Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2001
From: Roarty,
Francis X
List-Id: Recumbent Human-Powered Trikes
I just ordered one of their bike frames for $185 plus shipping. Now looks like they are planning low cost kits for trikes too Frank
Due to many requests from builders, IE systems will be releasing kits to build trikes on or about April 15th, 2001. Currently the plans are to include 2 trike models: 1.Basic kit- frame, rollers, front boom w/bottom bracket and derailer post, seat frame, steering knuckles, linkage and USS mount. This kit will use caliper brakes and wheel chair hubs. Tentatively, the plans call for 20" front rims and a 24" rear, using a regular bike rear triangle(modified)and your front sprocket/derailer and your present rear cluster. RETAIL PRICE is suggested at $375.00 US.
2. Full kit- frame, rollers, front boom w/bottom bracket and derailer post, pant protectors, steering knuckles, linkages, USS mount w/universal handlebar mount, seat frame, front 20" alloy rims w/1.75x20tires/tubes utilizing the Sachs VT5000 hub brake, rear alloy rims w/ 1.75x24 tires and tubes and 3x9 gear cluster, and sidepull cantilever brakes....nearly everything needed to get this little hummer rolling. This kit will allow you to add your choice of front sprocket(s) and derailer(if used). Tenetative pricing- $750.00 US
From: Erich Hartman
Subject: Re: Greenspeed vs. Wicks?
This is a long post, sorry. But we love our Greenspeeds, and were delighted to hear about the Wicks Aircraft trike, simply because of the lead times, costs and hassles it takes to get the Greenspeeds from Australia. We've just completed our first Wicks trike, so let me offer our observations:
1. Setup: Good. They have a very explicitly laid-out manual and the parts are painstakingly labelled. I only wish we could get all our manufacturers to do this. Both companies are a pleasure to work with.
2. Workmanship: Good. I definitely wouldn't say it's BETTER than the Greenspeed, but at least on-par. Some areas are obvious that he hasn't been building bikes as long as Ian at Greenspeed. Neither are junk by any means.
3. Comfort: Fair. This is where the Wicks bike falls behind the Greenspeed. Test riders so far have made the same comment: Too much pressure on the upper butt. The Wick's trike uses different seat back angles, and doesn't use a curved seat bottom frame. This puts pressure on the upper buttocks and caused some discomfort after a short time. We feel the Greenspeed is sculpted slightly better to cradle the lower back, buttocks and upper legs.
4. Performance: Good. We used (basically) the same component package as we do on the Greenspeeds, so that isn't an issue. Because the Wicks used straight tubes for the seat bottom, the rider's position is a bit lower, which made the bike feel like you could corner it even faster. However, I don't have any "laboratory numbers" to back up this perception.
5. Overall: ????? Despite the difference in price, the Wicks is still here... Granted, we've only had the Wicks for a couple of weeks, and the seat seems to be the only complaint. This would be one bike that a test ride would DEFINITELY help - the seat comfort (as with any recumbent) is a large product of what you're used to, and most importantly, the "construction" of your butt.
From: Ethan
Davis recumbo@gwi.netSubject: [Velomobile] Greenspeeds availability of Tubesets
I've seen that you sell tubesets for your trikes to schools in > > Australia and decided to find out if you would be willing to make them available.
Sure, no problem - the schools here have used our kits for building a large number of Velomoblies for racing, and I believe some of these machines have been quite practical machines.
see http://www.greenspeed.com.au/special.htm#Greenspeed%20Racing%20Trikes
The tubes kits are only $600 AUD plus postage.