Three Wheeling Freedom
Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Plus Review
It's been an exhilarating year of traveling across the country, dedicated to sharing the joy of recumbent bikes and handcycles with a wider audience. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to help so many individuals discover the freedom and accessibility these innovative cycles offer. However, amidst all the hard work, I recently had the rare opportunity to step away and simply ride for myself—a truly invigorating experience after a long hiatus.
Southwestern Vermont in the summer is an absolute dream, a cyclist's paradise. The landscape is a symphony of rolling mountains, seemingly endless riding trails that weave through lush forests, and charming towns. My home for this much-needed workcation was Camping on the Battenkill in Arlington, a picturesque campground that offered the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. For my personal rides and to demonstrate its capabilities, I brought along one of our most popular demo models: the HP Velotechnik Scorpion plus FS.
The Scorpion plus FS proved to be an absolute revelation, providing the most fun I’ve had on a recumbent in years. For an entire weekend, work took a backseat as I explored the campground's diverse terrain. I glided effortlessly along the cinder streets, navigated winding dirt trails, and ventured everywhere in between.
The higher seat position of the Scorpion plus FS was a significant advantage, offering an elevated perspective perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the stunning Vermont scenery. It also made stopping for a coffee or a quick snack incredibly easy and comfortable. Furthermore, its increased visibility was a crucial safety feature when I ventured onto the roads to visit local shops and restaurants. The robust suspension system of the Scorpion plus FS creates a sensation akin to pedaling in a luxury SUV, absorbing bumps and vibrations with remarkable efficiency.
This superior ride quality translates to all-day comfort, allowing for extended rides without any of the back or knee pain that can sometimes plague traditional cyclists. Adding to this exceptional comfort is the unique design of the Ergomesh plus seat, which offers extensive adjustability. Riders can fine-tune both the back angle and the seat pan, ensuring a perfectly tailored fit that maximizes comfort and efficiency for their individual needs.
The Scorpion plus FS is designed with versatility in mind, offering a variety of gearing and power assist options to suit different riding styles and terrains. Our specific demo model is equipped with the highly efficient Shimano 6100 drivetrain and an 8-speed Di2 hub with automatic shifting. As someone who appreciates the nuanced control of manual shifting, I typically prefer to manage my own gears. However, for those new to cycling, individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury, or simply anyone who values effortless simplicity, the Nexus hub's automatic shifting capability is a game-changer.
It truly offers the best of both worlds! For riders looking to conquer challenging hills and ascend like a mountain goat, I wholeheartedly recommend upgrading to the Rohloff hub. This premium option nearly doubles the range of available gears, providing an unparalleled climbing experience. While the Rohloff hub represents a significant investment, adding an extra 10-12% to the overall cost, it's an undeniable game-changer when building out your dream trike. When you're investing in a machine you plan to ride for the foreseeable future, that seemingly small percentage transforms a dream into a reality, ensuring you'll never look back with regret.
Even Phoebe loves a Scorpion Plus FS…
The quality and meticulous attention to detail exhibited in the Scorpion plus FS are truly difficult to match by any other brand in the market. These trikes are built to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, representing a genuine investment in enduring enjoyment. I particularly appreciated the effortless ease of getting on and off the trike, which was a huge advantage when making multiple stops and visits to various locations, allowing me to hop back on quickly and efficiently for my next destination. The reputation of German engineering is legendary, and the Scorpion plus FS unequivocally lives up to every bit of the hype, embodying precision, durability, and thoughtful design.
