newbert

After looking at online reviews etc, I'm considering ordering an HP Velotechnic FS (Full Suspension) 26 (or 20) trike. I do plan on taking a test ride or two first of course, but not until March when springtime arrives.

Until then I'd appreciate hearing any first-hand thoughts, positive or negative, about these trikes (or HP Velotechnic in general) from anyone who has had experience riding them. I will be riding in a fairly hilly area with a mix of tarmac and gravel/dirt roads and trails and I ride for exercise and fun. I hope to average 20-25 miles on a typical ride.

I'm looking mainly for comfort, smooth ride, and reliability and plan to add e-assist to it. Since I'll occassionally transport it by car, I'd appreciate any thoughts on it's ease of foldability, as well.

So, any thoughts/experiences with the HP Velotechnic FS 26 or 20?

Thanks!

Leisesturm

Don't get me wrong. It's a NICE trike. I'd buy it (but probably would get the ICE counterpart) but at the end of the day its designed to be a go fast race trike. Performance first, in other words. Comfort and reliability are in second place. There must be other trikes better suited for your druthers. That's me take.

linberl

If you haven't already, ask here. You might have more feedback: RECUMBENTS - BentRider Online Forums

Leisesturm

https://www.icetrikes.co/products/adventure-hd

newbert

I see that Great Minds Think Alike! (sort of ) I was considering the Ice Adventure, as well - and I'm still mulling it over. AFAIK, the HP has more travel in it's suspension (meaning more compliant ride) than the ICE and I think it's a bit more configurable too. (But I'll have to double-check that.)

linberl

HP Velotechnik Scorpion Plus 20 Test Ride - BentRider Online Forums

Leisesturm

I have always preferred the ICE aesthetic to the HPV designs. IMO the ICE VTX is significantly more desirable than the HPV Scorpion FX26. However, there is, I think, less daylight between the ICE Adventure and the HPV Scorpion Enduro. I'm wondering how the o.p. came to the FS26 for mixed road/trail use, recreational riding, when the Scorpion Enduro (with e-assist) is turn-key (seemingly) exactly what they want? I think I would be asking for (demanding actually, given the MSRP) for a tire swap for more streetable tires than the OEM full knobbies). I'm not sure what either trike costs but it's got to be significant. Maybe the price difference, if any, can swing the decision. Either one looks like a solid performer.

easyupbug 

I have a 26 and 20 Catrike and believe I can say the 26 is a smoother ride but the wheelbase is also slightly longer which should have an effect as well.

newbert

O.P here. Thanks for pointing that out about the Enduro. Unfortunately, while its specs seem to fit my needs well, It's a bit hard to find - especially for a test-ride. Since the Enduro is based upon the FS26 (from what I've read) and the FS26 seems to be easier to find, that's the model that I referenced in my original post. Nothing against the Enduro though.

newbert

FWIW: A few videos about the Enduro:

Harhir

I just bought a used FS 26. The price was too tempting. I am still getting used to it. It is actually my first trike. I did not buy it for speed but for comfort. Plus I commute by bike and the trails I am riding have bridges with wooden decks. These get awfully slippery when wet and I already had two crashes on my two wheel recumbents. So far it is ok but the standard Ergomesh seat does not work for me and my back and neck problems. I want to replace this seat with the Premium XL seat which has a much higher backrest and it is wider. In addition I need to replace the front suspension with the more stiffer suspension. What I really like about HPVelotechnik is the way you can customize the bike. Especially in regards to the size and weight of the rider. The biggest issue I am having with recumbents in general is the lack of seat choices for tall riders such as me.
This brings me to the disadvantage of HP. Not many dealers in the US which have bikes to test ride. Especially with the XL seats. I hope that Premium XL seat will work for me. Otherwise I may be forced to sell the bike again.