This in depth review is a great eye opener to the reality of how beautiful and well made the adds are etc.. These videos are so lacking out there, thank you for making one and being honest!
great review, I am a pretty new bowhead owner and love it, I will put up a couple points from a slightly different view. the bowhead as you receive is not custom made for everyone physical situation and in most cases would probably benefit from specifically set up for you, for example if you are not racing it or anything you might want to put on some lights, warning device etc. ive found with the articulation less is better, I hold the bars quite lightly and let it do its own thing, its totally nuts what these things will do. im also modifying mine to suit my double leg amputation. if the suspension had steer stops, reverse etc etc it would lose a lot for someone like me,, not to mention trying to deal with extra weight. in my eyes yes its very expensive if you ride with the pin in, with the pin out its priceless to me.
Much appreciated for your video. Watching Bowhead's video's I was under the impression that articulation would not let me fall, guess that is not the case. Also thanks for showing the electronics workmanship. That gives me some pause. Mechanically it looks like but getting in/out would be a pain for someone like me.
Thank you for your very thorough review. Also see Outrider USA, I just bought an Alpha and both the tech and engineering are fabulous correcting all your negatives. Also if you have a handicap car plate from your state you then are protected by the federa Americans With Disabilities Act as your bike will be classified as a Medical Device which will give you the right to trave anywhere pedestrians and bikes are allowed - power at that point is irrelevant as it’s a function of the individuals requirement based on total weight of you and you medical device. Be sure to add either stickers clearly showing you a handicap or impaired and you will be good in all 50 states.
I wish you luck with it. Got to love technology. I got back into biking and triking in my 50's because we now have better battery technology that hill's aren't the problem they used to be.
Dale that was an excellent review. It is exactly what I would’ve said if I would’ve taken the time to make a video. I’m a C-5 C6 quadriplegic and they led me to believe that they have several other quads who are able to ride the bike. I don’t see how, I’ve only lost use of my hands and have pretty strong shoulders and elbows and I could not ride the bike with the pin out of the suspension. I was really disappointed because that is 90% of why I bought the bike was the tilting mechanism. All of your points are 100% on. If you’re a paraplegic and have very strong shoulders and arms and hands you’ll figure out how to ride it but even then it’ll be a challenge. All of my able-bodied friends far with it but to be fair they eventually would figure it out. I admire what they’re trying to do but I’m very disappointed that they don’t share that it’s not the easiest thing to ride. I was really bummed when I offered to sell it back to them since they would not take it back or even consider a refund. I offered them half price and they still said no. So if anybody reads this I have one for sale that I only rode in my front yard. I’m not as happy as the guy that wrote this story. If you have an interest feel free to text area code 216-316-0215. $7500 and it’s yours thanks Ray
They do sell lean limiters and another adjustable rubber type strap to set tension on the articulation if you need it. The front ends articulation is what this bike is all about. Don’t buy one if you’re going to be leaving the pin in, that makes it a very stable and snoozy go-cart. Sorry, there are other adaptive bikes out there for you if that’s what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a really cool take on one that is fully capable of riding any trail then this is the only choice out there in my opinion. Reverse isn’t really needed as it’s easy to grab the front wheels and move backwards, a bicycle has no reverse either and have been like that’s forever. They do have a high entrance fee, but these aren’t mass produced at all, they’re made one at a time with very high end components. Aluminum and titanium aren’t cheap, machining is expensive as well. Happy trails folks, Enjoy!
Excellent review. I too am an owner of a reach and could dive a lot deeper into a lot of these similar topics about the bike. Primarily the articulation and how you just flip side to side with all of the weight from the bike. I’m a t9 complete and have some core but damn it is really intimating to ride with the pin out, I’ve tipped over so many times in a flat field. That doesn’t give me the confidence to hit the trails just yet unfortunately 😅
I have only tipped mine going slow, not sure if its gyro effect on the rear wheel but the faster it seems more stable like on two wheels, not sure if playing with tyre pressure might help, also possibly longer bars might help.
Great review! I'm owner of a Sport-on Explorer handbike and there are similar problems. Main reason (in my opinion) is that there are 100% custom parts and a "small" number of produced bikes. This kills the price-performance ratio. Can you say anything about noice of the leaning-mechanisem? Best regards
The RIG costs only $5,000. You could buy THREE of these and have money left over for what you paid for this. With two batteries, you have a 25 to 35 mile range. It is far easier to get into and has a REVERSE. It is painted better and comes in different colors.
on a recumbent trike Ackerman Steering is critical.. The reason, when you make a left turn the left wheel kingpin geometry causes this side to turn sharper AND it causes that wheel to lean/tilt towards the turn.. The outer wheel (Right) stays perpendicular and makes a wider turn.. this keeps both wheels in contact with the road (not one skidding)... Most of the recumbent trike manufactures: AZUB, ICE, Catrike, HP etc all incorporate Ackerman for that reason. Other wise they would be dangerous on high speed turns. This is a serious design flaw.. ask yourself, "why do are all car manufacturers required to use Ackerman steering to meet regulations".. now you know the answer.. SAFETY
The other problem i see is that the center of gravity is very high.. that makes for a tippy recumbent.. Like Deltas, hi center of gravity have a tendency to tip over easily.. for $15k, you would think they could put a right/left arm that hydraulically uprights you if you tip over. Looks like you are protected if you are tipped on your side, but if you are out in nature, you could lie there for ever if no one finds you.
centre of gravity ? your pretty much sitting on the ground, its proven extremely well handling. as far as the steering geometry goes thats the whole idea of this articulation you can lean both wheels right over independently of steering. this is how they keep bowhead not much more than bar width, I don't know how many of those trikes you mentioned would fit on a standard single track or walking trails
Articulation dampening with proper stops should have been a priority, regardless of how much experience you have riding. Both safety and handling characteristics could have been greatly improved. the controller being in a air tight box makes me nervous, I never seen a controller without some sort of heatsink cooling and not exposed to free air, I'm curious as to the make of the motor and controller, I'm certain many owners have reprogrammed the controller and upgraded the battery pack for better performance. For 18 grand I would expect a little more.
yeah they can be derestricted but dam. 3000 real watts, mine spins a 5 inch tyre on 15-20psi on bitumen, crazy power! it is also designed as a race machine so any extras will take away from that, its like anything I guess weighing up the compromises, steering stops and suspension stops would be super involved due to the way it articulates and would all need to be fully adjustable, and it wouldnt improve handling, I understand how you'd think that though,, the sealed controller seems great. it doesn't get hot, or wet
Well this is an electric trike, no pedals. So a three wheeled electric scooter. So depending on how fast it goes with throttle, might not be legal to ride on some bike paths.
Sorry James that’s not exactly accurate for handicap or impaired individuals. See my comment above. However thank you for trying to be thoughtful and helpful.
wow. It was a really nice and professional review.
This in depth review is a great eye opener to the reality of how beautiful and well made the adds are etc.. These videos are so lacking out there, thank you for making one and being honest!
great review, I am a pretty new bowhead owner and love it, I will put up a couple points from a slightly different view. the bowhead as you receive is not custom made for everyone physical situation and in most cases would probably benefit from specifically set up for you, for example if you are not racing it or anything you might want to put on some lights, warning device etc. ive found with the articulation less is better, I hold the bars quite lightly and let it do its own thing, its totally nuts what these things will do. im also modifying mine to suit my double leg amputation. if the suspension had steer stops, reverse etc etc it would lose a lot for someone like me,, not to mention trying to deal with extra weight. in my eyes yes its very expensive if you ride with the pin in, with the pin out its priceless to me.
Much appreciated for your video. Watching Bowhead's video's I was under the impression that articulation would not let me fall, guess that is not the case. Also thanks for showing the electronics workmanship. That gives me some pause. Mechanically it looks like but getting in/out would be a pain for someone like me.
Thank you for your very thorough review. Also see Outrider USA, I just bought an Alpha and both the tech and engineering are fabulous correcting all your negatives. Also if you have a handicap car plate from your state you then are protected by the federa Americans With Disabilities Act as your bike will be classified as a Medical Device which will give you the right to trave anywhere pedestrians and bikes are allowed - power at that point is irrelevant as it’s a function of the individuals requirement based on total weight of you and you medical device. Be sure to add either stickers clearly showing you a handicap or impaired and you will be good in all 50 states.
I wish you luck with it. Got to love technology. I got back into biking and triking in my 50's because we now have better battery technology that hill's aren't the problem they used to be.
Thanks for this great review! Definitely going to hold off now until some of these key issues are addressed.
in my opinion if your a bike rider you will love it
Love the rollover bar
Great review. If they fix all the things you mentioned this will be a perfect bike.
Dale that was an excellent review. It is exactly what I would’ve said if I would’ve taken the time to make a video. I’m a C-5 C6 quadriplegic and they led me to believe that they have several other quads who are able to ride the bike. I don’t see how, I’ve only lost use of my hands and have pretty strong shoulders and elbows and I could not ride the bike with the pin out of the suspension. I was really disappointed because that is 90% of why I bought the bike was the tilting mechanism. All of your points are 100% on. If you’re a paraplegic and have very strong shoulders and arms and hands you’ll figure out how to ride it but even then it’ll be a challenge. All of my able-bodied friends far with it but to be fair they eventually would figure it out. I admire what they’re trying to do but I’m very disappointed that they don’t share that it’s not the easiest thing to ride. I was really bummed when I offered to sell it back to them since they would not take it back or even consider a refund. I offered them half price and they still said no. So if anybody reads this I have one for sale that I only rode in my front yard. I’m not as happy as the guy that wrote this story. If you have an interest feel free to text area code 216-316-0215. $7500 and it’s yours thanks Ray
Are you still selling the bike?
@@winters1011 Sorry, I have to take that video down. I sold it
Bro thanks to show me this bike. Am going to build this bike for a cripple person
They do sell lean limiters and another adjustable rubber type strap to set tension on the articulation if you need it.
The front ends articulation is what this bike is all about. Don’t buy one if you’re going to be leaving the pin in, that makes it a very stable and snoozy go-cart.
Sorry, there are other adaptive bikes out there for you if that’s what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a really cool take on one that is fully capable of riding any trail then this is the only choice out there in my opinion.
Reverse isn’t really needed as it’s easy to grab the front wheels and move backwards, a bicycle has no reverse either and have been like that’s forever. They do have a high entrance fee, but these aren’t mass produced at all, they’re made one at a time with very high end components. Aluminum and titanium aren’t cheap, machining is expensive as well.
Happy trails folks,
Enjoy!
The lean limiters ratchet straps and rubber bands were not released when this was filmed.
Excellent review. I too am an owner of a reach and could dive a lot deeper into a lot of these similar topics about the bike. Primarily the articulation and how you just flip side to side with all of the weight from the bike. I’m a t9 complete and have some core but damn it is really intimating to ride with the pin out, I’ve tipped over so many times in a flat field. That doesn’t give me the confidence to hit the trails just yet unfortunately 😅
Join our users group on Facebook if you haven’t already!
@@daleshort2362 no social media for this guy but thanks I had to get out of that rat race.
I have only tipped mine going slow, not sure if its gyro effect on the rear wheel but the faster it seems more stable like on two wheels, not sure if playing with tyre pressure might help, also possibly longer bars might help.
The gray pole is nice for roll over perfection
Utah Trikes is in a superior position to continue improving upon an already great model.
The RIG is great!
❤❤❤
Great review! I'm owner of a Sport-on Explorer handbike and there are similar problems. Main reason (in my opinion) is that there are 100% custom parts and a "small" number of produced bikes. This kills the price-performance ratio.
Can you say anything about noice of the leaning-mechanisem?
Best regards
The RIG costs only $5,000. You could buy THREE of these and have money left over for what you paid for this.
With two batteries, you have a 25 to 35 mile range.
It is far easier to get into and has a REVERSE.
It is painted better and comes in different colors.
Please tell me more. Been looking at this bike but I totally can’t afford it!
on a recumbent trike Ackerman Steering is critical.. The reason, when you make a left turn the left wheel kingpin geometry causes this side to turn sharper AND it causes that wheel to lean/tilt towards the turn.. The outer wheel (Right) stays perpendicular and makes a wider turn.. this keeps both wheels in contact with the road (not one skidding)... Most of the recumbent trike manufactures: AZUB, ICE, Catrike, HP etc all incorporate Ackerman for that reason. Other wise they would be dangerous on high speed turns. This is a serious design flaw.. ask yourself, "why do are all car manufacturers required to use Ackerman steering to meet regulations".. now you know the answer.. SAFETY
Muito top, mas acho inviável importar para o Brasil uma dessa, o valor seria muito alto!
The other problem i see is that the center of gravity is very high..
that makes for a tippy recumbent.. Like Deltas, hi center of gravity
have a tendency to tip over easily.. for $15k, you would think they
could put a right/left arm that hydraulically uprights you if you tip
over. Looks like you are protected if you are tipped on your side,
but if you are out in nature, you could lie there for ever if no one finds
you.
centre of gravity ? your pretty much sitting on the ground, its proven extremely well handling. as far as the steering geometry goes thats the whole idea of this articulation you can lean both wheels right over independently of steering. this is how they keep bowhead not much more than bar width, I don't know how many of those trikes you mentioned would fit on a standard single track or walking trails
Articulation dampening with proper stops should have been a priority, regardless of how much experience you have riding.
Both safety and handling characteristics could have been greatly improved. the controller being in a air tight box makes me nervous, I never seen a controller without some sort of heatsink cooling and not exposed to free air, I'm curious as to the make of the motor and controller, I'm certain many owners have reprogrammed the controller and upgraded the battery pack for better performance.
For 18 grand I would expect a little more.
yeah they can be derestricted but dam. 3000 real watts, mine spins a 5 inch tyre on 15-20psi on bitumen, crazy power! it is also designed as a race machine so any extras will take away from that, its like anything I guess weighing up the compromises, steering stops and suspension stops would be super involved due to the way it articulates and would all need to be fully adjustable, and it wouldnt improve handling, I understand how you'd think that though,, the sealed controller seems great. it doesn't get hot, or wet
The shipping cost was excessive, and a paperwork fee? Ludicrous. 17 amp hour battery for a machine that weighs that much is a small battery as well..
Wow 15000 is a lot of money seems way to expensive
15000 $ and no reverse? That's a shame as it's only a 10 $ option
Well this is an electric trike, no pedals. So a three wheeled electric scooter. So depending on how fast it goes with throttle, might not be legal to ride on some bike paths.
Sorry James that’s not exactly accurate for handicap or impaired individuals. See my comment above. However thank you for trying to be thoughtful and helpful.
TRIOT Trikes could easily engineer a far superior trike and for less money.
Honestly I'm not seeing $15,000 maybe $7,000