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Which Recumbent Seats are Most Comfortable? You might be thinking to yourself, aren’t all recumbent seats designed for comfort? And generally speaking, the answer to this question is yes. Because recumbent trikes have a reclined seat, they offer better support. They are designed to “cup” your whole body, but people come in different shapes and sizes. Therefore, when choosing a recumbent seat, you have to consider your size and shape, as well as where you intend to ride your recumbent trike. Like any seat, what is comfortable for one person is not going to be as comfortable for another. Here we look at the different types of recumbent seats to help you decide which is the most comfortable for you. Design of the Recumbent Seat Recumbent tricycle seats are usually about the height of a dining room chair. That makes them easy to get in and out of, but also can cause issues if you tend to go faster and take a lot of corners. When you think of the positioning of the seat, you can imagine that the higher up you are, the easier it becomes to take a topple, because you are closer to the position of a traditional upright bike. With a trike, you combine a lower seat with three wheels for added stability. When you see models with a seat lower to the ground, that is a high-performance trike designed to go faster and avoid issues such as wind. But if you are limited in how low you can go when getting in and out of the trike, the low design won’t be right for you. Performance vs Comfort The hammock-style seat is designed for extra comfort and support for your entire body. If you’re all about performance, you have that added balance, but the chair might not be as comfortable compared to other types of recumbent seats. For example, high-performance trikes tend to have seats with a carbon fiber shell that is quite rigid. They are also quite narrow, so they are suited to someone who is leaner. Cushioned Seat This seat is designed for the everyday rider. Regardless of your weight, you’ll find an ICE Ergo Luxe seat accommodates you nicely. In fact, it also comes in size options both narrower and wider. This seat is also quite cushiony, compared to the hammock, high-performance style seat. It offers excellent breathability thanks to ventilation areas, so you get everything you would want in a seat: Soft seating Support Breathability Size options The option for a skinny or wide version offers the same features, but with a more customized “fit.” Wider Seats If you prefer, you can also get a mesh seat with straps on the back which offers a more hammock-like quality. This gets you back to the comfort vs performance discussion providing more flexibility but not as much cushion. In this design, you use the straps to adjust the amount of support you prefer, as opposed to the extra padding. If you want an extra-wide seat, the Greenspeed Magnum, the ICE Adventure HD, and the TerraTrike Rambler are good options for you. Recumbent Seat Pads Often, we invest in a trike that meets most of our needs, but over time we find it isn’t as comfortable as we like. It could be because you start taking longer rides, or you simply find you don’t feel as supported as you’d like. If you have a TerraTrike but wish the seat had more cushion, no problem. The TerraTrike company understands no one seat is going to please every customer. That’s why they make accessories you can add to your trike. Instead of thinking you need an entirely new seat or even a new trike, you can just invest in the extra cushions to improve comfort easily. Other trikes that don’t have a lot of cushions like the Catrike 700 and the Expedition can also be made more comfortable with a Ventisit cushion. Adding a recumbent seat pad increases the cushion for a comfy ride. Other Recumbent Trike Accessories As mentioned, over time you might find your trike is lacking certain comforts you didn’t think about at the time of your purchase. For example, if you have a Catrike, most come with a built-in wrist rest for added comfort. Something like an ICE trike could use extra support in the wrists. Luckily there are add-ons to improve your wrist support. As well, while many trikes come with headrests, if you purchase a model that doesn’t have enough neck support, you can buy a headrest accessory. It’s all about what makes you comfortable when you are out riding. Other Comfort Considerations for Adult Trikes Because of the low to the ground, wider design of the adult trike, not all adult trikes are designed with additional suspension. As a result, you might find that on certain types of trails your ride is a lot bouncier than you’d like. If this is the case, consider investing in wider tires. The average trike has wheels in the 1.25 or 1.5 width range. However, upgrading to 2.0 width on your trike provides a lower pressure tire, so you feel like you’re riding with a brand-new suspension system. Keep in mind that if you do plan to hit trails that are more rugged, there are many trikes like the ICE Adventure or Catrike Dumont, that come with rear or full suspension. It makes more sense to consider investing in a suspension system if it’s within your budget. If you don’t have the budget to invest in models with a suspension system, this simple tire hack is the best way to enjoy a smoother ride. As with any equipment used for physical activity, it takes time to work in your new trike and get a feel for the true comfort of your ride. Much like a new pair of running shoes, you need to get out there and use your trike “in situ” as they say to understand if it meets your needs. When it comes to comfort, you might find your ride isn’t quite what you expect. Using accessories and add-ons helps customize your ride to suit your needs. Get Comfort Accessories for Your Trike Video TranscriptLaid-back Mickey here. Hey, today we are talking about whether or not trikes are comfortable. Trikes have a reclined seat that supports your body. It is meant to cup your whole body so that when you sit back it is like a Lazy Boy with wheels, or at least that’s what I call them. Most trikes are about the height of a dining room chair. Now when you go lower to the ground, those trikes are faster and more performance-oriented trikes. So, the wind blows over, but the comfort is still there. The seat is still a hammock style seat that is going to support your body. Now there’s different seats that are more performance based, but maybe they are not as comfortable. They aren’t as comfortable because they are a carbon fiber shell. If you are skinnier, then it might fit you nicely. It’s performance, it’s rigid, it has a lot of performance qualities so you can push on it hard and it won’t flex. But you know what? For me, I don’t fit my butt into that. So, if you are a little wider it doesn’t fit as well. Let me put this one away.Let’s take a look at this Ice seat. This seat is for the everyday rider. You can be skinny, you can be a little bigger, it doesn’t matter because it has a lot of cushion to it. This seat has breathability with ventilation areas, it has a great cushion, and it supports your body. This is a great seat. So, they have two styles of this one, they have a skinnier and a wider version, and they are both great. You can also get a mesh seat with straps on the back and a hammock like quality. This has a lot more flexibility but not as much cushion like the seat on the ICE trike. But you don’t need all the extra cushion because it has the different straps to provide the support. This is an extra wide seat that comes from the Greespeed Magnum. So, if you want a wider seat the Greenspeed Magnum is a great choice as well as the Adventure HD and any of the Terratrike ramblers are going to be good.Maybe you already have a Terratrike and you wish it had more cushion. Well, they make extra cushions for your trike. The Terratrike company makes cushions to add onto already owned trikes. You can get extra cushions that way. Maybe you have a type of Catrike that doesn’t have a lot of cushion like the 700 and the Expedition. You can add on something like this venti sit that will give you more cushion. Some people ask if they can get wrist rests. Most Catrikes already come with a wrist rest already built in. And with the Ice Trikes you can buy them as an add on to provide your wrists with extra cushion and support. I also recommend you get a head rest. When you are going up a hill, the head rest provides your neck with support and allows you to rest your head. When I’m riding, I don’t normally use the head rest. I only use it about 10-20% of the time. But when you need it, you need it, and it makes it more comfortable. Another way to make your trike more comfortable is, let’s say you have a bouncy ride, you can get wider tires. A lot of the trikes come with a 1.25 or 1.5 width tires. But you can increase to a 2.0 width on many trikes. It gives you a lower pressure tire, so maybe you aren’t going to race, but it’ll give you a suspension feel without the cost. So that’s a great way to make your trike smoother and cushier. Talking about suspension, on many trikes like the ICE Adventure, you can get rear suspension and full suspension. On the Catrike you can get full suspension. You can also upgrade your tires for a suspension feel. Or just go rear or full suspension on your trike and you’ll have a great and smooth ride going down the street. Anyways this is Laid-back Mickey, thanks for watching this video. I’ll see you in the next one.

  Video Transcript Laid Back Mickey here, and today we are going over the Sports Crafter roller trainer. For any reason that you don’t want to go out and ride, like maybe it is raining or snowing outside. Or maybe you just want to get a good 15-20 min ride in your house or your garage. All you would need to do is take the Sports Crafter roller trainer, lift up your rear wheel, put it under the wheel, and get on your trike and start pedaling. You can also shift still, so here I am changing it and now it’s getting easier. You have a couple different settings on that rear trainer where you can actually make it easier or harder by switching it around. The Sports Crafter roller trainer has a magnetic resistance to the rollers, so it will ramp up and make it harder. It is a great way to get a workout. Maybe you have appointments that morning, but you don’t want to miss your training. So, if you don’t want to get all set up for a long ride and you just want a quick little training, the roller trainers are great for that. Maybe you are doing rehab and you do not want to get far away from the house, the roller trainer is good for that as well. It’s just a great all around indoor workout. With your recumbent trike, you can work out indoors and then you can take off and work out outside. This is Laid back Mickey, thank you for watching this video. Remember, you can pick up the Sports Crafter roller trainer on our website LaidBackCycles.com. We ship nationwide so you can get one of these Sports Crafter roller trainers delivered to your front door! Laid Back Mickey out!

Why 3 Wheels on a Bike? The three-wheel bike was really a genius idea. Many people are unaware that the first trike operated very much like a recumbent trike today using gears and hand cranks. Invented in 1680, it wasn’t until over a century later that the version most of us are more familiar with was invented. The trike is mostly associated with small children, who whiz around without the worry of falling over. They were like the introduction to cycling, allowing kids to progress to training wheels on a bicycle and then finally make their way up to the two-wheeler. Unfortunately, this adds a certain stigma to three-wheel bicycles that make some adults feel a little embarrassed on a three-wheeler. The truth of the matter is, the recumbent trike offers stability, comfort and best of all, freedom. People of all ages and ability levels are discovering the adult three-wheeler as the perfect solution to get out, enjoy exercise and find a convenient mode of transportation. Here we explain why three wheels on a bike make sense. What is a Three Wheel Recumbent Bike? Recumbent trikes are 3-wheel bikes that lays low to the ground, with a seat that allows the rider to cycle in a laid-back position. The semi-reclined position, combined with the low to the ground design makes the three-wheeled trike more stable, while also helping support the spine. It takes pressure off the hands, arms, neck and shoulders as the rider doesn’t have to cling to the handlebars when riding. Comfortable Ride The recumbent bike is designed for comfort. They are low to the ground for stability, reducing tension and stress on your body. You’re riding in a lounging position, with the weight of your body evenly distributed. Unlike a traditional two-wheeler where your position adds tension to your shoulders, neck, hands and back, your reclined position takes the strain off your body. As a result, you can enjoy cycling as your body ages or you become prone to joint, back and chronic pain. Release Endorphins You can maintain a better state of mind when riding with confidence on a three-wheel trike. Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical produced by our bodies that interact with brain receptors to help reduce pain. The same chemicals also produce positive feelings, so as you ride you feel energized and euphoric. “If I don’t get to ride every couple of days, I’m sad. I need that endorphin fix,” says David Lawson, 63. He first tried a three-wheeled trike when his chiropractor said riding his bicycle to work everyday was hurting his back. The Trike of the 50-Plus Crowd According to leading trike sellers TerraTrike and Catrike, at least 75 percent of their customers are over 50. This is because people over 50 experience more conditions that can keep them from enjoying a more active lifestyle. The third wheel allows them to ride comfortably. “The reason why trikes are the fastest-growing segment of recumbents is ease of use,” says Jeff Yonker, marketing manager for TerraTrike. “Two-wheeled recumbents have a sharp learning curve for pedaling, balance, and starting and stopping.” Cardio Workout You enjoy the same benefits you would with a traditional upright bike because you are still using the same movement and activity to propel the trike forward. As a result, your heart is pumping, and you can improve your heart rate. Many riders who have loved bike riding throughout their lives can continue to enjoy cycling without the worry of neck and backaches, while still reaping the benefits of a solid cardio workout. Perfect Balance Older riders can ride their three-wheeled recumbent trike without worrying about balance. Stability and ease of the three wheels keep you more comfortable while exercising. Most people eventually face the hard reality that their bodies just can’t keep up with the demands of biking. However, the recumbent trike is the ideal solution offering the best of both worlds. You get out and about with friends to enjoy exercising, but with the added confidence and stability of the third wheel. Less Pressure on the Joints If you suffer from joint pain and issues such as knee osteoarthritis, cycling might seem like something you should avoid. However, low-intensity cycling is possible thanks to the third wheel. You enjoy mobility to continue to gain from the lotion of motion, decreasing chronic joint pain. The recumbent position also avoids the hand, wrist and shoulder pain associated with upright bike handlebars. You operate the brake from a reclined position, maintaining full control of the bike, reducing risks of toppling over, while also providing easier grip for arthritic hands. This is because pressure associated with traditional handlebars is evenly distributed across the palms, relieving strain. Hips can also be impacted by traditional cycling. The wide seat and laid-back position reduce strain and pressure on the legs and hips by providing even balance and stability. As a result, you can ride longer distances in comfort without the worry of muscle stress. Cycling with Disabilities Disabilities can also keep you from enjoying exercises such as cycling. For example, Parkinson’s Disease, a debilitating disease that impacts balance, makes riding a traditional upright bike difficult. According to Larry Smith, the discovery of the adult trike was a real life saver. Since purchasing his recumbent trike, he enjoys vigorous exercise allowing him to keep his Parkinson’s symptoms at bay.He used his trike to ride 65 miles to raise awareness for Parkinson’s. “When I’m riding, I don’t have Parkinson’s because the balance issue is gone. It’s just me and my muscles,” he says. Two Wheels Don’t Cut It When it comes right down to it, the three wheels on a bike are the perfect solution when two wheels just don’t cut it. All the reasons outlined above circle around similar issues -- a changing level of physical ability and balance. As you age, sitting upright or leaning forward for even short periods of time leads to stiffness and pain. Whether you suffer from health conditions, or just the aging process itself balance can become more difficult. Back and joint pain can keep you from leading an active life which in turn causes your body to become less mobile. It creates a vicious circle of pain, stiffness and immobility forcing you to live a stationary lifestyle. When biking or even walking becomes too troublesome, the three-wheel bike reduces pressure and allows you to enjoy a fun, safe activity that takes away the discomfort of a traditional upright bike. If a bad back is what stopped you riding, Laid Back Mickey wrote up what he tells those riders on the phone: what I tell people with bad backs who still want to ride.

Video Transcript Hi, this is James, Master Trike Technician at Laid Back Cycles. Today we are going to discuss the three best electric assist options at Laid Back Cycles. Let’s start with the E-Cat Villager. It has the Bosch Active Line Plus motor on top of it. This is a torque cadence-based system, very natural. This particular system over here is made by Bosch, which is one of the biggest companies in the world. That particular unit actually has some car components inside of it. That’s how big Bosch is, they know how to do things, and this is one of the most natural feeling systems as far as motor assist goes. It feels just like it does when you don’t have a motor, except the hills won’t kill you. Next, we have the ICE Adventure. This uses the Shimano EP8 system. The Shimano system and the Bosch system share very similar workings. Essentially how you pedal determines the output, which again is very natural feeling. Shimano has been around, and they are one of the biggest component manufacturers for bikes. They know how to do a motor system. The secondary thing about this system, because it is Shimano, it can be matched to an automatic or semi-automatic system on the ICE. This is a great system for people who aren’t that comfortable with shifting. They can literally just get on, set it, pedal, and go on certain select drive trains like the Enviolo or the Shimano internal gear. Last is the Terra Trike E.V.O. which is one of my favorites. This has the Bosch Performance Line motor, which has a little more torque than the Active Line which was on the E-Cat Villager. Other than that, it works about the same. It has an upgraded Kiosk display, so you get more data, and you can even hook it up to your cell phone. On top of the Catrike and the Terratrike, if you have one of these brands and you don’t have a motor on it, you can put the Active Line system on both the Terratrike and the Catrike. One nice thing about all these different motor systems over here is that they are very uncomplicated. There’s no fiddling around, it’s not like you’re turning on an airplane. Essentially you just pick what level you want to go, get in, and ride. The electronics, the brains of the systems, essentially do all that for you. Okay, so which of these motors is best for you? Well, I wouldn’t buy a trike specifically on what motor it has. At Laid Back Cycles, we want to give you the freedom to ride. You should get a trike that feels the best, fits the best for you, and then pick out which motor you should have. And these are your three best options for pedal assist motors at Laid Back Cycles. Both the Bosch Kiosk and the EP8 display will connect to your phone. In fact, we have a video on that one if you want to take a look at the inner workings of that hooked up to your phone. Now there are a few more things on these motors, so watch our next video and find out what they are.

Video Transcript Laid Back Mickey here! Today we are asking the question: Who are trikes for? People who want a comfortable way to ride. When I first looked at trikes, I was looking for something that was comfortable. I am an old bike rider and leaning over hurts my back and knees. I just wanted to find something that was comfortable. I wanted something I could just lay back on, pedal, exercise with, and ride for miles on without being in pain. People who are getting older. I started riding trikes when I was in my 40’s but it is also for people in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s who are looking for a comfortable way to ride. Maybe you haven’t ridden in years and you want to be able to ride again for the first time in decades. Anybody can get on a trike because they are super stable, safe, and visible on the road. It is a fun way to get out and get exercise. I notice a lot of older people come into our shop and say, “I haven’t ridden in years and I want to ride”. Or they say, “I have been riding my whole life, but my doctor said my balance isn’t great anymore and I need to get on a trike”. And so maybe that’s for you. People who need adaptive cycling solutions. Did you know that we do adaptive and we are a VA contractor? We work with Veterans that have disabilities. We also work with people that may not have full rotation in their knees and need an adaptor for that. We work with those who might have weakness in one hand so we have a brake that you can squeeze both levers with one hand. There are 100 different ways we can adapt a trike to fit you and to be comfortable for you. The next question we plan to answer is: Who are trikes not for? We know that trikes are not for everybody. We had someone come into our shop the other day and they had a little kid that couldn’t ride a regular bicycle. They wanted to have the kid ride in one of our trikes, but the trike didn’t quite fit the small child. We don’t really sell trikes that are like tricycles for children like we do for adults. Trikes are also not for somebody that loves riding a regular bicycle and is fit. If you are younger, don’t have balance issues, and are comfortable with the smaller seat and thinner wheels then maybe a trike isn’t for you. Maybe it is not the right time for you to get one.  But for those with balance issues, back issues, sore butt issues, or if you haven’t been on a bike in a long time, right now is a great time to get a trike. It’s a great time to get into triking, to get into cycling, to live a better life, and get the freedom to ride. So now that you know a recumbent trike is right for you, your next question is: How do I choose a recumbent trike with so many different options to choose from? Well check out the next video and you will learn all about it.  

Recumbent Trike Maintenance Riding a recumbent tricycle allows you to get outdoors, spend time with friends and enjoy all the health benefits you would when out cycling on a traditional two-wheeler. What many people love about their recumbent trikes is that they not only help us maintain our bodies but require little maintenance themselves. That said, the more often you enjoy time out on your trike, the more wear and tear there is on the parts.  As a result, we always figure it’s worthwhile for our customers to understand some recumbent trike maintenance basics so they are better prepared if something should happen when out and about. Here’s our recumbent trike maintenance overview to keep you and your trike in motion. Why is Trike Maintenance Important? Like any mechanism, your trike naturally begins to wear down over time. As mentioned, trikes are relatively low maintenance. However, the better care you take of your trike, the better it performs and the less likely it is you’ll be caught out on the trails in need of repairs.   Two Types of Maintenance When it comes to adult trike maintenance there are two types requiring attention: DIY: These are small things you can do on your own, preferably every time you go out on your trike. This includes things like checking your tires to make sure they are properly inflated, or that your chain is properly lubed. Shop: You should also bring your trike in for service to increase the longevity of your trike and ensure safety, functionality, and performance. If you notice your trike doesn’t feel right when out riding, you should bring it into your local shop before something serious happens. How Often Does a Trike Need Maintenance? We offer a free 90-day tune-up after you buy your trike to make sure your trike is in great shape after the initial break-in period. We then recommend ongoing maintenance every 6 to 12 months depending on how frequently you ride your trike. What Parts of the Trike Require Regular Maintenance? Trikes require the same type of maintenance as a two-wheeler bike. They have very similar components you can learn to care for yourself, or that you can take to a local bike maintenance shop like Laid Back Cycles. The main components requiring ongoing attention to optimize performance include: Tires Your tires take a lot of abuse when out on the road. This gets even worse on rougher, uneven terrain. Not only do tires wear down over time, but they also lose air pressure and can get knocked out of alignment. Tires, therefore, require the following maintenance: Check your tires regularly to ensure they remain at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Softer pressures are common for trikes designed for cruising, while higher pressure is recommended for high-performance rides where speed is important. If tire pressure drops quickly, it could be time to replace the inner tube due to a leak. Check your tires for signs of “balding” where the treads are completely gone or uneven. Check the wheel rims to make sure the tires are balanced and look uniform as you spin the wheels. If you see the wheels are wobbling, you should bring your trike in for service as it could be there is a broken or loose spoke, or the wheel bolts are loose. Strange noises or a rough feeling when you spin the pedals could mean you have to replace or repair the bearings. Chain Your chain needs regular lubrication and cleaning. How often you do this varies based on the type of environment you tend to ride. On average, your chain should be lubricated every 200 miles. All you have to do is turn your pedals and apply the lubricant for one complete rotation. To avoid drips and wasted lubricant choose a lubricant that comes with an applicator for a more even, less messy application. Brakes Brakes can loosen up over time, especially if you have a locking mechanism. Brakes are best left to the pros because faulty brakes can lead to serious accidents. However, you can check your cable housing before heading out for a ride to see if they are loose. Some common brake issues include worn brake pads or worn housing or cables.  Cables will slowly stretch which can cause inaccuracy in the brakes and shifters. Signs your shifters are falling out of alignment include a clicking and grinding noise when you try to shift gears or when riding. In a pinch, if you feel the shifters are not working properly, you can do a quick home adjustment. You have to raise the back wheel and then bring the barrel down all the way. Then turn the barrel until that clicking noise stops. Be sure to arrange to have it repaired by a pro shop as soon as possible.   Bolts A loose bolt can be tightened at home as a temporary fix. However, bolts on your trike are “torqued” when built and must be torqued correctly for safety and functionality. Trouble Shooting Maintenance Tips The most common issue you are likely to run into is a flat tire. The front and back tire require different steps: Front Flat Tire Traveling with an emergency repair kit makes dealing with a flat tire easier. You need to remove the tire using a tire lever that separates the tire from the rim. This allows you to remove the inner tubing. Use a mini pump to fill the tube with air so you can locate the leak. Once you know where the leak is, let the air out and then prep the tube by roughing it up with the tool in your kit. Apply the vulcanizing agent and let it dry completely before applying the patch. Add a bit of air into the tube and place it back in the rim. Then carefully put the tire back into place and finish pumping up the tire. Back Flat Tire The entire back tire must be removed in order to patch the leak. Undo the quick release and gently take the wheel off the trike and follow the same steps above. To put the tire back on, shift the bike to its lowest gear, place the gear cluster in the middle of the chain, and then flip the derailer back in place. Tighten the quick release. These recumbent trike maintenance tips will keep your trike ready for the road. To make sure your trike is safe and ready to ride, set up an appointment for service with the Laid Back Cycles team.   Watch this trike maintenance video by Master Tech James:  

Video Transcript Laid-Back Mickey here and today we are going to go over the different types of trikes out there. There are three main types and one of those is for you, so stay tuned until the end because you will want to find out which one is the right one for you.Let’s start with leisure. So, leisure trikes are a great way for the everyday rider to get out and ride in comfort. They are easy to get in and out of because they are usually a little higher trike. It’s something that anybody could use. A lot of people want something that you could just step into and most trikes are usually the height of a dining room chair. They are easy to get in and out of and also you want it to be easy to shift. They also have leisure trikes where you can do auto shifting or only have a limited number of gears. You could also get leisure trikes nowadays with motors that make the ride even more leisurely. But believe it or not, motors actually help you get better exercise because you can go farther at a faster pace. Most people want to use it on the bike trail or just cruising around their neighborhood to get some exercise and have some fun.So, after leisure the next type of trike is touring. What is a touring trike? They are great for when you want to take a little longer tour or take a longer ride. When you take a longer ride you are going to want some more gears. You will want the gears for the hills, the flats, to go faster, and maybe if you want a longer ride to stretch out the trike and make it a better fit. Maybe you want suspension like this Dumont trike which has full suspension. What it does is it takes those road vibrations, and it gets rid of them for the most part and it makes your ride super comfortable. So, a touring trike is generally going to have more gears and is going to be lower to the ground. It is lower to the ground, so the wind blows over it nicely. People ask, “If it is low to the ground will people be able to see me?” And that is why in the trike world we use bright flags and rear blinker lights. Also, because trikes are wider than most bikes it gives them a more visible effect when cars come behind you. Make sure to use those safety features. With a touring trike you could go 10, to 20, to 100 miles and still be comfortable. Touring trikes are a great way to go and it is what most people end up with because they want a versatile trike. If touring is what most people go with and leisure is something that anyone can start with then what is the next one? The next one is a performance trike. If you want a great way to go fast and furious then you will want to get a performance trike. The difference between a leisure trike, a touring trike, and now a performance trike is that the performance trike is going to be lower to the ground so that the air flows over it easier. This will make the trike faster and it will have other high-end components. You are going to find higher-end components like carbon fiber, cranks, and other things that are of high quality and performance on a performance trike. With this type of trike, you are going to want to go faster and you will want something lighter that you are not dragging up a hill, but instead you are flying up the hill. Performance trikes are not for everybody, but hey, maybe you are a rode rider right now and you are asking, “Are trikes going to be cool enough for me” or “Are they going to be fast enough for me” and “Are they going to be light enough for me?” If you are asking these questions, then the performance trikes will probably be perfect for you. Now that you have learned about the three different types of trikes, you may want to know which brand is right for me? Or how do I go about choosing the right trike and the right brand? Watch these videos to learn more.

If you’ve experienced the joy of riding a recumbent trike, you know the seated-back position makes it easier to cycle further comfortably. You also enjoy stability due to the three-wheel design, reducing the risk for falls and serious injuries because the trike is lower to the ground than an upright bicycle.  However, if you’re looking for the ultimate recumbent trike experience, it might be time to invest in an electric-assist recumbent trike. You enjoy all the benefits of your recumbent trike, but with the boost of an electric motor when you need it. Here we explain why you should get an electric-assist recumbent trike to improve your cycling experience. You’ll Still Benefit From Exercise Some people are hesitant to invest in electric trikes with the worry they’ll miss out on all that exercise. However, Brigham Young University published research findings that showed electric bikes offer almost the same level of exercise as those riding mountain bikes. The bonus is that despite getting exercise, people find they feel better than they would following a workout.  Riders’ hearts work at over 90% of the rate of traditional bikes without feeling like they’ve worked as hard. According to a study by BikeRadar, champ Tom Bell hit close to his maximum heart rate when riding his favorite off-road test loop on an electric bike. If you use your recumbent trike to get to work, studies show an electric hybrid bike averaged 89% of the mean beats per minute compared to riding on a traditional bike.  Electric recumbent trikes still require pedaling so you still get the benefits of a cardiovascular workout, while also helping to build muscles and endurance. As with any bike, you strengthen muscles and improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, keeping you fit to enjoy other types of physical activity. Higher Speed, Less Effort Electric bikes allow you to push as hard as you like, reach higher speeds and climb higher faster all with less effort. So, if you love a challenging trail, the electric recumbent trike makes it easier to travel the routes choosing when you wish to use electric-assist or back off. This allows you to ride at your own pace and your own level of effort. In fact, you can take your average speed of 10 to 12mph, up to 20mph with your electric trike. If you love hills but hate how they slow you down, you can avoid drops in speed with an electric trike. The motor kicks in to help you keep up your momentum even on the most challenging hills. Less Stress on Your Body Because the pedal-assist electric feature helps with the strain and effort required, you also will manage hills, inclines, and rough terrain more easily. As a result, you put less stress on your body, particularly the joints and heart. So, while you enjoy the benefits of muscle strength and a good cardio workout, you do so without the strain that can lead to injury and stress experienced on a regular bike. You need less recovery time, which makes it ideal if you’re just getting started on exercising more often. Good for Everyone Cycling is fun, making it appealing to people of all ages looking to lead more active lifestyles. However, despite the saying, it’s just like riding a bike, you might be surprised how difficult it can be to get into the swing of cycling. If you aren’t used to physical activity, you are likely to experience aches and pains even after cycling just a short distance.  This can put you off physical activity, so your bike ends up collecting dust. However, an electric-assist recumbent trike makes it easier for people of all activity levels to ease into cycling without feeling overly exhausted and achy. The electric-assist allows you to ease into cycling, while the recumbent positioning puts less strain on your body. You can get used to using the muscles required to ride a bike. In fact, e-bikes are an excellent choice for those with mobility issues or mild disabilities. Improve Your State of Mind An electric 3-wheel bike provides an easy way to get outdoors and avoid living a sedentary life. Enjoying nature, even if it is just at your local park, helps reduce stress levels and improve mood. Fresh air and reduced stress also help you enjoy healthier sleep. For those who might feel left out when friends and family are out and about, you can become more social and join in the fun with an electric adult tricycle. You can ride with groups of younger, fitter people without getting left behind with your electric assist for a more social form of exercise that makes you feel part of the community. Faster and Further Not to dwell too much on speed and distance, but if these things are considerations to your cycling habits, data from European cities showed e-bike riders took longer trips. So again, you balance out any slight losses in physical gains by traveling farther. You can also go further in less time because you have that added speed from your motor. Imagine being able to reach those trails further from home whether you’re looking for a flat, smooth ride, or more challenging climbs in the hills out yonder. Suddenly new opportunities open up offering more options for your cycling outings. Instead of having to load your trike into the car, if you can even manage that, you can ride all the way there and back. Safer for City Cycling If you do all your cycling in the city, the electric assist motor is the urbanite’s best friend. You will find it’s easier to speed up from a standstill, so you can keep up with traffic when starting up after stops at lights, junctions and stop signs. This reduces stress while also keeping you safer when cycling on busy city streets. As a bonus, you also find parking a lot easier than traveling by car in the city. With rising gas prices, it’s also cheaper than a car.   Electric recumbent trikes allow you to enjoy longer rides and extend your workout time. It takes less effort than riding a normal bike so you can go further faster and can conquer rough terrain, hills and distances for the ultimate recumbent trike experience.

Recumbent tricycles are 3-wheel bikes designed so the rider sits in a laid-back position. The reclined position is not only very comfortable but also reduces strain on your joints and back. As well, the three wheels add stability to reduce the risk of accidents or severe injuries from tip-overs. The wide seat is more ergonomically correct, so you have improved back and shoulder support. Instead of sitting upright, or stooping over the handlebars, you are comfortably reclined, allowing you to ride for hours without the discomforts of the common saddle-style seats on traditional two-wheeled, upright bikes.  All in all, you experience comfort in your entire body, from your hands, wrists and shoulders no longer clutching traditional handlebars, to your back and joints supported thanks to the reclined position. When you hear all the benefits of a recumbent trike it becomes easier to understand why these adult tricycles come with a higher price tag. Here we dive deeper into the benefits of a recumbent trike and why they are more expensive than traditional two-wheelers. How Much Do Recumbent Trikes Actually Cost? Recumbent tricycles range in price from $1500 to as much as $12 to $13K. There are several brands available offering different features including Catrike, ICE, TerraTrike, and Greenspeed. This provides options to suit most budgets. Considering it is an investment you will enjoy for years to come, you can see an excellent ROI on your trike. When looking at the average costs for a bike, you are looking at $350 to $700 for a road bike, about $400 for a single-speed bike and upwards of $1000 for a mountain bike. A More Complex Design The more complex the design of any product we buy, the more it costs to produce. A recumbent adult trike offers a state-of-the-art design that checks all the boxes for an enjoyable ride. The extra design features cost more to create and in turn more to manufacture. The experience for the end-user through the complex and ergonomic design improves comfort, safety, speed, duration of the ride, and overall enjoyment. As the saying goes you get what you pay for. Manufacturing Process In the case of the recumbent tricycle, you just can’t compare the two-wheeled bike with the three-wheeled recumbent trike manufacturing process. For example, trikes require special machinery to bend the broad tubing, adding to production costs. There are also more materials required to produce the wider, more comfortable seat. Materials and equipment add up. Customized Parts Adult trikes have customized parts that are far more costly than average, assembly-line upright two-wheeled bike parts. For example, the saddle seat costs an average of $5, compared to $200 for the custom seat of the adult trike. That’s a huge difference. The amount of chain required for a recumbent bike is two to three lengths more than a bike.  The chain has to reach the distance between the extended front wheels and back to propel the tires in their stretched-out position. Then there are the wheels themselves, with an additional wheel logically costing more than two. Custom steering is also required which costs more than the steering components of even higher-end bikes. Additional cable housing and tandem lengths are also used when manufacturing recumbent bikes. Ergonomics and Balance Although the style and added support speak to the unique design of the recumbent three-wheeler, the science behind the ergonomics also adds to the price. You just won’t find the comfort and support of the recumbent trike in any other kind of bike. If you suffer from back issues, it can keep you from staying active. The ergonomic design and added supports protect your back as well as your joints while you are out riding. These additional supports and design considerations come with a higher price tag because they require more thought, and more complex production costs as mentioned above. Supply and Demand It also boils down to good old-fashioned economics. Whenever supply is lower and demand is high, prices rise. Adult tricycles are still a niche market which means supply is lower. Along with the contributing factors adding to the costs of production, the prices remain high. However, as the population ages, and people seek healthier lifestyles demand is likely to grow. This means some manufacturers will find it viable to reduce costs as they buy materials in bulk to meet demand. Safety You can’t put a price tag on safety. The added balance alone is worth the investment for safer rides thanks to the two back wheels. The design of the trike creates a lower center of gravity than a bike, enhancing stability for improved confidence on the road or trail. You are also lower to the ground so even if you somehow manage to fall off the trike, or overturn it, you are less likely to suffer as serious an injury compared to an upright bike. Improved maneuverability also reduces the risk of accidents. The recumbent bike makes it easier to manage in higher traffic areas or even veer safely if something runs out in your path like a random squirrel. Shipping Costs The size of the recumbent adult trike is much larger than your average upright bike. As a result, it takes more packaging to ship the trike. Add to this the added weight of the trike and shipping costs begin to rise. Whether you’re ordering the bike online, or are purchasing it from a retailer, the prices reflect the markup to cover the additional shipping costs of the larger trike.   When you balance the benefits of a recumbent trike with the price, you’ll find it is worth the investment. For example, if you purchased an adult trike on the lower end, you could have it almost paid off in less than a year with payments of $100 a month. As with any purchase, you can invest in the trike that suits your budget and lifestyle, so you don’t break the bank.