Posted on September 28, 2013 by Larry Varney

by Larry Varney

Co-Editor

Earlier this year, I attended the second Smoky Mountain Recumbent Rally. Similar to its first year, it was very enjoyable. Two things were different: we had a little bit of rain on Saturday, and Trident Trikes brought something new and totally unexpected – a two-wheeler. Yes, the company whose motto is “3 Wheels Good…2 Wheels Bad!” had a prototype recumbent bicycle for the attendees to check out. I rode it, found that it was comfortable, nimble, stable at low speeds, and my advice to Tom Flohr was yes, build it. I also suggested he let me keep the prototype, but he didn’t go along with that. But at least he followed my first suggestion! So, what’s the verdict on this “Two Wheels Is Good” recumbent? I’ll give you a hint: my big complaint was the color, the “Volunteer Orange.” Maybe Tennessee fans will like it, I suppose. Oh, and the flag was too loose. Anyway, read on!

I honestly didn’t expect many changes from the prototype – designed around one of their existing trike models, there wasn’t much that needed changing. And, unless I had my hands on the prototype right now (I tried!), it’s difficult to come up with anything specific. I stopped by Fairfield Cyclery to pick up this new bike – they were one of the first to get one. So, let’s just move on to a discussion of what it is, rather than what it was.

The TWIG (I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to stop using all those periods in its name) is described on the Trident website as an “entry-level” swb bike of 26/20 configuration. There are several of those on the market already. The components aren’t unfamiliar as well, with Truvativ cranks, Microshift shifters, and Avid brakes. The tires are Kenda Kwest 100 psi. The gear-inches range from a granny of about 23 to a top gear of just a tad under 123. I found that I was able to climb the steeper hills around my house without too many worries – the weight of 35 pounds, wile not svelte, isn’t horrible, either. The top gear was perhaps more than what I needed, but others may find it useful. After several days of riding, I found that my opinion of this new bike was similar to my earlier thoughts on the prototype: nimble, fast, a good climber, and easy to handle at low speeds.

You might be thinking at this point, fine, yes, Trident has produced a decent two-wheeler. But there are several on the market already, so why should I consider this one, especiallly if I’m not from Tennessee? Two reasons: it folds, and the price, both very dear to my heart.

I love things that fold! Yes, I have a van, so I don’t always have to fold any of my trikes, but it’s one of those options that invariably find themselves to be very useful at times. Plus, it does free up some space in the garage, which does keep the bitter half from complaining too loudly. This bike folds in a way that might surprise you: the rear wheel does not swing over nor under, to nestle by the front wheel – it folds to the side! No tools are necessary either, for folding, lowering the handlebars, nor for removing the seat. The seat, by the way, is a hard shell with a foam cushion, and the recline angle is adjustable – again, without tools (like the folding, it just involves quick-releases) – from 40 to 52 degrees.

That last factoid may cause some of you to think that this bike isn’t going to be very aerodynamic, even at its most laid-back recline. And, you’re right. While this bike does have a very high top gear, if you’re riding with the seat at 52 degrees, you’re going to find it difficult to spin out that gear!

OK, so we have a 2-wheeler that’s similar to existing units – except it folds. If high speed is your goal, then that recline angle might give you pause. Is there another factor that just might make you give this TWIG a second and third thought? Remember, I mentioned two things, the folding and the price. Here you go: the TWIG lists for $1249, plus $70 shipping. That’s right, just a bit over $1300, and you’ve got a good-handling, adjustable-with-no-tools, FOLDING recumbent bicycle.

My final take on this bike? If you’ve got a need for a 2-wheeler, and you don’t plan on breaking any speed records on it, and if adjustable recline and folding are things that appeal to you, then you need to give this new bicycle some serious thought. And it’s available in “Wasabi Green,” too.

Trident Trikes T.W.I.G

Pros: handling, folding, cost

Cons: recline angle not extreme enough for some

Cost: $1249 + $70 shipping

For More Information: http://www.tridenttrikes.com/twig.htm