Does anyone ride a tricycle?

I weigh 540 lbs and I am seriously thinking about getting a tricycle but I don't know where to find one that will support my weight. I have knee problems so walking is painful. I do water aerobics, but now that the weather is changing, I want to get outside and ride with my son. Any suggestions?

Hi! I know this thread is pretty old, but I thought I'd see if you were still working the trike game, ssflbelle2012.

My first trike was an "upright seat" Sun trike with 20 inch wheels, high handlebars, and two wheels were in the back. It was good to get me started, but I found that I needed something more to stay in the game (especially something I could have a chance at taking a higher-speed corner in). This lead me to the current trike I have, which is a TerraTrike Sportster (2-20" wheels in front, 1-27" wheel in the back, 24 speed, low direct drive steering). I have had it for five years and LOVE it. I can cruise faster, take turns at reasonable speeds (I lean into the turn just to be sure I don't spill -- I did that on my Sun once and have been very "gun shy" ever since).

I recommend you look into both TerraTrike and Catrike as vendors. Hopefully you have one or more bike shops near enough to you that you can try them. Even if it's a day/weekend trip, I recommend doing it in person. Just be sure to call the shop first to assure they have a compatible trike in stock for you to try.

Riding trikes like the one I have does come with downsides:
1) High price point. I paid nearly $3,000 for it. (My family was down to one car at that point, so I justified it as a purchase of "my own vehicle.")

2) Maximum weight limitation. I believe my trike is rated for 250 pounds. I have pushed my luck when I was heavier in having my nearly 240 body on as well as an above-the-wheel pack in the back which probably weighed about 15-20 pounds in total. I did not notice any issues with the trike with that combination, but highly recommend only emergency/very short-term use, as it is outside the manufacturer's specs, and I'd hate to see anyone have to get a new frame/part due to that. I am uncertain how other models vary in this manner, and am unfamiliar with other brands' limitations, so it's definitely an important research point.

3) My feet lose circulation/feeling on longer rides. I believe this is mostly due to my "rolls" pinching off circulation. It has improved as I've lost weight, but still happens.

4) Uphills can be harder, depending on riding style. I've read about people raising themselves off their seats and using their shoulders/chest to aid on pushing hard on the pedals when they're on uphills, but I am so not there yet. On harder hills, I find it's best to do one or both of the following: A ) Get going more quickly beforehand and pedal as hard as possible as long as possible up the hill. B ) Be sure to get into the lowest gear combination while slowing down so it's possible to "ratchet" up to the top of the hill.

I hope you or someone else find this information to be helpful. I wish you the best in your fitness quest!

I'm a 'Snowbird' and live 9 months in Florida in an over 55 community. There are LOTS of trike riders in my community/neighborhood. One guy has even modified his trike to carry his golf clubs. I wanted and needed a bike as I have arthritis in my toes and ankles, so it hurts to walk (oh - I'm 67). I have a 15 speed, but I was becoming a bit afraid of it. It seemed I had to hop to one side to stop. I had shoulder surgery and was afraid of falling when I hopped to stop. Anyway, I purchased a 'comfort' bike. The pedals are set slightly forward. When I stop, I can put my feet flat on the ground and don't have to worry about hopping off. Also, when I get on, I don't have to lift my leg, I just step through. I LOVE it! I'm back north now and didn't bring it with me, but with the cooler weather here, I wish I had another one. Good luck with your riding.

It is now 2019..

I'm glad to find this old thread and that it is periodically still active. I am going to buy a "comfort cycle. I think anyway. I have not read anything bad about them. I had weight loss surgery about six weeks ago and want some sort of exercise out doors. Right now I walk with my shepherd. We are going a mile every day. But I want to do more. Hence, a tricycle..

This is the one I want. I hope this link works.. It's a beautiful girly pink.. It is a six speed.

As for your question about someone weighing 195 lbs doing 34+ miles at one time ... I am a member and regional president of Audax Australia and we have a lot of members who would weigh in that range doing 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, 600 km, 1000 km, and 1200 km rides. We're part of an international ultra distance cycling group.

Rooting for you ssflbelle!