Why the change?

> I see that Trice have completely
> revamped the entry-level machines, to put rear suspension on all of
> them. I can't fathom out why rear suspension is warranted. Even on the
> uneven surfaces of Norfolk country lanes, there's never been a time
> when I've been out on the 'bent thinking, "I think this thing needs
> suspension"

More desirable.
Even more comfortable.
Little weight penalty.
Bigger margins at higher end of the market.
Simplifies manufacture to have it across the range
Cheaper for manufacturer as buying more units.
Customers kept asking for it.

I think 'oooh, suspension' even when I look at road bikes. Terrible I
know.

"Mark Thompson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>> I see that Trice have completely
>> revamped the entry-level machines, to put rear suspension on all of
>> them. I can't fathom out why rear suspension is warranted. Even on the
>> uneven surfaces of Norfolk country lanes, there's never been a time
>> when I've been out on the 'bent thinking, "I think this thing needs
>> suspension"
>
> More desirable.

Not to me, I think the new design is ugly!

> Even more comfortable.

Debatable on roads

> Little weight penalty.

True

> Bigger margins at higher end of the market.
> Simplifies manufacture to have it across the range

All the entry-level ones were basic anyway.

> Cheaper for manufacturer as buying more units.
> Customers kept asking for it.

Can't imagine asking for it. Honestly. Even on Norfolk's bumpy country lanes
I've never once thought that having suspension would be 'useful'

>
> I think 'oooh, suspension' even when I look at road bikes. Terrible I
> know.

Indeed. Suspension fine on an off-roader, but not on a road machine.

Cheers, helen s

wafflycat wrote:
> My 'bent is an IceT, the entry-level 'bent from Trice. Got it Christmas
> 2004. It's not the speediest machine, but it's very comfortable, and
> lovely to use. I see that Trice have completely revamped the entry-level
> machines, to put rear suspension on all of them. I can't fathom out why
> rear suspension is warranted. Even on the uneven surfaces of Norfolk
> country lanes, there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent
> thinking, "I think this thing needs suspension"
>

I see from the CTC mag that DTek have a "brilliant offer" for owners of
2004 & 5 models. Can you resist?


--
Tony

"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham

"Tony Raven" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

>
> I see from the CTC mag that DTek have a "brilliant offer" for owners of
> 2004 & 5 models. Can you resist?
>

Oh yes. Mr Norbert Frosty is not for changing!

Cheers, helen s

wafflycat wrote:
> "Mark Thompson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>> I see that Trice have completely
>>> revamped the entry-level machines, to put rear suspension on all of
>>> them. I can't fathom out why rear suspension is warranted. Even on
>>> the uneven surfaces of Norfolk country lanes, there's never been a
>>> time when I've been out on the 'bent thinking, "I think this thing
>>> needs suspension"
>>
>> More desirable.
>
> Not to me, I think the new design is ugly!

I think it depends. The rear rack isn't nice IMHO, but the luggage bags
look good.


>
>> Even more comfortable.
>
> Debatable on roads

I don't own a Trice, but have ridden the demo Ice-Q at D-Tek on a few
occaisions.

When I rode it, I thought that a little bit of suspension to iron out the
vibrations through the seat would be desirable. (My old Pashley PDQ 2-wheel
recumbent had the simplest of rubber suspension on the seat to take the
worst of road vibration out of the seat, so that was my comparison).

The solution on the new models is not that dissimilar to the suspension
fitted to Moultons; small wheels, and a little lump of rubber to smooth the
ride, rather than big bouncy springs for going over rocks.

>> Bigger margins at higher end of the market.
>> Simplifies manufacture to have it across the range
>
> All the entry-level ones were basic anyway.

Its simpler than before. The rear end is a common part, looks to be made in
the far-east. Similarly the new silver front boom looks like its come from
the east. That frees up Trice to do just the main frame members and the
assembly of parts (and their custom range).


The suspension also gives a folding action that means the trike will fit in
the back of a car very very quickly. On the old models, to get it into a
car would have involved sliding out the rear frame and putting it back
accurately again. That makes it a much more practical vehicle for anyone
who expects to transport their bike to destination by car (and given the
hassles of trying to go by train, I can see why).






--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

wafflycat wrote:
> My 'bent is an IceT, the entry-level 'bent from Trice. Got it Christmas
> 2004. It's not the speediest machine, but it's very comfortable, and
> lovely to use. I see that Trice have completely revamped the entry-level
> machines, to put rear suspension on all of them. I can't fathom out why
> rear suspension is warranted. Even on the uneven surfaces of Norfolk
> country lanes, there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent
> thinking, "I think this thing needs suspension"
>
> Cheers, helen s
>
But you're a lost cause: you already have one!

--
---
Marten Gerritsen

INFOapestaartjeM-GINEERINGpuntNL
www.m-gineering.nl

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:09:08 +0000, wafflycat wrote:

> there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent
> thinking, "I think this thing needs suspension"

Whenever I get on my two-wheeler 'bent immediately after riding one of my
suspended Moultons (as they all are), I think "this thing needs suspension".

Once you've ridden a properly suspended bike, not a £49.99 special, you
understand how good it can be. Of course you can't stomp the pedals, and
are forced to sit and spin, just as on a 'bent.



Mike

"Mike Causer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]...
> On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:09:08 +0000, wafflycat wrote:
>
>> there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent
>> thinking, "I think this thing needs suspension"
>
> Whenever I get on my two-wheeler 'bent immediately after riding one of my
> suspended Moultons (as they all are), I think "this thing needs
> suspension".
>
> Once you've ridden a properly suspended bike, not a £49.99 special, you
> understand how good it can be. Of course you can't stomp the pedals, and
> are forced to sit and spin, just as on a 'bent.
>

So where does one get these £49.99 special Trices then? If you think that's
what an Ice T costs, then you'll be err... surprised ;-)

Cheers, helen s

wafflycat wrote:

> My 'bent is an IceT, the entry-level 'bent from Trice. Got it Christmas
> 2004. It's not the speediest machine, but it's very comfortable, and lovely
> to use. I see that Trice have completely revamped the entry-level machines,
> to put rear suspension on all of them. I can't fathom out why rear
> suspension is warranted. Even on the uneven surfaces of Norfolk country
> lanes, there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent thinking,
> "I think this thing needs suspension"

My Trice is fairly-ish similar to yours but custom built, and there have been
a few times when I've thought that I should have had suspension added. Hitting
the occasional pothole is not particularly pleasant, but the comfortable seat
works well and generally I am in agreement with you.
I am not a great fan of suspension, not liking the pogo effect it can
sometimes provide. Even the Brommie's suspension sometimes irritates me and I
feel it is eating up some of the effort put into riding.

The new Trices (the budget range were previously simply 'ices') now look
tremendous value for money and with suspension they will appeal to even more
riders.
*If* you don't want suspension it seems you can replace the rear unit with the
unsuspended triangle, so you *do* have the choice. Somehow I doubt many will
want to do this.

It certainly looks clever how it has been combined with the folding, which
will probably be a big selling point. Overall they look to be quite an
improvement on the previous budget range and make teh custom build option
overpriced.

There is a very good and detailed review of a QNT on the Folding Society site
at:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/Mike/triceqnt1.html

It makes interesting reading.

John B

John B wrote:
>
> I am not a great fan of suspension, not liking the pogo effect it can
> sometimes provide. Even the Brommie's suspension sometimes irritates me and I
> feel it is eating up some of the effort put into riding.
>

Replacing the Brommie rubber block with a Birdy yellow elastomer
stiffens it up substantially. Apart from a little bit of Stanley knife
work on the two ends of the central hole, they are a direct swap.

--
Tony

"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham

I'm not sure either.

Ive ridden an unsuspended Windcheetah all over the country and Europe and
very rarely would suspension have been useful.


With about 100 times the area supporting your weight on a recumbent then
suspension seems rather pointless.

But then I have a 26" wheel on the rear which does make a difference I
guess.

Regards

Rod King



"wafflycat" <w*a*ff£y£cat*@£btco*nn£ect.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My 'bent is an IceT, the entry-level 'bent from Trice. Got it Christmas
> 2004. It's not the speediest machine, but it's very comfortable, and
lovely
> to use. I see that Trice have completely revamped the entry-level
machines,
> to put rear suspension on all of them. I can't fathom out why rear
> suspension is warranted. Even on the uneven surfaces of Norfolk country
> lanes, there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent thinking,
> "I think this thing needs suspension"
>
> Cheers, helen s
>
> --
>
> ~~
> you may need to remove dependence
> on fame & fortune from organisation
> to get correct email address
> ~Noodliness is Good~
>

Tony Raven wrote:

> John B wrote:
> >
> > I am not a great fan of suspension, not liking the pogo effect it can
> > sometimes provide. Even the Brommie's suspension sometimes irritates me and I
> > feel it is eating up some of the effort put into riding.
> >
>
> Replacing the Brommie rubber block with a Birdy yellow elastomer
> stiffens it up substantially. Apart from a little bit of Stanley knife
> work on the two ends of the central hole, they are a direct swap.

Many thanks for the tip.
Do you know where I can get one?

An aside - when looking at 'performance folders' I just did not get on with the
Birdy due to the bounce, and it was one reason why I eventually went for the Bike
Friday.

John B

John B wrote:
>
> Tony Raven wrote:
>
>
>>John B wrote:
>>
>>>I am not a great fan of suspension, not liking the pogo effect it can
>>>sometimes provide. Even the Brommie's suspension sometimes irritates me and I
>>>feel it is eating up some of the effort put into riding.
>>>
>>
>>Replacing the Brommie rubber block with a Birdy yellow elastomer
>>stiffens it up substantially. Apart from a little bit of Stanley knife
>>work on the two ends of the central hole, they are a direct swap.
>
>
> Many thanks for the tip.
> Do you know where I can get one?
>
You could also try some hoseclips or a piece of tight fitting tubing
over the spring (Mastic cartridges fit the Airnimal) to tighten it up

--
---
Marten Gerritsen

INFOapestaartjeM-GINEERINGpuntNL
www.m-gineering.nl

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 20:35:40 +0000, wafflycat wrote:

> So where does one get these £49.99 special Trices then? If you think
> that's what an Ice T costs, then you'll be err... surprised ;-)

I know damn well what they cost 'cos I want one but can't afford it :-((

The £49.99 comment was about supermarket suspended specials, not
anything resembling a real bi/trike. If you haven't ridden a Moulton I
would suggest you haven't experienced what suspension can do for a road
bike. A Moulton still holds the World Speed Record for an upright
bicycle, so suspension does not equal slow!


Mike

Rod King wrote:

> Ive ridden an unsuspended Windcheetah all over the country and Europe and
> very rarely would suspension have been useful.

> With about 100 times the area supporting your weight on a recumbent then
> suspension seems rather pointless.

In case Becky isn't reading this...

Asking her why she got a Speedmachine when she already had a
Windcheetah, she said the suspension made a really useful
difference ...

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email protected] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

wafflycat wrote:
> My 'bent is an IceT, the entry-level 'bent from Trice. Got it Christmas
> 2004. It's not the speediest machine, but it's very comfortable, and
> lovely to use. I see that Trice have completely revamped the entry-level
> machines, to put rear suspension on all of them. I can't fathom out why
> rear suspension is warranted. Even on the uneven surfaces of Norfolk
> country lanes, there's never been a time when I've been out on the 'bent
> thinking, "I think this thing needs suspension"

I was similarly doubtful when I started on 'bents, and was quite
happy on my unsuspended Orbit Crystal. When that was destroyed and
I was looking for a replacement one thing putting me off the
Streetmachine was the suspension, because I *knew* from direct
experience that I didn't need it and was quite happy without it.

With the wonders of hindsight, I now really, really like good
suspension, and it's not really primarily about comfort. Over
rough roads it makes the bike far more efficient, and over rough
roads at high speed it makes it a damn sight safer because the
roadholding is vastly improved too. Another happy side effect is
that when I go berry picking in summer the fruit gets back as fruit
rather than puree, since the bags are suspended too (also works for
eggs and other fragile baggage).

Lots of perfectly satisfactory things have been "improved" just to
look fancier, but some really do get better. There was nothing
/wrong/ with friction shifters on the downtube, but how many people
really can't see any point in indexed shifters built into the
hoods? Don't knock it until you've tried it, in other words: I
think the ICE boys know their stuff when it comes to engineering
and aren't in the business of pointless gimmickry.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email protected] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

John B wrote:
>
>> Replacing the Brommie rubber block with a Birdy yellow elastomer
>> stiffens it up substantially. Apart from a little bit of Stanley
>> knife work on the two ends of the central hole, they are a direct
>> swap.
>
> Many thanks for the tip. Do you know where I can get one?

A Birdy dealer?

--
Tony

"The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the
right."
- Lord Hailsham

wafflycat wrote:
>"Mike Causer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news[email protected]...
>>
>> Once you've ridden a properly suspended bike, not a £49.99 special, you
>> understand how good it can be. Of course you can't stomp the pedals, and
>> are forced to sit and spin, just as on a 'bent.
>
>So where does one get these £49.99 special Trices then?

What makes you think a Trice is not properly suspended?

Tony Raven wrote:

> John B wrote:
> >
> >> Replacing the Brommie rubber block with a Birdy yellow elastomer
> >> stiffens it up substantially. Apart from a little bit of Stanley
> >> knife work on the two ends of the central hole, they are a direct
> >> swap.
> >
> > Many thanks for the tip. Do you know where I can get one?
>
> A Birdy dealer?

Doh ;-)
There isn't one for a million miles.
I suppose it will have to be mail order to somwhere then, but the
hoseclip idea might be worth trying first.

John B