Comparing my Recumbent Trikes | A Detailed Review

I have ridden three recumbent trikes in my time on the road. Two of them were Scorpion 20fs models from a German company called HP Velotechnik, and my recent trike is a TiFLY x from a company called AZUB Recumbents in Czechia.
Many people ask me why I made the switch and how the new trike differs from my old one. In this video I will go over the similarities, the changes, advantages and improvements I made to the current trike from my old ones.
If you want to see the building of my new trike in Czechia, look at this playlist:
• Building my AZUB Recum...
Want to see my Tour in Italy:
• SPEZI / Italy Tour
00:00 - Increased Wheel Size
01:54 - Pedals and Pedal Extenders
03:13 - Stand Up Assist Bars
04:43 - Steering
05:19 - Suspension
06:34 - Fenders
07:16 - SON HUB Dynamo and Lights
08:22 - Braking System
10:15 - Rholoff Speedhub
11:15 - Cable Threading and Handlebars
11:37 - Bags and Panniers
14:02 - Rear End and Luggage Rack
15:05 - Manual Operation Front Chainring
17:15 - 26 inch wheel advantages
19:16 - Wrist Rests
19:49 - Padded Seat
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THE JAYOE TRAVELOGUES
The precursor to my VLOGs, a cycling travel documentary series
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[@JaYoeNation]

I recorded this while i was on my italy tour. I know a lot of people were asking about the switch i made and how i felt after riding the TiFLY X for a while.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

I’m just happy to see you turn on the petals again. Yeah one up on me. I haven’t even sat on my trike since Seattle to Portland bike ride I’m guessing it was around 2019 I’m at OverlandExpo right now and I actually forgot the trike in the front yard when I left, had to call a neighbor, and had them put it in the shed.

[@Theworldlargestlovemachine]

Will you be talking about your trailer in a another video?

[@JaYoeNation]

@@Theworldlargestlovemachine I haven’t used a trailer in Sooooo long. Maybe I’ll do a video about it

[@JaYoeNation]

@@TheOffroadCamper I’m jealous. My van is STILL not finished.

[@Theworldlargestlovemachine]

@@JaYoeNation yes I would love to see a video about the trailer

[@rdkuless]

BTW Matt.. you look good on it as well.. ! :). most don't realize how important Ackerman Steering is on a tadpole with tall (26") wheels.. Ackerman steering, when you are turning left, the left wheel takes a sharper turn, and it leans into the turn.. The right wheel takes a larger radius and remains perpendicular to the ground.. This helps keep either wheel in contact with the road and avoid skidding. The higher you are off the ground, the more important Ackerman Steering is. I love your new AZUB TiFLY X... AZUB in my opinion, is the very best in it's class. And the team at AZUB is amazing. Contact me once you get back to Portland.. the weather is great now (unlike the rainy day when you visited). all my best. Rob

[@longa3621]

阿克曼转向能自己改造吗

[@raymondlianto9882]

Good explanations of the changes that you made on your new trike.

[@garyseckel295]

Watched video twice. Have bodily shifting of a front derailleur here too. Highest Seats HUGELY improve scenery viewing MUCH MORE than would ever be an obvious amount! Rohloff Hub, IS literally, everything!

[@happytriking]

Thanks for the really well produced video, very interesting.😀

[@JaYoeNation]

Welcome!

[@anthonylandrum63]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@JaYoeNation]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomboyd9053]

Great similarities and differences b/w the HP Velotechnik FS20 and the Azub TiFly, Matt.

[@rdkuless]

Excellent: i agree, the Tektro T-525 Hydraulic brakes (with twin pull lever) is the best.. I also added the tektro hydraulic rear brake with rohloff rotor on the rear. I tow a trailer, and wanted good braking on a long descent. Honza steered you right.

[@brauljo]

18:11 That's because the attack angle of larger wheels is better at smoothing out road imperfections. A small enough wheel could fall into a large enough pothole that a large enough wheel could just glide over. Or a small enough wheel could crash into a large enough curb that a large enough wheel could again glide over.

[@JaYoeNation]

Right

[@louismartini6983]

Great Video. The ti fli x is awesome!

[@geoCow]

I like my own Scorpion 20" 'clown car', Matt. LOL 🚲 Thx for the kneesaver pedal spreader tip!

[@JaYoeNation]

Haha. One man’s clown car is another man’s perfect ride. I wasn’t knocking the scorpion. But it is a lost smaller in form than the x.

[@geoCow]

@@JaYoeNation I admit I am a lot smaller than you. I have the longer Scorpion frame and it’s works out fine for me with the boom all the way in. Also, you’ve ridden more miles than I probably ever will. I really appreciate your vlogs and gear talk.

[@masterq2.033]

I am so far behind so have been putting off till I can binge Italy tour but had to watch this. Never asked for a comparison as I was not sure of commercial and or personal personal commitments to your suppliers/partners.

[@JaYoeNation]

Yea. I am honest. I like both trikes. I don’t have animosity towards the products. But I am enjoying the X.

[@Kefoo_]

-- Thank you for your review. It's been helpful!

[@JaYoeNation]

im glad... are you shopping for a trike?

[@richglaser4566]

I enjoyed your video. I love to have a Asub too but there very expensive. There top dog as far as trikes go. I love the Scorpion and it right up there to.

[@Ram-pc9ts]

Great video. Apperciate the detail you went into. Very helpful. I have an order in for a Ti-fly 26 and one of the things I wanted but didn't find in the Azub Configurator was wrist supports. So, since you mentioned yours, I sent Azub a note asking about them. And no, sorry, did not go with JaYo yellow!

[@JaYoeNation]

Haha. Well no trike is perfect. ;)

[@JaYoeNation]

@@rdkuless the wrist rests were not Azub brand. But they were not from HP as well. The HP ones have foam. Azub repurposed a grip designed for handlebars and they worked great for me. I like them.

[@schwarzpulverfreundemullen2060]

@@JaYoeNation , Dear Matt could you please kindly figure out, what exactly Azub has repurposed? I‘m searching like mad - had found some handlebars with rigth proportions but wrong direction - the all only would work on a horizontal handle, not on a vertical as on a recumbent…. Thanks a lot for any advise, Ralf

[@NotTheStinkyCheese]

I've got the Scorpion fS 20 ... and coincidentally was thinking of getting this exact trike as my next one. it's expensive, but it does look sexy :D

[@JaYoeNation]

yea.. hahah... it aint no stinky cheese... :)

[@Graham_Peek]

Hi. I don’t own a recumbent cycle or have ever ridden one … yet ! but I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, and found it so informative. I will watch more of your videos and who knows, you may convert me !!!!! … Thank you.

[@NotTheStinkyCheese]

once you go recumbent ... you don't want a 'normal' bike any more. heck, I kind of became scared of height when trying a normal bike after having been used to a 20" recumbent (Nazca Fiero and HP Scorpion FS) for years. You do need to ride defensively (ie like you are invisible to others), but the ride is soo worth it.

[@leonardcriner1193]

I like the AZUB trike better. It looks like the ride is better and sits a little higher.

[@TheSouthernTriker]

I really love the ti-fly X. It’s out of my budget unfortunately, I could get one, but I just couldn’t live with dropping that much money on one item purchase that I may not use as much as I’d like. I ride an Ice Sprint X Tour so I have a 26 rear wheel and 20s in the front. I really do want a Ti-fly X, don’t get me wrong I love my Sprint X Tour, but I suspect I’d like the X even more. Like you said sometimes I feel like a giant riding in clown car lol, the Ti-fly X would fit my size better I’m around your height I’m 6’1” so I’d feel more suited in the cockpit I believe. Thanks for doing this walk around, think I’ll do a walk around on my channel soon of my trike. Keep triking ❤

[@chrisridethatbloodything2044]

If it bothers you that the shifting direction of the Rohloff is now opposit you can just switch the two shifting cables. What you can't change are the numbers on the handle.

[@JaYoeNation]

AAAAAH i guess you can! i didnt even think of that.. just rotate the inner pully 180 degrees.. you would just have to know the numbers would be opposite... but you get used to it... i like the way it is now.

[@mytube30005]

You have upgraded to the SUV 👍

[@JaYoeNation]

Hahaha yea

[@ccgg3913]

Great videos, planning my trip for 2026 🙏

[@TheOffroadCamper]

It’s funny, you’re not running a front derailleur; I rode my trike for decades that way, and got nothing but crap for manufacturers, riders, and anybody else that saw me. I got so good at it that I could kick the chain down into the next lowest chain ring with my heel of my foot, even clipped in. The only time I’d have to touch the chain was to nudge it up to the next ring when I need to go up.

[@JaYoeNation]

Haha. It’s fine. I don’t mind. I can even shift pretty quick petaling backwards to walk it into the lower ring.

[@33India6]

I am not in favor of clipping in on a bike, but on my Catrike I have pedal extenders and I clip in. I wear sandals that clip in, year around - I live in Fl. They are much like Keens.

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Thanks for the information. I’m new to the world of trikes. Shoulder and wrist issues are making biking a literal pain. I use to ride nearly every day at least 50 miles and at least once a week do a century or century plus. I like going places, I’m a destination rider. I’ve tried Catrike’s 559, 700 and Dumont, a couple SunSeekers fat tire 26” and one with more of street or gravel tire. My favorite was the Dumont with full suspension, followed by the 559. The 559 had a Bosch electric motor, it was crazy fun, but not sure it’s necessary. Anyone have any suggestions? Are there better trikes? Like this Azub, where can I find one to try?

[@HermannKerr]

I went with the Ti Fly 20. I find it less stable compared to my ICE Sprint RS with 20" all around, so I would probably find your version even more extreme. Ya I tour on the Sprint as well. The Ti-Fly 20 has respectable ground clearance and functional. - I have been riding clipless (with SPD as when I use the term CLIPLESS I am referring to TOE CLIPS) since 1988 (crashing twice in a row with toeclips got me to change) , Since riding a trike since 2010 I cannot imagine riding anything else. I want to be clipped in so I don't have to pedal against myself to keep my feet on my pedals or have a heel strike. My typical cadence exceeds 90rpm. I too have bad knees and found that a higher cadence is easier on my knees. I just had a right knee replacement 2 months ago and I am back out pedalling and I will hopefully be back out touring this summer. I only have one bad knee which was related to a mountain climbing injury from the mid 70s. If you can retry SPDs then try using a high cadence and spin your pedals. I have heard about the pedal extenders but they never seemed necessary for me. My problem with my knees was walking not cycling. - If you are running hydraulic brakes - carry a hydraulic brake kit and learn how to use it . Me, I've been there and I will not go there ever again. - I get a kick out of your posts.

[@templink]

Great video, You are very interesting and know the way to produce these video. I'm new to your channel and following your tour. In the video I noticed when you turn your wheel that the handle reach the seat and stop, my question is are you able to make the turn in tight corners

[@JaYoeNation]

The turning radius is really tight. I was surprised

[@Theworldlargestlovemachine]

You didn't say or talk about your trailer

[@curbowman]

In a previous episode, Matt spoke about how towing a trailer was straining his knees due to the larger weight . On a related note, battery and video technology has made it possible to use smaller ones for the drone and the electronics, so he can carry less stuff without losing any video capturing/editing versatility.

[@shaunhall960]

Would you be able to convert your recumbent to belt drive? I've always ridden bikes but at some point I'd love to get a recumbent.

[@EZSteve]

Excellent comparison between these two trikes Matt! When it comes to front fenders, AZUB is still utilizing a design that ICE and all other trike manufacturers use, and that is the front fenders do not provide inside leg protection from the elements, not to mention that their fender support braces mount on top of the fenders. In contrast, HP Velotechnik, as you already know, uses their own proprietary front fender design, which is superior to all others, in that it extends down on the insides of the fenders (nearest the rider's legs), providing superior water and mud protection, while also using mounting brackets that attach to the sides of the fenders, which means the tops of the front fenders are totally smooth, with no squarish metal brackets extending over the tops. The HP front fenders look better and keep the rider more protected from the elements (because rain and muck just don't travel in line with the tire ... they go sideways too ;-) steve

[@JaYoeNation]

True. But I actually really liked how the fenders attached to the studs coming off the kingpins on the Azub. The HP ones slotted into the brake assembly with those two bolts. Over time I had some issues with those two bolts, either that grip washer ended up getting bent or lost, or the threads tore…. And I could not get them to grip. Overall the design is a lot more sexy for sure. I loved those heavy fenders. But the Azub ones have some elegance in their simplicity.

[@EZSteve]

@@JaYoeNation If so inclined, I am sure AZUB could design a fender that provides more protection on the sides, yet maintain their current brace mounting paradigm, then they would have the best of both worlds. Not only do the smooth tops of the fenders look sexy like you say, it makes it a breeze to wipe the fenders clean of dirt and dust, whereas the typical "braces on top" designs leave little areas that are really difficult to get totally clean by wiping (requires a brush to get in there). AZUB sets themselves apart in many great ways, so now it's time for them to rise up to the HP fender challenge, haha. I agree that the front suspension on the AZUB will not suffer from the agony you experienced in changing out the springs on the front of your Scorpion! That is one of their strong points for sure. One thing I do like however with the traditional round cross frame on the Scorpion is that it makes for a very comfy sleeping experience on those rare nights spend sleeping on the trike (in places where pitching a tent would draw negative attention from authorities). I don't sleep on the trike much of course, but when I have, it would seem the AZUB titanium torsion bar suspension would not be as comfy on the backs of my legs. steve

[@larryhoworth8407]

Thanks for the comparison video. I was considering s Scorpion 26FS, but I have shifted to wanting an AZUB Ti Fly X. I plan on visiting the factory this fall to order a trike. I have been watching your vids and learning from your experiences. I have bad knees and watching your video about the end of your trip due to your knees made mine hurt in sympathy. I will add a motor to my trike when I get it home. The only solution to the flying with battery problem I have come up with is to buy new batteries when I arrive after flying. The batteries become a consumable item for the trip and would be given away/left/sold before returning to the US. Of course, the batteries used at home, get left there before flying. I plan on staying in hotels, and not camping (too old) so the charging problem is lessened. Would you consider making a short vid about locking up/securing your trike at night at hotels?

[@JaYoeNation]

Getting rid of the batteries as needed is an interesting idea. But not sure how many people would want the used batteries. Maybe selling them to shops as floor demo trikes

[@larryhoworth8407]

@@JaYoeNation My idea is for the tour to start and ends at the same airport (like in the Netherlands) buying the batteries at a local shop, having them assemble the trike, and at the end of the tour, they dissemble and pack the trike for flying. Perhaps they would take the batteries in trade for the work. If the tour lasts say, 80 days, and you charged every night, that is 80 cycles on the batteries. That is about 10% of a batteries life. Considering all the ebikes in the Netherlands, I would think you could sell them. If you cannot get anything for them at the end, just give them to the shop and consider it another expense of your tour.

[@Andrea-vt3rs]

When I reviewed your accident, seeing you on the ground made my heart ache.

[@JaYoeNation]

It made my shoulder ache. Haha.

[@colinnorthcott9219]

Hi Matt. Do you know what your gear ratio range is on your new trike ( excluding your emergency chainring) ?

[@JaYoeNation]

I used this calculator www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html and just put in my values. Not sure how this translates, but it goes from 0.28 low to 1.47 high

[@eric4758]

Would love something like this with full electric cruise mode, 2000w bafang mid-drive, 60Ah battery pack, solar array bike trailer, and a sun shade overhead. But the price at $7800 is about the same price as a Chinese EV mini car. Sigh.

[@xanosdarkpaw1]

I would love a bike like that. But I have nowhere to park it! It's too big to bring inside and outside it would be stolen over night :/

[@occamsrazor7939]

I do like the larger wheels.

[@Bikepacking]

Sweet

[@tri-seeker2753]

Just out of curiosity, is it OK to have SON hub just in one wheel? There has to be extra resistance on that wheel so there is a chance it "leaks" into steering...

[@JaYoeNation]

yoiu dont really feel any pull from one side. You dont want to have them on both wheels cause it compounds the resistance.

[@stephendufort4154]

Matt I AM A LONG TIME FOLLOWER WAY BACK IN CHINA AND LONG BEFORE YUR ACCIDENT, I RIDE A VTX ABOUT 7 OR 8 YEARS NOW BUT I AM GOING TO TEST RIDE YOUR TRIKE IN A FEW WEEKS ! THE ELECTRIC VERSION. IF I DECIDE TO BUY IT MIGHT I CONTACT U TO ADD SOME MODEST UP GRADES , TO GET THE CORRECT NAME AND PARTS LIKE THE PEDDLE EXSTENDERS AND PEDDLES THE REAR RACK FENDERS ETC?????

[@JaYoeNation]

SURE! let me know how you like it! send me an email [e-mail]

[@kjevers1]

What happened to your neon green spoke guys? They always made me smile.

[@JaYoeNation]

I have some. But many of them have become brittle over the decades.

[@tedreynolds3338]

I see that you were in a car accident. I’m curious…. I’ve had two accidents on my bicycle, each flipped me over my handlebars as the bike also flipped. Im getting too old to risk breaking another bone. Do you consider trikes to be a far safer option, or about the same? I realize types of accidents vary, so this is a difficult question to answer, but what has your experience been with regards to safety?

[@davidlicht4418]

Hi Matt which garmen do you use

[@JaYoeNation]

The 1030

[@ericmckinney9057]

I still remember your accident. Foshan right?

[@JaYoeNation]

Guangning. Between guangzhou and Guilin.

[@douglaskaye1395]

Get heal straps that will stop the possibility of breaking a leg

[@EZSteve]

Unfortunately, profit drives all companies, including Arkel and Ortlieb! Both companies have discontinued their recumbent bag options, which, in my opinion, is a real shame. I have used the Arkel RT-60 bags like you used to run, and if Ortlieb still made those recumbent bags like you now use in yellow, I would consider them. Instead, since I did not have that option, I use the Ortlieb Back Roller Pro Classic, 70 liter total volume (huge, biggest on market). steve

[@rdkuless]

Combo: Front pannier is 25L. and rear Orcas is 45L. X 2 (left and right sides) So i have really good capacity.

[@JaYoeNation]

Someday my Ortleib’s are going to die. And I’m going to have to decide what to do. I might try to buy a backup black set of Ortleib’s just to hang on to.

[@EZSteve]

@@JaYoeNation Ortlieb doesn't make the recumbent panniers any more, in any color, black or otherwise, so unless you find a used pair, you'll be up the proverbial creek.

[@jayminasi6073]

cost?

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Though I do understand your stance about this upgraded bike. But as I see it, I believe you personally upgrade your components to your specifications. which can be very costly to those who can not afford it.

[@JaYoeNation]

well... its my trike.. and its built for me.. so thats why.

[@ccscomments757]

Hmmm.. Once upon a time you were considering a Performer trike. What happened?

[@atnfn]

The AZUB bikes seem awfully expensive. You can also add ebike motors to them. A regular ebike with a Shimano EP6 costs a bit over 3000€, AZUB charges 3000€ just to add the same motor to one of their bikes. How does that work? They're probably charging you double it's value if not more.

[@velvetvideo]

would you ever consider a quad? ..if not, why?

[@JaYoeNation]

i was never a big quad guy.. its already quite big... adding another wheel added some complexity as well... i like the trike.

[@velvetvideo]

Any opinions between Azub, ICE...or any other 26" Fat tire trikes? I'm looking to haul a trailer and ride beaches and trails.@@JaYoeNation ...also would be interested on the difference between this and a Hase Kettwiesel.

[@driewiel]

Because of your van I thought you were going to get a tiny trike light as diet helium.

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😎

[@stevek4382]

I’m going to try a trike, but to wide and to low to the ground. I don’t feel like cars can see you. Kinda scary.

[@JaYoeNation]

thats why you have a flag up. it helps. I have never been hit except for once, and he was not looking at anything. i could have been an elephant and he would have hit me.

[@brianbassett4379]

Did you fall off a bike as a kid?

[@michaelklein8105]

Only $149.00 for pedals? Does someone sell titanium pedals for $1500? Does it ever end?

[@davidgatzen1543]

Larger diameter wheels have less rolling resistance than smaller wheels. Larger wheels are also better at going over obstacles, like rocks, curbs, or pot holes. Smaller wheels weigh less, are more aerodynamic, and take up less space when you are transporting them in a car or airplane.

[@bebopkirby]

With a 2 wheel bike l fear more a foul up l might do to myself, with a 3 wheel bike l think l might be more concerned with what others (cars) could do to me.

[@jstravelers4094]

Oh man......when you talked about peddle slippage and a leg and foot getting sucked under the trike......I got big time heebeeegeeevies! I hope you never experienced that.

[@JaYoeNation]

so far so good... never had my feet slip off...

[@brauljo]

18:52 Damn it's DK.

[@JaYoeNation]

DK?

[@brauljo]

@@JaYoeNation Drift king from Tokyo Drift.

[@bujin5455]

4:30. Guy is literally recording himself after being in an accident. I don't know whether to clap or shake my head.

[@JaYoeNation]

Haha. What else am I gonna do? 😂

[@bujin5455]

@@JaYoeNation Lie there and receive treatment like a normal human being? 🤷🏻‍♂

[@JaYoeNation]

@@bujin5455 how dare you! ;)

[@RusVolvo]

Pay attention to how 3 scammers passed behind you at 9 minutes 15 seconds. The first one walked in a hoodie and he looked at you appraisingly, then a man with a jacket on his arm passed - he also assessed you as a victim. And then, a third scammer passed with a purse over his shoulder. And they all revolve around you. These are pickpockets. Be careful, brother.

[@JaYoeNation]

Thank you for the advice!

[@felixaudet5860]

Seems like the size and weight of this thing demand electric assistance.

[@JaYoeNation]

not really.. i pedal it just fine.. but yea.. it is heavy

[@paolopetrozzi2213]

"TweNNy inches"

[@outlawi132]

Granny gear huh???? I see you didn't get above your raising lol

[@JaYoeNation]

Lol… isn’t that what it’s called?

[@outlawi132]

@@JaYoeNation I've heard bunt low and double low lol

[@Kefoo_]

-- Oh dear . . . the clocks and counter clocks aren't synchronized in a manner that supports historical significance. What's a novice gonna do? Not to worry . . . I haven't begun to shift, yet!

[@pillepolle3122]

trikes suck. I letarally could write a complete essay why but i won't. Get a normal bike.

[@athinaios1828]

is there a reason why you don't prefer e-trikes?

[@JaYoeNation]

Travel is a big reason. Impossible or incredibly difficult to fly with those sized batteries. Weight is another. Charging locations as well. But I’d love to have one down the road and integrate into the van.

[@rdkuless]

@@JaYoeNation you can use GRIN Tech LI-GO batteries.. each of the stack/connect packs are only 100ah. so if you pack them separated, you can fly... they reassemble like LEGO's and 4 -12v packs become a 48v lithium battery. if you pack up 8 of them, you now have a back up battery.

[@nobodybanana5977]