Zoomer model. The Sportster comes stock with a 26” rear wheel and will be available in four different component levels beginning in Fall of 2011. TerraTrike is taking pre-orders now.

By Irene KingRecumbentJournal.comPosted on October 20, 2011 TerraTrike describes the Rambler as the “love child” of the Rover and the Cruiser. Since I’ve been fortunate enough to ride all three, I have to agree. I am brand new to recumbent triking, and I was fortunate enough to be able to ride a loaner Rover while I was waiting (and waiting and waiting) for the release of the Rambler. I took a few days to compare the two of them, and the following is my assessment of the two trikes. The Looks While the Rambler definitely looks like a deluxe model of the Rover with its crossbow design, high seat, and horizontal handlebars, the Cruiser DNA isn’t readily apparent … that is, until you get it on the road. First, the initial differences between the Rambler and the Rover are subtle. While the handlebars are horizontal (which my wrists love), the Rambler has a locking brake and the Rover has Velcro. Both work. The new padding on the handlebars is much better than the plastic that was on the 1st Gen Rover. The Rambler is slightly lower than the Rover, but even side by side, this difference is not readily apparent. The Rambler is about four inches shorter in length, which is more apparent when viewing casually. Although the Rambler is a tiny bit narrower, it has an appearance of a wider stance, but I’m sure that’s due its overall smaller dimensions. The mesh seat on the Rover has a tighter weave than that on the Rambler; however, the seat on the Rambler has the look and feel of higher quality. Its material seems to be more “breathable”, but at the time of this writing, I couldn’t readily tell the difference while riding in moderate weather. According to the specifications on the TerraTrike site, both 8-speed trikes have 32 tooth chainrings. However, at 42T the Rover’s chainring on this particular trike is larger than that of the Rambler which gives it a higher low gear than the 32T which comes stock with the IGH (Internal Geared Hub). The bottom bracket on the Rover is 13 inches, and it’s 12.25 inches on the Rambler, which at first glance, gives the Rover a higher bottom bracket. However, just eyeballing them side by side, the bottom bracket seems equal in proportion on the Rambler, and I’m sure that’s because of its lower height. They both sport straight booms, which restricts the ability to recline, but fits perfectly with the lower bottom brackets of both trikes. Both trikes I’m comparing have 8-speed Sturmey-Archer IGHs. I have both outfitted with Crank Brothers pedals. The Rambler has Big Apple tires, and the Rover has the stock tires installed. I rode both trikes primarily on residential streets, but because some of the areas in my extended neighborhood are somewhat rural, I also rode them in dirt and on packed pea gravel. Rover Due to the 42T chainring, I never use higher than 3rd gear when I start off from home in the Rover. I usually use 4 on the flats, and crank down to 2 or even 1 on the upward sloping grades that make up my extended neighborhood. Even with the extra required effort, the ride is like sitting in an office chair and pedaling. The Rover was never designed to be a “performance” trike. I’ve gotten left in many a bike’s dust, and have been ecstatically happy to keep up with joggers. My weekend rides are long, not in distance, but in time because the Rover just isn’t a speedy trike. It is an SUV and rides that way. I wish that it had Big Apples installed, because then the only thing that would be missing is a cup holder and a remote. The difficulty comes when there are hills to climb. I try very hard not to mash, but even then it’s slow and physically taxing, especially when the rider’s “engine” (body) is out of shape. It can be done, but you can’t be in a hurry. “Hurry” and the Rover climbing hills just don’t go together! Anyone who can lower the GI on a Rover will be rewarded with a good, dependable trike that he can take anywhere. Fortunately, my neighborhood is made up mostly of sloping grades, which has made learning how to pedal uphill a relatively easy task. “Real” hills (or overpasses) will throw in more difficulty, but a fitter body on a properly geared Rover could do it, I’m sure. Downhills are no problem, of course. It’s that whole gravity thing. Crank up to 8th gear if you really want to pedal or just let ‘er roll! Rambler In spite of having about 90{1603412a7d9e235bc2262b7f3ef07f27b0f0da4c7a911810d5b09776c009474c} of the same features as the Rover, on the road the Rambler is a completely different animal. This is where the Cruiser DNA really shines. Although I adjusted the seat at the same recline angle as the seat on the Rover, it “felt” more reclined. This is where you can feel that the Rambler is lower in height than the Rover. While pedaling on the Rover feels like an office chair, pedaling on the Rambler feels closer to a chaise lounge. I started off at 4th gear and only shifted down to 3rd on a slope. Not only was climbing easier, but I noticed that my cadence was faster. Maybe it was the new Big Apples, but there was no “drag” when pedaling. Of course the road bikes still passed me, but it took them longer to do it. Handling is very similar to the Rover, and I’m sure that’s due to the direct steer. However, I found that the Rambler has a “sportier” feel while riding. It’s not something that I can really describe, but it feels a little more like a sports car and less like a “regular” car. While I’m talking about steering, I can say that both trikes – especially when going downhill on a smooth road – ride like they’re on rails. The direct steer is absolutely rock solid at speed, even if it requires a little more effort when going slowly. For someone who’s a new trike rider, this gives me extra confidence that the wheels won’t suddenly take off in another direction without any feedback from me. I have never felt any tippy feelings when turning corners with the Rover. With the shorter body and lower height of the Rambler, I didn’t feel any concern about rolling over, even though I turned corners at a slightly higher speed. Understand that “higher speed” is relative since I’m very careful while out in traffic. The one thing that I notice with the Rambler that I really like is a faster takeoff from a standstill. Maybe that’s due to the lighter weight, but I felt far more comfortable in traffic knowing that I could make a faster start and have a little more maneuverability than with the Rover. When doing my usual ten-mile loop, I notice that I’m able to complete it in a lot less time than I have when riding the Rover. Lighter weight, faster cadence, and smaller chainring all contribute to a faster ride, I’m sure. By the way, I found that the ride was very similar in many aspects to the Catrike Villager. While the Villager is a lighter trike and a little lower to the ground, the Rambler’s direct steer characteristics reminded me of my test ride on it. Summary While I’m not a weight wienie, I can appreciate the lighter weight of the Rambler. This lighter weight, along with the lower height and shorter length, translates into a trike that’s easier and more fun to handle on the road. At first glance the Rambler’s overall looks are indeed similar to the Rover. It doesn’t give the appearance of a performance trike, but the Cruiser influence is felt in the actual riding, even if not in the looks. The lower stance, the ability to power up hills in spite of the 24GI limitation, its maneuverability, and its relatively low price justifies the Rambler’s position as an above-entry-level trike. There’s even more power in the 24- and 27-speed models for those who prefer derailleurs. Its weight limit is 100 pounds lower than the Rover, so it won’t fit the big guys who are trying to get into shape. However, it’s ideal for someone who’s looking for something that will last, has a sporty look, and whose upgrade possibilities are limited only by imagination and budget. The fact that it has a lifetime warranty on the frame is a real incentive to own one. As someone who is trying to get into shape and who is a former jockette, I find that the Rambler is absolutely ideal for my needs. I love the look, the price of the 8-speed was within my budget, and the fact that it came with many features that I would have paid for as options on another model (locking brake, IGH, etc.), made it a smokin’ deal for me. At the risk of incurring the wrath and ire of Catrike fans, I will say this: For those who are looking for a lightweight trike with an adjustable seat and can’t afford the Villager, please test ride the Rambler. At hundreds less, I think you will find that it will stand up in overall quality and features, and you will be out riding that much sooner.

There Is Only One Good Reason For Riding Recumbents. Not Because They Are Incredibly Comfortable, Or Because They Cut Through The Air So Efficiently, Or Because They Involve You In The Most Exciting Developments In Cycling Technology. No, You Ride Them Because They Are Fun. These bikes are now at an advanced stage of development. They all work, perfectly. So there has never been a better time to come down to the shop and take some bikes out for a test ride. Your Sacramento Valley and Bay Area recumbent trike adult tricycle dealer.

By Larry VarneyCo-Editor – BentriderOnline.comPosted on September 21, 2011 I have not seen a more eagerly anticipated anticipated trike – posters on our forum greeted the announcement of its impending release with cheers, and each subsequent delay with jeers. Finally, it is released. Some early adopters have already received the trike, but many more are pestering dealers with questions about details, how it differs from existing TT models, and how long before there are more in stock for test rides and possible purchase. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one for a review. Well, make that two! And my conclusions? Was it worth the wait? Should you consider the Rambler? The answer is: Yes! And No! Turn the page for more. The first thing you will notice when perusing the Terra Trike website is that there are several models of the Rambler. Four, to be exact. I was able to ride and compare the Internal 8 Speed and the Base 24 Speed. Both have features in common, as well as some significant differences – and the latter mostly involves, as you might expect, the gearing. The Ramblers share the basics: Wheelbase Length: 38.5 inches Overall Length (medium): 67.5″ Track Width: 30″ Overall Width: 33″ Bottom Bracket Height: 12.25″ Seat Height: 15″ Total Weight: 37 lb. Combined Load Limit: 300 lb. Turning Circle: 10′ diameter The Internal 8 Speed has an 8 speed hub, with a gear-inch range of 24 – 80, while the Base 24 Speed, with its 8 cogs and 3 chainrings, boasts a range of 18 – 90. The former has the Zoom mechanical disc brakes, while the latter boasts Bengal mechanical discs. Can you tell the difference between these two brakes? I couldn’t! But the gearing is another story, which leads to my first recommendation. If you ride in primarily flat areas, and seldom push the limits when it comes to top speed, then the 8 speed may be the Rambler for you. However, if you are surrounded by significant hills, like I am, then you should skip that model and take a closer look at the 24 speed. In car racing, it is often said there is no substitute for cubic inches. In riding bikes up hills, the same can be said for gears. The more, the better, and the lower the granny, the better you will like it. There is one other factor to consider: weather and riding habits. If you regularly ride in conditions that most sane people would avoid, if you commute rain or shine, summer and winter, then the internally-geared hub deserves consideration. No more worries about gunk getting into your derailleurs – a better foul-weather commuter would be difficult to find. OK, let’s take a ride on these trikes. As you might expect, they both handle the same. One thing that surprised me: I expected them to feel just like their sibling, the Rover. Close, yes, but the Rambler handles better, perhaps due to it’s lower weight, as well as some other relatively small differences, that seem to add up to a noticeable difference. The turning circle is a very sharp 10 feet. It’s sharp enough, that if you are moving along quickly and abruptly turn sharply, you might just get the trike up on 2 wheels. This is to be expected, really, with such a turning circle, combined with a relatively high seating position. I would suggest that all riders familiarize themselves with just what combination of speed and turn will get that wheel up. Start slowly, then gradually increase the speed and the turn, to get used to just what combination will get you bicycling, and how to react when/if that happens. One thing I have noticed about trike riders who buy models with variable recline angles of the seat (50 – 65 degrees here) is that many start out in the most upright position, and then later you’ll see that they have reclined to what is usually more comfortable, the most recline. As you might have noticed, even the most extreme is really not all that much. Many offerings from other companies exhibit a much more serious recline, often in the mid-20′s or even less. So what does that mean to you? Not much, really. The seats are comfortable, the most laid-back position is beneficial, getting more weight onto your back and off your butt, but there is one other result: less aerodynamic benefit. At lower speeds, such as mid-teens and below, this is not a big deal. Higher than that, into the 20 mph range and above, then it does play a bigger part. The bottom line is that if you want to cruise with the big dogs at high speed, you are going to be working harder because of that rather tame recline. There’s not much you can do to improve the aero of this trike (not helped by the wide positioning of the hands on the grips, either) – but there is something you can do to make any of the Ramblers go faster: change those tires! The standard tires are CST 20×1.75, 40 psi. Yes, 40 pounds per squre inch! At lower speeds, this is nothing to worry about. In fact, the lower pressures do make for a bit more comfy ride. But at higher speeds, you are going to be working harder, simply because there is more rolling resistance with those tires. Terra Trike offers an upgrade to Schwalbe Marathons. Their 100 psi results in a performance improvement that is noticeable, and well worth the $39.95 cost. It’s bottom line time: in keeping with the title of this review, should you buy a Rambler? Perhaps. If you have some difficulty in dealing with getting on and off the relatively low seat height of many trikes, then yes, put the Rambler on your short list of trikes to try. If you’re a real hammer head, liking nothing better than showing roadies the back of your jersey, combination of relatively low top gears and modest seat recline angles, then perhaps the Rambler is not for you. But, if you’re quite happy with speeds a little less extreme, if you’re more of a tourist than a racer, then by all means consider the Rambler. One other factor that may influence your interest: the price. Terra Trike historically offers good trikes at bargain price, and the Rambler is no exception. The 8 Speed Internal starts at $1399, while the Base 24 Speed is just $200 more, at $1599. My advice: unless the weather-protection of the internal hub makes a big difference to you, I would suggest the latter model is a better choice. Go for the upgraded tires, too. And while you have your wallet out, consider getting fenders, too: you’ll thank me when, not if, you get caught out on a rainy day. Terra Trike Rambler Pros: Price, turning circle, adjustability for riders of widely differing heightsCons: Aerodynamics, standard tires

By Bryan J. BallManaging Editor – BentriderOnline.comPosted on September 8, 2011 TerraTrikes entry-level Rover has been an unmitigated success. It’s sold in huge numbers and has brought a lot of new riders into the recumbent trike segment. It’s also proven to be a very adaptable design that has spawned several rather major modifications. The most major of these is TerraTrike’s $899 tandem attachement. I got a chance to try one of these out with my son recently. We didn’t ride it long enough for a full on review, but I thought I’d share what we learned here. At first glance, the Rover tandem looks like… well… a Rover tandem. The tandem kit retains the same square tube, industrial look of the single. I don’t think that anyone will ever call it pretty but it works. I didn’t have a scale handy but when we moved the Tandem around I found that it didn’t feel nearly as heavy as I expected it to be. My stoker was my 12 year old son. He’s about 5’2” and around 90 pounds. I’m 5’11” and about 200 lbs. We both fit on the Rover Tandem just fine with plenty of room for adjustment either way. Once we got suited up and rolling, my son and I both quickly realized that this is not a very fast trike. That said, I can honestly say that I’ve never really been on a tandem trike that I would qualify as “fast”. On the upside, we did notice that the handling was very good and the turning circle is phenomenally tight. The Rover Tandem can easily do a u-turn in spaces tighter than most single trikes can. The stock 8-speed drivetrain is fine on a single Rover but you’ll be looking for a lot more gears if you plan on horsing a heavy tandem up and down any real hills. That said, Parker and I did get the Rover Tandem up to the top of a rather large one. Going back down was the highlight of our Rover Tandem test ride. The GPS read a max speed of 42.1 mph. I can say that the Rover Tandem handled just fine at that speed. It wasn’t as rock solid as a Greenspeed GTT but it was more than adequate. However, when it came time to stop at the bottom one glaring fault became apparent. The Rover’s stock brakes are simply not up to this sort of abuse. They work great on the single but they barely got the Rover stopped in time. We survived but larger rotors would be a very good choice for this trike. And of course the biggest selling point of the Rover Tandem other than its price is that it can be added to an existing Rover and that same trike can be converted back into a single. This isn’t a quick process but it can easily be done in an afternoon. Despite the flaws, it’s pretty hard not to give the Rover Tandem a thumbs up with a few caveats. If you’re looking for a cheaper tandem to ride on flatter bike paths on a Sunday afternoon, it’s impossible not to recommend the Rover Tandem. Ditto if you have a special needs rider in mind. The Rover’s square tubing makes it very easy to modify for that purpose. Just know that if you have any serious riding in mind, you’ll want to upgrade the drivetrain and brakes. Which is fine really… You can sink a grand into upgrades and still have a tandem trike that costs $1600 less than the next least expensive option. And by the way… That $4600 tandem is also a TerraTrike.

By Travis PrebbleRecumbentJournal.comPosted on April 8, 2011 In celebration of TerraTrike’s 15th anniversary, they have promised to release 15 new products this year. Their latest offering is the brand new Rambler recumbent trike. With its sleek styling, higher seat, round tubing and adjustable seat, the Rambler is the love-child of their popular Rover and Cruiser models, taking the best of both and creating an exciting new trike. The Rambler starts off with a newly engineered “crossbow” style frame that adds even more stability and comfort. Fabricated from round chro-moly steel tubing with an adjustable aluminum boom the frame is sleek and stylish. TerraTrike then gave it a new “Coffee Shop” color scheme of an asparagus green color with custom color decals so you can customize your trike to your liking. Custom colors are also available for an additional charge. They’ve kept the direct steering and comfort-grip horizontal handlebars of the Rover design, but shortened the overall length and wheel base more similar to the Cruiser. However, the most exciting feature of the Rambler is its gearing. Available as an internal 8 speed, externally derailluered 24 or 27 speed and features 4 different component levels. “The Rover was, no doubt, very well received in the market, and we were very pleased to see the trike helping so many new people get into or back into cycling. But, there were still a lot of people asking for something similar but with a more refined design and more gearing, so we created the Rambler.” says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director at TerraTrike. “We think this design combines all the great features of the Rover and Cruiser and then takes it to the next level.” The Rambler also comes with a new improved TerraTrike adjustable seat. Recline adjustments from 40 to 90 degrees allows the rider, not the manufacturer, to set the angle at which you feel most comfortable – and at 15″ high, it’s still a full 5″ taller than most trikes. Similar to the Rover, the seat also slides along the frame allowing for quick adjustments for riders with similar leg lengths. This trike is easy to get in and out of and adjusts in seconds. Because of the design, it has a very small turning radius (in most cases even shorter than a standard upright bicycle). You can take your Rambler into places that had never before been accessible to trikes. They’ve also included locking brake levers as a standard component so you’ll stay put once you get to where you’re going. No more rubber bands or velcro straps!

By Bryan BallBentrideronline.comPosted on January 4, 2011 The TerraTrike Rover isn’t the prettiest trike that came out in 2010. It’s also not the most technologically advanced. However, the simple fact that it is a truly good trike available at a price point that was complete unheard of a year ago, makes it an easy choice for Trike of the Year. The Rover handles well, is easy to get on and off of, comes apart for easy transport and is highly customizable… all for a starting price of just $799. TerraTrike reports that a vast majority of Rovers are being sold to first time recumbent riders. And they’ve sold A LOT of them. Will this be a trike we look back at and call a “game changer”? I don’t know… But I do know that it is very worthy of this award.

By Travis PrebbleRecumbentJournal.comPosted on April 11, 2010 After two teaser videos and a healthy dose of hyperbole, TerraTrike has launched its new Rover recumbent tadpole trike. “The Rover is bringing triking to the masses!” states the product page at TerraTrike. According to that page, the primary feature of the new Rover is its increased seat height, which is listed as “a full 4 inches taller than most other tadpole trikes on the market”. The benefits mentioned are ease of ingress/egress and traffic visibility. The official spec sheet lists the seat height at 18.5 inches. The new Rover also sports a quick seat adjustment clamp that expedites the sizing process within a certain range of x-seams while also allowing adjustment in the boom to reach the extremes. Or, as TerraTrike puts it, “go from your young child to Shaq sized in just minutes.” Transportation concerns have been met by a new segmented design that allows the Rover to be broken down into five pieces. According to TerraTrike, the assembly process should require no more than five minutes. Other improvements include a smaller turning radius and a clean chain run (no idlers). Like the Path 3, the Rover sports internal hub gearing. While full specifications were not available on the site at press time, the product page did mention the Rover is fitted with disc brakes, the 3 speed internal hub, uses a high tensile steel frame, and supports riders up to 400 pounds. By all measures, it appears that TerraTrike has created a trike squarely designed to fulfill the needs of the casual, possibly new to recumbents rider. The wide range of rider sizes (both height and weight) supported means that a market previously served by trikes such as the Sidewinder and Sun EZ-3 USX HD will now have a much lower priced alternative. It remains to be seen how the new seat height compares to the likes of the Cycle Genius Phoenix or the HP Velotechnik HS seat, but it is safe to say that the price difference will have many people looking favorably at the Rover.