TerraTrike

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TerraTrike
Manufacturer WizWheelz Inc.
Cycle line recumbent tadpole tricycles
Introduced 1997
Status In production
Models 5
Website www.terratrike.com

TerraTrike is a brand of recumbent tadpole tricycles manufactured by WizWheelz Inc.[1] TerraTrike is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.[2][3] TerraTrike's 2013 product line consisted of five models: Rover, Rambler, Tour II, Sportster, and Tandem Pro.[4] Designed for adults,[5] each model has three to five different component levels to meet each rider's needs.

History[edit]

Jack Wiswell and Wayne Oom first discussed the concept of an adult tricycle that Jack had doodled on a napkin at a Christmas party in 1995. Along with former partner Peter Dolan each invested $1,000 from their savings to get things rolling.[6] Their first trike was released in March 1997.[7] In 2005 they hired Mike Kessenich as Production Manager to handle the complexity of their production needs.[8] Their marketing needs were met in 2007 after hiring Jeff Yonker who pushed the business into social media and numerous other non-cycling publications.[9]

Models[edit]

Rover – The Rover is TerraTrike's entry level model and is made of hi-ten steel. Introduced in 2009,[10] it was the first of its kind with a higher seat, ease of operation and a low cost. It uses an internal hub and comes in three-speed, eight-speed or auto shifting variable speed. It won Bentrider's "Trike of the Year"[11] in 2011 when it was introduced and claims to have "introduced more people to triking than any other recumbent trike on the market".[12] In 2013 an automatic shifting model using a NuVinci 360 drive named the Rover Auto NuVinci was introduced at their annual Dealer Day expo.[13]

Rambler – The Rambler was introduced in spring of 2011 and is a more featured version of the Rover. It is made from chromoly steel and comes in an eight-speed internal hub, a 24- or a 27-speed version.[14]

Traveler – On October 23, 2013 TerraTrike released their new folding model named the Traveler at their annual Dealer Day expo.[13]

Tour II – The Tour II is the combination of the Tour and the popular Cruiser models. It is made from chromoly steel and features linkage steering, a lower profile and heavy duty components designed around the touring rider.[15]

Sportster – The Sportster model is the lightweight, high-performance model in TerraTrike's lineup. It is made from lightweight anodized aluminium and top-of-the-line components.[16]

Tandem Pro – The Tandem Pro is a two-person tandem trike. It made of chromoly steel, features direct steering, 27 speeds, a quick coupler for transporting and an optional independent pedaling system.[17]

Charge – Introduced in 2023, the Charge model is an e-assist tricycle with mechanical disk brakes and an 8-speed drivetrain.[18][19]

Achievements[edit]

  • May 31, 2013 – It was announced that CEO Jack Wiswell and CFO Wayne Oom are finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Award in Michigan and Northwest Ohio.[20]
  • March 26, 2013 – TerraTrike was featured on the FOX comedy show Raising Hope episode "Squeak Means Squeak"[21]
  • December 3, 2012 – TerraTrike featured on CNN iReport[22]
  • November 25, 2012 – Racing with ALS[23]
  • May 11, 2012 – Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company[4]
  • May 24, 2011 – Late night host Jimmy Fallon races Queen Latifah in studio on TerraTrikes[24]
  • June 20, 2008 – TerraTrike featured on CNN iReport[22]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "TerraTrike launches the Spyder and Spyder ATC: Two performance road trikes for unmatched speed and efficiency". Outside Business Journal. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  2. ^ [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ Rick Haglund. "Look Ma! We're doing it on three wheels!". Bridge Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  4. ^ a b Jim Harger (11 May 2012). "Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company". mLive. mLive. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  5. ^ Kanowtiz, Stephanie (2018-10-09). "Tricycles for adults growing in popularity". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  6. ^ Aaron Ogg. "WizWheelz in the news". Recumbent News. bikeroute.com. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  7. ^ Jose A. Hernandez. "Wizwheelz TerraTrike TT 3.6". BentRider Online. BentRider Online. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  8. ^ "WizWheelz Introduces New Product Manager" (PDF). Recumbent Cyclist News. 087: 4. March 2005. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  9. ^ Matthew Gryczan (April 7, 2013). "A bent for success: Maker of 3-wheeled recumbent bikes rides quest for comfort". Crain's Detroit Business. Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  10. ^ Boster, Seth (2018-11-12). "Rise of the trike in Colorado Springs: 'That is so cool!'". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  11. ^ Bryan Ball (January 4, 2011). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  12. ^ "TerraTrike Rover". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Bryan Ball (October 25, 2013). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
  14. ^ "TerraTrike Rambler". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  15. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  16. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  17. ^ "TerraTrike Tour". terratrike.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  18. ^ "Terra Trike offers affordable e-trike, the Charge". Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  19. ^ Toll, Micah (2022-12-22). "TerraTrike Charge launched as one of the most affordable reverse electric trikes yet". Electrek. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  20. ^ "EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program - Michigan and NW Ohio - EY - United States". Archived from the original on 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2013-07-10.
  21. ^ "Raising Hope on FOX - Watch the "How I Met Your Mullet" Episode". www.fox.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07.
  22. ^ a b "CNN - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos".
  23. ^ Leslie Linthicum. "Racing with ALS". ABQ Journal. ABQ Journal. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  24. ^ "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - NBC.com". Latenightwithjimmyfallon.com. Retrieved 2022-05-02.

External links[edit]

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