Thinking of a new trike

cScjhb

2500+ Posts
May 6, 2020
2,634
3,074
Mesa, Arid-Zone-A
An adult tricycle (peddle) may be in my future. I live in an adult gated community that has over 50 miles of walking/biking lanes. I use my golf cart daily to go to our swimming pool and for evening cruises. I probably put on more than 5 miles in the cart each day. I do have a bicycle and ride it some but not as much as I should. So, I have the itch to get an adult tricycle and hang up the golf cart keys. Any thoughts or recommendations.....? Jim
 
I'm waiting to take delivery of an 'Industrial' grade adult tricycle with a 500lb capacity a Husky T-124C with a 3 speed case and solid tires or you may want a U.S.A. made Trailmate from Florida. https://www.trailmate.com/ These are not like the 'Cheap' junk you find on ebay or walmart.com. These can be customized by the buyer with the options you want from the list and like all trikes they can get expensive. One item not on their list was a 'Cup Holder'.
 
Something to think about... Before you invest, you might want to hit that bicycle pretty hard first for a while just as a test. I found that riding a bike or using an elliptical machine or powering a paddle boat are all too hard on my knees to keep at for very long...but power-walking is no problem.

Keep us informed! :)
 
Most adult tricycles have a single speed coaster brake set up, you don't want that you want better a 3 or 5 speed drive case or an external cluster of 5 speeds or greater. A tricycle is heavier than a bicycle and multi speed gearing is a big plus. If you live in an area with mesquite thorns and cactus needles the solid tires are the way to go.

husky_t-124c_3speed.jpg

This the one I ordered in the same color.

They didn't have cup holders on the option list :(.

Being overweight I needed something robust and this one is 86lbs. It is made for an 'Industrial' environment and thus has better bearings.

Get yourself a good one. I ordered the trike shown with shipping is $1052.00 (there went my $1400.00 stimulus).

I was determined to get a new trike, just didn't say what kind :laugh:.
 
Thank you

Trike Lady and Carla, Thanks for the input. Doing some research I find there are LOTS of sellers selling the same Chinese trikes using, sometimes different brand names and sometimes the same. It seems "everybody" is out of stock but the trikes will be available in about 2 weeks. Same story everywhere. I talked to a bike shop the other day about the possibility of trading in my bicycle. They said OK as long it is not junk.

I bought the bicycle in 1997 and paid 6 or 7 hundred dollars. It is still like new (which is probably why I look like I do). I went on line to see what they are selling for. I found one exact match to my make and model. I was SHOCKED!!!! The seller is asking $8,590.00 on Ebay. That's nuts. Or, could it be.....? Off to the bicycle shop that sells my brand today to see if my ship has come in. Not holding my breath..... Jim
 
Over $8000.00 for a pedal trike, that's nuts and the seller is 'Gouging' the public. I purchased mine through https://www.industrialbicycles.com/industrial-trikes and awaiting delivery. Will assemble it myself. The ones they sell are made in Taiwan and the Trailmate brand comes out of Florida. Living in Lovington there are no bicycle shops and I have to rely on internet sellers

For $8,590.00 it should have a motor, You could find an old 1988 GL1500 converted to a trike for that kind of $$$$.

Hopefully your local shop should be able to get one for you.
 
Maybe this one will work for you: https://www.archersbikes.com/product/sun-bicycles-atlas-transit-industrial-trike-1148.htm or this one: https://www.raleighusa.com/pavement/tricycles/tristar-3-speed-8067 Shopping for a trike of any type is not easy or fun, I've been looking for a year for one that meets my requirements and now I am waiting for it to show up.

Now this is down right scary..... I have been into Archer Cycles the last two days. I have test rides scheduled there for tomorrow AM. I am really leaning towards the Raleigh Tristar. But I am also going to test ride the Sun 7 speed. They are different bikes with different riding positions. The Sun with 7 speeds is about $150 less. The 3 speed Raleigh is more than enough for my needs. They are both Taiwan built, not cheap Chinese knock-offs. I think the Raleigh may be a little better quality and I like that the gearing is self contained in a drum (Strumey-Archer) which has been in use for more that 100 years.

It's good that I can go to one place to compare and challenge the sales guy as to why I NEED to spend more money for a 3 speed -vs- 7 speed. Thanks for your input. You have been VERY helpful and probably prevented me from making a regretful buying decision..... Jim
 
I was searching for bicycle shops who sell trikes in your area and that name was first on the list. I'm glad I could be of assistance to you as I have been looking for a decent trike for a long time and now I have to wait. I do a lot of research every time I want to buy something and I had two choices before the final decision one was the Husky and the other was a Trailmate. Both of the ones I selected were over $1000.00 when I included the options I wanted.

I hope you find the one that best fits your need. :)
 
I test rode both of my trike selections this morning. I had the notion that I would prefer the Raleigh. It didn't turn out that way. The 3 speed gearing seemed way too low. The highest gear provided effortless riding on level ground and not much speed could be obtained. And it felt tippy in off camber surface. I rode the Sun Traditional 7 speed second. It was much more stable (2 inches wider) with larger rear tires. The gearing was much more to my liking. And, I asked the sales guy why the 7 speed with bigger wheels was less expensive than the 3 speed. Turns out only one major difference. The 3 speed has an aluminum frame and the 7 speed is steel. Even with that there is only 3 pounds difference in weight of the trikes.

Having a few options added (of course) and picking the trike up tomorrow. Last evening as I was cruising in my soon to be neglected golf cart, I came across a lady riding her trike. We had a long conversation about trikes and different brands. We ended by agreeing that we should get a regular trike riding group together. There are many trikes in our community. I'm trying to get a visual of what a group tricycle ride would look like and so far, it is not a pretty picture. And, I promise not to post photos here..... Jim
 
I test rode both of my trike selections this morning. I had the notion that I would prefer the Raleigh. It didn't turn out that way. The 3 speed gearing seemed way too low. The highest gear provided effortless riding on level ground and not much speed could be obtained. And it felt tippy in off camber surface. I rode the Sun Traditional 7 speed second. It was much more stable (2 inches wider) with larger rear tires. The gearing was much more to my liking. And, I asked the sales guy why the 7 speed with bigger wheels was less expensive than the 3 speed. Turns out only one major difference. The 3 speed has an aluminum frame and the 7 speed is steel. Even with that there is only 3 pounds difference in weight of the trikes.

Having a few options added (of course) and picking the trike up tomorrow. Last evening as I was cruising in my soon to be neglected golf cart, I came across a lady riding her trike. We had a long conversation about trikes and different brands. We ended by agreeing that we should get a regular trike riding group together. There are many trikes in our community. I'm trying to get a visual of what a group tricycle ride would look like and so far, it is not a pretty picture. And, I promise not to post photos here..... Jim

Jim that is too funny. You could name your group 'Sociable Seniors' and your motto could be 'Born to be Mild.' Anyway I think you're on to something and I hope everything works out to your satisfaction.

Jerry
 
I test rode both of my trike selections this morning. I had the notion that I would prefer the Raleigh. It didn't turn out that way. The 3 speed gearing seemed way too low. The highest gear provided effortless riding on level ground and not much speed could be obtained. And it felt tippy in off camber surface. I rode the Sun Traditional 7 speed second. It was much more stable (2 inches wider) with larger rear tires. The gearing was much more to my liking. And, I asked the sales guy why the 7 speed with bigger wheels was less expensive than the 3 speed. Turns out only one major difference. The 3 speed has an aluminum frame and the 7 speed is steel. Even with that there is only 3 pounds difference in weight of the trikes.

Having a few options added (of course) and picking the trike up tomorrow. Last evening as I was cruising in my soon to be neglected golf cart, I came across a lady riding her trike. We had a long conversation about trikes and different brands. We ended by agreeing that we should get a regular trike riding group together. There are many trikes in our community. I'm trying to get a visual of what a group tricycle ride would look like and so far, it is not a pretty picture. And, I promise not to post photos here..... Jim

Are you getting the Pink front basket to put your riding gloves in when you park..?:laugh:...
 
Are you getting the Pink front basket to put your riding gloves in when you park..?:laugh:...

I have one. A couple years ago I had foot surgery and needed the basket for my knee scooter. It's white wicker with pink and blue strands running through it. The best part is, it has 3 daises woven into the front. The daises have lights that flash when going over a bump or slapped by the driver. Cool..... Jim :Dorag:
 
I have one. A couple years ago I had foot surgery and needed the basket for my knee scooter. It's white wicker with pink and blue strands running through it. The best part is, it has 3 daises woven into the front. The daises have lights that flash when going over a bump or slapped by the driver. Cool..... Jim :Dorag:

:)ThumbUp........
 
I have one. A couple years ago I had foot surgery and needed the basket for my knee scooter. It's white wicker with pink and blue strands running through it. The best part is, it has 3 daises woven into the front. The daises have lights that flash when going over a bump or slapped by the driver. Cool..... Jim :Dorag:

I had one of those knee scooters when I injured my foot a few years ago. Man that thing needed a speed governor as I flew around the house at breakneck speed having a blast. Sure beat crutches or a walker . . . and glad it's packed away in the attic and hopefully never need it again.
 
WOO-HOO!!! Jim..!! What did I tell you about the women...its already started! :D

CONGRATULATIONS on your new toy!!! Don’t forget to share some pics with us!

ENJOY!!!
 
Got my headlight and tail light installed. Seat all adjusted. Waiting for the sun to go down for an evening cruise. (It's over 100 degrees now). My cup holder doesn't arrive from Amazon until tomorrow so this will be a "dry run". I'll tough it out..... Jim
 

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,375
Messages
897,953
Members
22,545
Latest member
Markh853

Trike Talk Community

Welcome to a community dedicated to the most diverse and fastest growing powersports segment, Motorcycle Trikes. Come join the discussion about the best makes and models, popular modifications and proven performance hacks, trike touring and travel, maintenance, meetups and more!

Register Already a member? Login

Forum statistics

Threads
55,375
Messages
897,953
Members
22,545
Latest member
Markh853
 photo 260e2760-d89e-45b2-8675-2bc26fb3d465.jpg

 photo Trike-Talk-150-x-200.gif

 photo DK Trike Talk Right side banner 19.jpg

Merziere Reverser

 photo 9796095c-0d4b-4a9b-88ed-efe4c498d084.png
 photo f9866e4e-75c5-471a-86f5-5e72a446ecc3.png
Back
Top