Real world testing has shown that the Truck Trike really isn’t like anything that has come before in the bike world. While it is a “hybrid” relative to its power sources [human + electric], it also can be described as a hybrid in its overall configuration.
The front end is easily recognizable as a bike. But the rear end – with its 600+ lb. capacity – is more like a truck. While we have tried to stay on the level of bicycle components for ease of availability and maintenance, it became clear that there were no bicycle brakes – even downhill hydraulics – that were up to the task of stopping upwards of 1/2 ton of mass [vehicle+driver+payload].
Thus, we are now specifying motorcycle-level hydraulic brakes for the rear section. Such technology is well-proven, and readily available. The new system provides full confidence in the ability to stop a fully loaded Truck Trike.
The photo shows the old bicycle rotor on the left, and the new motorcycle rotor on the right. We designed and machined a custom adaptor to mount the monster rotor on a bike hub’s standard 6-bolt pattern.
Old and new disc brake rotors.
