The TRIKKE

The TRIKKE three wheel cambering vehicle was introduced in 2002 as one of the most innovative products for 2002.  The T8 is the flagship product line that includes the T5, T6, T8, T12 and for 2005 the T7 coupe and T8.5 convertible.  The individual product earns its designation from the size of the wheel.  The T5 has a 5 inch wheel, the T6 a 6 inch wheel, the T8 a 8 inch wheel and the T12 a 12 inch wheel.

Today's T8 ... its denfinitely not your original...

The evolution of the T8 from the short flat handle bar original to the much improved Version 2 to the current version... The T8.5 Convertible has been dramatic. 

There are a significant number of sellers that pass the to original version as a current 'Trikke 8' is at the edge of honesty and something else.  They are not the same.  The original is an excellent workout and great transportation, however, for an adult to ride the V2 or newest the T8.5 means they will probably never be happy with their original version again.  There is no more need to crouch over the handle bars, the larger foot pads and frame dimensions, adjustible full crescent handlebars amoung other changes make the original just plain obsolete.  Market pricing for the original is well under $100 including pricing.

TRIKKE's minimum advertised price (MAP) on the new T8.5 Convertible that they impose on their authorized dealers is $249 for the solid poly wheel and $279 for the air filled wheel.  If you see a price lower, you need to ask which version you are getting.  This is not an area of compromise for TRIKKE so Caveat Emptor ... buyer beware.

Kids...

The T6 is the old frame and is realistically not a good choice for younger riders since the T7 has been released.  Much or what was learned in the evolution of the T8 has been applied to the T7.  The T7 comes in a deep violet/purple with matching wheels as well as a silver 'graphite' with red wheels. 

My 5 year old quickly tired of the T5.  It was slow and he preferred his much less expensive two wheel scooter.  My 9 year old did not give the T5 the time of day, she prefers the faster eve T8.

AIR!

The T12 Roadster was released early last year and it made distance riders stand to attention.  The problem with the solid poly wheel was the transfer of vibration to the rider on rough surfaces.  Expansion joints and cracks could also be hazardous.  With the advent of the T12, as long as the surface was hard, you could go where a bike could go without the vibration fatigue.  That opened up the road.  The disc brakes also made dealing with down hill grades less perilous.  The problem... its BIG!  Large moment arm made getting started tougher for individuals without good upper body strength...  It remains a great machine, but its not for everyoine.

Fanfare and Cheers!

In December 2005, the new version T8.5 with air filled wheels shipped (MAP $279) with an MSRP of $299.  WOW!  What a great improvement...  The rubber tires with air tube and aluminum rim wheels has great traction and just like a traditional bicycle wheel, smoothes out the rough surfaces.  In the past, the solid poly could be ridden on pebbled asphalt or rough / craked sidewalks, but the fatigue of vibration would take its toll on you.

The T8.5 convertible can be fitted with solid poly or air filled wheels...  Depending on where you want to ride, pick the wheel that makes sense.  If you have smooth asphalt and concrete there is nothing faster than the T8 with poly wheels.  The solid wheels also transfer nearly all your effort to the road surface... However....  If you want to hit the road and go anywhere you are inclined to try... The 8 1/2 inch air filled tire is for you.  Pump up the tire to 70 to 80+ psi and you are ready to take on any surface.  Its a goooooood ride.  Not quite as easy to learn on as the poly, but hey its all about practice.

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The bottom line the new painted frames are the way to differentiate the old chrome versions.  Don't be fooled... The extra dollars on the new design is money well spent. 

If the deal is less than $249 on a T8 poly or $279 on a T8-Air, something is amiss..  Do your due diligence... some vendors will sell you anything... even knockoffs ...

The flagship product has evolved significantly since its introduction... Its easy on the knees and a great workout... Have Fun!!!

TrikkeMan.com