The GTT Tandem Touring Trike
No problems with the hills either. With a trike you can gear it down as low as you like, because it is stable at any speed. We had a 32/42/52 triple and 11/30 8sp cluster on the 3x7, giving 72 possible combinations and 16 effective gears from 15 inches to 125 inches. Unlike a conventional tandem (where starting and cornering can be problems) the cranks are set up 90 degrees out of phase, so that only one person has full power on the transmission at once. This also makes for smoother hill climbing, and with the 20" wheel, means that the strain on the transmission is actually less than an ordinary solo bike! We were most impressed with the Sachs hydraulic disc brakes. They exceed the German standard for bicycle brakes by 2 1/2 times. We found them very smooth and very powerful, so much so, that we found we did not need a rear brake. It is relatively easy to lock up the
front wheels, even with the excellent grip of the Tioga "Comp Pool" tyres. The Tandem Trike can be built to suit any riders, and normally has about 6" of leg adjustment for the front rider. The rear position has even more adjustment and can even be adjusted for children as well as adults.
We hope other riders enjoy the Tandem Trike at least as much as we have.
Ian & Christine Sims
The latest tandem trike development is the use of S&S BTCs, to enable the trike to be taken apart for shipping, transport or storage. Two BTCs allow it to be broken in half to half its length (the most economical option) and five BTCs, with removable seats, enable it to be broken down into quite a small size, as show in the images:-
