Posted on July 31, 2013 by Bryan Ball

German manufacturer, HPVelotechnik, has noticed the relatively new but growing off-road trike segment and responded with the new fs Enduro. It’s based on their Scorpion fs 26 model. (Gallery and Specs After The Jump)

From HPVelotechnik Press Release…

New for 2014: Surfing Forest Trails on three Wheels

The Scorpion fs Enduro Trike promises a brand new offroad ride experience / Recumbents from German manufacture are true masters of metamorphosis: the eye-catching metallic green trike with studded tires is a great vehicle for bush pilots – hours of fun for nature lovers guaranteed

KRIFTEL – It goes without saying that HP Velotechnik trikes all come with two wheels at the front for steering and one at the back for accelerating – but what happens in the middle knows few bounds: „Customize your life“ is the German

recumbent manufacturer’s motto: for example, the bikes in the Scorpion range can be configured into more than a hundred thousand versions.Yet with the Scorpion fs Enduro Trike, which the recumbent specialists are exhibiting at the Eurobike trade fair, they are even shattering the limits of their own bike configurator. The team from Frankfurt area has conjured up a dream metallic green trike for offroad use, accentuated by sky-blue functional components. The designer

coup has already received astonished looks from mountain bikers on the initial test rides – and is set to cause quite a sensation in Friedrichshafen (stand FW 300).

The striking color scheme goes perfectly with the intended area of use of the full-suspension Scorpion fs Enduro: the trike, nicknamed ‘Forest lightning’, pampers nature lovers who want to put their feet up and casually accelerate along

tree-root lined trails. Thrill-seeking bush pilots looking for their latest kick will also find what they are looking for: the low-slung trike allows moves and manoeuvers that would be simply be impossible on a conventional bike. Maximum riding pleasure is ensured by a special feature, which may at first glance astound experienced bikers: the two Shimano disc brakes from the XT range only bite on the front wheels. Even when braking hard, however, there is no risk of being thrown over the handlebars – a benefit of the low center of gravity typically offered by trikes.The best bit: the brakes can be precisely and individually applied to each wheel to offer impressively dynamic cornering ability. Experienced trike riders can apply the brake to the wheel on the inside of the bend to change direction in a spectacular slide. Straight after the initial test rides, Paul Hollants, cofounder of HP Velotechnik, prophesied: „I can well imagine that the wider tracks in bike parks will become a playground for our Enduro Scorpions.“

Despite the brand new ride sensation, there is no need for bikers to give up the popular tools from the MTB fraction: full-suspension rides are still possible – but the design has dictated that the 200 millimeter total suspension travel is now distributed across three wheels.The rear wheel in particular is therefore subjected to tremendous forces.This is a case for the tires from the new Super-Gravity series manufactured by Schwalbe.These are light yet have a highly robust carcass. They offer added traction never before experienced by trike riders while accelerating. The Kriftel-based team have intentionally opted for the compact 26-inch wheels for the studded turbine behind the seat so as to combine the advantages of riding a recumbent with the ground clearance required while offroad. The flat, anti-slip, blue pedals and a watertight EVA seat cushion highlight the trike’s unusual MTB characteristics.

In typical enduro style, mountain passes can be casually conquered. In doing so, the combination of the Shimano 9-speed XT Cassette and the 3-speed Sram Dual Drive offer 27 fully shiftable gears. During long descents, the parking brake often found on trikes is used: gently applied, it enables convenient and continuous rear wheel deceleration. For Paul Hollants, one thing is clear: “Our Forest lightning is certainly not made for rocky routes – even the chassis is too wide for this. Instead, riders can look forward to formidable forest trail surfing.“

The stable ride can be largely attributed to the Scorpion fs Enduro Trike’s use of technology from the automotive construction sector. Excellent directional stability on fast bends is achieved through the independent suspension of the front wheels on the basis of the McPherson principle.The HP stabilizer system positioned beneath the front axle wishbones prevents the bike and the rider from leaning outward excessively when cornering hard. The front axle’s anti-dive geometry

prevents the dive effect when braking. In creating the fun-rider, the recumbent manufacturer demonstrates how the highest levels of exclusivity and versatility can be combined. Although the offroad configuration goes far beyond the usual modular system, the eye-catching blue and green trike can be individually customized with HPVelotechnik’s frame kit, which contains the full range of specialisttrike parts. The Kriftel-based company’s user-definedmodular system for complete bikes covers options relating to the frame, seat, suspension, drive unit, brakes, pedals, tires, luggage, weatherproofing and safety technology. Admittedly, not every configuration is available for the enduro version.

When it comes to the Scorpion though, few people will opt out of the stable, patented folding hinge. This enables the trike to be swiftly folded up to a space-saving 125 x 83 x 62 cm for transportation.

Hollants also has two special comfort and convenience tips for trike novices and fans of pedaling options that are kind on the back: “A three-speed chainwheel can be easily combined with the existing drive unit on the Enduro.This gives you 81 gears and unbelievable spread of 916 percent.Anyone wanting to head off into the blue with the Scorpion fs Enduro Trike should take one with our powerful electric drive.”

Technical data Scorpion fs Enduro

Frame kit Scorpion fs 26 (Alu 7005 T6), Carbon boom

Powder coating: Glowing Yellow / black; Suspension, pedal,

grips and other design details in sky-blue

Front tires: SCHWALBE Jumpin Jack (20″)

Rear tire: SCHWALBE Magic Mary (26″)

Seat: BodyLink seat, adjustable

Suspension: HP VELOTECHNIK McPherson strut (front 60 mm),

DNM DV22 steel fork/oil (rear 80 mm)

Brake: 2 SHIMANO XT disc brakes (front); additional AVID

SD 5 parking brake (rear)

Drivetrain: SHIMANO 9 speed XT, SRAM 3 speed Dual Drive

Wheelbase: 128 cm; width: 83 cm

Length: 187 – 231 cm (adjustable for riders with height from

162 – 200 cm)

Weight: 21,4 kg; max. payload up to 110 kg

Price (with shown features): 4590,- Euro

Available as from end of August 2013