recum'Bent on a Budget

‘Bent as in Recumbent Trike. I saw my first trike about a month back and after desperately chasing it on my old Mountain Bike, it disappeared around a corner never to be seen again. After a tumble off my MTB coming out of the parkade a couple days later I pushed ahead with this adventure. I recall sliding along the concrete wondering " What is broken?" Fortunately just a bit of road rash and wounded pride. With my balance not up to snuff, my butt, shoulders, hands, and feet, knees and back complaining bitterly after only a few miles on an upright, something had to change.

I was afraid it might take another tumble off the MTB to get my better half onside, but reconsidered as spending the rest of the winter or my life in a body cast or traction or worse was a real possible result.

I’ve only seen 2 other ‘bents in the wild since then- winter in Panama City Beach Fl..- and there are very few here.

I headed for the internet instead. Man what a mountain of information. What to buy? I pondered, tried, scoured, looked, looked some more, consulted the stars and the experts and still wasn't sure. But at some point you have to decide if you want to fish or cut bait. I took a 5 hour –one way-drive to Gainsville, Fl to try a Rover Internal 8 at Gator Trikes. I thank Mike at Gator for his help and patience and the trial. I liked the unit but I understand external de-railers, and like the upgradeability of the Rover. I also looked at a Catrike I ran into while out on my MTB

 I know there are lots of other features on other makes and models that I like and want but decided to start modest on a unit that at a thousand bucks has a great reputation for versatility, durability and service. I also know I'll put a few more $100s into this base unit to get it where I want it and am looking forward to doing it. Since there are no dealers here in PCB or within hundreds of miles of my home in Canada, I've opted to go factory direct.

My Rover 8 external arrives tomorrow.

I would like to thank all the forums and the participants who post such diverse information. It has been very helpful in making my decision and planning upgrades. i.e. Must admit running over ones feet and legs never even occurred to me.. Thank you for that repeated advice. I enjoy watching the wild rides down canyon roads featured in some videos, but think I'll keep it down to max 15 mph for the near future.

A point on the weight of the Rover, I just figured out how to reduce the gross weight by at least 25 lbs. I'll keep you updated.

 

Jack Day 1 on Rover 8 external