Posted 04/07/06

I have had my Trice S for over six months now and felt it was high time that you should know what I think of it.   My first reaction, as is the case for most new recumbent riders, was that I was clearly exercising new leg muscles than what 20+ years of DF cycling had been working.  Nevertheless, this machine is fast.  What a thrill it is to have upright riders smirk at me as they pass me going up hills... Only to have me whiz past them at the crest.  The low center of gravity, coupled with the long wheelbase has created a very stable platform that is highly aerodynamic.  I know, you already know that... But somehow we all have to experience it ourselves.  One of the other wonderful things I noticed was that after three plus straight hours of riding or more, when I get off, I am not sore at all.  That is a very welcome change.  Get exercise, have fun, see the countryside, and not ache through it all.  Lucky me.

This machine is an absolute work of art.  After several hours of riding, I tend to forget that... Only to have spectators literally gasp when they see it and it usually is quickly followed by an extremely enthusiastic, “Nice bike, mate!” ...I guess they must have missed the 3rd wheel (wink).  I admit I am proud to have such a beautiful machine to ride.  The ICE team should be very proud of what you all have created here: a smooth and polished look in a very strong and stable machine.  Your twenty plus years at making these machines is quite evident in each one.  

After riding about seven different manufacturers’ machines, we settled comfortably on buying from ICE.  Unlike all of the competitors, which had at least one very irksome thing about their designs or functionality (like non-adjustable seat angles, ugly yellow seat covers, Velcro strap for emergency brake, ugly weld lines, finicky shifters, unstable at high speed, etc.), the standard Trice models had none of these problems that we could find... Okay, that was not true for the 05 models and earlier (no suspension)... But now even these STANDARD machines have rear suspension.  Unbelievable!  Suspension on a base-model trike.  Combine that with the quick-release folding ability and, all I can say is Wow!  You turned a great machine into an even better one.

Important to note: On so many occasions, I have telephoned ICE and hounded poor Neil for one thing or another... And he ALWAYS took it in stride.  Not once did he get impatient, even when your schedules were tight.  I have always appreciated that very much.  In addition to that, I must give credit in that you folks are also very good at listening to your customers and their needs.  If something can be easily tweaked to accommodate [a need], you do it every time.  If it is not an “easy fix” you always maintain your tactfulness and politely explained why.  Talk about professionalism and taking care of the customers.  You guys are all top-notch!

Thank you so much for your fantastic craftsmanship, professionalism, and above all, your friendship.


Another very loyal ICE customer,

Eric Wade
PS: Attached is a picture of my S with one of the new flags that Kathy and I created for our S and Q machines.
PSS: We will get a tandem Trice somewhere down the road...just a matter of time.