Triker - Nick Lalli – Local Cycles - Long Beach, New York.

Here is something with the power of a battering ram and the stance of a crossbow – “it” has 3 fat wheels packed with pure excitement, and its name is “Triker”. Probably the most unconventional three-wheeled design since the Spanish “Scorpia” bike made the scene a few of years ago. The frame is deceptively simple, made up of two connected parallel tubes (one above the other) about 8 inches apart and around 6 feet long. 

The amazing aspect of this machine - that sets it apart from all the rest - is its fully linked independent front suspension, allowing for the ultimate in wheel position adjustability. Rods, actuated by frame mounted ape-hanger handlebars, accomplish the steering. The wheels move and steer in the same way that an auto does; there is no leaning into a curve as with a two-wheeler. All this makes for a road stability that few other bikes can match.

Equally fantastic is the management of the rear suspension and drive chain. The front sprocket is on the rider’s left hand side; this drives a rear jackshaft whose axle also doubles as the main swing arm mount. This was the only way to maintain perfect chain tension throughout the full movement of the rear suspension. There is no need for a chain tensioner on this bike. This is generally recognized as the ideal set up for this kind of application, but is rarely seen because of the technical issues involved.

The rear wheel features a wide 100mm rim and 4-inch tire, along with a special wide Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub; which was chosen to allow for a trouble free chain line.  The front wheels feature 36 spoke 80mm rims and 3-inch wide tires. The look of the front end - as a whole - is reminiscent of an early sports car, and is one of the most attractive features of “Triker’s” overall design.

This machine displays some of the most challenging new design work seen in years; extraordinary, because it is also coupled with uncompromising detail and quality. It takes a lot of guts to go beyond conventional design work, and into the uncharted waters of the experimental.  It also takes a special type of character to make it come together successfully.  Take a close look; because bikes like this don’t come along very often, and this one you definitely don’t want to miss.