Performer JC-70 Recumbent Trike Review

A quick look at the 2017 Performer Recumbent Trike. If you are looking at recumbent bikes, this one is a show-stopper at a great price.

[@Yavor54]

I apologize for not responding to posts here. This was just a quick look at the bike. I spent a long time on the assembly video.... and just added the JC-26X suspension trike to the JC-70 video. And no, I'm not a re-seller! Just a retired techie that likes unique equipment.

[@tvman54]

Ditto. Can you tell me what upgrades you did. I can do the research. Thank you for responding so quickly. I just bought the JC-26x want to know how to upgrade it🙏

[@chrisby777]

Some of us have no choice. After 7 major spinal ops and now fused from L5 to S1 and both knees replaced at the same time a recumbent is the only thing I can ride. I managed to find a second hand Greenspeed GT1 with 16” wheels last May and have clocked up over 2500 klms plus lost over 12 kilograms. I’m looking at the bike you are on tomorrow and hopefully will buy it. Thank you for your review. Kind regards, Chris. Perth, Western Australia.

[@Michael-xo8lw]

Great video. This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks!

[@RobertLee-rr5wx]

You sold me. Ordered one today thanks i have looked at every trike out there and at 1600. you cant beat it.

[@sunnyshare7114]

Order details?

[@Tony-123]

Love it !!! Can't wait for the mods video.

[@russellmiller1374]

Love your video, these bikes look awesome to ride, I need one.

[@FranklinNewhart]

I am just in the process of buying a Performer JC-70. It is almost a twin of the Catrike 700 but for a lot less money. I am purchasing mine from Renu Cycle in Leduc Alberta for $2,730.00 Canadian including GST. The JC-70 comes in at 40.48 Lbs. The Catrike 700 is a lighter bike, "34 Lbs" but it also has a lot higher price tag. $3,550.00 US plus shipping and duty. The JC-70 could doff a few pounds by removing the fenders and bike rack and place it closer to the Catrike. Maybe some Carbon Wheels as well would pull it down more and get them almost equal in weight. I would love to see a comparison done of the two bikes side by side and see how they stand up to each other.

[@liegeradontour1901]

That's a cool trike! And a very interesting review! We've never tried out a Performer Trike so far, are happy with our HP Velotechnik and Hase, but anyway, the Performer looks great too.

[@daytriker]

Very nice review Bob & Performer looks like they have come a long way. Decent components at entry level prices - such a great buy for a recumbent.

[@tvman54]

Hello Bob. Did you post the mod upgrades video couldn’t find on your channel

[@gork830]

Hi Bob. Reviews for Performer in general are rare on KZbin, and what does exist is sparse. I have seen a few by a guy in DC and his friend with JC-26s with suspension. Unfortunately the videos are mostly speeding around, with little narrative or description about the long term handling and reliability of the trikes. If anyone reading this has a Performer trike, how about creating some content on YT to give potential buyers like me some context on how they behave over the long term? If I do decide to go with one, I will do this myself. Right now all I have for info is the people at RBR in Pennsylvania, who I'm told are very helpful and open about assisting customers. An update from you would be very helpful indeed!

[@StellarFella]

Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate. Test ride, test ride, test ride. The most fantastic new kid on the block is TRIOT Trikes. CHECK THEM OUT! But Catrike, Azub, and HP Velotechnik are great models too. Your weight also needs to be considered. And your budget. But don't get in too much of a hurry and under buy what you need.

[@StellarFella]

The Magnum XL by Greenspeed will hold riders up to 400 lbs.

[@Yavor54]

Gork- Nothing has changed on my JC-70 in 2 years of ownership. All systems are still like new. What has changed is a few mods I did to it. I added an additional 1 inch of foam inside the seat, added some pipe-wrap to the grips for comfort and changed over to Continental tires for a softer ride. The Aluminum frame is light, but it's also rigid. These mods added comfort mainly. I'm old! I'll be doing the assembly video on the JC-26S with suspension next. Stay tuned.

[@velvethammerproducti]

@@Yavor54 I realize this is a silly question: How do the shifters work, left and right hand (when seated)? I have built the JC70 watching your video, and am about to test drive, but I have never used shifters like these. Also, my JC70 has different attachments for the luggage rack and rear fender. Can't figure it out. The last shifting bike I had was a 3 speed pull the toggle. I can shift, I used to have a 6 speed corvette, but I am baffled, don't know where to start.

[@KrunchyJD]

cool, I think I'll put one of these on my list of things to get

[@boredapeplayz8503]

If you still dont have one then go get a trident trike terrain. It is one of the most affordable recumbent trike out there. It costs 1499 bucks for stock. It can go on any terrain and it has a 7 speed gearing. Just for an extra 200 you can add an 21 speed gear upgrade.

[@bobcatt2294]

Good video - thumbs up and subscribed.

[@1430sl]

suspension is necesary?

[@KrunchyJD]

Had some reviews saying it's good but the idler wheel breaks after a short time, is this true, comments...

[@CadillacCherryBlack]

Hello Bob first great job on this video...before seeing this video I was looking at ICE Sprint X .. thanks to you I have just ordered directly from Taiwan and the cost at least 1/3 the cost thank you Bob !...

[@edhaley4168]

Allan Provost Which trike did you order and where did you get it?

[@StellarFella]

Sustained satisfaction is the key to any ownership. And that sustained satisfaction is indexed directly to (performance) and quality that hinges on minimal maintenance.

[@jaw147]

Thanks for the great video! You've almost got me convinced to get one. But a HUGE question still remains for me regarding neck tension from riding at that degree of incline. I've heard from trike owners that they couldn't ride long before developing pain issues in their neck (and some in their knees) from riding bents and had to give them up. I can certainly see that being a risk for me because I have a protracted neck as it is, and joint issues from weak tendons and muscles. Have you any thoughts on these concerns?

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

The seat comes with an adjustable head rest. The only way I can see of getting pain in the neck would be if you bring tension when you get on and maintain it in your neck while pedaling.

[@StellarFella]

Check out the outstanding TRIOT Trikes. They are more upright and far more comfortable than this model is. Also the different Catrike models with adjustable seat angles. This model isn't a bad one depending on your needs, but it is too low and reclined for many seniors.

[@Yavor54]

Gamina- I also have upper back/neck issues and I have never had any pain from this seating position. I sort of expected some. The headrest and seat are adjustable too. It has not been an issue happily!

[@scottroder5516]

I am curious since it has been a while since you posted the video: Do you still ride it a lot? About what speed do you get out of it? Would you buy it again? What is the longest distance you covered with it in a single ride?

[@StellarFella]

You ask super relevant questions here. Anybody can get excited about something when they first get it. But sustained satisfaction is not always the case. Catrike, TRIOT Trikes, Azub, HP Velotechnik, and Greenspeeed are at the top of the category of recumbent trikes.

[@bobcatt2294]

You like that direct steering?

[@Dave51262]

Looks great Bob. Thanks for the videos. I am interested in switching from upright bike to trike. A bit concerned about trike in traffic and being seen. Any thoughts or experiences? Thanks.

[@Didgeman80]

I ride trikes and as long as you flags, you should be fine. If you are concerned, have 2 flags and space them a foot apart, (vertically), and make sure one of them is super tall. I find people really go out of their way to avoid me, much more than they need to. An air horn can come in handy if you actually fear for your life. Hope it helps.

[@StellarFella]

Check out the TRIOT website and you will readily see how much higher and more visible a profile the TRIOT trike has. A tall flag or flags is an important issue too.

[@ki4rca]

@@StellarFella Triot doesn't compare here. Triot Trike models start in the $4000 range which is way outside the budget of those looking at performer trikes. You can get a HPvelotecnik which is a premium brand trike cheaper than the Triot. And triot's are ugly.

[@MrRljohnson77]

Thanks for the video. I am a disabled vet with lower spine fusion. I think this is what I have been looking for. Do you know if it comes in multiple colors?

[@stevemoulton5749]

Yes it does. I have the apple green.

[@Willy_Elres]

Really great video Bob, thanks for making it, you've done a top class job of showing the trike. I bought a JC70 a couple of years ago and one change I notice on your newer model is the boom being in black rather than the same colour as the rest of the frame which, looking at yours, I think looks a lot nicer than mine! I've become quite a fan of this company - and am tempted now to try one of its two wheeler recumbents - I just wish there were more videos out there about them as good as yours. All the best, Will

[@CadillacCherryBlack]

What is better... Direct or indirect steer...

[@tvman54]

Where is the inexpensive mod upgrades video? Can’t find on your channel.

[@emmanueltavora8642]

Wonderful!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Wow. Nearly 20,000 views. Have you done a long trip yet?

[@karenjmoore7350]

Bob I recently purchased this trike. I took it to a bike shop to put it together. it took them 2 days. when I picked it up, I was given several extra parts??? the fenders are not right and the rack is not on right. you mentioned a video on putting it together, how is it listed, I am in dispirit need. looks like after 2 days and 160$ it would be right, but its not.can you help please?JoleneBTW..I love this trike, rides great, handles great, and not a lot of effort.

[@Didgeman80]

I've had this trike in orange for about a month now and I am so in love! It beats my terra trike 3.6. Bob, did yours come with the mirror? Mine did not. It also didn't come with any type of Velcro for use as a hand brake. I was surprised as it comes with so many other bells and whistles. Looking forward to your next video about this trike.

[@KrunchyJD]

Didgeman80 how fast is the trike, some people say trikes are slow, others say they are faster then a road bike at least downhill. So there is multiple views what's your experience..

[@jimanezagnew8788]

Can I use a chain break to join link to link , or do I have to use the master link supplied ?

[@cdm1250uhf1]

hello, what do you still think about you trike? i'm thinking of getting one myself, so i,m doing a little of homework before i buy one. 73, KC3DSF!!

[@andy-the-gardener]

nice review. looks like an alternative to catrike 700. wondering how heavy is the bike as it looks like it should weigh similar.

[@andy-the-gardener]

Thanks. Youd think it would be as light as a catrike 700 seeing as its alloy tubing looks a very similar or same size. I downloaded side on pics of both and scaled them by the wheel, and theres nothing much between them. I really wish trike makers would get them down to 30 lb, the same as a hard tail mountain bike.

[@PrinceSomorin]

Hello Bob, thanks for the video. How should I make a decision on which to get, the 20 or 70? Thanks once again.

[@torpagardkonferens]

OsiTech O motor

[@fredcarrick1391]

With the 70, you can go faster because you will have some higher gear ratios. The bigger wheel also seems to have more flex in the frame at the rear than the smaller wheel. The 20 means that all of your tires and tubes are one size. (I had two recumbents that use 4 different tire sizes!) It also has a shorter wheelbase. For me, I chose the 20 because I want to simplify my spare inventory and do not care about speed that much. You will go just as fast downhill as the 70, but you will be spinning the pedals, not moving the bike forward. Also, the 20 will have a few lower gears than the 70 so you can climb hills.

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

Fred, are you saying that the 20 is better at climbing hills? Is it easier and faster at climbing hills than the 70?

[@fredcarrick1391]

@@shnarklevonbarkle110 : You have a few lower gears on the 20 than you do on the 70. The weight of both trikes is about the same, so, yes, the 20 can be said to climb better than the 70.

[@gork830]

@@fredcarrick1391 I have a bad back, so I'm concerned about seat comfort and how smooth the ride is. The right amount of lumbar support and a stiff frame transferring road jolts are important issues. Aluminum is rigid, so I may have to spend the extra money for a JX-26 suspension model. I do like a reclined position as opposed to more upright. I test rode both an HP Velotechnik Gekko and full-suspension Scorpion awhile back, and much preferred the hardshell seat and comfort of the latter. Both are way beyond what I can afford however. All this is why I need more data on Performer to make an educated decision.

[@derekthompson4561]

IT also needs suspension on the rear of the frame saves jolting your back over potholes.

[@capeholidays]

Hi thanks for the video. Great stuff. I want to buy two recumbent bikes Performer brand. They have the F Trike folding. That fit our travelling needs. We fly from South Africa to Europe and then cycle there. But we like the occasional off road gravel road. About 40% on gravel. The performer guys build a bike like yours with 26" back wheel with suspension. How easily can your similar trike be disassembled to put in a box? Or Can you tell me if the non suspension trike can do about 40% gravel roads?

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

You may need a bit more cushioning on the seat but it really depends on which gravel road you ride. Washboard or limestone path , Rail trail or country back road.

[@capeholidays]

Bruce W McLaughlin thanks. It will be country back roads.

[@StellarFella]

The HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS, and the AZUB Ti-Fly are the two you would want.

[@francissadler2516]

Magnifique engin qui pour les balades à ce serait impeccable merci pour la vidéo

[@alisonaly509]

Any body know how many cost?

[@rezaaffanza9266]

Om bob nagy malem neh...trike recumbennya klo beli trus dikirim ke surabaya...brapa harganya om....

[@longyone1980]

I want to buy one soon because riding my bike for long distance I get a sore ass and tired leg

[@Pushyhog]

Great trike on ebay too

[@zafraan8470]

How much this one

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

I would like to see it fully loaded for touring and how it performs on limestone rail trails. Nothing to do with screaming down hills on gravel but going up horrible groomed trails and how much weight will actually be on the back wheel for traction. A link to the Performer page is here. www.performercycles.com/recumbent-trikes/ Time to go out and start collecting beer cans to afford my next purchase.

[@Naturalborntillers]

wowie zowie! Love the bell!

[@Keithphotorama]

Could a one arm person control a bike like this?

[@phyllisboone8957]

There are components like dual brake levers combined with a grip shift for the rear derailleur and a bar end shifter that can be installed on whichever side is needed to accomodate you. My husband is a stroke survivor with no meaningful use of his right arm and hand, so his trike has the cockpit controls on the left handlebar.

[@phyllisboone8957]

The bar-end shifter would control the front derailleur.

[@longyone1980]

What's the price?

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

I got mine, ordering direct from Taiwan, in July 2018, for just about $1300, shipping included.

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

Gamina, do you have a link for that? I can't find it for less than $1435.00

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

I got it from Upzy. I notice, though, that the price has gone up.

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

Thanks Gamina, I've noticed that quite a few people who have been riding theirs for a while are commenting that the front wheels are wobbling more than they should. I even got a response from one of the dealers admitting this problem, and pointing out that it was something the company was looking into and should have fixed soon. Have you noticed this problem as well, or did they fix it with yours? They say it wobbles as you get into the higher gears if you have a light grasp of the steering handles. There isn't supposed to be any shimmying going on if you take your hands off the steering handles. Other people say it's not that big of a deal because these bikes are such a good value, but I'd still like to find out if they've fixed this issue yet.

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

Spent the first minute of a four-minute review on proselytizing recumbent trikes. First mention of the JC-70 is at 1:20. The last minute of the video (starting at 3:19) is a plug for RBR bikes, and for other videos. The two minutes in between are nothing like a "review." It's basically a wordless sales brochure for the Performer JC-70.

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

Dooneegomaface Ifinnaspring, if I do, it will be a real review, not a sales brochure.

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

I say this though I like Nagy's other videos. He posted a really fine How-To on unboxing and assembling the JC-70. I have a feeling someone other than him decided to title this vid as a "review," because I get the feeling that Bob Nagy knows how to do a real review.

[@gork830]

@@gaminawulfsdottir3253 The JC-70 assembly video is on the RBR website... It's true that many "tech reviews" are nothing but worshipping advertisements for products. What I want to see is real reviews by people who have bought Performers so we can find out the pros, cons, and quirks of the various models over time.

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

@@gork830 That JC-70 assembly video is one of the better such videos I've seen. It was what convinced me to purchase this trike. All of which is part of the reason this current video is so disappointing. I agree with your assessment 100%.

[@gork830]

@@gaminawulfsdottir3253 I'm in contact with Rob at RBR gathering information. How has the experience with your trike been so far? Any pros or cons about your Performer you feel comfortable sharing? I have a bad back, so Rob recommends the JC-26. I will say one thing: Performer are elegant as far as appearance goes. I've also seen positive comments from the trikers on the Laid Back Bike Report. Also, Matt Galant took a tour of the Performer manufacturing facility in Taiwan on one of his JaYoe episodes. I was impressed with the level of design and manufacture.

[@brucewmclaughlin9072]

Yes it is a nice trike , but where is the review as to, what can this trike do , what kind of gearing will I need to climb trees or scream down hills, around corners and up the next steep hill beyond? Will this take a fair amount of weight for loaded touring ? Direct steering is a bit more hand sensitive to the road whereas indirect, cushions the hands from some vibration. You need to take this off the pavement just like those of us who tour .

[@tvman54]

Those are on KZbin this just an introductory

[@WhirledPublishing]

@1:45 You? Average? ahahaha ahahaha

[@1456Sassy]

It doesn't look like you actually used the head rest while you were in motion. Doesn't look all that comfy for someone like me, with neck and spine problems. Yes, I like sitting in my recliner while I watch tv, but when cycling down the road.............being reclined doesn't sound all that safe! Maybe a bicycle path, but not a road with cars and trucks. Not a good comparison!

[@Asone82]

I agree that you would initially feel more vulnerable being low to the ground but in actuality cars give me more space than on a normal bike. I think it is because 1. They notice me more because I am unusual. 2. They can't compare me with their normal 'automatic space requirements' reaction to regular bikes so sometimes even give me the whole lane. 3. They think I am handicapped and even though drivers may be tempted to play chicken by going close to a 'cool elite cyclist' who wants to kill a disabled person? For visual safety you can get flags like Bob has or for some extra cool factor get light poles at Arizonawhips or great flags at SoundWinds.

[@curbowman]

The headrest is adjustable. Mr. Nagy doesn't use it very high but you could raise it and angle it the way you prefer. All over the world, trikers have discovered they are safer on the roads than common bicycle riders. One reason is that since trikes are wider, cars can't overtake them at very close distance as they often do when a cyclist rides near the curb; they have to leave more space. And you can easily become more visible by using a flag on a lighted pole like this: tinyurl.com/y94zhmwy Actually, knowledgeable doctors recommend recumbent trikes for people with spine injuries. There's no balance problems at low speed, backrest angle can be adjusted, you don't need specially padded clothing to sit, and there are trikes with rear wheel suspensions like the Performer JC-26X that makes riding over potholes and speedbumps a non-event. At less than $1,700 US, it's a great value: tinyurl.com/yc3jzb35

[@Asone82]

@Alex Lopez, that was timely because I just bought a Performer JC-26X online, sight unseen and untested so I'm pleased to see you like it. Rob at RBR told me they are a 'mid-level quality trike at entry-level price' and has sold hundreds with only a few complaints. I really see no downside with recumbents except the slower uphill part but hey I'm not in a race and I can go as slow as I like & even stop with no danger of falling off.

[@curbowman]

Great! Post your pictures once it's completed, please!

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

Sassy Frassy, I use the head rest, and I find it very supportive and comfortable, producing no strain at all.