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A tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle. Often they are human powered, similar to a bicycle, but with three wheels. There are also motorized tricycles, similar to motorcycles (however, sidecars are not considered tricycles, neither are the three wheeled automobiles such as the Morgans). Tricycle is commonly shortened to Trike.
These wheels can be arranged either with one steering in front and two parallel behind (delta), or with two steering in front and one behind (tadpole).
In the case of delta tricycles, the drive is often to just one of the rear wheels, though in some cases both wheels are driven [two-wheel drive] through a differential or the superior double freewheel. Longstaffs, Higgins and Pashley are the principal makers of 'delta' pattern upright trikes in the UK. Most tadpole trikes drive their single rear wheel.
Small tricycles are often used by children. They are considered easier to ride than two wheel bikes due to not requiring the ability to balance. Adult tricycles are much less popular than bicycles, and adults often find tricycles difficult to ride, even in a straight line on level ground, due to their familiarity with the counter-steering required to balance a bicycle. The variation in the camber of the road is the principal difficulty to be overcome once basic tricycle handling is mastered. Recumbent trikes are less affected by camber and,depending on the riding position, capable of very fast cornering.
Some tricycles are suited for load carrying, others are designed for racing or for comfort. Some forms of recumbent tricyces are fully enclosed for all weather use. These are known as velomobiles.
In the UK, upright tricycles are sometimes referred to as "barrows". Many "trikies" in the UK belong to the Tricycle Association, formed in the 1929, and take part in its day rides, tours and time trials. Massed start racing of upright tricycles is limited to one or two criteriums such as in Bungay, Suffolk each year. Contrary to popular belief and cycling legend, it is not essential to be bearded to be a trikie.
See also
External Links
Links to discussions and manufacturers of adult tricycles:
