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Catrike in 2021 is still producing the high-quality, American-made trikes you love but with a highly anticipated addition – The Bosch Active Line Plus electric-assist motor. If you haven’t had the chance to ride a Catrike eCat, now is the time!  Here’s a brief overview of each trike in the lineup including information on the eCat and Catrike standard features at the end: Pocket The pocket sounds like it is – it fits in your pocket! Well not really, but it certainly is smaller than the average trike. The reason being:  it’s made for a smaller, more compact frame/body/person. It’s for riders that are below 5’4” and fits riders anywhere from about 4’9” to about 5’4”. Someone in that range would fit great on this trike. The pocket is going to be great for the person that is shorter but wants the great ride of a Catrike. It has the same components as the rest of the Catrike’s – running a triple on the front as well as running 10 speed on the back. The cool thing is, on all the cat trikes including the Pocket, you can get the new Bosch eCat motor system on it to make riding easier. So if you’re wanting a more compact trike the Pocket is the trike for you. Villager The Catrike Villager is an amazing trike for the everyday rider. The nice thing about the Villager is that it’s easy to get in and out of because of the height. The seat height is a little higher than most of the other trikes. Although it’s not a folding track like the Trail, 5.5.9, or Dumont, it is small, compact, and can fit in most cars with a hatchback or an SUV very easily. The Villager comes with the classic drivetrain as well as the eCat version. If you’re looking for an easy trike to get in and out of, you might be looking for the Villager. Expedition The awesome thing about the Catrike Expedition is that the trike is made for going fast, touring, and just enjoying the ride.If you want the air to flow over you but be in a comfortable position, the Expedition is probably the one for you. It can go fast, it’s comfortable, and it handles extremely well. The Expedition comes in two versions: the regular drivetrain version with the 30 speed and also the eCat version with the Bosch powered motor on the front. It makes it a smooth ride, it helps you go further, faster, and climb more hills if you need to. The bosch option is a great option, so check it out. Trail One of our hottest selling trikes this year is the Catrike Trail. Just like the others, it comes with an eCat option. The reason why to go with the trail is because it is low to the ground which gives you nice handling and it’s short wheelbase makes it easy to transport in your car. It’s also a folding trike so it can fold up – the rear wheel over on top of the front wheels – and roll away back into your vehicle or just roll it into your garage. The Catrike Trail is a great trike for somebody on the go. 5.5.9 The 5.5.9 is fast AND it’s a little higher to the ground AND it’s adjustable on the seat AND it’s foldable – what more do you want? It’s an amazing trike. If you want something that’s easy to take, a little higher to get in and out of, and you want the adjustability of the seat, the Catrike 5.5.9 is a great choice. It’s comfortable, it’s laid back,  you gotta check it out and ride one. It comes in both the standard and eCat configurations so if you want to go a little further, faster, and go up the hills easier, check out the eCat. Otherwise, the 30 speed works great. 700 Do you have a need for speed? Then you’re looking for the Catrike 700. It is their speed machine, their fast trike – the trike that if you like your hair getting blown back, then you want the 700. The 700 is the only Catrike in the lineup that doesn’t have an eCat option but with your legs and the low aerodynamics of the trike, you will be going at a high speed. Dumont The Catrike Dumont is a full suspension, folding trike which is easy to transport and super comfortable on the road. You can get a Dumont in the eCat series which makes riding such a pleasure. You could also get this trike in the standard version with the triple and the 10 on the back – which makes it a 30 speed. The Dumont is super comfortable and easy to ride. eCat So this year, 2021, the big topic that everybody’s talking about is the Bosch eCat motor kit on Catrike. It is amazing! It makes you go faster, further, climb more hills – it really increases your workout. A lot of people go “well if I get a motor, is that going to be like cheating?” No! It actually helps you to ride further because it’s there to help you. It’s a true power assist motor and it helps you go up more hills, it’s going to help you go on different terrains. Maybe you would say “I’m not going to take that hill” but the Bosch motor is going to help you enjoy climbing those steeper hills. They have four main modes: ECO – which is a little bit of power, TOUR for cruising, SPORT if you want to keep up with a friend that’s going faster, and TURBO for those steeper hills. The eCat is going to help you to get better exercise, to get healthier, and to be more fit. It’s counterintuitive – Motor? Fit? What? Yes! That’s what the Bosch motor does and it’s really simple to add on to either your current Catrike or it comes with any of the Catrike eCats. The eCat has a single chainring up front and an 11 speed in the back so you only have one shifter that you have to work with. It’s super simple to shift – you don’t have to worry about it. The display is the Purion display. It’s a big display with big numbers and it’s easy to read. It’s simple, it tells you exactly what you want – how far you’re going, how fast you’re going, what mode you’re in, and how much battery strength you have. The battery with ECO mode can get you up to 60 miles in distance. Standard Features The standard features on pretty much all Catrike’s, unless they’re an eCat, are a 30-speed drivetrain. What that means is on the front you got low, medium, and high. Low is going to help you get up the hills, medium is what you ride in most of the time, and then the high gear or the high-speed gear is going to help you go faster, keep up with those road warriors on their road bikes. You have pretty much all the gearing you need. In the back, you’re running an 11-36 and what that means is it has a gear for fast, medium, and for climbing those steep hills. The drivetrain is awesome! We’re running FSA for your crankset, Sram for the rest of your drivetrain – shifters, and derailleurs. Catrike uses very high-quality components. The brakes are all locking brake mechanisms so you can lock them so when you get in and out of the trike so that it won’t move around. The handlebars are adjustable as well. You can adjust them further forward, back, or side to side so they’re very adjustable trikes. The trike handles great because they have Ackermann steering – which means that it doesn’t skid on the turns because it cuts tighter on one side versus the other side. For comfort, they’re going to have some sort of padding. The Pocket, 700, and Expedition, have padding on the sides and top but the Villager, 5.5.9, Trail, and Dumont have even thicker padding for even more comfort. Some of the padding is made for speed and precision to give that power transfer and some are just made for pure comfort. You get a headrest on all of the Catrike’s but the faster trikes like the Expedition and 700 come standard with a headrest. All the trikes except for the 700 have rear fenders and you can get front fenders if you want – that’s an option on all of them. Each Catrike comes with a left side mirror so you can see who’s coming behind you. Most people will add the right side mirror as well so that you can look like you do in a car to see who’s coming up on you. Flag mounts are standard – everybody should have a flag when you’re riding around on your trike – it makes you more visible. I would recommend getting at least a rear light too but they do come standard with reflectors. They come with clipless pedals which is great because we always recommend some type of way to secure your feet to the pedals.

Check out the custom Terratrike Maverick 3VO electric assist recumbent trike by Laid Back Cycles. We offer custom electric power assist motor kits for all our current trike models. Want to go further and improve your cardio? This is a great solution for anyone looking for mobility, safety, and stability. It features both Pedal Assistance and a Throttle, so you can pedal as much as you want, get up to 5 levels of assist, or press the thumb throttle to give extra power when needed or hold it to get back home if needed. More Range, More Fun Go the extra mile with LBC’s top-tier Li-ion cell technology. Our large semi-integrated frame battery offers extended range, and is easily removed for charging on or off your trike. With short charge times and up to 40 miles of range for your average rider, you can ride and explore more, and spend less time worrying about when to head back home. It’s one of the best electric adult trikes for the price we have tested to date. There’s a level of quality that is apparent in the frame design, choice of drive systems, and accessories that set it apart. Want Help Choosing The Right Trike? Our team of friendly trike experts are available 5 days a week. We will help you pick the perfect trike that’s comfortable and easy to ride. If you have any questions about regular or electric trikes we are here for you.

Electric Trikes Vs. Regular Trikes: What’s The Real Difference Everyone’s Talking About You’ve heard of electric trikes but do you know what the real difference between electric trikes and non-electric trikes is?  Electric trikes have been growing in popularity in the US for a number of years and they’re certainly here to stay. You’ll still have to pedal with an electric trike just like any other trike, the only difference is that the motor will add a bit of extra power to your natural riding power making things seem a little easier when you need it most.  But ultimately, electric tricycles are very similar to traditional trikes with the only real difference being the added electrical components.  There are five key additional elements that differentiate an electric trike from a regular non-electric trike; these are the Electric Power Assist Motor, Sensor, Battery, Controls and Display. E-trikes are certainly great for convenience and fun, but how good are they for your fitness? A lot of people like biking precisely because of the exercise and don’t want to feel like they are ‘cheating’ with an electric trike. The good news is that e-trikes promote exercise just as much as regular trikes, and even more in some cases. Studies Show E-Triking Is Good Exercise One study published in the journal Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives analyzed physical activity related to various transportation modalities such as walking, cycling, walking, running, etc. across the country. The study found that people who use electric cycles actually got more exercise on average than traditional pedal bikes. The authors suggest that the results are due to the fact that e-bikers spend more time cycling in general than traditional bikers and also travel longer distances on average. The same study also found that the average age of e-bikers was older than traditional bikers. Why People Choose To Get An Electric Trike Once people find out about electric trikes, many wonder why someone would buy one instead of a regular trike. These doubts revolve around: what’s the technical difference between the two? what are the advantages of an electric trike? isn’t the point of riding a trike to get exercise? why are they much more expensive than regular trikes? These are all compelling and valid questions that we often find ourselves answering to customers. After all, there is a lot of misunderstanding around them. As they are a whole new type of transportation, people aren’t that familiar with them yet. But don’t worry. By the end of this post, you’ll know the difference between an electric trike and a regular trike. And what is more important, you’ll know if an electric trike is for you. What’s The Riding Experience Difference? If you’re wondering what it’s like to ride an electric trike and whether electric trikes are any good compared to traditional trikes then it might be worthwhile booking yourself a test ride at your one of our Laid Back Cycles stores near you.  But in short, riding an electric trike feels very similar to riding a non-electric trike.  You’ll still have to pedal just the same as a regular trike and change gears, the only difference is that things will feel a little easier than usual.  You’ll find hills a breeze, travel longer distances before feeling fatigued, conquer stronger headwinds and move off from a standing start with ease. Plus, the power delivery from the motor is extremely smooth with the top quality motors. You’ll barely notice the difference from riding a traditional trike.  The riding experience of electric trikes is one of their main benefits as they act to smooth out the less pleasant elements of riding a traditional bike. No matter which eTrike you choose, keep in mind that not all motors are the same. Electric motor manufacturers will agree that different motors are suitable for different styles of riding. Through our extensive research and testing, we have chosen what we feel, as well as feedback from thousands of customers, are the best motor systems for the recumbent trike world. Which Electric Trikes Are Most Popular Over the past few years, we’ve tried almost every kind of etrike there is, from inexpensive to high-end. Whether you’re tooling around your neighborhood, going to your local supermarket or trying to trim a few miles off the ride for a socially distanced visit, we have the best etrike for you. Many trike manufacturers have had supply issues this year, so stock may fluctuate. Be sure to check with one of our stores for supply and get your order in early in the season. As supply changes and technology improves, we continue to test and ride etrikes to make sure we have the best options for your riding needs. So if you don’t see one you like now, check back later. Once you get one, check out our favorite triking accessories, bike locks, and gear for a trike packing adventure. Here’s our Top 3 etrikes for 2021 starting from lowest priced and up; Terratrike Rambler EVO Catrike 559 eCat ICE Adventure HD 26 Steps 6100 Fast Track The Terratrike Rambler EVO has been the fastest selling etrikes of all time. Starting at $4499, TerraTrike’s latest Electric Vehicle Option, the E.V.O., is powered by the award winning Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor and the PowerPack 400Wh battery. With a whisper quiet motor and a deceptive amount of power on tap, this system is wickedly fun. Go from the “all-day ride” Eco mode to an exhilarating Turbo mode with a few clicks of a button. Having this control and all of your ride information at your fingertips with an included console creates an experience without limitations. Add in how lightweight the Bosch mid-drive unit is and the strategically placed frame mounted battery, and you’ll find the trike is so well balanced you’ll forget it’s even there. The E.V.O. was designed with premium features packed into a tried-and-true platform so it can drift into the background and you can simply enjoy the ride. Go farther, faster and with greater ease aboard an Catrike 559 eCAT, starting at $5750. At the heart of the eCAT line is the latest in electric assist systems from industry leaders Bosch. The result is a Catrike with the perfect combination of maximum efficiency, comfort and riding enjoyment. The efficient and versatile Active Line Plus electric-assist drive mated to a 1 x 11 drivetrain (11 – 42 cassette / 44 tooth chainring) provides dynamic performance – guaranteeing an authentic riding sensation with minimal pedaling resistance. It delivers active and sporty acceleration even at low cadences, offering powerful assistance as soon as you step on the pedals. In addition, the system’s multi-sensor technology and fast information processing ensure optimum interaction between you and your eCAT. The ICE Adventure HD 26 Steps 6100 Fast Track is for those who appreciates luxury and doesn’t mind paying a bit more to get all the features that make riding super comfortable and easy.  This ICE includes: ICE Ergo-Luxe Seats as standard, Rear or Full Suspension, Neck Rest and Wrist Rests as Standard. Compact flat twist frame, Shimano STEPs E6100 e-assist motor and Shimano Alfine Di2, 504wh Shimano battery, Electronic Shift or Auto Function, powerful Sturmey Archer 90mm drum brakes, Shimano V-brake parking brake, Schwalbe Big Apple tyres, on the road pack including Rear mudguard, Shimano XT SPD touring pedals, Mirror and ICE flag. Our Methodology To Select And Rank The Best Electric Trikes Of 2021 Although the best electric trike is the one that suits you and your lifestyle, there are a few different factors to take into consideration when choosing a list of strong contenders. We looked at the offerings of some of the most popular recumbent trike cycling companies in the world. Then, we looked at availability for 2021 and took into account the reliability and ease of use of the system. We also looked at the range and charging time of each e-trike, the quality and positioning of its motor, the available electric models and also the price of each trike.

Paul Pritchard is not your average guy. An avid climber, Paul’s life changed after a freak climbing accident, leaving him a hemiplegic. Paul and his partner rode their Greenspeed trikes 1000 km over the world’s harshest terrain, the Himalaya. To boldly go where no man has gone before… Pauls story reminds me of how we all have an adventurer inside of us. Maybe we aren’t climbing cliffs or traveling to exotic places, but we have a zest for life. Whether you are young or older, we all want to feel the blood pumping through our veins and the wind through our hair, if you still have hair. Adventure is a big part of life. In these times it is even more important to not let the stresses, aches and pains from limiting us and creating new experiences. Check out the video on how Paul used his Greenspeed trike to conquer a new adventure. “This journey was probably the most severe test run any trike could endure, and the Magnum stood up admirably.” A born explorer, Paul was one of the best rock climbers in Europe until 1998 when a climbing accident almost killed him. From the ABC Story— Paul Pritchard, Adventurer / Tasmania (Video by Griffon Media, Paul Pritchard. Source: Greenspeed-trikes.com) Greenspeed Trikes

Now available for 2021, the Greenspeed Magnum which is a strong lightweight recumbent trike. It comes in a classic 20″ rear wheel or the BW Big Wheel 26″ rear wheel for more ground clearance. The front wheels pop-off quickly to make it the smallest folding trike on the market. The cambered wheels gives it performance and allows it to easily fit through smaller gateways. This trike will fit riders up to 350 lbs, but is a good fit for most any rider. Retailing at $3,490, the new Magnum trike builds on our very successful Magnum which was launched in 2012, and has been our best seller since then. The 2021 Magnum comes in two sizes, the SD which is the same size as the original Magnum, and the XL, which is the largest production trike in the world, built to accommodate riders up to 7 foot in height and weighing up to 450 lbs. It retains the unique features of the earlier Magnum which made it so popular, the seat height and angle adjustment, plus the press-button quick release on the front wheels, plus the on road and off road capabilities. However, to strengthen the frame over the earlier Magnum, we are using a rectangular section main tube, 1st used on the Anura introduced in 2006, and recently on the GT20, introduced in 2016. Comfort & Lumbar Support One of the secrets of the Magnum’s superior ride is the seat. While it may not look fancy, one ride is all you need to experience GreenSpeed comfort. Firstly, the seat was designed by a chiropractor, so that it has both proper lumbar and shoulder support. Then the seat mesh is laced to the frame by shock cord, so not only does the seat conform to your back, it also provides “virtual suspension” to insulate you from road shock. GS Crossover Steering Many recumbent trikes have “direct” (tiller type) steering, where for cheapness, the handle bars are clamped directly onto the kingpins, without any intermediate linkage, and bars have to be moved in the opposite direction to which you are going, with the weaker muscles of your arms. Whereas the GreenSpeed “Crossover” steering was invented by GreenSpeed to provide control with your bicep muscles, thus the steering is much easier and more intuitive to use. Strong Folding Frames Like the previous Magnums, the XL and SD have seat adjustable for both height and recline with quick release levers, which also allow the seat to be quickly and easily removed so that the frame can be folded for storage or transport. GreenSpeed Gearing The Magnum comes as standard with a nine speed 11/34 cassette and a 52/42/30 crankset, giving a combination of 27 speeds and gear range from 18 to 95 inches. This will be adequate for most uses. Drum Brakes & Strong Wheels The 90 mm drum brakes used on the Magnum are more powerful than some disc brakes, especially after they are broken-in, has one easy cable adjustment, has shoes which are practically everlasting, are quiet, and enable push button quick release of the wheels! Shop Now

New for 2021, TerraTrike’s Rogue creates a whole new level of comfort and ease in cycling, a complete departure from the world of finicky, clunky shifting. The Rogue’s internally geared Enviolo hub offers an infinite range of seamless shifting – from a standstill or under load – without the noise of idler pulleys or the constant tuning of derailleurs. Retailing at $1,599, the all-new TerraTrike Rogue comes equipped with powerful disc brakes, fast-rolling tires and a supple steel frame paired with a wide fixed seat for a comfortable but connected ride feel. “Just the quiet, smooth, easy shifting experience of this new Rogue alone would have made it a home run,” said TerraTrike Sales and Marketing Director Marshall Randall. “But the value at this price point is what really puts it over the top. Being the largest recumbent trike brand in the business allowed us to bring some economies of scale to the design table here, and the result is something really special.” The Rogue’s continuously variable planetary transmission, powered by Enviolo’s NuVinci-style City hub, offers an infinitely adjustable shifting experience that means no more “steps” between gears and no more limitations on when or how to shift – just seamless transition to any ratio within the trike’s gearing range, accessed through an intuitive bar-mounted controller. Adjustable mesh tension straps and seat struts in the Rogue’s seat allow for a customizable ride, while adjustable handlebars offer plenty of real estate for accessories, like navigation aids, phone mounts and snack bags. The Rogue’s seat mesh also incorporates an integrated tool pocket and integrated flag holder for increased safety and visibility. Shop Now

Reprinted from California Bike Coalition This guide is meant to answer your questions about bicycling safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update it as we learn more. However, the situation may change rapidly. Please follow the advice and orders of your local authorities, no matter what this document might say. How safe it is to ride outside?Bicycling is one of the safest ways to get where you need to go and to get exercise right now. Exercise is important for physical, mental, and emotional health. Movement supports your immune system, and is a great antidote for the anxiety and depression that can come from isolation. And biking is a safe, socially distanced way of getting around. Do I need to wear a mask when I’m on my bike?Yes. Your county’s health department may have additional guidance, but the statewide order as of mid-June says that masks must be worn: “While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.” Because it’s hard to know when you won’t be able to avoid getting within 6 feet of someone on a road or path, it’s a good idea to stay masked while riding. This can be hard, especially in hot weather. Here are some tips to make it easier: Wear a face mask designed for athletic use. A mask made from fabric that wicks moisture might help you bike more comfortably. Here’s a recent list of recommended masks for athletic use. If masks don’t work for you when you’re riding, experiment with other types of face coverings. A bandana or scarf that covers your nose and mouth could allow you more flexibility to create a breathable covering for your nose and mouth. Try a neck gaiter. It’s easier to pull a gaiter up or down as needed and one made from a lightweight fabric may be more breathable. Experiment with different types of face coverings and find what works for you. Remember that something is better than nothing when it comes to face coverings to fight coronavirus. Your mask won’t do much to protect you, but it will protect those around you – researchers have discovered that asymptomatic spread is common. Wearing a mask is a way of showing your care and respect for your community. Where can I get my bike fixed?At your bike shop (probably). Thanks to CalBike and other organizations, bicycle repair services are designated as essential businesses, and may therefore stay open in California, unless a local order expressly prohibits it. While some shops are closed, many shops are open for reduced service with reduced hours, or for appointment-only services. Be sure to call ahead. As a service, some advocates are listing open shops. We have not checked these for accuracy, but you may find useful these listings in Marin County and San Diego County, as well as this (incomplete) crowdsourced national map of bike shops. You can also get help to fix your bike at a community bike shop. Many of these DIY organizations have begun to reopen their doors to the public. Check to make sure your local shop is open and find out what services are available. Where can I get a used bike for cheap or free?Great question, with a wonderful answer! The sudden surge in demand for bikes for essential travel has sparked Caifornians into action. New platforms are springing up to connect people with extra bikes with those who need them. Many bicycles are being offered for free.Learn more about Bike Match. Where can I get a new bike?You can buy a bike from an online retailer and have it delivered, but we recommend test riding a bike before committing to it, and developing a relationship with your local bike shop in the process. Many local bike shops have figured out how to offer test rides safely. How do I bike responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic?While many cities and counties have relaxed rules about staying at home, physical distancing is still important to slow the spread of COVID-19. Try to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others you pass on the road. Wear a mask while riding as much as possible. Since it’s much harder to spread the virus outside, a leisurely group bike ride could be a pleasant and safe way to get together with a small group of friends. It’s still not a good idea to go on athletic group rides with people who aren’t in your bubble. Because it’s harder to wear a mask on an athletic ride and because riders draft behind each other, the risks still seem too high. Is it safe to use bike share or shared scooters during the coronavirus outbreak?Yes, as long as you apply the same careful attention to hygiene that you would with a shopping cart handle. If you can, sanitize the handlebars before you go and when you’re finished. If you can’t, wear full-fingered gloves or just be careful what you touch before washing your hands. Don’t touch your face until you thoroughly wash your hands, and sanitize your wallet, keys, and credit cards if you touched them. Plain soap does not damage a credit card. How can I support getting better bike infrastructure in my community, or encouraging others to ride?Get involved with your local bicycle coalition! Find your local coalition here. If you love riding on open streets, you can thank your local bike advocates. If you like protected bike lanes and paths, thank your local bicycle coalition. When you join, you add to the power of the organization to push for change. And you’ll have the opportunity to get involved and speak up for the changes you want in your city. Can you give some tips for beginning bikers? Or, maybe someone who’s doing some things for the first time, like biking with their kids, or carrying stuff? Asking for a friend.Fantastic. Yes we can. Check out our Learn to Bike at Any Age page. You will find answers to all your questions.

Reprinted from Ice Trikes Blog We have many of ICE Trike riders all over the world. Some ride our trikes because they are comfortable and easy to ride. Some ride our trikes because they can’t easily ride a traditional bike. Emily is one of our inspirational trike riders here in the UK. She rides 20″ Adventure with a powerful Shimano Steps e-assist motor. This is Emilys story. I’m Emily and I’m an ICE trike rider. I’m a busy disabled mum of four boys. I’ve been an amputee for 10 years, the end result of serious injuries to both feet and ankles that happened over 20 years ago. Four years ago, I was also diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease which affects my joints and lungs. In August 2018, I was able to try out a recumbent trike for the first time, when my local authority (Plymouth) bought an ICE Adventure to be loaned out to disabled people. I hadn’t cycled since I was a child, I can’t balance or bend my knees well enough to ride an upright bike and I hadn’t considered cycling as an option for me. Trying the trike was a revelation! I hadn’t moved so fast under my own steam for years and the feeling of freedom was incredible. Even though I was quite unwell with a lupus flare and needing portable oxygen for my first try, I could do it! After that first ride, I booked the trike for a month so that I could see how well it would work for me in my daily life. I had an amazing month of using it for family outings with my husband and children, school runs, hospital appointments and general boosts of joy. I was able to work on building my strength and stamina and enjoyed getting moving in a way that plays to my body’s strengths while accommodating its challenges. Having access to the trike so massively improved quality of life for me and my family that we set to work fundraising to buy one of my own. For the past year I’ve been the proud owner of an ICE Adventure with Shimano Steps e-assist, which helps me to keep getting out cycling even when I’m unwell. I love cycling. I love being able to put our youngest in a trailer on the back of the trike and take all the boys off out through the woods, stopping for a picnic on the way. Places that were completely inaccessible for me on foot and difficult with a wheelchair have suddenly become accessible again. I have never yet gone out on my trike without getting that boost of joy that comes from moving with a different perspective on the world. There’s nothing quite like cycling along and looking up at the sky and the trees to remind me that the world is a beautiful place. I’ve become passionate about spreading the word on these amazing machines, and the opportunities they can open up, particularly for cyclists with disabilities. If you haven’t yet tried a trike, find an opportunity and give it a go. If the cost seems out of reach (as it initially did for me) look at opportunities to apply for grants and raise funds yourself, it may well be more achievable than you think.

by Larry VarneyCo-Editor Bentrider Online When I refer to this trike as such, the word “ultimate” seems to annoy some people. They ask questions, such as “Where do you get off, calling this the ‘Ultimate Sprint’?” They ask upon what do I base that description, isn’t it just a matter of opinion, and so on. When I finally get the chance to just say: this is the trike that ICE put in its “Ultimate Collection”, they just look momentarily lost for a comment, then eventually just nod. And now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at this trike, OK? If you go to the ICE website and look at their description, you’ll see what they were striving for, when they created this collection. Simply, they wanted to offer the “best trikes with the best level of componentry.” If you’ve been to their site and used their system to outfit a trike, you can see just how many options there are, and how confusing it might be, especially if you’re relatively new. Suspension or not, 10 or 11 gears, drums or discs – what do I choose? It sometimes comes down to how much do the various options cost, how to come up with a good trike without going bankrupt or divorced. ICE decided to design a trike with the components that they thought are the “best”, regardless of price. You may disagree with some of their choices, and that’s OK. But I do think if you want advice on just what is the “best” for these ICE trikes, you can’t go far wrong, listening to ICE itself! I do want you to understand that this isn’t the usual sort of review. I’m not going to go into detail about every aspect of the trike, such as how it handled, the dimensions, and so on, simply because it is so very similar to a previous trike I reviewed not so long ago, in October of 2018. For those of you who may not have read it, please do – and then come back here. We’ll wait, as you check out that earlier review. Welcome back! Now let’s look at this newer version of the Sprint X Tour, and what differences there may be between this and that earlier trike. The first thing you might notice is the seat. While all ICE trike seats are comfortable, this ergo-luxe model is almost guaranteed to bring a smile and a soft “wow” from everyone who sits on it. As some have described the experience, it is so comfortable that if the trike had WiFi and a toilet, they’d never get off it. It really is that good. And yes, redesigned neck and wrist rests complete the feeling. Of course, the trike has full suspension. It utilizes elastomers, and is adjustable to suit you. And, one other thing that makes it even more supple on rough roads: the tires, Schwalbe Marathon Plus – with a recommended pressure of 70 psi! I had to look at them more closely – I am so used to setting my pump to 115, that I thought I may have been misreading – but I wasn’t. As everyone “knows”, the higher the pressure, the faster the trike will be, and such a low pressure will make the trike slower. Right? Well, in general, that may be true, but in this particular case, with these tires, the difference wasn’t dramatic enough to be very noticeable. Besides, if it’s that much of a concern to you, then talk to your dealer, and I’m sure they’ll smile and put the tires on that you want. READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW BY CLICKING HERE