Customer Reviews

Trikke Tech T12 Series 3-Wheeled Carving Scooter (Copper)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Trikke 12 is the high-end model in the trikke series. I have started on a Trikke 8 and then I made my way up to T12. T12 is higher but heavier at the same time, which means that it requires more energy when starting, but it also has more inertia, which means that it is easier to maintain speed when cruising. The ride is faster and much smoother than the T8 because of the size of the wheels. Beware though - faster means that you spend more energy, which is why the official advertising is "not for the faint of heart". It is only slightly wider than the T8, but it needs more "turning space". Not really a problem if you have wide asphalt (where it is a lot of fun), it climbs hills easier than the T8 but it is less maneuvrable in tight spaces such as climbing on a narrow sidewalk. This model is the only one (so far) with disc brakes, which makes it safer knowing that you can really brake when you need and therefore gives you more confidence at higher speed and on downhills. The handlebar grips as shown in the picture are terrible (they make a good picture but they are very uncomfortable). I hope Trikke will change them to something more ergonomic, I did it myself. This detail would not lower it from 5 stars.
The last word of advice: I know there are people out there who want to buy the best thing from the start. Then they sell them on EBay because they were not able to learn how to use them. Just like with alpine skiing (BTW-it feels very similar), where you have skis for beginners and intermediate, you do not start straight on racing skis, my advice for beginners is to start with a T8 or T78 and then, when you got the hang of it, move to the T12.

I've owned an old style T-8, with the polyurethane wheels, for almost a year. Though I liked it, it seemed too much like a "toy", and I wanted something more substantial. Everything that I read (Trikketalk, etc) led me to believe that the T-12 was the "Cadillac" of the Trikke line - smooth, easy, quiet and fast. This is NOT the case - in fact, it is vastly less efficient than my old t-8 ("less efficient" = requiring greater energy expense to cover the same distance). This makes it substantially harder to ride than the t-8. It is just plain exhausting!

I checked to make sure that there wasn't a problem with my particular T-12. I checked that the bushings were not too tight, OK, that the brakes weren't rubbing, OK, that I had the recommended 75psi front and 80psi rear, OK - everything checked out fine, so I posted my concerns on Trikketalk. The general thrust of the replies is that the T-12 really is bigger, slower and harder to get going than any Trikke in the line, and that I just need to get used to it. So, it is a Cadillac all right, but instead of driving it, it feels like I am behind it, pushing it. Uphill. With it in Park.

On other subjects, it is very well built - there is no flex or shimmy when I am on it, and I am 6'0 - 200 lbs. Putting it together was straightforward - however, you need to carefully study the instructions on brake adjustments if you are going to set them yourself.

The thing that keeps my rating from falling below a 3 is this: the T-12 IS - IN FACT - a good workout. I do intend on sticking with it, however, it will stay just that: "A Workout Device". For fun, and riding enjoyment, I wish I would have bought the T-8 air - which would have been the sweet spot between effort, comfort, ease of use, and speed. Not to mention, less expensive by more than $100.00.

FOLLOW UP -

I have now been riding the T-12 for over a year. I take it out three times a week, 10 miles each ride. I also rotate that same 10 mile path between roller-skates and a bicycle. The T-12 is STILL too big, too bulky, too cumbersome, too arduous, and too hard to move to be anything other than a "Workout Device". (And this is from someone who is (now) 6'0, 185 lb.) As a "Workout Device", it is very good, I still have no complaints about it's build, workmanship or sturdiness. But, because the T-12 is none-the-less limited in it's role, I find that I still use the T-8 Poly for general riding around. Now, more than a year down the road, I still feel that the T-8 would have been a better choice, one that hits the target of being a multipurpose Trikke - nimble enough to kick around town and heavy enough for working out.

Update 01/02/08:
Just to let everyone know that there are new Trikke T12 colors available: Metallic Green and Metallic Copper. They look so cool.

I had the T12 since Sept.06 and I've always enjoyed riding it as an exercise machine to get fit and have fun. Never a day goes out for me without trikking and its kinda addicting too. During my rides I get a lot of curious looks from folks around trying to comprehend what the heck I'm riding about and thats just part of the fun. The trikke is NOT a scooter although many will call it that at first. It is a 3 wheeled cambering vehicle that is human powered that uses Trikke Tech's patented 3CV technology to allow a rider to move a chainless, pedal-less device forward without ever touching a foot on ground. Learning to ride was a little hard initialy but once you get the hang of it, it is very easy. It took me 10 minutes to learn and ride this thing with some way of moving it forward. From there it becomes fairly easy to move it at a comfortable pace. Watch the dvd video first that comes with it so you have a clue on how to maneuver. This is a big help for starters. If you've roller blade, skate or ski before, you're not that far in learning how to trikke. Everyone's learning curve is different but with patience, practice, and determination, you'll get there in no time.

The T12's frame comes pre-assembled and all you need to do is install the handle bar, adjust the brakes, inflate the tires then attach to the axle. Its really simple. Intructions are provided too on how to install and ride the trikke.

Trikkers are everywhere in this country and from around the world and growing. My fellow trikkers and I here in Southern California are riding it for miles with no pedaling or pushing....just rock and roll. It is low impact, its not hard on your body or joints that is why you can go a long distance with trikking with speed around 9-13mph once you get the hang of it. Going uphill with the Trikke is very doable with some practice. I've lost weight doing this and kept it off. There is a trikke model for everyone besides the T12 so check around but beware of any imitations and cheap knock-offs out there. Trikking is good for me and my health. TRIKKE ON....

For more info about the Trikke go to: http://www.trikketampastore.com/129.html

"How do you motivate the majority of Americans to exercise? It's not that they don't want to exercise, but they really need a good reason for doing it -- a reason better than exercise itself. Trikke delivers that reason in one word - FUN!"...TrikkeTampa

My Trikke was delivered promptly, and by ordering thru Amazon I saved $100, and free shipping -- Some of the reviews I read had said this was too advanced to start with -- I am 57 yrs old and was riding it in 5 minutes with flip flops and shorts -- It's a great workout with no impact -- I love it and so does all the kids and dogs that follow me up and down the streets --

I am a guy in my late twenties and wanted to get into Trikking after seeing the infomercials and reading about the positive health benefits associated with carving vehicles. So I did. I owned a used T8 (I think there was something wrong with it, so I stopped using it and gave up on trikking for a while) and it was ok...then for some reason the overwhelming urge to buy another Trikke and master the technique came back. I searched high and low for the best price for a T12 because I'm 6'2 and over 200lbs. I read some negative things online about it being too heavy to get started, etc, but I must say this has been the easiest and most fun ride I've ever had on three wheels!! It did take me about a month to get the technique down and really fine tune my "sweet spot" while riding. Now that I have, its been an amazing experience flying through the neigborhood and attracting lots of attention. Lots of people ask "what is that thing?...I even had a guy roll his window down while he was passing me and tell me quite emphatically "Yo!, thats the coolest thing ever!"...Needless to say, I am EXTREMELY pleased with my Trikke T12, Metallic Green BTW, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to be a little different and who wants a ridiculous work out. Oh Yeah...I've lost about ten pounds in the month I've been riding....and that makes it the best purchase EVER.

Hi I would like to inform the people about the T-12 roadster this is a excellent way of total body workout that centers around your core.I started riding mt first trikke in september 2009 after my wife got my little girl her one for her birthday I got the T78.It took me two weeks to get it down after 4 months it was mastered it.My daughter has a T-5 and my T78C air I gave to my wife we all ride.I wanted something more challenging so I ordered the T-12 that really works your body evan more since it bigger and heavier.I normally ride 2 hours non stop at a very fast pace up and down incline around two subdivision.It is attention grabber I ride close to 18 miles per hour I really crank it up I never get bored.I find mayself riding it twice a day even at my job on my lunch break it is portable folds and fits in my suv.There is no stress on your knees or joints you burn major calories if you ride as intense as I do I push my cardio being I'm a martial artist for 29 years.I use to jog a lot but now I just perfer to trikke I fill stronger and more toned up.Riding will burn the weight off and keep you very fit warning the T-12 is for advance trikke riders this not for the beginers.You will want to start on other version before you move up to riding the roadster.I suggest T78c than convert to air tires or the T8 air tires work well on ruff ground.Amazon had the best price on the T-12 I have two trikke's I ordered from trikke site the T-12 is a $100.00 more you save purchasing it from amazon.


GREAT PRICE

I love this thing. It is not only a great workout, but it is fun to ride.

I take this on an 8 mile greenway, and with an average speed of around 10 miles per hour I think I'm doing pretty well.

I am sure I will improve over time.

Everyone you pass will be either rubber necking or asking what it is that you're riding. I swear, I could start distributing these things based on the level of interest I get while riding.