Sometimes at Rapid Transit we are called upon to conduct rigorous research that involves riding a bunch of bikes. This month, our research team consisting of of Jay, Adam and Chris embarked on the road trip to Grand Rapids, MI at the invitation of TerraTrike.
Whenever we visit bike companies, we find ourselves surrounded by individuals who are evangelists for the products they manufacture and represent. This holds true for trike manufacturers as well: company employees, dealers who represent them, and certainly the enthusiasts who ride them are fiercely loyal to the brand and its products, and, through them, to the activity of cycling.
What makes TerraTrike different from traditional bike manufacturers is that the cycling adfficionados who gather there represent a much more inclusive group in terms of age, physical fitness and ability. Some who thought they might never get on a bike again find themselves integrating TerraTrikes into their lives, becoming increasingly active, and reaching goals they previously considered impossible.
In addition to prior innovations, TerraTrike unveiled some new product offerings that we feel will open trike riding to even more riders: a folding trike, a model with a DaVinci hub and integrated auto-shifter, an off-road kit that promisses the possibility of riding a trike off-pavement, and the use of Ride Kick, an electric power-assist trailer that can attach to the trike when needed.
Folding trike: a breakthrough for people with limited storage space and those wishing to drive to trails or travel with the trike.
A power-assist trailer from Ride Kick. Works with almost any bike.
The off-road version still needs a little work. But there is the tantalizing prospect of riding trikes on pavement-free trails.
(photography by Jay Madden)
