Just to pipe in with a female perspective, I totally commend you on all your efforts in trying to get your wife on the road. I cast my vote for a tadpole trike. Having both a LWB and SWB, I'm craving a trike myself and have decided IF I end up commuting, it will definitely be on a trike for the reasons Admin cited in his previous post regarding concerns riding a SWB on the road. I do quite a bit of road riding on my Strada, but these are primarily low-traffic roads. I'm personally lusting after the ICE Trice Q, but the Trice T is quite a nice trike that has the more upright geometry and is higher off the ground so it's easier to get on and off, which might be a concern for an overweight rider. And just to clear things up, I've test ridden multiple trikes and the riding position has never conjured up in my mind a visit with the OB-GYN!

So kudos, Blues. I wish you luck in your endeavors.

Thanks, harcrashley!

I will research the Trice trikes further.

LOL! "...riding position has never conjured up in my mind a visit with the OB-GYN!" Yeah, actually, with my wife, it could possibly be a positive thing: my understanding is that her doctor has a waiting list for new patients since he is supposedly this tall, handsome fellow!

Hey Walt,

My first was the LWB EZ-1. Had a back injury and needed to get bent. I knew absolutely nothing about recumbents, but my LBS had that one in stock, it was extremely comfortable and I was able to ride it immediately. It also was pretty cheap comparatively. I rode it for five years and just got tired of spinning and spinning and spinning and not really getting very far. It was also quite a bit heavier and harder to transport. I still like it for the occasional trip to the grocery store or running errands in the hood, but pretty much ride my SWB full-time now.

BluesCat, I can sympathize with your situation. I have the same issue except it is my husband whom I would love to infect with recumbent fever. Unfortunately, my husband is...um...well, lets just say "thrifty" and cannot understand why anyone would ever want to pay more than the basic Walmart price for a bike/trike. He was horrified when I paid $600.00 for my son's KMX last year and I thought I might have to call 911 for him when he found out what I paid for my Catrike. Neither one of them came out of the "family budget". They were both paid for from my personal savings but it was still a big issue. We do go riding together, me on my trike and he on his (16 year old) Walmart bike, but we seldom ride very far, generally just around the neighborhood. Very disappointing but not much to be done about it. I am very envious of husbands who are enthusiastic about riding and wanting to get their spouse excited about riding too.

Patti

Thanks, Patti.

Yeah, I have had to do penance for spending as much as I did on my EZ Sport, but I think she's actually coming around.

Be persistent!

Hi, Mrs.I.M.Bent .... My hubby, I.M.Bent, is the really serious rider in our family, but I thought I might give you a view from a more lay position. I love to ride, but my knee really starts talking to me at about mile 40. Last time I.M.Bent and I were out past 40 thank God we were on our M5 tandum. I.M.Bent had to haul all 300+ lbs of us the final approx. 6-7miles of our 47 mile ride. It was the worst pain (including child birth) I have ever felt. When I first started riding, I had a lot of thoughts running threw my mind. I was heavy. My Husband has always been trim and healthy. Me too, till I got older, then HEY! how'd I get fat! I wanted to get my health and body back ( it's still a work in progress). Riding is also something I.M.Bent and I can do together that we enjoy, but it was intimidating at first. So I guess she's (your Wife) has got to get past the intimidation of the thoughts running wild in her head. If, that is, she has any desire to actually be out there on a bike. If she doesn't,no amount of money for a really great bike is going to entice her. Find something else you guys can enjoy together. Better yet, let her pick the activitiy, and no matter what it is go at it with gusto with her. THEN, after she's gotten into alittle better shape (more self confidence), say OK honey, now it's MY turn.

Just a thought, from a woman.
warm regards, Mrs.I.M.Bent
PS If I'm right, you may call me DR. Mrs.I.M.Bent