Triker Randall (Performer JC70)

G’day fellow trikers,

In response to Steve recently adding the Performer brand of trikes to the Trike Asylum website, and me somewhat foolishly mentioning that I own a previous model, it has been suggested that I write a few words to share my opinions / experiences.

I am a rider not a writer but I shall endeavor to do my best.

the Performer JC70cm trike

3 years and 30,000kms ago, after extensive on-line research , I purchased a 2011 Performer JC70cm tadpole trike without ever having seen a trike in the flesh, this single fact holds true to this day.

My trike came standard for the somewhat affordable price of $1750. I then added the optional extras of Dura-ace bar end shifters, a mesh seat, and a rear rack, which brought her to a grand total of $2050 (including delivery).

She arrived in a surprisingly small box after being fully assembled and set for my x-seam by Flying Furniture in Victoria. Then the crossmember was unbolted, the front wheels were removed and she was boxed for shipping.

As such the assembly process was relatively straight forward. Even for me, having had no previous experience with recumbents, she was fully operational in just over 2hrs. The crankset was 30/39/52 stock but I have changed it to a 26/39/52. The cassette is still the stock 11-34, but I have changed the rear 700c wheel for a 24″ wheel instead.

Unfortunately all my rides have been either commuting or day rides up to 130kms. My 1st tour is still the pipeline, but probably still 6 month or so away. Sadly I’m not a trike hobo yet, just another trike pilot waiting for young kids to grow up. :-/

I live on a 5% hill, so my first-ever ride was a slow light spinning climb to the top, followed by a 45 mph blast back home again. Everyone seemed a little surprised by my rate of descent, but I however was completely hooked.

As I have nothing to compare her to, I can only state my personal opinion:

At 20 kgs stock (44 pounds) quite weighty, yet she rolls along easily. With my current gearing I can handle up to a 9% climb without undue stress. The ride can be a little rough on bad roads / trails but the mesh seat and the addition of a Big Apple on the rear keep her from being uncomfortable. The handling is direct yet manageable, even on 50-60 mph descents.

My only real complaints would be the Tektro disk brakes, the stock idler, and the front guard mounts. The brakes are very effective (they can easily lift the rear wheel) yet they require constant adjustment to remain at their peak. The idler was absolute rubbish and failed within 3 months. And the guard mounts were a complete and utter waste of time.

In conclusion I believe she represents superb value for money. You would probably need to spend a lot more to get a significantly better trike.

Randall Oakley, Trike Pilot

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If you have any questions about the Performer trike, please write them below in the Leave a Reply area for Randall. He will be happy to share his thoughts about the Performer trike with you.

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A few more photos of Randall’s triking environs: