Delta and Tadpole recumbent trikes: how to choose?

Recumbent trikes open a world of possibilities as far as getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors on your own power. For those who are concerned about balance, they offer stability you simply can’t get from a two-wheeled bike. Plus, unlike clunky old-school trikes, modern recumbent trikes are agile, fast and fun to ride.

There are two main design platforms on which recumbent trikes are built: delta and tadpole. Each offers unique characteristics and benefits. We’ll go over the finer details to help you decide which one is right for you.

Tadpole Recumbent Trikes

Tadpole trikes have one wheel in the rear and two wheels up front, which are used for steering. Pedaling drives the rear wheel.

The seating position is typically lower than on a delta trike, which makes mounting and dismounting more difficult for some riders. A growing number of tadpole trikes offer a moderately high seat, and features that make them more accessible to older people, larger riders, or those with limited mobility, such as additional hand-holds and wider width. At the other end of the spectrum, there are performance tadpole trikes with very low, almost fully reclined, seats.

PRO’s:

• Lower center of gravity

• More “contained” feeling reminiscent of being in a car

• Two wheels in front provide better cornering at higher speeds

• Performance and touring options available

• Wide range of models and options is available

CON’s

• Can be difficult to get in and out of for older riders or those with limited mobility

• Low rider position can affect visibility on the road or trail

• Larger turning radius makes them more difficult to maneuver in tight places.
  

To sum up, tadpoles are often a good choice when speed and stability is prioritized over maneuverability and when the rider can easily get in and out of the lower seated riding position.

Delta Recumbent Trikes

Delta trikes have two wheels in the rear and one wheel in front, used for steering. Pedaling drives one or both of the rear wheels. They are generally easier to get on and off, plus they offer excellent stability and tight cornering. They are relatively easy to walk with, and some can be parked or stored upright.

High quality delta trikes from companies such as Hase Bikes and Greenspeed are very versatile and maneuverable. The front wheel can turn almost 90 degrees, which makes for a surprisingly right turning radius with excellent rider control.

For those with mobility concerns, the higher seating position on delta trikes (mire like a typical chair) is much easier to get in and out of. Additionally delta trikes can be linked together (or linked in tandem to another bike), providing options for riders who are unable to ride safely on their own.

PRO’s

• Comparatively easy mounting and dismounting

• Excellent maneuverability

• Excellent visibility

• Can be stored upright

• Wide range of adaptive accessories

CON’s

• Not optimized for speed and performance

• Only a handful of quality models are available

Delta trikes are the preferred choice for riders who favor accessibility, maneuverability and versatility over all-out speed. They can be an ideal option for individuals with limited mobility since they are very easy to get on and off, and for those who require extensive adaptive modifications.

Tadpole vs. Delta: which is best?

As with other bikes, there is no clear “best” for every rider. It comes down to individual needs, abilities and intended use. Both designs offer a range of features, and plenty of room for customizations, such as carrying gear, increased mobility or enjoyment and adventure.

We offer both options at Cosmic Bikes. Although the current market overwhelmingly favors tadpole trikes in terms of number of brands and models that are available, delta trikes fill an important niche in the recumbent microcosm. There some extremely inexpensive delta trikes that are clunky, heavy and unwieldy. However, high quality delta trikes from Hase and Greenspeed are shockingly maneuverable, easy to control, and may make cycling a reality for riders who are not well served by other available options.
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We hope this introductory comparison of tadpole and delta trike features will serve as a primer for you to begin to narrow down your choices, and understand what questions to ask. But, since there’s no substitute for talking to a human, and trying bikes out in person, we invite you to come and visit.