TerraTrike

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TerraTrike
Manufacturer WizWheelz Inc.
Cycle line recumbent tadpole tricycles
Introduced 1997
Status In production
Models 5
Website www.terratrike.com

TerraTrike is a brand of recumbent tadpole tricycles manufactured by WizWheelz Inc.[1] TerraTrike is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.[2][3] TerraTrike's 2013 product line consisted of five models: Rover, Rambler, Tour II, Sportster, and Tandem Pro.[4] Designed for adults,[5] each model has three to five different component levels to meet each rider's needs.

History

Jack Wiswell and Wayne Oom first discussed the concept of an adult tricycle that Jack had doodled on a napkin at a Christmas party in 1995. Along with former partner Peter Dolan each invested $1,000 from their savings to get things rolling.[6] Their first trike was released in March 1997.[7] In 2005 they hired Mike Kessenich as Production Manager to handle the complexity of their production needs.[8] Their marketing needs were met in 2007 after hiring Jeff Yonker who pushed the business into social media and numerous other non-cycling publications.[9]

Models

Rover – The Rover is TerraTrike's entry level model and is made of hi-ten steel. Introduced in 2009,[10] it was the first of its kind with a higher seat, ease of operation and a low cost. It uses an internal hub and comes in three-speed, eight-speed or auto shifting variable speed. It won Bentrider's "Trike of the Year"[11] in 2011 when it was introduced and claims to have "introduced more people to triking than any other recumbent trike on the market".[12] In 2013 an automatic shifting model using a NuVinci 360 drive named the Rover Auto NuVinci was introduced at their annual Dealer Day expo.[13]

Rambler – The Rambler was introduced in spring of 2011 and is a more featured version of the Rover. It is made from chromoly steel and comes in an eight-speed internal hub, a 24- or a 27-speed version.[14]

Traveler – On October 23, 2013 TerraTrike released their new folding model named the Traveler at their annual Dealer Day expo.[13]

Tour II – The Tour II is the combination of the Tour and the popular Cruiser models. It is made from chromoly steel and features linkage steering, a lower profile and heavy duty components designed around the touring rider.[15]

Sportster – The Sportster model is the lightweight, high-performance model in TerraTrike's lineup. It is made from lightweight anodized aluminium and top-of-the-line components.[16]

Tandem Pro – The Tandem Pro is a two-person tandem trike. It made of chromoly steel, features direct steering, 27 speeds, a quick coupler for transporting and an optional independent pedaling system.[17]

Charge – Introduced in 2023, the Charge model is an e-assist tricycle with mechanical disk brakes and an 8-speed drivetrain.[18][19]

Achievements

References

  1. ^ "TerraTrike launches the Spyder and Spyder ATC: Two performance road trikes for unmatched speed and efficiency". Outside Business Journal. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  2. ^ [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ Rick Haglund. "Look Ma! We're doing it on three wheels!". Bridge Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  4. ^ a b Jim Harger (11 May 2012). "Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company". mLive. mLive. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  5. ^ Kanowtiz, Stephanie (2018-10-09). "Tricycles for adults growing in popularity". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  6. ^ Aaron Ogg. "WizWheelz in the news". Recumbent News. bikeroute.com. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  7. ^ Jose A. Hernandez. "Wizwheelz TerraTrike TT 3.6". BentRider Online. BentRider Online. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  8. ^ "WizWheelz Introduces New Product Manager" (PDF). Recumbent Cyclist News. 087: 4. March 2005. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  9. ^ Matthew Gryczan (April 7, 2013). "A bent for success: Maker of 3-wheeled recumbent bikes rides quest for comfort". Crain's Detroit Business. Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  10. ^ Boster, Seth (2018-11-12). "Rise of the trike in Colorado Springs: 'That is so cool!'". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  11. ^ Bryan Ball (January 4, 2011). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  12. ^ "TerraTrike Rover". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Bryan Ball (October 25, 2013). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
  14. ^ "TerraTrike Rambler". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  15. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  16. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  17. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  18. ^ "Terra Trike offers affordable e-trike, the Charge". Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  19. ^ Toll, Micah (2022-12-22). "TerraTrike Charge launched as one of the most affordable reverse electric trikes yet". Electrek. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  20. ^ "EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program - Michigan and NW Ohio - EY - United States". Archived from the original on 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2013-07-10.
  21. ^ "Raising Hope on FOX - Watch the "How I Met Your Mullet" Episode". www.fox.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07.
  22. ^ a b "CNN - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos".
  23. ^ Leslie Linthicum. "Racing with ALS". ABQ Journal. ABQ Journal. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  24. ^ "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - NBC.com". Latenightwithjimmyfallon.com. Retrieved 2022-05-02.

External links