Customer Reviews

Trikke Tech T12 Series 3-Wheeled Carving Scooter (Metalic Green)

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

 

 

Riding my new Trikke T12 is the only exercise routine I have found that I can stick to because I actually look forward to doing it every day. I think the thing that makes riding the T-12 so fun is that it provides a rewarding riding experience where (unlike riding a bicycle) as you ride the Trikke, you are challenged to adapt and improve your riding technique. you use all of your muscle groups to balance and propel the vehicle so it gives a full body low/no impact workout. It DOESN'T make you contort your neck into an unnatural position, fatigue your neck/shoulder muscles or leave you saddle sore. You don't have to throw your leg over a high part of a frame or risk a related painful injury. To mount the T12, you just grab the handlebars, step up 13 inches onto the foot pads, and you are ready to go. In short, you can ride it because it's fun, and while you're at it, you also happen to get an excellent workout.

The quality of design and construction is evident. The welds, machined components, and materials used are crafted with precision and assembled with care, and are of the highest quality. The glossy metallic green paint finish is beautiful. The frame is very sturdy with minimal flex, and is designed to fold flat for easy transport and storage. The folding/locking mechanism is well designed and provides a robust and secure latch for easy transport and storage. The pneumatic tires provide a smooth quiet ride. The disc brakes provide good control, and add an extra factor of security.

The T12 is relatively expensive, but the cost is in proportion to the high quality construction and capabilities of the product. It is important to consider the reality that exercise/recreational equipment is often purchased with highest aspirations, and best intentions, but unfortunately, most often, is used a couple of times and then ends up sitting in a corner gathering dust. Because riding a Trikke is truly beneficial, compelling and fun, the likelihood that this product will be used and enjoyed for years makes it money well spent.

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 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 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.

I've got an original Trikke T8, a T78 Deluxe and now... a Trikke T12. Granted, the ride is different on all of them, but the Trikke T12 really is the "Cadillac of Trikkes."

The T-12 has a super smooth ride and a is a great full body, low impact workout. I find that the T12 uses different muscles than the T8 and T78 Deluxe, so if I'm going for the maximum workout, I'm taking the T12. Yes, it's slower to get moving on at first, but its much faster once you get moving which makes it a thrilling ride standing 13 inches off the ground!

If I had to choose one between all of my Trikkes, hands down, I'd keep the T12.

Normally I don't write reviews of items that I get. The reason I am writing this one is in response to one of the other reviews. He said that the T12 was less efficient than the 8 inch wheel versions. I have no idea what he is talking about. Maybe he hasn't learned to ride it properly or something. This Trikke is completely amazing. Everything is put together perfectly. The disc brakes while maybe a slight overkill make you feel completely comfortable with going as fast as you like. First day riding this after upgrading from a T8 air was like heaven. The speed increase is noticeable right away.

The only thing I can think to say about it in a negative way is that it is bigger than the others and I can't put it in the back seat of my car anymore. I have to put it in the trunk.

If you have been riding Trikkes and want to step up to this version, you can rest assured that you will be very happy with it.