Catalogue 2014

The Difference is in the Ride
Catalogue 2014
INDEX
Cover Photo Courtesy of Sharyn Jones © 2011
01. The Magnum
02. The Anura
03. The GT Series
04. The Hand Magnum
05. Accessories
06. Greenspeed Stories
07. Greenspeed History
8. A Word from Ian
The culmination of over twenty years of research and development in trike design at
Greenspeed. 20” wheels; Seat adjusts up and
down. At last – a trike which can be used off
road as well as on road!
This series is available in three options: 1, 3 and
5. The GT is a small trike with a big personality. The GT3 has long been a Greenspeed best
seller.
Greenspeed offers many must have accessories
such as a mirror and headrest. Our Scorcher
tyres have long been considered some of the
best on the market
The famous Greenspeed handling can be traced
back to Ian’s earlier innovations. Take a look
through history complete with racing sidecars
and wooden automobiles!
Many of our customers asked for a delta trike
that would enable easy entry and exit, a higher
viewing position. Anuras can be connected to
form a tandem or train.
All the features of the Magnum in a Hand Trike!
The cockpit is roomy for arm rotations and the
higher viewpoint is ideal.
Our customers have the most amazing stories.
We are proud to feature Paul Pritchard, Janet
Buckwalter, Mary Arneson & Dale Hammerschmidt and Danna Pentes.
Greenspeed founder, Ian Sims year in review.
Ian is considered the foremost pioneer in trike
design.
01
The Magnum
2. Seat Adjusts Up and Down
1. Heavy Duty Aluminium Frame
3. Pop Off Front Wheels
4. Oversized 20” Tyres
1. The frame of the
Magnum is heavy duty
aluminium with a cross
form designed to aid
easier entry and exit.
By using aluminium, we
were able to make the
trike lighter and easier
to fold and transport in a
car boot.
2. The Magnum is the
first trike to allow the
seat to change positioning up and down and to
and fro. A true feat of
engineering. Changing
the degree of recline and
seat height lets the rider
adjust for riding in traffic
or open country.
3. For tight storage or
hauling the front wheels
of the Magnum pop off
with the push of a button. This feature also
helps in certain maintenance situations involving tyres, spokes or hubs.
4. The Magnum has 20”
wheels all around. This
gives the trike greater
ground clearance when
encountering road or
terrain obstacles. The
first high performance
on road and off road
recumbent trike.
The Magnum Specifications
Frame
Aluminium 7005 alloy with quick release
seat and center fold
Width
34”
Length
76”*
Height
30” to 35”
Seat Height
12” to 17”
Seat Angle
30 to 48 degrees
X-Seam Range
40” to 48”
Ground Clearance
5”
Turning Circle
14’
Track
31.5”
Wheelbase
41.3”
Front Wheels
Push button quick release
Rear Wheel
Standard bike quick release
Rims
20” alloy
Spokes
Stainless steel
Tyres
20” x 2.0” Schwalbe Big Apple
Gears
27 speed
Cranks
FSA Omega 165 mm, 52/42/30t
Cassette
SRAM 9 sp. 11/34
Front Derailleur
Sun Race Touring Triple
Rear Derailleur
Sun Race Long Cage
Chain
KMC nine speed
Shifters
Shimano Dura Ace Bar End
Gear Range
18 to 95”
Brakes
Twin Sturmey Archer 90 mm drums
Rider Weight Limit
400 lbs
Luggage Weight Limit
80 lbs.
Trike Weight
42 lbs.
MSRP
$3,290
* With Crank Extension at Max.
Specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Thus improvements were made to subsequent batches from customers' feedback and where Greenspeed
could see room for improvement. Plus fixes were
made for existing trikes.
In the summer of 2010, Ian Sims set off on an
ambitious cross country tour of the United
States to accomplish two things:
Find out what customers wanted
in a trike
Meet new and existing customers
and dealers and listen to them
Folks had a lot to say. Namely, many wanted
a 20” wheel option in a folding trike, like the
famous Greenspeed GTO.
Surprisingly, Ian also learned that some men
wanted a beefier trike - one that didn’t look so
delicate. Greenspeed had long held the belief of simplicity and elegance in their frame
designs. However, while this philosophy appealed to women, Ian wanted his male customers to feel comfortable on his trikes.
He certainly did not want them to feel vulnerable while riding.
Magnum in the high position
This give and take between customers and company
sets Greenspeed apart. Customers seem to innately
understand that these issues are part of the whole,
anytime design boundaries are pushed and new
ground is explored. Greenspeed is grateful for customer feedback and patience.
Ian testing the Magnum prototype in Taiwan
Ian visited old friends, engineers, trike enthusiasts and made
new friends. They shared their ideas of the perfect trike.
Wouldn’t it be great, they said, to have a trike where the seat
adjusted for recline AND height.
This had never been done before and right away presented a
myriad of design challenges.
Ian spent almost a year living in Taiwan, working with the
best frame engineers and welders in the bike business. Could
a trike be designed that allowed for seat height and recline?
Would it work?
The Magnum made its debut at the Recumbent Cycle Convention in October 2011. It was very well received and many
orders were taken upon the first batch, delivered in February
of 2012.
Its sales have been unparalleled. While there were no problems with the prototypes, a few customers had issues with
the seat attachment and the adjustment of pop-off wheels.
The Magnum is the first high performance trike suitable for off road as well as on road riding.
The shock cord lacing of the mesh seat Greenspeed’s trademark virtual suspension - provides hammock like comfort when riding over
bumpy terrain.
This is especially true when combined with the ride
of the Big Apple balloon tyres.
Magnum in the low position
02
2. Tandem
Coupling
1. High Seat
4. 3-Wheel Braking
3. 2-Wheel Drive
The Anura
1. The Anura’s high padded seat makes it easy
to get on and off. Some
riders feel more comfortable in traffic being
higher up.
2. If desired, the Anura
can easily be transformed into a tandem. It
only takes a few minutes. Any delta trike may
be added to the back for
twice the fun and power!
3. Unlike most delta
trikes, the Anura is
two wheel drive which
means better traction in
harsher elements such
as snow or gravel.
4. To make the Anura
more stable and lessen
brake steer, it was essential that each tyre
be an equal part of the
whole braking system
- an important feature
not found on any other
delta.
The Anura Specifications
Frame
Aluminium 7005 alloy with detachable seat
and front frame
Width
28.3”
Length
69" - 79" and 75" - 85” *
Height
30” to 35”
Seat Height
17" - 18”
Seat Angle
Adjustable
X-Seam Range
34" - 44" and 40” to 50” *
Turning Circle
12' - 15' *
Track
26.4”
Wheelbase
52" - 62" and 58 - 68” *
Hub Front
Chosen Co. disc
Hub Rear
Greenspeed disc
Rims
16 x 1⅜” alloy (349 bsd)
Spokes
Stainless steel 14g
Tyres
16 x 1½ Greenspeed Scorchers
Bottom Bracket
Schlumpf Speed Drive
Cranks
Shimano Sora 165 mm, 52/42/30t
Cassette
SRAM 9 sp. 11/28
Front Derailleur
Shimano Sora Triple
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Sora Mid Cage
Chain
SRAM PC - 951
Shifters
Shimano Dura Ace 9 Speed Bar End
Gear Range
18’ to 80”
Brakes
Avid BB5, 160mm disc, cable actuated
Ground Clearance
2" - 6" depending on model
Rider Weight Limit
300 lbs
Luggage Weight Limit
80 lbs.
Trike Weight
40 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Fenders, luggage racks, Schlumpf Drive, Internally
Geared Hubs, 20" Wheels, Tandem Hitch, Light Mount
MSRP
$2990
*Varies with frame size and front frame adjustment.
For more information, visit www.GStrikes.com
Specifications and prices subject to change without notice
Anura: The Famous Greenspeed Handling in a Delta Style Trike
• Can Be Parked Upright
• Comfortable Padded Seat
• Fits Through Standard Door Opening
• 20” Wheel Option
• Quad Kit Option
• Dura Ace Bar End Shifters
• 3 Wheel Disc Brakes
• 27 Speed
• 12' Turning Circle
• 2 Wheel Drive
• Aluminium Frame
• Tandem Option
• Internally Geared Hub Option
• Schlumpf Drive Option
03
The GT Series
3. Compact Size
1. NSR Steering
2. 16” Wheels
4. Folding Frame
1. The GT Series was the
first Greenspeed Trike
to have NSR (Negative
Scrub Radius) steering.
This type of steering
eliminates brake steer
and makes the trike
more stable at high rates
of speed.
2. Although the 20”
wheel may be more
popular, many still prefer
the lighter and fastersweet 16s.
3. The small frame of
the GT series makes it
easy to store, fit through
doorways and transport.
4. When folded, the GT
trike easily fits into the
boot of a car. It can also
be broken down to fit
into a case for airline
travel.
The GT Series Specifications
Model
GT1
GT3
GT5
Frame
CroMo 4130 folding
CroMo 4130 folding
CroMo 4130 folding
Width
32.7”
32.7”
32.7”
Length
69”
69”
69”
Height
27”
27”
27”
Seat Height
10”
10”
10”
Seat Angle
40 degrees
40 degrees
40 degrees
X-Seam Range
37" - 45" and 41" - 49”
37" - 45" and 41" - 49”
37" - 45" and 41" - 49”
Ground Clearance
2.6”
2.6”
2.6”
Turning Circle
12’
12’
12’
Track
29½”
29½”
29½”
Wheel Size
16 x 1½
16 x 1½
16 x 1½
Wheelbase
39”
39”
39”
Front Hub
Sturmey Archer
Sturmey Archer
Greenspeed Disc
Rear Hub
Shimano
Greenspeed
Greenspeed
Rims
Jetset CH-11
Jetset CH-11
Jetset CH-11
Spokes
Stainless steel 14g
Stainless steel 14g
Stainless steel 14g
Tyres
Greenspeed Scorchers
Greenspeed Scorchers
Greenspeed Scorchers
Cranks
Driveline 170mm
Shimano Sora 165mm
Shimano Tiagra 165mm
Chain Rings
52/42/30t
50/39/30t
50/39/30t
Cassette
11/30t 8speed
9/26t 9speed
9/26t 9speed
Front Derailleur
Shimano 2200/T
Shimano Sora/T
Shimano Tiagra/T
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Altus
Shimano Sora
Shimano Tiagra
Chain
KMC HG - 40
SRAM PC-951
SRAM PC-951
Shifters
Ultegra Bar End
Dura-Ace Bar End
Dura-Ace Bar End
Brakes
SA Drum
SA Drum
Gator Hydraulic Disc
Gears
24 Speed 17 - 80 G”
27 Speed 19 - 94 G”
27 Speed 19 - 94 G”
Rider Weight Limit
265 lbs
265 lbs
265 lbs
Trike Weight
37 lbs.
37 lbs.
37 lbs.
MSRP
$2190
$2690
$2990
Specifications and prices subject to change without notice
In any componentry configuration: 1, 3, or 5, the GT
Series is a rock solid trike. Perfect for touring, commuting and recreation.
When Ian Sims realized a lot of people - especially in
America - were loading their trikes in their cars and
driving to a riding place, he realized a folding option
could be useful.
After almost two years in the research and development, Greenspeed came out with the GT trike - the
first recumbent that easily folded.
The folding option is now available on most trikes but
way back in 2004 it was revolutionary. The GT became
Greenspeed’s best selling trike and is still the smallest
folding trike on the market.
Greenspeed has always placed a high value on customer feedback. One of the complaints most often heard
concerned brake steer - a tendency for the trike to veer
when only one brake was employed - something a lot
of people do, especially if they are transitioning from a
two-wheeler.
In 2007, Greenspeed announced an overhaul of the GT
that eliminated brake steer.
Like many design challenges, Ian found the solution
was simple. By applying the geometry of Negative
Scrub Radius, when a rider braked with one hand, the
steering automatically turned in the opposite direction,
thereby cancelling out the machine’s natural tendency
to swerve. It is subtle enough for the rider not to notice anything except the trike going in a straight line.
04
The Hand Magnum
1. The crank column
folds forward for easy
entry and is held firm
in the upright position
with a Quick Release
lever. The cranks are
also adjustable both up
and down, and fore and
aft. Together with the
seat adjustment, this
provides for a very wide
range of adjustment .
2. Unlike many hand
trikes in which you have
to lean the trike to make
it turn, the Hand Magnum turns in an even
smaller circle than its
foot powered brother.
Plus the handles are
made so that you don’t
have to accommodate
the spindle with your
fingers.
3. For tight storage or
hauling the front wheels
of the Magnum pop off
with the push of a button. This feature also
helps in certain maintenance situations involving tyres, spokes or hubs.
4. The Magnum has 20”
wheels all around. This
gives the trike greater
ground clearance when
encountering road or
terrain obstacles. The
first hgh performance on
road and off road recumbent trike.
The Hand Magnum Specifications
Frame
Aluminium 7005 alloy with quick release
seat, center fold and folding column
Width
34”
Length
76”*
Height
30” to 35”
Seat Height
12” to 17”
Seat Angle
30 to 48 degrees
X-Seam Range
40” to 48”
Ground Clearance
5”
Turning Circle
12’
Track
31.5”
Wheelbase
41.3”
Front Wheels
Push button quick release
Rear Wheel
SRAM DualDrive Hub
Rims
20” alloy
Spokes
Stainless steel
Tyres
20” x 2.0” Schwalbe Big Apple
Gears
54 speeds
Cranks
Schlumpf Speed Drive
Cassette
SRAM 9 sp. 11/34
Rear Derailleur
Sun Race Short Cage
Chain
YBN S9 nine speed
Shifters
Shimano Dura Ace Bar End
Gear Range
12 to 110 gear inches
Brakes
Twin Sturmey Archer 90 mm drums
Rider Weight Limit
400 lbs
Luggage Weight Limit
80 lbs.
Trike Weight
42 lbs.
MSRP
$4,290
* With Foot Rest at Maximum Extension
Specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Hand Magnum with the seat back and the column folded forward. This is a useful
entry/exit feature especially when the rider is also handling a wheel chair.
Evolution of Greenspeed's Hand Cycles
Hand Cycle for Chris Bland
The origin of the Hand Magnum can be traced back
many years to when Ian’s daughter Rachael met Chris
Bland on the bike path in Ferntree Gully. Chris was
a paraplegic whose racing wheel chair was his only
option for riding fast.
He was excited about the trike Rachael was riding
and asked her where she got it.
“My Father built it,” she replied.
Chris dared to be hopeful and looking down at his
legs, asked Rachel if Ian could build one for him.
With daughterly pride Rachael announced, “Oh yes,
he can build anything!”
A meeting was set up, measurements taken, design
possibilities explored and the result was Greenspeed’s
first hand cycle.
Bruno Morretti
The GTH
The Chris Bland model is rudimentary compared
to today’s Hand Magnum, but it was the one that
started Greenspeed on its way to building trikes for
special needs people all over the world.
Some had only one leg or the use of only one leg. In
fact by using one leg and both arms, many found
themselves as fast, or faster than able-bodied people
on an ordinary bike.
Bruno Morretti, who has not had the use of his legs
since birth, could out race many cyclists using only
his two arms!
With the event of the Magnum, with more adjustability than previous trikes, a number of people asked
for hand versions.
After a few successful conversions, including two for
the Australian Army, Ian realized that there was a
The Hand Magnum
market for a quality hand trike that could make peoples' lives better, including wounded warriors.
He designed one to be made with a folding column
to make entry and exit easier. After further refinements at the Greenspeed factory, the Hand Magnum
is now ready for production in 2014.
In keeping with the ruggedness of the Magnum, the
hand model has a massive one point five steering
head, the largest available.
It retains all the Magnum’s popular features like the
pop off front wheels, the quick height and angle adjustment of the seat, the fold ability, the aluminium
frame and the small turning circle.
Plus it has the Schlumpf Speed Drive as standard
equipment, to eliminate awkward front derailleur
and post from in front of the rider’s chest. This machine will debut at the 2013 Recumbent Cycle-Con.
in Pomona, CA, USA.
05
Head Rest · Trunk Bag · Rack · Mirrors · Accessory Posts · Fenders · Grab Bars
Accessories
Head Rest
Grab Bars
This device is the best on the
market. It has a large, firm foam
roll which can be adjusted both up
and down, and fore and aft. It is
designed to sit in the nape of the
neck, so that it does not interfere
with a helmet. While many people may feel that they are holding
their head forward after changing to recumbent after riding an
ordinary bike, this feeling often
disappears after a couple of hundred miles, as the neck muscles
adjust. So we suggest only buying
the head rest if needed.
These are designed to assist getting in and out of the trike and
are attached to the top of the
accessory posts. The plugs can be
removed from the end of them to
accept the mirrors. If used as well
as the fenders, then the longer
post should be used, to lift them
clear of the fenders. They can also
be used to steer the trike if it is
being pushed short distances from
the side. Plus they can be used
as mirror mounts on the Anura
handle bars.
Tandem Coupling
Chain Gobbler
This coupling mounts in a special
boss, which is welded into the
integral towing bar of the Anura,
so that it converts to a tandem,
by joining another Anura or any
other delta trike to it by the front
forks. Unlike many tandems, this
allows each rider to pedal at their
own rate or one rider not to pedal
at all! By adding more couplings
a triplet may be formed, or even
a train of Anuras. Plus by carrying the front wheel from the 2nd
trike, the trikes can be used independently at any time.
Adjusting the length of the chain
to suit different riders’ heights can
be time consuming if it needs to be
done often. Whereas the Gobbler
gobbles up excess chain and enables the leg length to be adjusted in
seconds without having to touch a
dirty chain. It can be very useful,
if you like to share your trike with
other family members, friends, or
strangers. Essential equipment for
shops or hire companies.
Accessories
Mirror
Gearing Options
We use and recommend the Mirrycle mirror which fits into the
end of the accessory/mirror post,
or into the end of the grab handle.
It is normally used on the trike
without the intermediate elbow, as
this will reduce vibration. If it is
screwed up firm, but not tight, it
is easy to adjust. When used with
the grab handles it can be spaced
out further to give a better view
behind the rider.
If you have gearing requirements which
are not met by the standard Greenspeed
gearing, then talk to your dealer about it.
Most dealers are prepared to upgrade the
gearing should it be necessary. All GS tadpole trikes are designed to fit the German
Rohloff 14 speed Internally Geared Hub
as an option, and have the Rohloff OEM
dropouts and extra cable guides. Other
popular fitments are the SRAM DualDrive 3x8/9/10 hub, the Nu-Vinci infinitely variable hub and the Schlumpf two
speed bottom brackets. Unlike upright
bikes the Greenspeed, will accept BOTH
the Rohloff and the Schlumpf Mountain
Drive. For 2014, the IGH Anura is also
available to be fitted with the full range of
Internally Geared Hubs that the market
has to offer.
SON Dynamo Hub
Scorcher Tyres
Dynamo hubs are available for the
Anura and the GT5 and they will
be available sometime in 2014 for
the Magnum. Coupled with the
LED headlights, dynamo hubs
provide good lighting without any
noticeable drag, unlike dynamos
of old. Unlike batteries, which
always seem to be flat when you
need them the most, a dynamo
light is always ready.
After testing most of the bicycle tyres
on the market and finding them wanting, Greenspeed developed a new type
of tyre for trikes, called the Scorcher.
This was first made in a new size for
the GTs as previously the largest size
in 16”, 349-bead seat diameter was the
1 3/8” or 37 mm. The 16” Scorcher is
16 x 1 ½” or 40-349. Independent tests
have confirmed that this tyre has the
lowest rolling resistance and best ride
of all the bicycle tyres on the market.
It is also available in the 20 x 1.5” or
40-406 size and later in 2014 will be
available in 20 x 2.25” or 57-406 for
the Magnum.
Accessories
Luggage Rack
Fenders
The Greenspeed luggage racks
are made from high tensile aluminium tubing so they are feather
light, yet they have withstood the
100,000 cycle vibration test at
their full rated capacity with flying
colours. The GT rack is rated at 30
kg, (66 lbs) and the larger Magnum rack at 40 kg (88 lbs). Each
one has a universal light/reflector
mounting plate on the rear.
The front fenders are an option
that people in wet climates may
want. They require two accessory
posts and clamps and are fitted
to a pair of Grab Handles on the
GTs, while the Magnums, with
their cambered wheels, require
two of the shorter accessory
mounts. The fenders are made
from a tough black plastic, have
a three point mounting, and are
adjustable both in and out and up
and down to accommodate different sized tyres.
Accessory Post
Light Mount
Greenspeed’s accessory/mirror
post is a “must have” item for the
Magnum and the GT. It allows
you to attach a number of accessories to the threadless kingpin via
the accessory post clamp. You can
then attach a mirror, a computer
mount, a grab handle or/and a
fender. The fact that the post is
offset from the kingpin means that
you can adjust both the angle and
the position of the post.
If you want to mount a typical battery light which has a handlebar
type mounting, rather than a dynamo light, then this device screws
on to the light mount tab on the top
of the front derailleur post. They
come with a long M6 cap screw so
that you can mount just one, or two
together – one on each side of the
tab.
06
Greenspeed Stories œ P aul Pritchard
Paul Pritchard is a born explorer. He was one of the best
rock climbers in Europe until 1998 when a climbing accident almost killed him. Paul spent a year in the hospital and much longer reteaching himself basic skills like
walking and talking. He said he felt like a baby.
The accident left Paul hemiplegic - meaning he could
only use the left side of his body. Paul’s adventurer’s
heart beat as strong as ever and in 2012 he set off with
his Greenspeed Magnum on his most ambitious journey:
1100km (640 miles) from TIbet to Nepal.
Many cyclists consider this pilgrimage through Himalaya
terrain the ultimate challenge. Paul wanted to film the
adventure and thus show others that disabled does not
mean unable. Indeed!
The Journey is now available on DVD and is showing at
select film festivals.
Photos Courtesy of Sharyn Jones © 2011
“ This journey was probably the most severe test
run any trike could endure, and the Magnum
stood up admirably.”
Paul Pritchard
Learn more about Paul and his adventures:
Paul’s Blog
Trikes on the Roof of the World
Greenspeed Stories œ J anet Buckwalter
Many told Janet Buckwalter she was crazy to ride her
trike from Virginia to Oregon (4200 miles) and the more
reasons they gave for not going, the more determined
she was to go.
That’s the way Janet is: a lover of life, she wants to be
out living life, not talking about it. She had maps and
passion and she knew how to change a flat. As she saw
it, “That was all I needed.”
Her most recent book, One More Mountain, is a moving
account of road warriors exploring America on their own
terms and for different reasons. Some are coping with
loss and obstacles and some like Janet, are drawn to the
beauty of the countryside. A beauty which can be especially appreciated touring with a trike.
One More Mountain
Bike Writer USA
“ Greenspeed is the gold standard of trikes. Mine took
me down the Rocky Mountains at white knuckle speeds
but I felt safe. I felt like I was in a Porsche.”
Janet Buckwalter
Greenspeed Stories œ M ary Arneson and Dale Hammerschmidt
Nothing stops Mary and Dale from biking. They
are well known in the recumbent trike community as the couple who tandems their Anuras
for touring. So far they have tallied more than
4,000 miles.
They are great advocates for cycling year
round. Mary calls the grey Anura on the left,
their "ice" machine. Note the studded tyres for
traction. When riding on pavement, Mary says
it sounds like bacon frying.
Unlike other deltas, two-wheel drive (a $700
option) is standard on the Anura. That's important when you live in Minneapolis because
when you hitch the Anuras together as Mary
and Dale often do, the rig becomes a fourwheel drive.
When conditions are extra harsh such as
pounding rain or sleet, Dale and Mary smile at
passing cars. They say there is no need for the
motorists to think they are suffering. They give
hard core meaning to the phrase "trike grin."
"The Anura tandem is a great vehicle for picking people up. My husband was flying home from New York. I
met him at the light-rail station near the airport with this rig, and we rode home together, stopping for groMary Arneson
ceries on the way."
Greenspeed Stories œ D anna Pentes
More and more younger riders are choosing recumbent trikes over traditional uprights.
Danna is doing her best to start a trend in the large city
where she lives. She said when she went to the bike
shop to pick up her Greenspeed GT3, a woman in the
store was fascinated and wanted to buy it!
The common pain areas such as the wrists, back and
neck are unaffected when riding a recumbent trike and
the reclined posture reduces drag as much as 35%.
This allows the rider to go further without fatigue. It
also makes the trike the ideal vehicle for touring and
commuting.
“ I was looking for a different riding experience. One day I borrowed a
friend's Greenspeed Trike. We rode 20 miles- through the woods, on trails,
and on pavement.
There was nothing this trike could not do, and when the ride was over my
body felt refreshed and exercised and it was super fun.
I could have easily peddled another 20 miles. The ride sold me- it was awesome to lay back and take in the world from a different perspective.”
Danna Pentes
Ian develops a reputation for building the
fastest sidecar racing outfits. He perfects a
method of cornering that enables his outfits
to round corners in 4th gear while other side
car racers are using 2nd gear.
1970
1974-1980
Ian builds an efficient midengined sports car with a plywood
body. It doubled as a camper.
When Ian became interested in
recumbents he sold it, but it still
runs today!
Ian builds a recumbent bike using scraps of metal
and a deck chair cover for the seat. His sons tell him it is
faster than their friends’ racing bikes. That gives
Ian confidence, however, he finds the bike hard to
balance and he feels unsafe on it. So in his home workshop, he begins working on recumbent trikes.
1988-1990
1990
This Electrathon Vehicle would go 40 kilometres (25 miles) in an hour on two 12 volt
batteries. Because of the shape, the nose cone
doubled the efficiency. The rocket exterior
enclosed a three wheeler frame.
Ian is so enthusiastic about the
performance of his 1st recumbent trike, he rides it 540
kilometres (336 miles) in The Great Victorian Bike Ride.
Photographers followed him everywhere, thus giving Ian
and the recumbent a lot of press. Ian knew then he was
on to something special and the Greenspeed name was
registered to market recumbents worldwide
1990
1992
Paul Sims demonstrates how much the trike's performance
can be improved by using 20” wheels instead of 26" wheels
and a lighter frame. Lab testing confirms the superiority of
20” wheels over 26”and 700c wheels for weight, strength, and
speed. Thus the Greenspeed GTS Sports Tourer and the GTR
Touring Trike, are born, both with 20” wheels all round.
Ian gets a request for sports tourers from
a couple who plan to tour Australia. They
ride 14,000 kilometres (8,600 miles) over
14 months. It was the first major tour ever
completed via recumbent trikes.
1994
The GTT becomes a popular
transport for transcontinental touring.
The Glyde epitomized much of what Greenspeed stood
for: a true alternative to the automobile. It was over a
decade in the making. Not a detail unattended and it
showed. Unfortunately, It was so expensive to produce
that it nearly ended Greenspeed. Ian pulled it from production only two years after its debut.
Greenspeed introduces the
GT3, the 1st folding trike. This
trike takes advantage of further
performance, space and weight
saving gains with the use of 16”
wheels.
1995
Greenspeed moves from the family work shop to a factory
“five minutes down the cycle path.” Within five years, they
triple the factory space in order to meet demand.
2004
Greenspeed enters the delta market with The Anura.
3 Wheel Disc Brakes and 2 wheel drive is standard.
2007
2009
2012
With it's muscular frame and 20" tyres, the Magnum makes a bold appearance at Recumbent CycleCon Trade Show & Convention in 2011. It is the first
trike that allows for different seat heights and recline
positions. It becomes Greenspeed's best seller.
08
A Word From Ian
One of the things I enjoy the most is designing a new trike.
I like a challenge. After the dealer tour of 2010, the challenge was to
design a trike that was suitable for off road as well as on road riding.
Thus I designed the Magnum, with its adjustable seat height, and
very versatile capabilities. Obviously by the demand, which we have
not been able to satisfy, it has appealed to a broad range of people.
The Hand Magnum will now join it, for those of us who have special
needs. Sometimes, determination is your best tool, but it helps to
have a good machine under you.
I find it very interesting that when I started over 20 years ago, recumbent bikes were far more popular in the USA than recumbent
trikes, yet I found I was selling over ten times as many trikes than
bikes.
Then just 4 years ago, I noticed that most of my dealers in the USA
had started to sell more trikes than bikes!
So I guess we have to ask ourselves, “where will this lead?”
I often look at the number of cars on the road versus the motorbikes.
Could it be that trikes will eventually take over from ordinary bikes,
in the same way the safety bike took over from the Penny Farthing?
I have discovered that so much is about perceptions rather scientific
facts.
So what form will the next Greenspeed design take? I invite you to
take a peek at the RC-C show in Pomona, CA, November 1-3, 2013.
Contact Greenspeed in the USA
Jerome Hediger
3030 Cally Lane
Highland, IL 62249
Phone: 618-514-3955
Email: jerome@gstrikes.com
Contact Greenspeed in Australia
Ian Sims, Director
Greenspeed, Unit5/31 Rushdale Street
Knoxfield VIC 3180
Phone: +61 3 9753 3644
Email: info@gstrikes.com
Visit us Online
http://www.gstrikes.com