Kentwood, MI (April 12, 2010) – TerraTrike announced today the highly anticipated new trike named “The Rover”. The trike, which features a higher seat, tighter turning radius and modular frame design, is being highly praised by both industry leaders and customers.
“This is the culmination of over 2 years of development and fine tuning”, says Mike Kessenich, Chief Operations Officer. “We’ve been listening to all of our dealers and customers and have come up with a model that takes all of their concerns out of the equation.’”
The Rover features a seat height equal to a standard folding chair, a turning radius that is tighter than most 2 wheeled bikes, a custom decal pack for color personalization and an easily collapsible frame that allows one to store or transport it in the trunk of most cars. “There are 5 bolts and the whole thing comes apart in to 4 easily storable pieces” says Kessenich.
Another feature is the quick-adjust seat and boom. “Not only will our dealers love this because they now only have to stock one size, but riders who share a trike with multiple family members can now ride the same trike,” says Sales Coordinator Ben Williams. “The trike adjusts in a second and will also accommodate riders up to 400 pounds in weight.”
The Rover comes in a 3 speed version for $799 and an 8 speed version for $999.
The Rover comes standard with disc brakes, Sturmey Archer hubs, direct steering and a nylon seat covering. The lack of any chain idlers also contributes to the quietness of the ride. It also has a full 4 inches more ground clearance than their other models.
“Response has been huge already. We debuted it to our dealers last month and have nearly sold out of them with pre-orders. We’ve had to scramble to get more before they’ve even been announced.” Says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director. “We’ve been riding this trike for several months now and it’s become my new favorite trike. It’s remarkable how stable, fast and fun it is.” He adds, “And with a price tag of only $799, we’ve brought affordable triking to the masses.”
TerraTrike will have the Rover in stock in mid May but are taking pre-orders starting today. Visit www.RideARover.com for more information and videos.
For additional information on WizWheelz or TerraTrikes, contact Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director, at (800) 945-9910 or visit www.TerraTrike.com.
ABOUT WIZWHEELZ INC. - WizWheelz Inc. is headquartered in Kentwood, Michigan and is one of the largest manufacturers of recumbent trikes in the world. The TerraTrike brand has been manufactured for over 14 years and they maintain one of the industry’s most extensive sales and support systems, with over 90 distributors and dealers in multiple countries. Product and distributor information is available on the TerraTrike website at www. TerraTrike.com, or by calling (616) 455-5988 or 1-800-945-9910.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
New Nuvinci Drive Coming Soon
The guys from Fallbrook Technologies came by today to demo their new drive. That was quite a surprise for us. The new drive is awesome!
The Nuvinci 360 will be available in May (don't ask for an exact date) and has many improvements. We'll get the datasheet posted at some point but here are the highlights from memory:
3lbs lighter - This new drive is smaller and lighter and looks great.
Wider gear range - 360% (hence the name)
Much better shifter - This is a big one. No more clunky external box. Shifter mechanism is inside the hub area now and not sticking out the axle.
Uses standard Shimano cogs - No more freewheels means cheaper gear changes. It also means it won't work with the gas engines without some serious mods.
Improved shifting - 3/4 turn from end to end range instead of 1-1/2 turns. and it is way easier to turn under load.
This is going to be great and I think I will actually start pushing this drive. I was pretty impressed. And, pricing will be cheaper too, so it's a win win.
The Nuvinci 360 will be available in May (don't ask for an exact date) and has many improvements. We'll get the datasheet posted at some point but here are the highlights from memory:
3lbs lighter - This new drive is smaller and lighter and looks great.
Wider gear range - 360% (hence the name)
Much better shifter - This is a big one. No more clunky external box. Shifter mechanism is inside the hub area now and not sticking out the axle.
Uses standard Shimano cogs - No more freewheels means cheaper gear changes. It also means it won't work with the gas engines without some serious mods.
Improved shifting - 3/4 turn from end to end range instead of 1-1/2 turns. and it is way easier to turn under load.
This is going to be great and I think I will actually start pushing this drive. I was pretty impressed. And, pricing will be cheaper too, so it's a win win.
Friday, April 2, 2010
KMX announces $799 adult trike!
We received an announcement from KM on 3/31/10 that they have a new trike coming. Per the announcement:
"KMX 3-speed Offers Xtreme Fun & Value!
The Tornado F3 builds upon KMX Karts' reputation for Xtreme Performance, Xtreme Attitude and Xtreme Fun by adding Xtreme Value to the mix.
Built on our tough Tornado frame, check out what our new $799 3-speed adult trike offers:
Sturmey-Archer RS-RF3 Gearbox with twist grip shifter
Tektro front disc brakes with independent left and right brake levers
Upgraded, stronger spoked wheels with alloy single skinned rim in black (16" front and 20" rear). Will accomodate high pressure tires.
Fewer parts, Lower maintenance
Offers your local shop the ability to upgrade gearing
Perfect trike for rental markets
Xtra Long boom available
Includes the newer KMX bucket seat
Don't be fooled by expensive imitations. The KMX Tornado F3 is an upgraded trike with a downgraded price offering you adrenalin pumping fun!
The Tornado F3 will be available in June."
-----------------------------------------------------
It sounds exciting, but June feels like a long time away! I'm glad to see that KMX is finally putting spoked wheels on the trike, since the nylon mag wheels have really been what has made the difference between their kid and adult versions. The 3-speed transmission will be great for the maintenance-free customers and rental facilities, but offers a lot of potential for upgrades. As soon as we have a clear date of availability we will start accepting preorders.
KMXUS.com has pictures now with a preorder page.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Catrike Extension Kits Are Now In Stock!
We started the design work nearly six months ago and after 6 prototypes and help from Catrike came up with the perfect wheel extension that will fit on all 2005 and later 20-inch wheel models. It's great when we can come up with a product that so many people have been asking for and have it turn out so nice.
Our Catrike Extension Kits are in and they look amazing. The final production version features a black anodized finish and looks great with any color Catrike. We'll have new pictures up on Monday with some awesome trike conversions. We got about 90% of the preorders shipped out on Friday and will have the rest shipped off this week.
The Extension Kit allows you to install a 26-inch wheel (or even a 700) on your 20-inch Catrike. This exciting upgrade option allows you to create a new trike from the stock models. The Villager with a 26-inch wheel and some beefy tires is an amazing trike!
Switching from a smaller wheel to a 26-inch rear will give you higher gearing and rolls faster and smoother. We have matching Catrike OEM wheels available as well as custom Velocity AeroHeat wheels with disc brake mounts. We also have many custom wheels with various internally geared hubs. If you already have a 26-inch wheel you can use that too!
The Extension Kit also allows you to install a rear disc brake for use as a parking or drag brake. This is a great option for turning your trike into a touring machine!
Full information on the Extension Kit is available on our website together with the various chain rerouting options and wheel choices.
Our Catrike Extension Kits are in and they look amazing. The final production version features a black anodized finish and looks great with any color Catrike. We'll have new pictures up on Monday with some awesome trike conversions. We got about 90% of the preorders shipped out on Friday and will have the rest shipped off this week.
The Extension Kit allows you to install a 26-inch wheel (or even a 700) on your 20-inch Catrike. This exciting upgrade option allows you to create a new trike from the stock models. The Villager with a 26-inch wheel and some beefy tires is an amazing trike!
Switching from a smaller wheel to a 26-inch rear will give you higher gearing and rolls faster and smoother. We have matching Catrike OEM wheels available as well as custom Velocity AeroHeat wheels with disc brake mounts. We also have many custom wheels with various internally geared hubs. If you already have a 26-inch wheel you can use that too!
The Extension Kit also allows you to install a rear disc brake for use as a parking or drag brake. This is a great option for turning your trike into a touring machine!
Full information on the Extension Kit is available on our website together with the various chain rerouting options and wheel choices.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
ICE FRONT ROAD RESPONSE SUSPENSION (R.R.S)
From ICE:
One of the key features of the new ICE trikes is the availability of the new ICE front Road Response Suspension (R.R.S) which provides a smooth ride combined with dynamic and precise handling.The heat treated 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminium suspension units deliver 40mm (1.57") suspension travel for a smooth ride and controlled handling.
ICE double leading link geometry eliminates bump steer and dramatically reduces brake dive.
Fully adjustable - a selection of spring units for the front suspension, so the suspension performance can be optimised to rider size and riding style.
Dynamic and precise handling - Here at ICE we love riding trikes which are sharp and poised with controlled and dynamic handling. One of our concerns when developing front suspension was to avoid producing a trike with mushy or vague handling. To avoid this scenario, we tested different suspension systems experimenting with differing levels of suspension travel. We found that while longer travel systems performed well in mountain biking situations they did not give precise on road handling without requiring heavy and expensive anti-roll bars. At this point we decided to focus our suspension towards road, track, and trail use, in keeping with the character of our trikes. This enabled us to set the maximum travel at 40mm (1.57") giving comfort, precise handling and light weight.
Developed using the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technology. In addition to this, our test rigs have simulated over 100,000 full load cycles to ensure the suspension is up to rigourous use, many riders won't go this far.... but it's nice to know.
New 2010 ICE Lineup
The much anticipated ICE lineup for the 2010 models is coming soon. We are expecting to get the first shipment in the middle of February.
ICE has made many changes across the board. We are getting all of the new models loaded into our system this week. Some of the main changes are new foldability, front suspension option, and new standard width (replacing the old NT and Standard Track).
Many configurations will be possible for each series, so there is now a much broader price range.
The T is being replaced by the Adventure series trikes. The Q is being replaced by the Sprint series. Pricing for the different ICE Adventure and Sprint configurations is $2499-3925.
A new high-performance Vortex trike with a $3299-3899 price range is available as the ultimate ICE speed machine.
ICE has made many changes across the board. We are getting all of the new models loaded into our system this week. Some of the main changes are new foldability, front suspension option, and new standard width (replacing the old NT and Standard Track).
Many configurations will be possible for each series, so there is now a much broader price range.
The T is being replaced by the Adventure series trikes. The Q is being replaced by the Sprint series. Pricing for the different ICE Adventure and Sprint configurations is $2499-3925.
A new high-performance Vortex trike with a $3299-3899 price range is available as the ultimate ICE speed machine.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
TerraCycle Acquires Windwrap
TerraCycle and Mueller Human Power, two leading companies in the design and manufacture of accessories for recumbent bicycles, have announced that TerraCycle has acquired Windwrap Fairings from Mueller Human Power and will expand its successful line of fairings and fairing mounts.
"I've always had an interested in practical human power", said Mueller Human Power founder Mark Mueller. "I started Mueller Human Power back in '98, after experimenting with fairings and aerodynamics and becoming convinced fairings offered big improvements in speed and comfort" said Mueller. "Since then, we've come to produce a really wide range of fairings and fairing mounts which are sold around the world."
"We've grown a lot over the years, and the demands of the business require increasing time and resources," said Mueller, who is also a transportation engineer for CalTrans. "I am proud that Windwrap fairings are in use around the world. Now its time someone who can make these an even better product to take things from here. We've been working with TerraCycle for years and believe they will be a great company for this."
"We're looking forward to this", said TerraCycle president Pat Franz, "because fairings are a fun challenge, and Mueller Human Power's Windwrap products are a natural complement to TerraCycle's idlers, racks, accessory mounts and stems. Mark and Carl at Mueller Human Power have developed a really great system of fairings, mounts, and production methods, and we're excited about all the things we can now do."
"Both companies make high quality products that meet the unique needs of recumbent riders," Franz explained, "Both companies have a strong history of listening to customer needs, and of developing products over miles and miles of real world riding."
"We plan to expand the Windwrap fairing line and keep working on improvements to performance and fit. With our in house CNC capabilities, we are looking at several upgrades right away", says Franz.
"I've always had an interested in practical human power", said Mueller Human Power founder Mark Mueller. "I started Mueller Human Power back in '98, after experimenting with fairings and aerodynamics and becoming convinced fairings offered big improvements in speed and comfort" said Mueller. "Since then, we've come to produce a really wide range of fairings and fairing mounts which are sold around the world."
"We've grown a lot over the years, and the demands of the business require increasing time and resources," said Mueller, who is also a transportation engineer for CalTrans. "I am proud that Windwrap fairings are in use around the world. Now its time someone who can make these an even better product to take things from here. We've been working with TerraCycle for years and believe they will be a great company for this."
"We're looking forward to this", said TerraCycle president Pat Franz, "because fairings are a fun challenge, and Mueller Human Power's Windwrap products are a natural complement to TerraCycle's idlers, racks, accessory mounts and stems. Mark and Carl at Mueller Human Power have developed a really great system of fairings, mounts, and production methods, and we're excited about all the things we can now do."
"Both companies make high quality products that meet the unique needs of recumbent riders," Franz explained, "Both companies have a strong history of listening to customer needs, and of developing products over miles and miles of real world riding."
"We plan to expand the Windwrap fairing line and keep working on improvements to performance and fit. With our in house CNC capabilities, we are looking at several upgrades right away", says Franz.
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