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HP Velotechnik ScorpionRecumbent Trikes |
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HP Velotechnik (HP Velo) Scorpion - Recumbent Tricycle
The Scorpion is HP Velotechnik’s first production recumbent tadpole trike
Given the list of new tadpole trikes to come out recently one might ask, what’s really new? Well HP Velotechnik answers “the Scorpion”. It has rear suspension, like their bikes, and they are advertising a smaller turning circle than most tadpoles. I want to point out I have not ridden one yet but should have one in January 06 though it was supposed to be here in December.
Hp-Velo first began to experiment with a suspension tricycle in 1991. I expect the Scorpion rear suspension works well, active with no pogo; it looks like the same swing arm they use on their bikes where it works well. The suspension should isolate your body from road vibration without being affected by pedaling forces, even on hills climbs.
The rear suspension may not provide enough lateral support for a single wheel trailers like the Bob. The Bob may be a bad idea on any trike; it would tend to make the trike tip more easily, especially when heavily loaded. One of the advantages of a trike is the ability to gear down and crawl up monster hills, nice when loaded for touring. The Scorpion comes stock with the SRAM dual drive 24-speed system so you should have a wide range of ratios and can shift 3 of the gears even when stopped. I would not recommend the optional 18 speed derailleurs especially if you will be doing touring.
The Avid mechanical disk brakes are a good choice and will do a good job. There is an available rear parking brake option. Trikes can use a parking brake; they don’t have a kickstand to hold then still.
HP Velo shows how to lean into a corner
HP Velotechnik is advertising the Scorpion as “from 36 1/2 lbs with pedals.” This would be light for a trike with rear suspension. I believe the Scorpion will need several available, extra cost lightweight options to get to this weight. No word yet on what the base model will weigh.
The Scorpion uses their adjustable BodyLink seat, which is designed for a bike where you would not need side support in corners. I have not ridden it yet but expect to have to hang on in near tip-over corners to avoid sliding out of it. This is an extreme maneuver and I don’t expect most riders to notice.
The frame is made from heat treated aluminum, as are their bikes. The cross member is bent up and forward which should make it a bit easier to get your feet under you getting on and off the bike. It also keeps a long wheelbase for control during hard braking, a nice touch. Shorter riders will appreciate the lack of heel interference with this design.
Like most modern tadpole trike designs the Scorpion does not use centre-point steering geometry. This is done to reduce brake steer and usually works well.
Base model: Sram DualDrive 24 speed, Avid disc brakes Dnm DV 22 shock
Scorpion options (price upgrade, drivetrain and brakes only for complete bikes)
Rear shock DT-SWISS SSD 225 (saves 200 g of weight) adjustable air suspension shock W/ adjustable rebound damping, negative spring, ball-and-socket joints, $ 290.
Drivetrain SHIMANO Deore / Tiagra 18 speed, SHIMANO Deore 9-speed, rear derailleur front derailleur SHIMANO Tiagra, chainrings 40 & 60 t., cassette Sram 7.0 9-speed 11-34 t. $ 109.
Drivetrain SHIMANO XT / 105 18 speed, rear derailleur SHIMANO XT 9-speed, front derailleur SHIMANO 105, front chainring 40-60 t., cassette Shimano XT 9-speed 11-34 t. $ 219.
Drivetrain ROHLOFF Speedhub 500/14 14 speed internal gear hub, silver, external shift box, single front chain ring (52 teeth), double chain wheel cover, chain tensioner, Speedbone torque support $ 1,129.
Short cranks 155 mm, recommended for riders under 5'7" (175 cm) $ 49.
Disk brakes MAGURA Marta light weight High-End-brake, $ 579.
Disc brakes MAGURA BIG hydraulically coupled, one lever actuates both front brakes, rear: Avid V-brake with Velcro-strap as parking brake $ 339.
Rear parking brake Avid V-brake & thumb shifter (N/A with Magura BIG) $ 49.
Scorpion accessories (extra charge) Front and rear light system: B&M Dymotec 6. Generator mounts on rear swing arm and has adjustable tire contact pressure, front light B&M Lumotec oval plus, rear light B&M Toplight plus, twin light cable routed through the frame with contact pin in the front boom $ 139.
Rear rack solid 12/10 mm 6061T6 alloy aluminum, black max. load 56 lbs $ 149.
Fenders 20", 55 mm, black, stainless steel hardware, front mounts are single sided $ 119.
Airflow seat cushion, 3 layer sewn system, Velcro mounting, washable at 30° C $ 109.
Headrest carbon fiber, flexible, cushioned $ 69.
Clipless pedal kit WELLGO "Quick Binding", single sided, adjustable, 4° float, complete with cleats for SPD-compatible shoes, to be mounted on our standard pedal $ 22.
Clipless pedal WELLGO single sided, integrated, adjustable, complete with cleats for SPD-compatible shoes $ 45.
Water bottles: 2 cages and mount for back of seat, 2 ZEFAL bottles with dust cap, $ 45.
Rear mirror: B&M Cyclestar assembly included $ 25.00
Mirrycle mirror for dual drive model not bar-end-shifters, also as spedo mount, $ 25.00
Speedometer mount for front boom, for SIGMA SPORT and similar computers $ 15.
Moonbiker flag with single sided Moonbiker print and reflective strip $ 12.
Recumbent side bags Moonbiker 2x35 l volume, Cordura®, blue, with reinforced back, specifically adapted to HP Velo rear rack $ 269.
Chain lube PROFI Dry Lube, Teflon, chain tubes stay dry & clean, idlers & tubes last longer, 380 ml spray can (only chain lube recommended by HP Velo) $ 22.
We also carry these recumbent brands:
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