The Different Designs Of Trikes

Generally, the different designs of trikes fall within one of these three layouts:

1. Upright Trikes: The upright trikes resemble a two-wheeler with a diamond frame, but they only have two wheels on the back and the rider is seated straddling the frame. All of the steering is done through a handlebar that is connected directly to the front wheel, similar to a bicycle.

2. Delta Trikes: The delta trikes are similar to an upright trike, because it has two wheels on the back and one wheel on the front. However, it has a recumbent layout. One or either both of the rear wheels may be driven, whereas the front wheel is used for all of the steering, which is normally the layout. Either the steering will be done through a linkage, with the handlebars placed under the seat or either directly to the wheel in front with a fairly large handlebar.

3. Tadpole Tikes: The tadpole tikes possess a recumbent design that has two steered wheels located on the front and one driven wheel that is located at the back. Rarely ever are the front wheels able to be driven at the same time that the rear wheels are steering. The steering is either done through some type of linkage and a tie rod connected to the spindle assembly plates or with two connecting handlebars, each of which are connected to what is known as a steerer tube and a tie rod that is located in-between the spindle assembly plates.

All-in-all, the tadpole trike that is rapidly becoming the most popular of designs, is normally used by the former bicyclists within their middle-ages that are tired of all the pain that is associated with the normal upright bikes. Based on its center of gravity that is extremely low, light weight, and aerodynamic layout, tadpole trikes are known as being the highest performance trikes.

However, you should know that not all trikes fall within these three categories. For instance, some of the early forms of three-wheelers known as pedal tricycles used two wheels within tandem on one side and then a larger driving wheel upon the other side. One of the other designs was a three wheeled vehicle that was in line that consisted of two steered wheels, one that was located on the front and one that was located at the rear or either in the middle. It isn't unusual for trikes to have rear and front wheels of two different sizes.

In the event that you are interested in learning more about trikes, it is always best to begin with the history and then work your way up to all of the modern day news.