The GreenSpeed Magnum which was introduced in 2012 has been one of our best selling trikes. It builds on over twenty years of designing and building the world’s best touring trikes, with the prototype being tested climbing the Himalayas.
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Specifications
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- Frame: Aluminum Alloy 7005 Folding
- Width: 34″
- Length: 66 to 76”
- Height: 30 to 35”
- Seat Height: 14 to 18″
- Seat Angle: 30 to 48˚
- Crank Height: 14 to 15”
- X-Seam Range: 40 to 50”
- Ground Clearance: 6.5″
- Turning Radius: 13′
- Wheelbase: 41.3”
- Wheels: 20″ Alloy, Stainless Steel Spokes & Q/R
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- Tires: 20 x 2.15” Schwalbe Big Apple
- Gears: 27
- Cranks: Shun SS-ZO-300 52/42/30 (165mm)
- Cassette: 9 Speed 11/34T
- Derailleur: microSHIFT Marvo LT
- Chain: YBN S9
- Shifters: microSHIFT Bar-end
- Gear Range: 18-95″
- Brakes: Sturmey Archer 90mm Drums
- Weight Limit: 400lbs
- Trike Weight: 42lbs
- Standard Equipment: Rear Mudguard, Safety Flag
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Easy Crossover Steering Geometry
Unlike many trikes which use “direct” steering, the Magnum uses the GreenSpeed “crossover” steering which makes the steering much easier, due to the leverage in the linage, and the fact that one is using one’s biceps, rather than one’s wrists or the smaller muscles in one’s arms. Plus it gives superior Ackermann compensation, reducing tire scrub and drag. And unlike the bushes or bike headset bearings used in some trikes, the Magnum uses industrial ball races for the kingpin bearings, giving low friction, long life, and ease of replacement.
Many people have said that it is not possible to build a recumbent trike which is suitable for the road as well as off-road. Others have said, you must have suspension to give a smooth ride. However, this increases the weight, adds complication, and cost.
Well, the Greenspeed Magnum folding recumbent trike breaks the mold in recumbent trike design! No longer is it necessary to agonize between the choice of a high seat recumbent trike for off-road, or a low seat recumbent trike for on-road, suspension or non-suspension, disc brakes or drum brakes, or a heavy, low-performance trike to take your weight. The Greenspeed Magnum Folding Recumbent Trike is the 1st recumbent trike to have a seat that is adjustable for height. Plus it is adjustable for angle as well. The seat height is adjustable from 12” to 17” and both adjustments are with Quick Release levers. Thus the rider can choose the seat height to suit ease of entry and exit, the riding conditions, and personal preference – low for speed and high for visibility in traffic. Some riders may find they need the seat high at first to help get them on and off the trike. Later as they become fitter and lose weight, they might find they can lower the seat and take advantage of the lower center of gravity. This gives better cornering and road holding. Wind tunnel tests show that the lower seat is also 2 mph faster at 25 mph.
While the seat may look simple, it is actually the most comfortable on the market. First of all, the seat cover is a completely open weave. This allows cooling to the back and does not hold water if it rains. Then the curves were designed by a chiropractor to give proper support to both the lumbar and the shoulders. Secondly, the shock cord lacing provides a good fit to your back, plus it provides suspension for insulation from road shock. The suspension is also provided by the Schwalbe “Big Apple” balloon tires which give both low rolling resistance and a comfortable ride. The third secret in the Greenspeed recumbent trike ride is the frame. Normally aluminum frames give a hard ride. However, each tube on the Magnum was carefully selected to give the same good ride characteristics as the Cro Mo frames. Thus by just adjusting the tire pressures, the trike is equally at home on rough roads and smooth roads.
Now for off-road use, you need a high ground clearance and low gears, yet for road use, you need high gears and good road holding. The Greenspeed Magnum Trike has a massive 5” of ground clearance, yet with the seat low, and the cambered wheels it has outstanding road holding. Plus the 11-34 cassette combined with the 52/42/30 triple crank-set gives a wide range of gears, from 18” in the bottom to 95” in top gear – a range of 527%! So you can easily go fast or slow.
