hance

I'm a daily commuter with a hibred, looking to switch to to a recumbent trike. Is there any place in the Midwest ? Chicago/Mnpls/ KC where I could rent a trike for a couple hours to see if I really like this type of design. They are rather pricey and its best to confirm its worth it?

bvillejohns

In Mpls you can rent two styles of trikes at Minnehaha Falls. The rental shop is in the park building at the falls. (https://www.wheelfunrentals.com/listlocations/50) Plenty of great short rides in the area. I use https://magic.cyclopath.org at the U of MN to plot rides and find paths in the Twin Cities.
A better (shop) solution might be Calhoun Cycle. They have a great selection of bent bikes and trikes and I have been able to rent in the past (give 'em a call to be sure they still do). https://www.calhouncycle.com

jeffh129

Any reputable bike shop that sells recumbents and trikes will not only let you test ride their stuff for a few hours, but will actually want you to do so, to insure that you know what really works best for you.

BKXray

The Hostel Shoppe in Stephens Point,WI, carries most recumbent trike brands and allows test rides. Probably one of the best places to try out trikes side by side.

Floyd

+! on what Jeff says... Bike shops want to sell bikes and trikes so they want you to try them out. I am in the thinking process myself about getting a trike. My two wheels are fun but that third wheel could be even more fun.

HngUpNDrv

If you get to Milwaukee go to North Shore wheels, when I went to test ride my first one from them I was gone for a couple of hours on the Oak Leaf trail. Down to the lake and around. No problem and it was a catrike 700 and yes I did end up buying it.

jeffh129

Yes, Northshore Wheels is a great place. I bought both my Bacchetta Cafe recumbent and my Rans Cruz crankforward from them.

hance

I appreciate all the feedback! Found a shop closer to my home. Connecticut Yankee Pedaller Inc. - In Chariton, IA. Web site depicts them as stocking multi-brand trikes! Anybody been there....heard of them?

gcottay

Chariton is a small town. I strongly suggest calling to determine what bents they may have in stock.

Tractortom

This is an excellent statement and as a Recumbent Trike rider, I HAVE to agree. Riding a trike is one of the great pleasures of cycling. When I purchased my Catrike two years ago, I didn't know how much fun it would be. I'll NEVER go back to two wheels. Trikes are just too cool!!!

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

megaman

I visit the Quad Cities area a number of times each year. I get a lot of questions as to where to test ride a trike.
Does anyone know of anybody in the area that has some in stock?

hance

Since no-one on the forum seems to have Been to the Connecticut Yankee Pedaller in Chariton, IA I did contact the owner & inquire as to make & Models they have in stock.
Here is Dave's reply
Catrike- Villager, Trail, 700, and 1 old model each of Speed and Race
Terratrike- Cruiser, Zoomer, Tour
Greenspeed- GT1, X3
KMX- Tornado, Cobra, 1 2007 model X-Class
Sun- 1 "Old-style" EZ-3 Tadpole, T3 CX, EZ-Tad SX
Organic Engines- Triclops in Black, Tandem in Blue

We also have a number of Delta Trikes in stock from Sun, Greenspeed, and Trailmate if you have any interest in that style

For a small town Bike Shop in Iowa.....that speaks volumes. [maybe a best kept secret]?