You got it Red. She's an Expedition CTE-539. The wheels have all been changed. The front are 50-355 Big Apples, Ritchey hubs Velocity rims. The back is a 60-559 Big Apple on a SUN RYNO Lite Rim, Shimano XTR hub, SRAM PG 970 11-34 cassette. The tire actually measures 27.25 inches in diameter. So even with a 24/39/54 chainrings my Gear inches are still 20-134. So even if I go to a 22T small chainring, I'm only going to get around an 18 gear in. down low with that big assed tire. I could always go back to Marathon Racers. But the Big Apples have less rolling resistance, and the suspension in the tires is wonderful. For road riding they are hard to beat. The sheepskin seat cover is hiding closed cell Neoprene on the seat rails, with open cell Neoprene between the seat rails. Keeps the Titanium in my spine and hips fairly comfortable. Don't leave home without it.

I own a Kettwiesel (delta) and a Greenspeed GT3 (tadpole).

The GT3 is faster downhill, (aerodynamics). The Kettwiesel is faster uphill (seating position).

The Kettwiesel is extremely maneuverable (turns on a dime) yet very calm and stable at high speeds. This is typical for deltas. Some tadpoles have huge turning radii and some can have twitchy steering at high speeds. I've ridden tadpoles that were so twitchy they scared me on flat ground, there's no way I'd take them down a hill. When you're test riding trikes, pay close attention to this, you won't be happy with something that is scary to ride, or can't be maneuvered in your particular riding conditions. As a general rule, big front tires on a tadpole means a big turning radius. The GT3 is pretty good in this regard, the 16" (349mm) tires give it a tight turning radius (for a tadpole) and the steering, while sensitive is not scary.

On the subject of scary steering, when you're testing a trike, try hitting one brake (work up to this slowly) and see how it behaves. Some tadpoles have a reputation for being, ummm... how can I put this tactfully? Let's say, 'sporty.' I don't want to denigrate anyone's favorite trike, just keep in mind that everybody has a different threshold of terror. It's best to find out where that is for any particular trike/person combination before putting your money down.

The GT3 can be folded to save space. (Not all tadpoles can do this) The Kettwiesel can be stood up to save space. (Most deltas can do this.)

As far as stability (resistance to rolling over in a tight turn), although the GT3 is technically more stable than the Kettwiesel, I've inadvertently had it up on two wheels more times than the Kettwissel. I think it's because the more laid back seating position makes it more difficult to shift my weight quickly. I actually feel slightly more in control on the Kettwiesel because of the more upright seating position. That seems counterintuitive, but that's how it is for me. YMMV

I don't agree that deltas can't be ridden for long distances, there are too many variables and personal preferences to make blanket statements like that. I can go farther on my Kettwiesel because it's more comfortable to me. Once again, you need to find this out on a test ride, don't just settle for a quick jaunt around the parking lot. What's comfortable at 10 miles may be agonizing at 20.

The Kettwiesel seat can be adjusted for height/angle, the GT3 can't. This isn't really a tadpole/delta thing, but an adjustable seat can be the difference between a trike being comfortable for you or not. Adjustable is good.

There is NO foot interference with the front wheel on the Kettwiesel, at least not for me. It might be on other deltas, it's something to watch out for.

The asymmetric thrust on the Kettwiesel can be a problem at times, it limits how fast I can accelerate from a dead stop. (The front wheel will skid to the left during extreme acceleration.) The newer Kettweisels have a differential so I'm guessing it's not a problem on those. This is something to pay attention to when testing a delta that drives only one wheel.

I'm not sure about other deltas, but Kettwiesels and Anuras can be connected, nose to tail, it trains. (Think circus elephants.) I think the world record is 97. I've done it with 2 Kettwiesels, it's kind of neat, it was like a tandem that articulates in the middle so it can go around really tight corners. It's nice because it gives you the option of multiple single trikes, or a tandem at a moment's notice. Can't do that with tadpoles.

Overall, I find it impossible to say that one design is "better" than the other. Everyone has different needs and preferences. What I can say is that you need to thoroughly test ride, preferably in your local conditions, before you commit to buying. Get what works for YOU in the real world, not what somebody else says is theoretically better on paper.

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Definitely interested, I think.

Mark[/quote]

In the bike, or in you? *G*

I have the Sun EZ-3 old fart model, but it turns heads everywhere i go...even had a state policemen pull me over to ask where he could buy a few, one for himself and other for his wife!

I find that people are fascinated with trikes especially after they take a ride on one. I have tried various tadpoles and deltas...and chose the Sun EZ-3 for its stability and comfort especially when I go to the store, or just ride locally...I do not plan on going on really long rides...as this trike is heavy and slow, but rather comfortable...and with vertigo...this is what I need. I am only 52, but have MAV...migraine associated vertigo...so stability is what I need.

I have so many people want one, until you mention the price to them...ouch...otherwise I would open a dealership and sell all types as not many bike shops in Massachusetts carry them.
Thanks for listenning,
Jim

Lightweight bikes are overrated, masstrike.

I can't imagine putting my panniers and rack pack on these dainty little carbon fiber DF bikes.

My EZ Sport CX tips the scales at 39 pounds. When I load it up with all of my gear for my commute, it is probably over 50 pounds.

See, but my Sport is a long-haul truck, not a little roadster: made for haulin', NOT haulin' A$$!

Although I have had it up over 30 mph without the commuting gear. That IS, to my mind, haulin' A$$!