what to buy..... decisions, decisions

[Lodge]

The specifications for the Kettwiesel Kross are available online at
http://hasebikes.com/files/adventure_en.pdf

We've not had any problems with front wheel lift even when ascending steep uphill sections off road. Probably because our Kett has the Shimano Steps motor adding weight up front plus rear suspension arms which move the rear wheel back a fair bit. Look on the web for Kettwiesel Kross/Cross off-road videos to see what they're capable of. For example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr8JBddqHcs (off road section starts about half-way through), or this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY4UqacVhn0.

Before buying the Kett we tested the Full Fat. I managed to flip it PDQ (steep section, fortunately on long grass). It felt quite unstable and wobbly being tall on those 26" wheels. No stability problems with the Kett and much better traction on slippery uphill/downhill sections. Two 55mm rear knobblies and a differential beats a single fat rear. You can also brake hard without being shot over the front; rather important going down a steep slope off road.

[hercule]

My Kettwiesel (one of the first aluminium models, fitted with differential) is a much better climber on and off road than my Trice. I’ve noticed I climb the same hills in higher gears and get to the top quicker. Having both rear wheels driven helps; it’s a bit strange as in theory if one wheel spins the other should grind to a halt, but I’ve ridden up steep lanes in winter with one drive wheel on ice and I still go up. Weight over the rear axle is undoubtably another factor and helps in situations where the Trice might have wheelspin. There are also no idlers on the power side of the chain run, so more of your effort goes directly rear wheels.

I’ve also had no problems with stability, in fact my QNT needs a bit more acrobatics on the corners to keep all three wheels on the ground.

Front wheel lift can happen on steep climbs but it really is of little note (there is very little chance of you rolling over backwards) and a “round” pedalling technique for an even power delivery pretty much eliminates it IME.

[sharpedge]

So the decision is made; long chat with Kevin at DTec with the result of going for an ICE Adventure coming in PX. Going to go down week after next to try and then buy (all being well). Thanks for all the advice guys. Now for the next question - specialist insurance or add it to the home contents? Comments please.

[hercule]

I have found in the past that specialist bike insurance (like that offered by the CTC, sadly) can be really expensive at about 10% of the machine's value per year. Some household insurance providers will offer good cover, even if it doesn't cover the full value of the trike. You can always put a bit aside into a savings account to make up the shortfall - and it will stay there if you don't need to make a "claim"!

[hercule]

By the way I can second Kevin as a wealth of recumbent knowledge and gives very sensible advice. Highly recommended for prospective recumbent purchasers....