How do you balance that thing? … Just one of the dumb questions I have been asked. And some comments are as dumb. One such comment I have heard a couple of times is … “That thing sure looks uncomfortable.” And then they ask me about it. I usually ask them if they have a recliner chair or have ever sat in one. If they say yes I then ask them if it is/was comfortable to which they reply “Of course”. Then I tell them that sitting on the trike is much like sitting in a recliner chair. They don’t know what to think or say then. One person went on to say … “Well, it just doesn’t look comfortable to me. I think I would prefer a regular bike.”
Then there are those who come up with statements like … “I will give you $125 for it.” I tell them … “That wouldn’t even buy the fenders on it.” Most people have no concept of how much money is involved in a tadpole trike.
“That doesn’t look safe! I would be afraid to ride something like that.” I occasionally hear that. What can I say? In my opinion having ridden diamond frame bicycles for nearly 60 years before switching over to recumbents I think it is far safer than being on 2 wheels. Of course, anything we operate is only as safe as the way in which we operate it. But inherently a tadpole trike is far safer than a bike. And most tadpole trike riders would readily tell you that they get far more respect (from drivers of cars and trucks) on their trike than they ever did on a bike.
Another common question is … “Is that hard to ride? It looks like it would be.” My answer is … “No, why do you think that?” Then I go on to explain that it could not be any simpler. There is no balancing involved like there is on a bike so that in itself makes it easy. It is quite comfortable, easy to pedal, has excellent brakes, handles like a sports car and is a blast to ride.
Another often asked question is … “How do you steer it?” Again, my comeback is usually … “The same as you do any bike … you use the handlebars” … while I am demonstrating it for them.
I try not to get smart with them although I have to admit it is challenging not to at times. Remembering that as a tadpole trike rider I am an ambassador. I want to promote tadpole trikes and help others take notice of all they have to offer. I would like very much to see many more of them … just so it doesn’t get too crowded out there. 🙂
Yes, as the numbers grow we can all …
KEEP ON TRIKIN’
I have had similar discussions with people on the local greenways.
Some of the people have seen a ‘tadpole’ but I ride a ‘delta’ trike.
This seems to confuse them even more. I just tell them to try it!
It’s the only way to fly!
I approved your comment for posting Harold, but I sure don’t agree with it. You can have your Delta trike. They don’t hold a candle to a tadpole in my opinion.