Sun EZ-3
SX and EZ-3 CX Tadpole Recumbent Tricycles

Sun EZ-3 SX Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle
The Sun EZ-3 Tadpole SX recumbent trike is among the least expensive; most
rugged and least stable tadpole trikes we know of. They are also among
the heaviest and slowest tadpoles made and one of the most adjustable,
fitting riders up to 300 lb with an X-Seam range of 36-46”. Though comfy
for casual riders their handling can make them unsuitable for anyone who
plans to ride over 10-15 MPH. The
Terratrike Rover
has replaced the Sun Tadpole as our least expensive, heaviest tadpole
trike. The Rover has a higher seat than the EZ-tadpole and a higher 400
lb warranty weight. Like the EZ-tadpole it has direct steering and is
not stable at higher speeds but can still be a suitable trike for casual
riding.
The unstable handling of the Sun Tadpole SX began with a steering
redesign on the 2008 models. This 2008 “direct steering” version was
quite unstable. Quality trikes with direct steering (i.e.
Catrike) can handle very well,
the EZ-tadpole does not. We feel the redesign was rushed and poorly
done, making the EZ-Tadpole unstable at speeds over ~10-15 MPH. They
have since redesigned the steering geometry and improved it somewhat.
Unfortunately I don’t know an easy way to tell if a particular trike is
the newer design.
The EZ-Tadpoles are the lightest and lowest trikes sun makes. The wide
spacing on their dual front wheels gives a sort of go-cart feel in
corners. With up to 27-speeds you can even climb a hill on one of them
and dual front disc brakes will stop you on the way back down. Be a bit
careful to apply the two brakes together, it will pull to one side if
you apply only one brake hard.
The Sun tadpoles have similar designs and share these features:
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Twist shifters and USS, not my favorite, I like Shimano bar con shift
levers but to add these you have to get a Shimano rear derailleur too.
-
A seat with a large well padded base and a mesh back with adjustable
recline.
-
Dual front disk brakes so they stop well.
-
A number of optional accessories are available: fenders, racks, seat
bag, basket, etc.
The seat height at 14” is about the highest I’ve seen on a tadpole. This
makes it easier to get into and out of but gives a higher center of
gravity. To keep it upright in corners it has a wide track; you can tip
it without trying, even at surprisingly low speeds.
Pedal steer is noticeable when you are pushing hard, worse than on some
other trikes.
Their acceleration is sluggish, and climbing speeds are slow but you
shouldn’t have to get off and push up a hill because the three wheels
give stability even at 1 mph. The SX (steel) model comes with 65 psi
tires.
If you are more concerned about comfort and low price than you are about
speed you should try one of these before committing to buying it.
NOTE: Sun does not allow us to ship their bikes to customers
in the US. If you live too far away from us to come test ride and cannot
find a Sun dealer in your area we could ship the Sun recumbent of your
choice to most any bike shop near you for assembly. We usually can
arrange to pay the shop for the assembly.
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