Least expensive folding trike
Spike i
Spike is a no-compromise entry level folding trike. Don’t let the price mislead you though, Spike is packed full of features that you won’t see in other brands costing considerably more. Not everyone is ready to commit four thousand dollars to their first trike, but everyone wants something nice and easily upgradeable.
Some notable Spike features include: direct steering, a Trident exclusive aluminum seat that adjusts for both height (14 5/8"/370mm to 16 1/2 "/420 mm) and angle (42 to 52 degrees), a folding chrome moly powder coated frame, an anodized aluminum boom, an aluminum seat frame with places for two water bottle cages, a Shimano 7 speed derailleur/shifter, disc brakes with parking brake,100 psi Kenda tires, a safety flag and alloy pedals - all STANDARD.
Either a rear fender or a full 3 piece fender kit are available options. Rear racks too!
My take: Easily the most cost effective entry level folding trike on the market. But the gearing limits you to flat ground or mild hills... for hilly terrain a Spike 2 is the much better choice
- Rob
Spike II
Spike 2 All the great features of Spike I with some nice additions!
Spike 2 – 24 Speeds. Upgrades include a Samox Triple Crankset, Microshift Front Derailleur, Microshift Marvo LE Rear Derailleur, an 8 Speed 11-32 Cassette, and finally Avid BB5 Disc Brakes.An optional 3 piece fender kit and a rear rack are available.
E Spike See my 'Electric' page for complete information.
Enviolo/380 is the newest Spike model for those who would rather not have a derailleur system. It features the Nuvinci /Enviolo TR system . The TR System is far superior to the cheaper CT system -310% Gear Range for the CT vs 380% for the TR. In addition the TR system can handle more torque which is important if you decide to install a mid drive motor in the future. Schwalbe Big Apple Tires and Avid BB5 Brakes are standard.
Click here to read a review. Note this is an older review and the paint issues have been addressed (actually it's powder coat)
My take: A Spike ll is a better choice vs a Spike l if you encounter hills.
An Enviolo rear hub is a great option for inexperienced riders as you don't have to understand gear management. Simply twist the shifter to speed up and slow down. As a bonus they are also very durable and maintenance free.
- Rob
Bang for the buck
STOWAWAY 2
A Stowaway 2 offers an incredible component mix at a value price. On clearance... call for pricing!
All Stowaway models utilize a powder coated aircraft quality 4130 chrome moly TIG welded frame, as well as Avid brakes/ Promax levers with parking brake, double wall alloy rims with Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires, an improved idler system that is as nice as anything on the market, a high quality mirror and Ackerman compensated crossover steering
The Stowaway 2 is Trident's high spec model. It uses a Microshift front derailleur and a Microshift Marvo XE CNC machined rear derailleur, shifting is done with bar end shifters. The Brakes are Avid BB7's.The crankset is a high end forged crankset with CNC machined rings, and an integrated bottom bracket. The seat frame, handlebar and boom are sandblasted anodized aluminum alloy. For all you short crank aficionados, the Stowaway 2 is also available with 160 mm crank arms. The Stowaway 2 also has adjustable handlebars.
The additional features of the Stowaway series include Trident’s aluminum seat frame with ideal lumbar curve, 3 adjustable seating heights, and 4 adjustable seating angles.
As with all Trident trikes (except Spike, Titan and Terrain) there is no extra charge for the extras. Also included with all 3 models is a rear rack, a full set of 3 Fenders, a safety flag, a Mirrycle mirror , a rear light, and a water bottle cage.
Stowaway trikes are available in Wolfpack Red, Carolina Blue, and Wasabi Green.
My take: After 10 years with Trident the Stowaway's have held up really well for recreational use. The powdercoat finishes have proven to be durable. The trikes perform very well for beginners at slow speeds, yet the Stowaway's are quick and entertaining enough for more experienced riders. The frames are strong enough so the wheel alignment stays put, yet aren't overly stiff so they don't have a harsh ride. The controls are nicely laid out, and I really like the Microshift bar end shifter action... they're precise yet easy to shift. The adjustable handlebars are in a neutral position which means your hands aren't close to the front tires, so there is no danger of scuffing your knuckles. I find the indirect steering pretty good - there is no twitchiness at any speed, yet steering inputs are quick and accurate even around fast sweeping corners. The adjustable seat is comfy, the tires roll easily and the gearing is low enough for steep hills. The Stowaway's are nicely appointed from the factory and they also make a great platform for customizing. I find Trident to be the Hyundai of the recumbent trike market, a decent product without the high price tag.
Hope this helps ~ Rob
Click on the review below to see what Larry Varney has to say on BentRider Online about the Stowaway 2 (Note: The comment about brake steer is a simple adjustment)
- Rob
Financing available.
Review click here
TERRAIN 20 & 26 FAT TRIKES
Trident offers the most cost-effective fat trike on the market. Both 20" and 26
One of the hottest trends in the market - both 2 and 3 wheelers - has been fat tires. They are a blast to ride on rough roads, trails, snow and sand… the perfect rural gravel road solution!
The Terrain models are available in either a 3 x 20” Wheel or a 3x 26” wheel model. Terrain models feature a powder coated , foldable 4130 Chromoly frame. Terrain models will come equipped with Trident's signature mesh seat with 4 adjustable angles and 3 height positions. X-Seam ranges have also been increased – the Terrain will accommodate riders with X-Seams from 34 ¼” to 47 ¼” (900mm-1200mm ). Terrain's can also accommodate even larger X-Seams with an XL boom. Rounding out the features are Avid BB5 disc brakes with locking parking brake levers and a 7 speed Shimano drivetrain with a twist shifter.
A 21 speed upgrade kit is also available. It consists of an 22/32/42 triple crankset, a wider bottom bracket, a Microshift front derailleur, a SRAM 3 speed gripshifter, and cabling with cable housing
Rear racks and fenders are also available for both Terrain 20 and 26.
My take: The 20" & 26" are priced very close to one another. One consideration is 20" fat tire manufacturers are more limited whereas many 26" fat tires are available. This affords greater availability and selection not only for replacement but for varying terrain. (IE studded tires for winter)
Terrain (20" & 26") riding impressions: FUN & surprisingly nimble for a huge tire trike. Harder to pedal but not as much as you might think, and the cornering limits are decent considering the seat height. All you need is about 10 psi in the tires, subsequently they absorb bumps pretty well! The 20" version steers better at higher speeds. Unless you're riding on level ground it's pretty much a given that either model requires the 21 speed kit (Especially the 26") All in all they're basically a blast to ride!
- Rob
Note: Please contact me regarding your intended usage, while being fine machines, Trident Terrains have their limitations. These trikes are not designed for serious off-road conditions.
An electric power assist version of the Terrain 20 is available. This version uses a Dapu Systems 350w geared hub motor system with 6 power assist modes and a throttle, a rack mounted 36V 15 Ah lithium battery, and display.
An electric power assist version of the Terrain 26 is also available. This version uses a Dapu Systems 500w geared hub motor system with 6 Power assist modes and a throttle, a rack mounted 48V 20Ah lithium battery, and display. The E version gets Kenda blackwall E rated fat tires.
TREKKER / REAR SUSPENSION
.Trident Trekker 20 with rear Suspension… the next evolution in comfort is here.
The Trekker with hidden adjustable rear suspension. Trekkers are available in either a 20” rear wheel or a 26” rear wheel model. Along with a powder coated Chromoly frame, the Trekker series will have some exciting new features. First of course is the adjustable suspension in the frame. By putting the suspension in the frame Trident was able to shorten up the rear end a bit, and it made a HUGE difference in both handling and traction when compared to the traditional suspension systems they tested. (No pogoing) Other features include a flat wheel fold and adjustable handlebars. Trekker models will come equipped with Trident's signature mesh seat with 4 adjustable angles and 3 height positions. X Seam ranges have also been increased – the Trekker will accommodate riders with X Seams from 34 ¼ (with optional 152 mm crankarms) to 47 ¼” (900mm-1200mm). It can also accommodate even larger X Seams- up to 51″ with an optional XL boom. Rounding out the features are Avid BB7 disc brakes with locking parking brake levers, a high end forged crankset with CNC machined rings with an integrated bottom bracket, a double idler system (single idler on Trekker 26) and finally a new CNC machined rear derailleur – the Microshift Marvo XE paired with the TS-B09 Microshift bar end shifters. Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires are standard.
Lastly- Unlike other manufacturers Trekker models come with all the “extras” at no charge- a rear rack, rear lights, a full set of 3 fenders, a mirror, an accessory mount, and a safety flag are all included in the price!
My take: One word... cushy! When you hit a bump on a recumbent trike you feel about 70% of that bump through the rear wheel. A trike with rear suspension absorbs the bumps without any compromises. The Trekker is basically a better riding Stowaway... but you are not going to confuse it with an AZUB Ti-Fly or TRIcon's rear suspension - but it's still pretty good.
- Rob
Rear Suspension
FAT TREKKER
Trident also offers the 'Fat' Trekker as well as the E Fat Trekker with 20 x 4″ front wheels and 26 x 4 rear wheel. It has the same rear suspension as it's non fat cousin, so it's pretty comfy.
My take:
It is a big heavy trike so personally I would not consider one unless it's the electric version. It looks rugged, but in reality this is not a trike you can take off road and beat the crap out of it. It's fine for mild off roading, gravel paths, bike paths, excellent in rural areas, and speaking from experience 'winter' riding.
- Rob
For small folks
TOMCAT
Tomcat is a no compromise lightweight entry level trike. It uses an aluminum non-folding frame; however the frame can be separated into 2 pieces for transport. Don’t let the price fool you though - Tomcat is packed full of features that you won’t see in other brands at twice the price. All Tomcats have direct steering, and you can have any color you want as longs as it’s yellow!
The Tomcat addresses a niche that is sorely missing in the recumbent trike industry. It will fit shorter people with X Seams as low as 32″. It weighs an incredible 32 1/2 Lbs so it is easy to lift. Some notable features of Tomcat include Trident’s exclusive aluminum seat that adjusts for both height – 14 5/8 Inches (370mm) to 16 1/2” (420 mm) and angle (42-52 degrees), an aluminum powder coated frame, an anodized aluminum boom, aluminum seat frame with water bottle cage attachment bracket, Shimano 7 Speed derailleur/shifter, mechanical disc brakes, a safety flag and alloy pedals - all STANDARD.
Tomcat Enviolo/380 is an upgraded Tomcat model for those who would rather not have a derailleur system. It features the Nuvinci /Enviolo TR system . The TR System is far superior to the cheaper CT system - 310% Gear Range for the CT vs 380% for the TR. In addition the TR system can handle more torque which is important if you decide to install a mid drive motor in the future. Schwalbe Big Apple Tires and Avid BB5 Brakes are standard.
An accessory kit with a full set of 3 fenders and a sturdy rear rack is available.
A deluxe accessory kit which includes 3 Fenders , rear rack, accessory mount, rear light and mirror is also available.
A Tomcat 21 Speed Upgrade kit is also available for the base model.
Standard Boom length on all Tomcats gives you an X- Seam range of 34” – 44”
Long Booms are available which will give you an X Seam Range of 36 1/4 – 50 1/4 “
In addition your standard boom can be cut down to accommodate X Seams as low as 32 ½” with the use of 152mm crankarms which we have available for Tomcat . Please call or email if you need these.
