The GTT Tandem Touring Trike
We have found that the Tandem Trike neatly combines the advantages of a conventional tandem with the advantages of a recumbent trike. The tandem arrangement means that two people of different fitness levels can work well together, with each doing as little or as much as they choose. It also means that the machine is about 30% more efficient, because only one person is breaking the wind, and two are pushing. This builds on the better aero efficiency of about 20% of the recumbent trike, over say a mountain bike, giving a double bonus. This was most apparent on the Great Victorian Bike Ride with my 14 yo daughter, when bunches of riders who were able to stay with us on normal riding, fell away as soon as we turned into a head wind.
On top of this you have the comfort of the seats which some people say are better than their lounge chairs! And no weight on your hands and wrists. Then you have the fact that you don't need to balance the machine all the time, like you do with a bike - no need to dismount and remount at traffic lights etc., no need to worry about hitting something on the road and falling off! My wife and I hit a rock on the road at speed in Tasmania that was the size of a house brick! The rear tyre punctured and the wheel was buckled, but there was no drama, just a bang from the back, so we stopped to have a look! Another side to the stability is that the stoker fully supported by the seat on the trike, instead of balancing on a small seat on a bike, which in turn has to be balanced on the road. Thus he or she is much freer to move around, to admire the scenery, to take photos, to navigate, etc..Read more...
