mriley

Has anyone here gone to a tricycle after breaking a hip? I've ridden DF bikes for 60 years, but after a recent fall, I'm thinking maybe a trike might be safer (tadpole, not a delta). I don't want to do this again! Any suggestions?
M Riley

cplager

Assuming you are healthy enough to pedal, recumbent trike is definitely what I'd recommend to anybody who want to ride, but don't want to risk falling. Note it is possible to tilt a trike, but it's much harder to do.

Which trike depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of riding you want to do. Suspension? Speed? Seat height? Do you have an idea of what you're looking for?

Regardless, the standard advice is to find a place that has some and try different ones and see what fits you.

Cheers,
Charles

Retro Grouch 

That would be me (actually my femur is what broke) but I don't have very much experience yet.

Mrs. Grouch and I have acquired a pair of Kettweisel Deltas that we can either ride separately or link together as a tandem. The big modification that I had to make was 152mm crank arms to reduce the range of motion at the hip joint. Mrs. Grouch also owns a Greenspeed GT3 that I can ride just fine but getting down onto it and back up off of it is about all that i can manage. The Delta Kett is mush easier for me to mount and dismount.

I had 3 serious accidents in a 3 year period that really messed with my head. I visited a psychologist for awhile without much result. Eventually my son-in-law used a tapping therapy on me that, while it sounds akin to voodoo, really worked. I'm looking forward to riding this year.

BlazingPedals

The other low option is a lowracer. Not that I'm recommending it, just sayin'...

rydabent

No doubt about it a trike would be a good solution, and besides that they are really fun to ride!!!

gcottay

Ouch!

I suggest immediate action as opposed to contemplation. The standard advice already mentioned is, in my book, excellent. Find a shop with a good selections of trikes, travel as necessary to get there, and commence test rides. While you are there a two-wheeled bent may whisper in your ear.

If you have problems finding a good bent shop, the advertiser head at BendRider Online is a good place to begin the search.

tpy2010

I'd recommend a trike. The tadpole trikes tend to be lower, les ground clearance. One exception may be the terratrike Rover....might need some upgrades but it is an inexpensive entry level tadpole trike. The delta trikes are an option also, I don't know much about them, except what was written above. My wife and I have a couple of catrike expeditions, but they are close to the ground.

Tom
Creston, Iowa

BlazingPedals

I don't know where in California you are, but if you're anywhere near LA, Bentupcycles in N. Hollywood has a good selection of trikes. About half their showroom is trikes.

mriley

I'm the OP. Thanks for the help. I looked at ads for the Kettweisels, but boy are they expensive. I think I'll try something cheaper at first. I'm in Sacramento, and I think there are two trike stores near here, In Dixon and Citrus Heights. As soon as I get off my cane (or maybe sooner), I'll check them out. Sounds like I should try diff. types.

terrymorse 

My suggestion is to get back on that horse. Don't let fear take control.

I broke my hip into 4 pieces in 2002, but I was back on the bike after 5 weeks. Best decision I could have made. I was riding for 4 weeks before I was able to walk.

It's been 10 years since the break, and I still have my original equipment (plus some screws and plates).

Ride bravely.

osco53

OP,,I don't know your overall condition,,
My useless 2 cents,,

A Recumbent Delta,,you mount in a more conventional way,,,
The tadpole,,you squat into...
I own a Delta,,the Sun EZ-3,,love it,, It does everything I ask of it very well...
I have been on two Tadpoles,,,, A real fun ride, a Blast.

Think of it this way,,

Delta=Big comfy car,,, A more relaxing ride and sitting up taller means a better view, and you are more visible to traffic.

Tadpole=Maserati,,,,Sitting down in a sportscar, hey Its worth the little extra effort, You will be faster, or at least the ride will feel faster, It was for me...
also 'Tads' are obviously easier to transport and take inside your home.

I wish I had both kinds.. I may one day because I will never sell my Delta.,,,,It will make a great E-bike.
FYI, A 'Mid Drive' E-bike lets you use the rear gears for outstanding acceleration and speed...