Buying a Used Recumbent Trike [Complete Guide]

Are you looking to purchase a used recumbent trike? This video guide is a must-watch to learn all of the pitfalls to look out for. A used trike can become a money pit if you don't know the subtle signs to look for.
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Chapters:
00:00 Challenges to Be Aware of
04:24 Problems to Look Out for
09:08 Used Trike Pricing Guide
10:12 Where to Look
12:57 Good Deal or Bad Deal?

[@trikesalot771]

I own an HP Scorpion Enduro with a Bafang BBS02, 52 volt battery, Nuvinci 380 CVT,, and lots of options that I built and installed. The trike is 2 1/2 years old and in excellent condition, routine service performed as specified by the manufacturer. In 2019 when I purchased the trike it came in at $8,990.00. Checking the manufacturer website, the trike today configured exactly as mine runs approx. $12,899.00, with all of the options I installed (4 channel stereo w/subwoofer, stand assist bars, roof canopy, lights, and mirrors) the trike is worth around $15,000.00. That being said it would behoove me to keep up with the servicing intervals, replace parts as necessary, and continue to enjoy riding my trike, because truth be told if I ever thought about selling my trike, I would be taken to the cleaners, and that's no joke!

[@LaidBackCycles]

Yes, maintaining your trike is so important. Trikes are investments that you need to take care of.

[@debbieschwartz3132]

I bought my used sprint x tour used. I went with a knowledgeable trike friend. This was a basically new trike in excellent condition. I got a heck of a deal👏 and full suspension. I had a full fit and tune up yesterday. I've added a few light mounts, flag, front light and upgraded my headrest. After 3 years of research and test riding I finally pulled the trigger and got lucky to find one locally

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Look after it and it will last you forever.

[@debbieschwartz3132]

@@nigelnightmare4160 that's my plan

[@JeepWrangler1957]

Actually had my CaTrike Expedition since last October. Never had leg suck. But watching your videos, I decided not to poke the bear and put SPD pedals on and got new cycle shoes.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Great decision :) It only takes one time to have leg-suck, suck!

[@markfeldman6509]

Smart move. If you’ve ever met somebody who suffered leg suck….look out. It’s a devastating injury.

[@jonk8337]

For people that are mechanically incline, and are smart shoppers, buying 2nd hand is a great option. I’ve purchased 5 so far and have never lost money on any of them. On a well maintained reputable manufactured trike, the main frame usually last forever and most all the parts are replaceable. Newer is always better, but am not deterred by older models if it can be had at a substantial discount. I currently own 3 e-assist trikes that are enjoyed by my family and friends. I always look for upgrades like IGH, e-assist, lights, racks, etc when purchasing. For me personally, 2nd hand is the best option. It also aligns with my belief in recycling and repurposing.

[@LaidBackCycles]

That's awesome Jon that you have found great deals and can work on your own trike, that saves a lot of dough.

[@EZSteve]

Great points Mickey! My first trike was a 2007 ICE Qnt, one owner, few total miles. It was in great shape, which was confirmed by a bike mechanic friend of mine. Four months of riding it around confirmed nothing was wrong, so i took it on my first cross country ride, nearly 1000 miles, and it did just fine. Two years later, I did the ride a second time, still no issues. But on a third trip, along the Pacific Ocean, the chain finally broke ... it was questionable when I left, but I figured it would be good for one more trip. Well, it wasn't, and I spend about an hour on a rural farm road fixing it, and then had to baby it the rest of the trip. I made it, but I learned a lesson about keeping the chain in top-notch condition. steve

[@kellyfromiowa1849]

Excellent. Excellent. Great tips in here Thanks!

[@shepatown]

Used trikes can also be great finds for tinkerers, who like to upgrade, or fix them. Heck, new trikes are also great for tinkerers too. Sometimes, riding becomes secondary.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Yep, I have my classic trike for tinkering and my new trike for reliability and latest tech fun :)

[@shepatown]

@@donedeal8385 That sounds like a winner. I have a Schlumpf Mtn Drive in the front with an excessively large chainring - great for speed downhill. The Schlumpf Speed Drive with a smaller chainring may have worked better for me, as I have seen a couple friends have them installed on their trikes.

[@markfeldman6509]

Very informative video. As always, it’s buyer beware. If one is going to be a very active rider he/she is really better off going to a licensed dealer , test riding trikes and buying the one best suited to their body and in their budget. Spend a few extra bucks and do it right. It makes the riding experience much more enjoyable.

[@LaidBackCycles]

So true Mark! I had someone bring in a trike last week that was too low for them and they spent a few grand used. They were bummed and wished they bought new :(

[@lizard2425]

Excellent vid.😉

[@LaidBackCycles]

Thanks! We want everyone to have the best experience getting a trike they will ride and love :)

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Totally agree about the Ebike Batteries only lasting 4-5yrs BUT they will only last that long IF well maintained and kept charged. If you leave them flat/uncharged, they're basically trashed in very short order (weeks to a couple of months at most)! What I hate is how much they cost $$$ and good luck getting one for a system over 5-6yrs old as they're propriety/built for that specific system with regards to capacity, voltage, connections and mounting.

[@mobilemiall]

I have had many recumbents, only one that was purchased new. With just about any used bike assume you need to replace tires and tubes, chain, cassette, brake pads, and cables and housing.

[@LaidBackCycles]

So true. If a trike has been sitting , many cable and housing may be corroded and ready for a fresh and smooth brake or derailleur cable.

[@craigcampbell3085]

Mickey, could you do a video on washing and cleaning trikes?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Yes, that sounds like a good one for Master Tech James :)

[@yukonjack.]

Wish I could find some info or video that showed the differences in the Rover model throughout its years, was there a certain year it came with the bigger 26 inch rear wheel or was that always only a after-market option?

[@LaidBackCycles]

It was always an aftermarket option.

[@VITAKENNY]

Is there one use both hand and legs crank? Maybe head for direction?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Not that I know of in the market.

[@geriannroth449]

Any videos on buying used 2 wheeled recumbents?

[@LaidBackCycles]

We only focus on trikes, sorry!

[@geriannroth449]

​@LaidBackCycles oh ok thanks

[@supremeflagship8965]

A question to tadpole recumbent trike riders. Is cross-chaining bad on a tadpole recumbent trike? Recumbents have a much longer chainline than upright bikes, so it's interesting to know how it works out.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Not if your chain is adjusted properly for the drive train.

[@Mark-oq9fl]

Hey Mickey - what I really want to know is how to ship my trike. I bought an ICE Sprint X Tour thinking, "It folds! Great. I'll be able to put it on Amtrak, train out to the West Coast and ride home or whatever." I was wrong. I can't find a box for it, anywhere, folded or unfolded. Some people say, "Hey, just get a box from your bike shop where you bought it." Great idea, except when ICE ships it they ship it disassembled in two boxes. I'm not sure that disassembling and reassembling my trike every time I want to do a big tour is feasible, but maybe it is my only option. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic of trike transport.

[@LaidBackCycles]

You can get a box from Uline.com, it's just going to be big and costly to ship.

[@Mark-oq9fl]

Would it be cheaper to have it disassembled and reassembled so I could get it into two standard boxes for Amtrak or airlines?@@LaidBackCycles

[@harutanaka3647]

I am looking for hand crank trike. any recommendations

[@LaidBackCycles]

HP Velotechnik makes a great hand trike. Also, you can check out Freedom Rider hand trikes.

[@barb8997]

Does anyone know if a regular adult tricycle can be modified with the recumbent seat I want for back support. Trying to save money. Would also need to change the handle bars but I would think that us definitively doable I don’t know much about bikes obviously

[@LaidBackCycles]

It would likely become more trouble than it's worth. If cost is a factor, the TerraTrike Maverick is a great trike.

[@barb8997]

Ty so it can be done but it’s hard I guess?

[@barb8997]

I’m not wanting a low rider type but the regular trike like the schwinn meridian

[@terryarsenault]

Do you have any experience with a quad electric fat tire?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Not much, but the ones I've seen are heavy and not great for bike trail use. They would be fun for off road though.