S40 v Recumbent Trike

[jrs665]

Well have taken the plunge and ordered an ember S40.

Will be interesting to see how it compares to my ICE VTX racing recumbent trike.

The S40 will definately climb better, and hopefully will be more comfortable on rough roads.

 

[JoFlo]

I have a Catrike 700, Cruzbike V20 & Silvio. Catrike is definitely slower than the Cruzbikes. You will enjoy your S40 once you have transitioned from three wheels to two wheels. Maintaining a higher speed to keep from tipping over is the key. My Cruzbike stall speed is about 5mph before tipping over.

 

[jrs665]

I have a Catrike 700, Cruzbike V20 & Silvio. Catrike is definitely slower than the Cruzbikes. You will enjoy your S40 once you have transitioned from three wheels to two wheels. Maintaining a higher speed to keep from tipping over is the key. My Cruzbike stall speed is about 5mph before tipping over.

I am hoping the S40 will be able to climb the 15% hills I need to climb fast enough so won't tip over.

Is it 5mph for both bikes?

 

[JoFlo]

the V20 climbs a little better, mainly because it is lighter in weight. Catrike can climb anything, but slow and steady.

 

[LarryOz]

Is it 5mph for both bikes?

The slowest speed really depends on how we you can balance. Initially it will be higher as you are getting used to the Cruzbike. The more miles you put in the better you balance will be and the slower you can go without tipping over.

 

[JoFlo]

I’ve found that if you sit up, it helps to balance better. Experimenting with sitting up on fast turns, jury still out for me on whether it helps to carry speed thru a turn faster.

 

[McWheels]

I haven't found sitting up to help at slow speed, but my balance point has reached walking pace so I haven't seen the benefit of learning to go slower.

 

[JoFlo]

When climbing, at some point you'll find a steeper grade, which will require slower speeds to maintain your climb. Then balance at slower speeds will become important. There are of course lot of factors, % grade, length of climb, your conditioning, weather, surface conditions, gearing on your bike, etc.

 

[jrs665]

I haven't found sitting up to help at slow speed, but my balance point has reached walking pace so I haven't seen the benefit of learning to go slower.

If you have road shoes and road cleats, after a couple miles of walking, your heel and cleats will be worn down.
I found this out the hard way after getting a flat near to home and walking back; also ruined waterproof shoe covers worth £60.

 

[JoFlo]

I have rarely had to walk up a hill. I use SPD cleats on mtn bike shoes. It allows you to walk like a human on after ride meetups with other riders. Cleats are recessed on mtn bike shoes.

 

[jrs665]

I have rarely had to walk up a hill. I use SPD cleats on mtn bike shoes. It allows you to walk like a human on after ride meetups with other riders. Cleats are recessed on mtn bike shoes.

SPD cleats are good for walking as you say, also SPD+ cleats can be dangerous such as on slippy surfaces. Prefer to use Wahoo speedplay cleats now which have rubber covers and great adjustability.

 

[McWheels]

Ah. None of the above. Nuke-Proof Electrons mtn bike flats. Can't get on with clips and such like.