Cool This trike can take you from zero-to-douche in only five minutes. Performance figures worth noting, and confirming my suspicion that TerraTrikes are "Sharper Image" toys for sharper image boys. Unfortunately, I've been tasked with finding a reliable, efficient, affordable trike (balance issues) for my friend, who has never driven a car (can't), but still needs to go shopping and get to the doctor. Not a rich boy's toy to make others "eat their hearts out".
Cool. You post went from ignorant to douche-bag in one second as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not rich. I didn't join the Army to get rich so that should tell you something right there. As for the part about toys for sharper image boys, far from it. This trike was my car. I was car-free for 7 years.
@47f0 I used it in all four seasons in Michigan and pulled trailers with it to get shopping and errands done. I saved up the money to get this trike and never looked at it as a "Rich Boy Toy." It was a needed vehicle, period.
@47f0 I wish you well in finding your friend a trike. I honestly do. Maybe if you would have stated that your friend needed a trike and asked for my recommendation, I wouldn't have replied in kind with what I posted. TerraTrike makes less expensive models that should fill your friends needs.
@Excalibur745 - Please. No one joins the Army for wealth. They join out of an unjustified sense of patriotism, because of the perceived "glamor" (to an eighteen-year-old brain) or because there are no better options. My youngest son is an Iraq vet, BTW, for some of each of those reasons. These days, he's a Republican "Starbucks" dad with his pharmacy degree. I failed that kid - I just did. So I know that simply being a vet doesn't stop you from buying into the Starbucks mentality.
@47f0 - Did I say you were rich? I could almost guarantee you weren't. Because the "Sharper Image" demographic isn't the wealthy - it's for those who want to appear wealthy. Big difference. Yes I'm a grumpy old man. But I'm a grumpy old man who was; a Schwinn-trained mechanic (I still have the tie-clip), shop manager for two years and store manager for three years. So I have at least a clue about this, and bolting low-end Shimano components on a Taiwanese frame doesn't justify the price.
@47f0 - I've visited nearly a dozen stores over a forty-mile radius in the last few weeks to find a good option for my friend - and every time I walk into a bike shop, and I can blink and instantly see a Starbucks counter where the sales counter is, I have to repress an instant gag reflex. $150 for a 26" rear wheel option? Fuck me. Most of that price must be the kludgy dropout adapter, because it can't be just the wheel - Hey TerraTrike - order a few frames from Taiwan with longer stays.
@47f0 - Have I paid too much for a bike? Yup - a couple times. But as the store manager, having a custom Schwinn Paramount was almost part of the job. But we sold real bikes, for real people who were either concerned for health, or environmental, or political (just after the '73 oil embargo) reasons. Did we turn down yuppy customers? Nope - but we focused on solid, affordable options for those who needed efficient wheels to got from point A to point B. Something that's missing today.
@47f0 Grumpy old man? I should know better than to have a civil discussion with you. I defended your right to say what you wish for over 20 years in the Army. I'm not gonna change that now. You won't change your thoughts and I stand by mine. However I take offense to your saying about perceived glamor and unjustified patriotism, though. I STRONGLY disagree and if you can't accept that well, I have my own opinion of you but, unlike you, I'll keep it to myself. Oh, Starbucks is crap coffee
I'm looking to get a Cruiser this Spring (if I can wait)...what is the UTAH Trikes Steering Assembly benefit (tighter steering)? By grinding out that place on the right wheel area - will that Void your lifetime warranty?? Nice bike...I wouldn't have thought of wrist supports....that's on my list of options for sure now. Thanks
@XRayCam The benefit is a much tighter turn radius - around 7 feet versus 14 feet on a stock Cruiser. Unless you purchase a used one or a manage to find a new, old stock Cruiser at a dealer, you're out of luck. TerraTrike no longer is making the Cruiser. Since TerraTrike only warranties the frame for the original owner, your best bet would be going the used route to make the steering mod. The wrist rests are a nice mod and are easy to install. I used Profile Design's Stubby bar ends on mine.
@XRayCam The Tour is a solid trike. I work at a bike shop and have built many of TerraTrike models. No issues come to mind with the Tour except the 40 psi tires rob you of speed, but give you a cushy ride. Two worthwhile upgrades would be the 26"/100psi rear wheel/tire option and the Utah Trike Steering mod. If speed is essential to you, I'd also swap out the 40psi front tires and replace them with Kenda Kwest 1.25" 100psi tires. Regularly check the kingpin bushings when using high psi tires.
@Excalibur745 Thanks for the info. I did say CRUISER before and that was wrong model than what I would be getting. So they make a Utah Steering Mod for this Tour also...and do you need to cut away any metal that you know of? I also like the Sportster Model but wondering what I would be getting that would be worth twice as much for best build. I am right near 250lbs and stand 5'10" with standing inseam of 30" is a basic model Sporster any better than a tour by much? Thanks
@XRayCam For the money the Sportster is better. No need for the steering mod and it comes with the 26" wheel kit. The Sportster is aluminum, it's lighter and has an adjustable boom. Downside is 250lbs is the weight limit vs. 300lbs on the Tour. The steering mod will fit the Tour and grinding the frame is necessary as it is on all models with linkage steering. More money for the best build means lighter, stronger and better components. Whichever one you choose, good luck and have fun riding it!
I will look at the Sportster when they come in stock this late Fall I suppose.
One thing I DID like about the TOUR was the "linkage steering"...but that was by just pulling the handle while off the bike and noticed how "smooth" the movement felt. But I don't know if this would help much while in the seated position and IF this would cause the bike to roam off course easier while peddling (hands off) Or if seated the "direct steering" is better.
@XRayCam You're welcome. The Tour with linkage steering is more prone to exhibit "pedal steer" at speed than a trike equipped with direct steering. Direct steer trikes generally have a tighter turn radius, less fluid steering feel and tend not to go out of toe-in adjustment quicker due to not having the tie rod assembly. I like the Cruiser/Tour design due to the cockpit area being a bit more open and the positioning of my hands on the bar. Direct steer trikes also use conventional headset (cont)
@XRayCam ...bearings on each kingpin. Tighter steering is helpful when pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads in panniers or, when drinking coffee and steering one-handed, as a rule *LOL*. If you can find a dealer that has both models, take each for a test drive and feel the differences. Trikes are loads of fun to cycle on and can be customized to your hearts content.
Could you please list the specific parts that are used for the video mount, so I may order the correct pieces? What type of video camera do you use, or is it just a small digital camera that also take video? I have a small handheld mini dv camera, that I am not sure this setup would work. Camera may be too heavy, and wiggle and shake alot.
@piperpilot3 Sure - I used a Ram Mounts system . I attached a ram U-bolt mount base with with 1" ball to a Ram Mount RAM Long Double Socket Arm for 1" Ball Bases, then I placed a Ram 1" double ball mount, attached that to another (shorter) Double Socket Arm then mounted the video camera to the 1 Inch Diameter Ball 2.5 Inch Composite Round Base with 1/4-20 Stud for Camera and Video. I am able to mount varied video cameras (providing they have the screw in socket).
The wrist rests are just stubby bar ends. The model I used on this trike are made by Profile Design and you can find them on eBay. Enjoy your Cruiser!
"Eat your heart out YouTubers"
.
Cool This trike can take you from zero-to-douche in only five minutes. Performance figures worth noting, and confirming my suspicion that TerraTrikes are "Sharper Image" toys for sharper image boys. Unfortunately, I've been tasked with finding a reliable, efficient, affordable trike (balance issues) for my friend, who has never driven a car (can't), but still needs to go shopping and get to the doctor. Not a rich boy's toy to make others "eat their hearts out".
47f0 3 weeks ago
Cool. You post went from ignorant to douche-bag in one second as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not rich. I didn't join the Army to get rich so that should tell you something right there. As for the part about toys for sharper image boys, far from it. This trike was my car. I was car-free for 7 years.
Excalibur745 3 weeks ago
@47f0 I used it in all four seasons in Michigan and pulled trailers with it to get shopping and errands done. I saved up the money to get this trike and never looked at it as a "Rich Boy Toy." It was a needed vehicle, period.
Excalibur745 3 weeks ago
@47f0 I wish you well in finding your friend a trike. I honestly do. Maybe if you would have stated that your friend needed a trike and asked for my recommendation, I wouldn't have replied in kind with what I posted. TerraTrike makes less expensive models that should fill your friends needs.
Excalibur745 3 weeks ago
@Excalibur745 - Please. No one joins the Army for wealth. They join out of an unjustified sense of patriotism, because of the perceived "glamor" (to an eighteen-year-old brain) or because there are no better options. My youngest son is an Iraq vet, BTW, for some of each of those reasons. These days, he's a Republican "Starbucks" dad with his pharmacy degree. I failed that kid - I just did. So I know that simply being a vet doesn't stop you from buying into the Starbucks mentality.
47f0 3 weeks ago
@47f0 - Did I say you were rich? I could almost guarantee you weren't. Because the "Sharper Image" demographic isn't the wealthy - it's for those who want to appear wealthy. Big difference. Yes I'm a grumpy old man. But I'm a grumpy old man who was; a Schwinn-trained mechanic (I still have the tie-clip), shop manager for two years and store manager for three years. So I have at least a clue about this, and bolting low-end Shimano components on a Taiwanese frame doesn't justify the price.
47f0 3 weeks ago
@47f0 - I've visited nearly a dozen stores over a forty-mile radius in the last few weeks to find a good option for my friend - and every time I walk into a bike shop, and I can blink and instantly see a Starbucks counter where the sales counter is, I have to repress an instant gag reflex. $150 for a 26" rear wheel option? Fuck me. Most of that price must be the kludgy dropout adapter, because it can't be just the wheel - Hey TerraTrike - order a few frames from Taiwan with longer stays.
47f0 3 weeks ago
@47f0 - Have I paid too much for a bike? Yup - a couple times. But as the store manager, having a custom Schwinn Paramount was almost part of the job. But we sold real bikes, for real people who were either concerned for health, or environmental, or political (just after the '73 oil embargo) reasons. Did we turn down yuppy customers? Nope - but we focused on solid, affordable options for those who needed efficient wheels to got from point A to point B. Something that's missing today.
47f0 3 weeks ago
@47f0 Grumpy old man? I should know better than to have a civil discussion with you. I defended your right to say what you wish for over 20 years in the Army. I'm not gonna change that now. You won't change your thoughts and I stand by mine. However I take offense to your saying about perceived glamor and unjustified patriotism, though. I STRONGLY disagree and if you can't accept that well, I have my own opinion of you but, unlike you, I'll keep it to myself. Oh, Starbucks is crap coffee
Excalibur745 3 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos
I'm looking to get a Cruiser this Spring (if I can wait)...what is the UTAH Trikes Steering Assembly benefit (tighter steering)? By grinding out that place on the right wheel area - will that Void your lifetime warranty?? Nice bike...I wouldn't have thought of wrist supports....that's on my list of options for sure now. Thanks
XRayCam 5 months ago
@XRayCam The benefit is a much tighter turn radius - around 7 feet versus 14 feet on a stock Cruiser. Unless you purchase a used one or a manage to find a new, old stock Cruiser at a dealer, you're out of luck. TerraTrike no longer is making the Cruiser. Since TerraTrike only warranties the frame for the original owner, your best bet would be going the used route to make the steering mod. The wrist rests are a nice mod and are easy to install. I used Profile Design's Stubby bar ends on mine.
Excalibur745 5 months ago
@Excalibur745 Oops, I ment a "Tour" instead of the Cruiser. Any issues with the Tour that you might know of??
They nearly all look a like to me (right now).
XRayCam 5 months ago
@XRayCam The Tour is a solid trike. I work at a bike shop and have built many of TerraTrike models. No issues come to mind with the Tour except the 40 psi tires rob you of speed, but give you a cushy ride. Two worthwhile upgrades would be the 26"/100psi rear wheel/tire option and the Utah Trike Steering mod. If speed is essential to you, I'd also swap out the 40psi front tires and replace them with Kenda Kwest 1.25" 100psi tires. Regularly check the kingpin bushings when using high psi tires.
Excalibur745 5 months ago
@Excalibur745 Thanks for the info. I did say CRUISER before and that was wrong model than what I would be getting. So they make a Utah Steering Mod for this Tour also...and do you need to cut away any metal that you know of? I also like the Sportster Model but wondering what I would be getting that would be worth twice as much for best build. I am right near 250lbs and stand 5'10" with standing inseam of 30" is a basic model Sporster any better than a tour by much? Thanks
XRayCam 5 months ago
@XRayCam For the money the Sportster is better. No need for the steering mod and it comes with the 26" wheel kit. The Sportster is aluminum, it's lighter and has an adjustable boom. Downside is 250lbs is the weight limit vs. 300lbs on the Tour. The steering mod will fit the Tour and grinding the frame is necessary as it is on all models with linkage steering. More money for the best build means lighter, stronger and better components. Whichever one you choose, good luck and have fun riding it!
Excalibur745 4 months ago
@Excalibur745 K, Thank you for all your answers.
I will look at the Sportster when they come in stock this late Fall I suppose.
One thing I DID like about the TOUR was the "linkage steering"...but that was by just pulling the handle while off the bike and noticed how "smooth" the movement felt. But I don't know if this would help much while in the seated position and IF this would cause the bike to roam off course easier while peddling (hands off) Or if seated the "direct steering" is better.
XRayCam 4 months ago
@XRayCam You're welcome. The Tour with linkage steering is more prone to exhibit "pedal steer" at speed than a trike equipped with direct steering. Direct steer trikes generally have a tighter turn radius, less fluid steering feel and tend not to go out of toe-in adjustment quicker due to not having the tie rod assembly. I like the Cruiser/Tour design due to the cockpit area being a bit more open and the positioning of my hands on the bar. Direct steer trikes also use conventional headset (cont)
Excalibur745 4 months ago
@XRayCam ...bearings on each kingpin. Tighter steering is helpful when pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads in panniers or, when drinking coffee and steering one-handed, as a rule *LOL*. If you can find a dealer that has both models, take each for a test drive and feel the differences. Trikes are loads of fun to cycle on and can be customized to your hearts content.
Excalibur745 4 months ago
Could you please list the specific parts that are used for the video mount, so I may order the correct pieces? What type of video camera do you use, or is it just a small digital camera that also take video? I have a small handheld mini dv camera, that I am not sure this setup would work. Camera may be too heavy, and wiggle and shake alot.
piperpilot3 5 months ago
@piperpilot3 Sure - I used a Ram Mounts system . I attached a ram U-bolt mount base with with 1" ball to a Ram Mount RAM Long Double Socket Arm for 1" Ball Bases, then I placed a Ram 1" double ball mount, attached that to another (shorter) Double Socket Arm then mounted the video camera to the 1 Inch Diameter Ball 2.5 Inch Composite Round Base with 1/4-20 Stud for Camera and Video. I am able to mount varied video cameras (providing they have the screw in socket).
Excalibur745 5 months ago
The wrist rests are just stubby bar ends. The model I used on this trike are made by Profile Design and you can find them on eBay. Enjoy your Cruiser!
Excalibur745 1 year ago
Where did you get the wrist rests? I would like to add them to my Cruiser.
trekfan59 1 year ago
You're just showing off by having more accessories then your neighbour.
hauserkaspar 1 year ago
Very nice trike and good mods.
oratwi 1 year ago