A recumbent trike is your companion over long distance journeys. The advantages of a trike are impressive – they allow you to exercise your ‘recumbent muscle groups’ without causing severe strain to your neck, wrists or shoulders. There are two main types of recumbent trikes, the tadpole trikes and the delta trikes.

The Delta trikes are the ones which come with one wheel in the front. The other two wheels are placed behind the front wheel thus forming a type of triangle. This is the ‘steering wheel’ that drives at least one rear wheel. In some models, the steering wheel may drive both the rear wheels. The one-wheel drives tend to pull to one side while climbing or accelerating. This can be bothersome for the rider. The delta trikes are usually inexpensive and come with over seat steering. The OSS offers the rider the advantages of an aero dynamic position that makes it simpler to ‘walk the bike’. In a delta trike, you can even mount your computer on the bike with ease. The recumbents are typically higher and easier to get in and out of, as compared to the tadpole variant. However, these recumbents are also bulky and heavier. They are the less sporty ones and are often priced at much lesser figures as compared to tadpole trikes.

The other type of recumbent trike is the tadpole trike. This trike is designed in just the opposite manner; it has one wheel placed behind and two wheels at the front. Thus, it has two steering wheels that drive the rear wheel. These bikes come equipped with under seat steering. This makes the riding experience more relaxed and comfortable. The tadpole trikes sit lower than the delta ones and are regarded as the sportier variant of the two. The reason for this is obvious; these trikes are designed to be sleek, lighter, smaller and faster. However, it is more difficult to get in and out of these trikes. The tadpole trikes are more expensive than the delta ones. They are less maneuverable at lower speeds and are easier to control at higher speeds. Thus, they are meant for the more serious rider who frequently travels over long distances.

The choice of a trike entirely depends on you. You might want to ask a few questions. Do you wish to travel longer distances? Is a trike a necessity or it an object of pure pleasure? Your purchase decision entirely hinges on the purpose of owning a trike. Before settling for one, you might wish to take a test ride. It might seem to most readers that a tadpole trike is the best choice, but whether it is the bike for you depends on what you find comfortable. There are many people who prefer the more bulky delta trike as well. Never buy one without a test ride because you might happen to be one of those who enjoys riding a bulky trike over a lighter one!