Magnum XL Overview

The new 2017 Magnum trike builds on our very successful Magnum which was launched in 2012 and has been our best-seller since then. The 2017 Magnum comes in two sizes, the SD which is the same size as the original Magnum, and the XL, which is the largest production trike in the world, built to accommodate riders up to 7 foot in height and weighing up to 450 lbs.

It retains the unique features of the earlier Magnum which made it so popular, the seat height and angle adjustment, plus the press-button quick release on the front wheels, plus the on-road and off-road capabilities. However, to strengthen the frame over the earlier Magnum, we are using a rectangular section main tube, 1st used on the Anura introduced in 2006, and recently on the GT20, introduced in 2016.

This tubing is both stronger and lighter than the round tubing used on the original Magnum, plus it allows quick and easy adjustment of the boom for leg length without having to realign the cranks each time, and positively prevents the cranks from twisting under sudden acceleration. And rather than the “Ved” cross member of the early Magnums, the SD/XL cross member is curved like the GT20, to allow the riders to stand closer to the seat, for easier entry and exit.

Comfort & Lumbar Support

One of the secrets of the Magnum’s superior ride is the seat. While it may not look fancy, one ride is all you need to experience GreenSpeed comfort. Firstly, the seat was designed by a chiropractor, so that it has both proper lumbar and shoulder support. Then the seat mesh is laced to the frame by shock cord, so not only does the seat conform to your back, but it also provides “virtual suspension” to insulate you from road shock. People are like car engines in that they are only about 33% efficient, thus if you are putting out about 100 watts in power, your body is radiating 200 watts of heat which has to be dissipated. Thus, the seat is made of an open mesh outdoor furniture material, to provide ventilation and cooling to the back.

Drum Brakes & Strong Wheels

Many trikes use disc brakes, blindly following the trend in cars. However, the weight of a trike is less than a tenth of the weight of a car, and disc brakes have a number of issues – adjustment, maintenance, squealing, and making it difficult to remove the wheels. Whereas the 90 mm drum brakes used on the Magnum are more powerful than some disc brakes, especially after they are broken-in, only have one easy cable adjustment, have shoes which are practically everlasting, are quiet, and enable push-button quick release of the wheels!

The wheels themselves have double-walled eyeleted rims, which are built with 36 stainless steel spokes. Being only 20” in diameter, these wheels are both stronger and lighter than the 26” wheels used on mountain bikes. Plus as the rear wheel is 20” it can be closer to the seat, giving better traction, and making the whole trike lighter and more compact than if a 26” rear wheel was used. Plus, contrary to popular belief, testing has shown that the smaller wheels have lower rolling resistance, due to a rounder contact patch with the road.

Specifications