Adult tricycle, does anyone have one?

FatVonD

I've had to put petrol in my car again this morning (to get to a mammogram appointment) and it's so expensive now that £10 worth of petrol doesn't even bring it to a quarter full. We need it for the May/June half term to get to a caravanning holiday but after that it really does have to go (or at least be used less.)

If the new business takes off the studio is well within cycling distance (if it doesn't I'll be back to commuting anyway.) I bought a bike when we first moved here but I was a danger to myself and others when I was on it :eek: so I'm thinking of trying out an adult tricycle. I didn't know if they actually existed until I did a quick google search but apparently they do. Does anyone have one and do they feel 'safer'?

rinabean

I don't have one, but I'd also like one! I'm interested in people's responses, too

FatVonD

I've just been looking on ebay and I could probably get a second-hand one for not much more than the price of a tank of petrol! None of those for sale at the moment are close enough for me to collect but it's only a matter of time I guess until one comes up in the right area.

One said that one of the back wheels had been clipped, they said it had happened when strapped to the car but I'm a little worried cars would pass only allowing the width of a normal bicycle but probably nothing a couple of feather dusters sticking out either side couldn't fix (though I'm thinking my son might be less keen on me taking him to school)

lauren_1

the more trikes and bikes to clog up the roads the better! might encourage more to ride, i used to pull my kids in a trailer and the mount of irate drivers was disgusting.

i was thinking of those bike taxi's you get in london. so much easier

valk_scot

Get a decent one with LOTS of gears and which you can change back seats to a luggage box fairly easily. Pashley are the No1 brand for this sort of thing. Where are you going to keep it ? Got a shed or garage? Door wide enough? Make sure it will fit through any narrow back gate too.

Riding a trike is different from riding a bike btw. You don't lean to steer, you actually turmn the handlebars. Steep cambers on the road can cause problems and you can't just nip round corners, you have to go out into the traffic lane and steer round in a quarter circle otherwise you'll lift a wheel. Most trikes are single drive ie the chain only turns one wheel and if you lift the wheel that's doing the driving you can get into major difficulties. Make sure you practice all this before going out on the roads. (Quiet supermarjket carpark?) Also, be aware most trikes won't fit between a lot of traffic calming construction...speed bumps, bollards and cut throughs are all best avoided on a trike. Have a think about where you intend to ride it.

A bike is easier tbh, if you don't have balance problems or some sort of relevant disability. If it's just that you lack confidence look around for an adult cycling course. Many good bike shops do this sort of tuition and they also teach the very necessary roadcraft.

lostinrates

A good friend of mine sold hers after one too many accidents and near misses from drivers. She bought a trike to feel safer, and feels much safer on her bike, where she can get out of the way of things if needed.

bananadog

My Dad's friend has always had one...I remember him having one when I was 5 years old!
He has hearing problem which affects his balance but he zooms around on his..looks cool..like racing bike wheels!

Siren1

I am so glad that there are other adults out there that have confidence issues on a bike, I thought I was the only one. I was given a bike as a gift about 5 years ago and have been out (in company) on it 3 times, I fell off each time and now I live by myself I'm too scared to go out by myself on it. Is that true about bike shops offering adult proficiency courses? I would really need something like that as right now I'm probably a danger to myself and everyone else on the road !!
I am also a runner, and a few weeks back some of my running friends tried to talk me into doing a triathlon... The bike bit made me say no, which I'm ok with, never felt the urge to do a tri, more of a marathon girl, but I just don't like the thought of anything stopping me from doing something. Having said that, I thought I'd be brave last wednesday and I got my bike out of the garage to try and conquer it, rode 20m (in the middle of the road - that's how bad I am as should have been by the kerb) when I realised I had a flat rear tyre.... I might look into an adult course..... Bit daunting, but I guess a lot of folk take it for granted that everyone can ride a bike eh?
Good luck everyone, and I love the sound of the trikes !!!

rhosynbach

I was very interested in everyones comments as I have been looking for a trike for ages I have never ridden a bike I do have balance issues thought to be froim ear problems as a child have tried a normal bike but cannot stay on sometimes I think this may be pyscological as my brother was killed on a bike when we were children would love to know if anyone knows of anty where that sells second hand trikes as cannot afford a new one and would love to get out with the kids
thanks

valk_scot

Siren1 wrote: »

Is that true about bike shops offering adult proficiency courses?

Ask at your local independant bike shop. (Halfords is NOT a bike shop in the true meaning of the word!) They'll know, even if they don't run them theirselves. Or there might be a member of staff willing to give you 1:1 tuition.

I only know the Edinburgh area but if anyone lives here, the Edinburgh Bike Cooperative on Bruntsfield Links does courses.

valk_scot

Very nice online sales site for trikes here. Don't faint at the prices btw. Trikes are never cheap.