Two fat tire trikes: One with fork suspension; one without

[Gfmucci]

I'm still evaluating and comparing features before spending $2 to $3 grand on a trike...

Two trikes I'm considering: The Emojo "Caddy" for $2,500 WITHOUT front fork suspension. And the BMP Imports T-950 A for $2,000 WITH front fork suspension.

What is your experience and advice concerning the worth of front fork suspension, especially on a fat tire trike?

The Emojo line has a broader US dealer network; the BMP Imports has just one US source with customer service I'm less confident about. The Emojo has a heavy duty front basket, and a 500-watt motor; the BMP Imports has no front basket and a 750-watt motor. In all other respects they appear to be similar.

I'm not as concerned about the 500 watts compared to the 750 watts, or the front basket. But I wonder whether the front fork suspension is a big enough deal to either avoid or seek - and overcome my concern about a single importer.

 

[mrgold35]

Good thing about a suspension fork is you can lock it out just like the fixed one (this is assuming you have a lock out knob). It might come down to if the suspension trike has the equal features and rides the same as the fixed forked trike.

I've been riding my 4" fat tire radrover for +2 1/2 years with a cheap spring suspension fork. I work commute with an avg speed of around 15-17 mph (top speed of 25 mph on down hill runs). I get around 1 - 2 1/4 inches of travel with my spring suspension fork on a 99% paved work commute. The fat tires are part of the suspension to help smooth out the ride, to a point. Fixed forks would be fine if you mostly ride on smooth paved roads at lower speeds with very little uneven/broken/pot holes on the surface. Any suspension fork does help with uneven surfaces and provide a smoother ride. I had to adjust the rebound of my forks for a little stiffer ride with less re-bound and it made it a little more stable at higher speeds. (knob on opposite side of lock-out).

Added bonus of a suspension fork is all that vibration/re-bound isn't being transmitted to your arms/shoulders/back at a way lower level compared to a fixed fork. I tried work commuting fixed fork and and it wasn't as smooth compared to using the suspension setting.

Suspension seat post and front suspension are on my must haves on any bike.

 

[Gfmucci]

Excellent! Thank you. I thought the suspension fork might be important...but not sure...I've read some people say they are a pain when/if they fail. I don't think the trike I'm looking at has any "lockout knob." Here's the website. Tell me if you notice any adjustability: https://www.bpmimports.com/shop/bikes/t-950a-750w-black-20-in/

 

[MarkF]

Isn't most of the weight of a trike on the rear wheels? Not sure how effective a front shock is going to be unless you ride on very bumpy roads. Also have you looked at the Raleigh trike? This one can have a throttle and is a mid drive so will climb hills better. https://www.raleighusa.com/tristar-ie-e-trike

 

[rich c]

Isn't most of the weight of a trike on the rear wheels? Not sure how effective a front shock is going to be unless you ride on very bumpy roads. Also have you looked at the Raleigh trike? This one can have a throttle and is a mid drive so will climb hills better. https://www.raleighusa.com/tristar-ie-e-trike

I’d consider that suspension fork as nearly useless on a fat tire trike. I assume it’s a spring fork? You can’t really tune a spring fork like an air fork. It’s not like you are going to jump curbs are you? Not necessary in my book

 

[Calicoskies]

https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-trio.html Not sure if you looked at Voltbike as a option but thought I would mention. I have the Yukon which is very popular on this site, similar to the Radrover. I would go with the suspension to have a option for softer ride without the tire presure being lower to much to get simliar affect. I have heard they can tip easy so be careful until you get the hang of it.

 

[Gfmucci]

Isn't most of the weight of a trike on the rear wheels? Not sure how effective a front shock is going to be unless you ride on very bumpy roads. Also have you looked at the Raleigh trike? This one can have a throttle and is a mid drive so will climb hills better. https://www.raleighusa.com/tristar-ie-e-trike

True, probably 70% of weight on rears. But that leaves 30% of 200 lbs (60 lbs) on the front. I'll welcome some diminished shock on the handlebars.

I looked at the Raleigh. I read the EBR review for that bike and was not impressed. It was a slightly trimmed down version of the Evelo Compass. The specs re max speed, motor watts, 3 speed and NO suspension weren't as robust as I was wanting.

 

[Gfmucci]

It’s not like you are going to jump curbs are you?

I don't know. You can't take the teenager out of some old farts.

 

[Gfmucci]

https://www.voltbike.com/voltbike-trio.html Not sure if you looked at Voltbike as a option but thought I would mention. I have the Yukon which is very popular on this site, similar to the Radrover. I would go with the suspension to have a option for softer ride without the tire presure being lower to much to get simliar affect. I have heard they can tip easy so be careful until you get the hang of it.

No, I have not. This is a benefit of being a research nerd. I take 3 times as long as the average shopper!

My initial reaction based on the link you provided is this:

1) Price is great
2) What's up with no pedals?
3) Do the rear brakes stop BOTH rear wheels or just one? If just one, that is a deal breaker for me.
4) 750 watt motor is nice; 16 amp/hr battery is great
5) Lacks rear fenders. They are something I would prefer, but I'm not sure how essential they might be. If I have some cargo overhanging outside the basket, fenders would be nice. Are they an option?
6) Out of stock. But I won't be buying until mid June anyway.
7) Sold 100% assembled!
8) Where is this sold? How is customer service and responsiveness?
9) What instruments does Bianca play?

Thanks for the tip. I mainly need to look into the rear brakes.

 

[MarkF]

I think this trike weighs around 85 lbs, has option for 2 batteries, mid drive versus front wheel hub motor(lighter front end) and option for throttle. I know this isn't for me but after viewing the bikes your looking at, I still would choose this one. But that's just me.

 

[Nova Haibike]

A 20" wheel suspension fork is going to be a coil spring with very little travel; probably less than 60 mm. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference in ride quality between it and a rigid fork, especially on a fat tire bike.

 

[rich c]

I don't know. You can't take the teenager out of some old farts.

My friend nearly needed a skin graft on his leg, and other minor injuries after taking a fat tire trike over a curb. It’s hard to imagine how unstable these things are until you try and act like a teenager. These aren’t bikes, speed with any maneuver other than straight and flat is risky.

 

[mrgold35]

Another thing to think about are options for full front fenders for fat tire trikes if you plan on riding in the rain. We don't get much rain in NM (less than 10 inches per year). I just have a front fender for mostly debris (and horse and doggie poo when on single track). The fat tires will kick up a ton of water and you will take a bath on your lower half. I never got even close to being that wet on my 700X40c bike.

 

[Gfmucci]

My friend nearly needed a skin graft on his leg, and other minor injuries after taking a fat tire trike over a curb. It’s hard to imagine how unstable these things are until you try and act like a teenager. These aren’t bikes, speed with any maneuver other than straight and flat is risky.

Being a fairly wise 73 year old teenager, I understand the need to gradually learn the bikes handling limits. There is not a bike known to humanity that has not had even skilled riders require skin grafts.

 

[rich c]

Being a fairly wise 73 year old teenager, I understand the need to gradually learn the bikes handling limits. There is not a bike known to humanity that has not had even skilled riders require skin grafts.

Like I said, it’s hard to imagine. Skilled riders on a bike would not have an issue going 3 mph going over a curb. But you don’t have to agree with me, just warning you.

 

[Gfmucci]

Another thing to think about are options for full front fenders for fat tire trikes if you plan on riding in the rain. We don't get much rain in NM (less than 10 inches per year). I just have a front fender for mostly debris (and horse and doggie poo when on single track). The fat tires will kick up a ton of water and you will take a bath on your lower half. I never got even close to being that wet on my 700X40c bike.

I agree with you about full front fenders being a definite asset. How essential do you believe rear fenders to be on an etrike? Fortunately I have no need to trike in the rain or through mud puddles.

My bigger concern is kicking up fine gravel and sand. I made the mistake one day of riding my motorcycle on Okaloosa Island along the Gulf Coast of Florida through blowing sand while wearing contact lenses and only sunglasses. I never knew tear ducts could generate so much water. And the pain rivaled what the ladies say about childbirth.

 

[Gfmucci]

Like I said, it’s hard to imagine. Skilled riders on a bike would not have an issue going 3 mph going over a curb. But you don’t have to agree with me, just warning you.

I understand attempting to drive or hop over a curb on a trike (much easier on a 2-wheeler, I imagine) was an extreme example to minimize the perceived need of a suspension fork. So I came back with an equally extreme elderly teenager quip. The greater reality is there are many degrees of lesser obstacle such as ruts, expansion joints, and gravel roads that would benefit from a suspension fork to some degree. That just seems like common sense to me.

Three years ago I test rode a totally pedal powered semi recumbent trike a bit too aggressively. Being up on two wheels unexpectedly was an interesting experience.

 

[mrgold35]

You should be ok without fenders on the rear wheels. The standard fenders on either trike should be enough to keep water splash from getting the contents of the rear basket wet.


The wind is always blowing in NM and can get really dusty and sandy at times. Had a few times of riding through a unexpected cloud of gnats near the river trails. I had to switch to motorcycle goggles to help protect my eyes better. I got clear for night and polarized for day (WYND Blocker Riding Goggles, Amazon, $25).