Looking to buy a trike....

[Mark Johanssen]

Hello- first post, new here. I'm looking adult tricycles and currently targeting the Schwinn Meridian 7 spd for its reviews and aluminum frame. Of course I'm open to other suggestions/ recommendations as my plans are to add a 1500 watt electric hub/ wheel and more importantly a front derailleur and triple chain ring BB and possible changing/ adding to the rear gears. Seeing that the seat post is not over the BB as on tradition bicycles are there other front derailleurs that can accommodate a different mounting or can a current Shimano derailleur be modified? And as I'm totally unfamiliar with trikes are the rear gears proprietary? as I would like to add/ change them if possible- something I've done on mountain bikes thru the years. Going to try and post a link for a picture. Thank you

https://us.zonerama.com/SomePix/Photo/1000111957/1004639783#check-duplicates

[ichitan]

Check out these:

https://www.sevesteen.com/2008/10/converting-schwinn-meridian-to-multi.html

https://www.sevesteen.com/2009/05/schwinn-meridian-adult-trike-conversion.html

You can do almost anything if you come up with creative solutions.

Research the best battery to avoid a battery fire.

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

My best suggestion would be look into an oval chainring. They help on climbing, cadence, and against the wind riding.

Snail now makes 2x setups in road ratios. If you want to add more gears in the back, this could be intuitive to running a 2x setup.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832695414010.html

Zeroing also has very affordable cranks for this setup BCD. They are compatible with Shimano Hollowtech II bottom brackets.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805840014665.html

And other affordable options are available the same.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803545247073.html

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

Alternatively, or in addition, you might want to consider a Trike with 700c wheels.

They are easier to keep in motion and will cut travel time down.

https://www.bikehighway.com/tricycles/mission-tribrid-teen-adult-21-speed-suspension-tricycle.html

This bike already comes with a triple crank.

[Mark Johanssen]

    Thanks, ich and Reap- switching out the BB for a triple isn't the problem. But where to mount a front derailleur, short of welding in (JB Weld?) a vertical post next to the chain wheel. BTW, is there a way to inset an image without linking it from another site? Just inserting it in the post?

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

You should just get the Mission Tribrid then, since it already has a front derailleur and triple crank.

Not to mention 700c wheels, which should help your commutes on a Trike tremendously all by itself.

[Mark Johanssen]

Nice, thanks Reap. Im gonna check that out....

[Mark Johanssen]

Wow- that Mission trike is way beyond me. Don't see front suspension needed as I don't plan on downhill or freestyle competitions. but nice to see what else is out there, thanks. In my quest for mounting a front derailleur I've found a unit that mounts to the bottom bracket, hopefully the attachment will work. This would be great for the inevitable grades that I'm sure to encounter........

[ReapThaWhirlwind]

That would have been my next suggestion.

I would suggest you should still consider going up to 700c wheels on your Schwinn for the benefit it adds.