ENTRY LEVEL $1000 TRIKE? Or, Upgrader's Dream? SunSeeker ECO TAD SX w/Big Wheel & Front Suspension!

Because it's so affordable, the Eco Tad SX is a great entry-level recumbent trike for anyone that's new to triking or for someone that wants to get into a recumbent trike without breaking the bank. It's also one of our favorite platforms for upgrades and customization. We took this stock Eco Tad and upgraded it with a 26 inch rear wheel using our UTCustom extension plates, then upgraded the front end with suspension and finished it off with improved handling using our Revolution headsets.
Take a look at this upgraded Eco Tad SX: www.utahtrikes.com/RECENTTRIK...
Start customizing your own Eco Tad SX: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11619...
Utah Trikes is a local shop based in Payson Utah.
We are located at 40 S Main Street and we invite you to come visit and try out some trikes.
You can also visit us at UtahTrikes.com for more information!
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:49 Eco Tad SX
10:05 Outro
10:34 Ride
11:05 Bloopers

[@fuhkoffandie]

I like how there's plenty of room to kick that seat back towards the tire. You can get a lower ride height that way, and it'll help stabilize your center of gravity.

[@allisonhennessy553]

I have a SunSeeker Eco Tad and I love it. It is super easy to turn which is great because I have a muscle condition that means I have less arm endurance and grip strength. I can literally just rest my wrists on the flat handlebars and turn the bike without even using my hands. The only downsides after 3 years are the smaller back wheel and the top speed. Some day, I hope to get a trike that can go faster and that will fold for travel, but I doubt I’ll ever find one that is so easy on the arms. Arm problems or not, this is a great budget trike.

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

Okay, I have been subbed now for about a month, I watch at least 3 videos a week, as I love trikes and want to get my own in the near future, but I've just gotta say this is the MOST expressive I have yet to see Lewis!! LOL!!! He is usually so serious looking and doesn't seem to be very expressive in general! I get that he is at work and all, but It is cool to actually get to see his more playful side!!!

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

If you want to see Lewis at his most playful, check out our instagram @utahtrikes. It's a bit more "behind the scenes" casual type of vibe. Lewis is an absolute riot!

[@ricksievers6324]

Hey Lewis that looks like the one I ordered! And I love it by the way, excellent job!

[@ricksievers6324]

I do agree I might send my boom back later when I get in more shape to add probably a pinion upgrade to it.

[@andreashertting8545]

Hey Louis, it is a great pleasure to watch Your little funny tricks with this trike. I am driving a catrike expedition with rohloff, son light and thick wheels. However I experience the same things You made. The rear wheel is light and driving on two wheels around a corner is not even intended, when it occurs. So I decided for my next tricycle an even lower position of the seat. Does Utah Trike offer something in this way, which is more speedy in the cornering and even more grippy on löse ground or snow? Thank You for Your good videos and Your of course the awsome tuning possibilities You are offering.

[@albusmacdonald7530]

You all are becoming the iFixit of tricks. Keep the custom videos coming. Also you should probably take an advertisement halfway through, to fund them.

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video thanks 😊

[@lavernarunnels1062]

I'm picking up my sun seeker Tad on Saturday I'm going immediately upgrade the back wheel to a 26 inch

[@scottschwartz7263]

Have you done a Eco tad sx build adding only, 26" wheels and 1000w hub motor? Estimated cost? Nice videos on some sweet builds!!

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Lewis, if you think that is a hill, you should come to my part of the world. PS, I have electric assist on my Expedition.

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Nice introduction. ? Do you have a video concerning touring trikes with the panniers concept for camping. Als😊o how do you adjust the panniers not hitting the pavement?

[@VidJunkie63]

New researcher of recumbent trikes and I've found several of your videos. Thanks for sharing them, it certainly makes it easier to learn some things. I do have a few questions. 1) With the upgrades suggested, what is the new "entry level" price for that unit? What is the cost comparison to the next similarly equipped trike? 2) If the Sunseeker Eco Tad only gets a larger rear wheel, without the suspension modification, how badly is the nose "dive" affected by that 3-ish inch rear height increase? 3) The Ackerman compensator was added to the steering stack. Is this a stand-alone mod suggestion, or a mod that only benefits when adding the big rear wheel and suspension mods?

[@robertaugust7425]

What's the difference between this trike and the EZ Tad SX? I see the frames are slightly different and the 8 and 24 gear difference...

[@diannekuehny2059]

Do trikes cost more to maintain, or keep in good shape? I don't know because I've never had one.

[@stargate12A]

Hello, you have a model that can move at a speed similar to a road bike.And to be able to carry some luggage.I do cycling turs 200-300 kilometers with my road bike and a backpack and I saw your models which look much more comfortable. And I found it interesting.

[@whazzat8015]

Which you can also do with a 20" wheel

[@Insanebynight]

Have you ever put some of these eco tad handle bars on a catrike? I think it would give the catrike more leverage, and make the steering less twitchy

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

We do have a vertical handlebar upgrade that we use on the V3 and Fat Cat-4 builds with the bigger wheels.

[@edmorgan960]

Been watching a lot of your videos and your company, personnel and custom upgrades are fantastic. I have a couple of questions... Do you do anything with trike canopies? Also,we have a couple of entry level trikes that sit up high and they have a real problem, when you have to stop very quickly it will tip the trike forward hard onto the chainring because all the weight is so far forward. I haven't seen this issue discussed in your vids. Maybe I just haven't watched enough of them yet. Have you ever covered this issue and do you make any custom things like wheelie bars that go on the front to keep this from happening? Whatever the case I'd love to see this topic covered when you demo the trikes that ride higher. I don't know if lower fast trikes do this or not but it's happened to us so often that I think it's one of those "Cons" about trikes that should be mentioned. Thanks for the great vids and I hope to be a customer someday!

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

We have not designed canopies, mostly due to the fact that there are so many available on the market. As for the tipping forward, that does happen with a lot of trikes if you really need to slam on the brakes. It's more likely to happen if you have a higher center of gravity. We'll try and include that in a upcoming video.

[@keithguiste2659]

Hi Ed, kayak canopies seem to be the reasonably priced solution if you dont want to spend hundreds of dollars for basically an umbrella

[@keithguiste2659]

@@UtahTrikesOnline gee whiz, that was a perfect oppurtunity to suggest that Ed buy a Bafang mid-drive from you(thus making his trike MORE nose heavy which would need offset by mounting dual batteries near the rear wheel😝

[@888mrshoe]

just a shame not available in UK great bit of kit and adaptations

[@combatc2007]

Great vid, was wondering if I can do this 26” wheel upgrade to my EZTadSX

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Yes, we actually do have a wheel extension kit for the EZ Tad SX. The front suspension upgrade will also work on that trike.

[@combatc2007]

Utah Trikes do you have pictures of one setup like this on your web?

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Here's an setup that uses our extension plates: www.utahtrikes.com/RECENTTRIKE-5243348_SunEZTadSX-AdultComfortTrike.html

[@chrisp5550]

Is there any availability to upgrading the gearing on these trikes? Thanks.

[@stephencollie9449]

Lewis one quick question should you have added a couple link's on the chain before you said done ???

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Nice thing about only having a rear derailleur and one chainring up front is that the boom can be adjusted almost 6in without having to adjust the chain.

[@scottogle5498]

Lewis, is there a way to get rid of pedal steer? Sorry if this is a stupid question. I'm new to trikes.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Sure is. Take the time to fine tune your seating position and the boom length and gear down so you aren't mashing the pedals so hard.

[@gadgetcaches5485]

Why is a 26" wheel an upgrade? Does it make a smoother or faster ride? Thanks for the video.

[@fun_ghoul]

I haven't even watched the video, but yes, larger wheel is faster if you have the power to turn it. It also, at least in theory, wears out fewer tires because there's more rubber than a smaller tire.

[@corneliuslam8277]

Can you put on a rear rack (for both 20" and 26" wheel)?

[@keithguiste2659]

I think the eco tad cries out for the Microshift Advent 1x9 paired with a Patterson drive

[@Pellipel777]

Do the chains on all the trikes make that loud noise while pedaling or just the cheaper ones?

[@whazzat8015]

Yes

[@kacsa-csa6754]

Please help! Where can you get a front hub that is also in this bike?

[@bobshoe1]

What’s your most affordable tadpole motorized electric trike? Also, foldable etrike?

[@James_P60]

I like your videos. So if a person upgrades rear wheel to a 26 and then does the neck bearing and suspension do you return the new old parts back to the customer along with the bike being they are paid for from the original purchase? Also do you have a price on a fender set when you go from 20 to 26” rear wheel? And yes as a beginner I’m thinking of going with a dark blue Eco Tad with 26” rear wheel,fenders,rack and bearing upgrade with a few other little add on’s. Bafang I can do myself later on.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

If upgrades are purchased with the trike through our configurator the pricing to go from stock to the upgraded parts are taken into account. IOW, you are not charged for the stock part and the upgrade.

[@James_P60]

Utah Trikes Thank you for clarifying that question, now I’m back to looking.

[@whazzat8015]

High CG with a high seat height and a motor. What could possibly go wrong?

[@rossbrumby1957]

@@whazzat8015 I know what you mean. I've gone from a Greenspeed gt3 to Magnum big wheel. The Magnum's steering geometry is way better, but considering the 26 on the back, the tail wag is as bad pedalling at speed but is less stable from it's height. However I didn't get the Magnum to go fast on ( will keep the gt3 and upgrade the steering for better speed)

[@whazzat8015]

@@rossbrumby1957 I am a big trike fan, but they do not do roads at speed well. A smooth Track at speed, maybe.Easy to roll over and I don't think the chainwheel should be part of the brake system. I like 16" wheels, but they are twitchy and harsh. I mean, I have a SatRday w 16's. These bikes and they way these guys ride, are not for the inexperienced, but are marketed that way. When trikes get into trouble it happens sudden and fast. Motors add to that issue. It is important not to ride faster than you can think.

[@diannekuehny2059]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying at thrike, never rode or had one before. But how do you lock a trike up?

[@whazzat8015]

with a chain and a U lock

[@paulstephens9274]

Need easy install motor for it any recommended

[@fuhkoffandie]

What I don't understand is why wouldn't you make the dropout extensions compensate for the increased wheel height? Just build them to where they mount on an angle. That way, the original angle of the main frame of the trike is retained. instead, it's lifting the back slightly, and putting your cranks downward, shifting your weight more forward. And with a short rider, you really have a lot of weight bias to the front, that causes less Traction in the back, much less weight on the back tire, and it would cause that pedal steer. Yeah, I don't understand why they wouldn't just make them angle up.... it would drop the back down to the original height. But still, an awesome product.

[@phillipmcmurran8991]

Why is a 26in rear wheel an upgrade? Does it go faster with that upgrade alone? Is it handle better with that upgrade alone?

[@whazzat8015]

a little less harsh. May be easier to find a gearing ratio for a particular need.

[@ghawir7392]

like a ghost passing by 1:07 .. look at the handlebar

[@amit2897]

So cute :-)

[@rossbrumby1957]

The obvious upgrade for a cheaper trike is buying a better trike. For example: bought a Greenspeed gt3, steering twitchy and a bit too lively at speed, overall awkwardly low to get in and out of but a very nice riding position and turns sharply for tight spaces. Ended up buying a new Magnum big wheel which is a massive improvement in stable steering and high enough to not need to use my hands to get in or out.

[@ambujshukla6264]

Please tell me the processor I want to buy it for India

[@nospamallowed4890]

How easy is to adjust this trike for different heights, just before riding? My wife and I would likely share such a trike. I am 6' and she is 5' 3".

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Unfortunately, to adjust for such a wide range is quite a task to do before a ride. However this trike is definitely the one to make it work. Through a combination of adjusting the boom and moving the seat along the frame, it is possible but an adjustment of the chain will still be needed each time you make the switch - definitely doable but probably not ideal.

[@nospamallowed4890]

@@UtahTrikesOnline Thanks, so it is not just a seat adjustment. Combining that with a bit of reticence from my wife regarding recumbent trikes... we might just be looking at dedicated ones for her and me. Me something like this one (full recumbent with 2 wheels in front), and my wife probably a more traditional e-trike with a cargo basket between the rear 2 wheels... and I think I saw one that looks like a traditional with a regular style seat but is at least semi-recumbent. Thanks for the reply.

[@roberthagood4770]

How much would the drive motor add to the cost of the trike.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

$1439

[@garygangster2414]

which is more stable at downhill speeds?

[@rossbrumby1957]

Something with a stiffer frame especially not a folding one. Smaller wheels and lower. Greenspeed Aero if you want fast and handling too. Big rear wheels make fast corners scary!

[@julianshepherd2038]

Can you make an ocean going version so I can take one to Scotland?

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

We might be able to build one that can cross Utah Lake, I don't know about crossing the ocean though. Maybe a folding model you can take with you on the boat?

[@char2556]

Utah Trikes I’d love to see you guys build one with a sail (land yacht). I probably wouldn’t ride it, but I’ll bet Lewis would ;-)

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

@@char2556 We've actually built a few of those over the years. I don't think that we ever rode them though since none of us know how to sail and when the wind picks up here it is crazy (90mph+). It would be a fun project to take to the salt flats for sure!

[@julianshepherd2038]

@@UtahTrikesOnline did you see the one that went to the south pole. Have bike half paddle steamer.

[@char2556]

Utah Trikes We get crazy winds here, too (Boulder County, Colorado). I bought a canopy for my Catrike Road that unintentionally acts like a sail, but without the ability to control it, or easily remove and reinstall, I quit using it.

[@lancerudy9934]

How do I order one with up grade!

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

You can give us a call at 866-446-2065 or email us here [e-mail]. Our sales team can help configure your trike with everything you'll need!

[@diegofgonzalez1823]

🤔👍

[@jerzy1988]

Jak cena dostarczenia do POLAND

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Needs an 11 speed (10-52) cassette...

[@archerlane9802]

What was all that noise... Is that the chain going threw those plastic tubes? You gotta fix that. I can't stand the noise.

[@paulstephens9274]

Hi hi a motor going to cost

[@blamm5348]

Affordable price? ROFL!!!

[@bentrider]

I don't see any advantage to putting on a larger wheel in the back.

[@keithguiste2659]

Higher speed for the same cadence, Sam, also if you add something like a big apple or big ben from Schwalbe and run a little lower psi that 26" wheel wil float across a lot of pavement cracks

[@bentrider]

@@keithguiste2659 You are adding weight and wind resistance with a larger wheel. The laws of physics tell us that with more weight and resistance you will need more energy. Also, by lowering tire pressure, you INCREASE your resistance even MORE.

[@keithguiste2659]

@@bentrider wind resistance on a 1.5 inch wide wheel? Excuuuuse me, I didn't realize I was responding to a TdF competitor😒 while you are on your physics soapbox you might also consider the flywheel effect of the larger wheel

[@bentrider]

@@keithguiste2659 these are all things to consider. However, you can't go around saying that you can go faster with a bigger wheel. It's just not true.

[@keithguiste2659]

@@bentrider try learning some simple math before you call people liars Soyboy I am done replying to your pathetic crap

[@ivancarlos2095]

Esse quadro e muito feio😌

[@longfoot_overland369]

Cool, but you're essentially saying don't buy this trike unless you have hundreds to throw at it to make it better for you ("YOU" as in UtahTrike Crew). Those of us shopping for an entry-level unit don't want to dump hundreds extra into a "entry-level" trike. I would've liked to see more video and review of a bare-bones stock, with upgrades in a second video. Dudes commentary beginning at 10:40 is completely irrelevant and does nothing for marketing trikes at your company. Actually annoys me quite a bit.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

From the caption: "the Eco Tad SX is a great entry-level recumbent trike for anyone that's new to triking or for someone that wants to get into a recumbent trike without breaking the bank. It's also one of our favorite platforms for upgrades and customization." We're saying "buy it, and by the way, here are some of our favorite upgrades". You missed the joke at 10:40.