Know Before You Buy: Tips for Buying a Trike

Are you considering buying a trike, but you don't know where to get started? We know that finding which trike is for you can be a daunting task, but we're here to help! In this article we go over what you need to know when looking into a trike and what questions you should ask.

What to Know Before Buying a Trike

1. Purpose

When of the first things to consider when purchasing a trike is to determine what you want to use your trike for. Are you planning on using your trike as a mobility aid, leisurely rides, commuting, touring, off-roading, or mixture of any or all of these? Figuring out what you want from a trike will help you to decide where to start your hunt for the perfect trike.

Some trikes like the Catrike 700 are better geared towards racing and others like the ICE Full Fat may be better for off roading. Researching different types of trikes and quads and know what you want will help you be prepared and get what you want.

2. Price

The second most important thing to consider is your budget. Trike and quad prices can widely differ from model to model. By setting up your budget you'll be able to figure out what price range you're looking at.

Trikes can range anywhere from $1000 to over $10,000. Making a budget will help you be prepared so that you can make sure that you get everything that you want. All trikes also have the option for added accessories by setting a good budget you may find that you might have extra spending money so you can add accessories.

3. Type of Trike

The next thing to consider when researching what trike to get is the different types of trikes available. The two most popular types of trikes that are available are tadpole and delta style trikes. Tadpole style trikes have two wheels in the front and one in the back. Delta style trikes have two wheels in the back and one in the front.

Many people prefer tadpole style trikes because they have have a low center of gravity due to being closer to the ground. A draw back of tadpole style trikes is that because they are so close to the ground that some people may find it hard to get in and out of them. We do offer exit assist bars that can make getting in and out of a tadpole style trike a breeze.

Delta style trikes are popular because they allow for an easier way to get in and out of trike when compared to a tadpole style. A draw back to delta style trikes would be that because they sit a bit higher they have a higher chance of tipping over.

While both of these trikes have their own pros and cons and it's important to keep in mind what's important to you. If balance is a serious issue for you then looking into a tadpole style trike might be the better option. If getting out of trike that's lower to the ground might be difficult for you a delta style might be a better option. If you're not quite sure feel free to reach out us with questions and concerns. We specialize in customization and adaptability and we're confident we can make your trike of choice work for you!

4. Frame Materal

Trike frames can come in a variety of different materials. aluminum, steel, or titanium frames are the different types that you'll usually see. Aluminum frames are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, steel frames offer durability and affordability, while titanium frames provide strength and a smooth ride quality.

5. Wheel Size

Figuring out what type of wheel and tire size is right for your riding style and the terrain you ride on can play a big part in deciding which trike is for you. Select the appropriate wheel size based on your terrain and riding preferences. Larger wheels offer better stability and efficiency on smooth surfaces, while smaller wheels provide maneuverability and agility on tight corners. Fat tires can be great for off roading and rough terrain.

6. Gearing and Drivetrain:

Determine the number of gears and type of drivetrain that suits your riding needs. Consider whether you need a wide range of gears for climbing hills or if you prefer a simpler, maintenance-free setup.

higher gear ratios are essential for descending and maintaining speed on downhill sections. With the right gearing, you can pedal comfortably at higher speeds without spinning out or losing control of your trike. This provides a safer and more enjoyable riding experience, especially on fast descents.

7. Brakes

Choose between disc, rim, drum or hydraulic brakes for reliable stopping power and control. Each type of brake is good for different riding styles. By doing research and knowing what type of riding you'll be doing you'll be able to find the perfect brakes for you.

8: Suspenion

Decide if you need suspension for added comfort and shock absorption, especially if you plan to ride on rough or uneven terrain. Suspension can make bumpy rides much smoother.

9. Storage and Transport

If being able to easily transport and store your trike is important to you it's a good idea to consider the size and weight of the trike.

Foldable trikes can be a great option for easy storage or portability. Azub, HP, ICE, and Catrike all offer folding models that make storage and transport a breeze. When folded many trikes are able to easily fit inside of a mid size SUV. Catrike's folding models have rollers on them so when folded they can be easily wheeled.

10. Test Ride

When it's possible a test ride can help you to try out different models. When test riding evaluate their comfort, handling, and fit. Pay attention to factors such as seat comfort, handlebar reach, and overall ride quality to make sure you get a great riding experience.

We hope you were able to learn some tips on what to do when considering getting a trike. We will be updating this article in the future with more tips and trikes to help you know everything you need!