TerraTrike

TerraTrike is a brand of recumbent tadpole tricycles manufactured by WizWheelz Inc. TerraTrike is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.[1][2] TerraTrike's 2013 product line consists of 5 models: Rover, Rambler, Tour II, Sportster, Tandem Pro.[3] Each model has 3 to 5 different component levels to meet each riders needs.

TerraTrike
Manufacturer WizWheelz Inc.
Cycle line recumbent tadpole tricycles
Introduced 1997
Status In production
Models 5
Website www.terratrike.com

History

Jack Wiswell and Wayne Oom first discussed the concept of an adult tricycle, that Jack had doodled on a napkin, at a Christmas party in 1995. Along with former partner Peter Dolan each invested $1,000 from their savings to get things rolling.[4] Their first trike was released in March 1997.[5] In 2005 they hired Mike Kessenich as Production Manager to handle the complexity of their production needs.[6] Their marketing needs were met in 2007 after hiring Jeff Yonker who pushed the business into social media and numerous other non-cycling publications.[7]

Models

Rover - The Rover is TerraTrikes entry level model and is made of Hi-ten steel. It was the first of its kind with a higher seat, ease of operation and a low cost. It uses an internal hub and comes in a 3 speed, 8 speed or auto shifting variable speed. It won Bentriders "Trike of the Year"[8] in 2011 when it was introduced and claims to have "introduced more people to triking than any other recumbent trike on the market".[9] In 2013 an automatic shifting model using a NuVinci 360 drive named the Rover Auto NuVinci was introduced at their annual Dealer Day expo.[10]

Rambler - The Rambler was introduced in spring of 2011 and is a more featured version of the Rover. It is made from chromoly steel and comes in an 8 speed internal hub, a 24 or a 27 speed version.[11]

Traveler - On October 23, 2013 TerraTrike released their new folding model named the Traveler at their annual Dealer Day expo.[10]

Tour II - The Tour II is the combination of the Tour and the popular Cruiser models. It is made from chromoly steel and features linkage steering, a lower profile and heavy duty components designed around the touring rider.[12]

Sportster - The Sportster model is the lightweight, high performance model in TerraTrikes lineup. It is made from lightweight anodized aluminium and top of the line components.[13]

Tandem Pro - The Tandem Pro is a 2 person, tandem trike. It made of chromoly steel, features direct steering, 27 speeds, a quick coupler for transporting and an optional independent pedaling system.[14]

Achievements
  • May 31, 2013 - It was announced that CEO Jack Wiswell and CFO Wayne Oom are finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2013 Award in Michigan & Northwest Ohio.[15]
  • March 26, 2013 - TerraTrike was featured on FOX's comedy show Raising Hope episode “Squeak Means Squeak”[16]
  • December 3, 2012 - TerraTrike featured on CNN iReport[17]
  • November 25, 2012 - Racing with ALS[18]
  • May 11, 2012 - Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company[3]
  • May 24, 2011 - Late Night Host Jimmy Fallon races Queen Latifah in studio on TerraTrikes[19]
  • June 20, 2008 - TerraTrike featured on CNN iReport[17]

References
  1. https://michigan.companiestowatch.org/index.ctw?page=honorees&honoreeYear=2013
  2. Rick Haglund. "Look Ma! We're doing it on three wheels!". Bridge Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  3. Jim Harger. "Bike designed on napkin turning into big hit for Kentwood company". mLive. mLive. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  4. Aaron Ogg. "WizWheelz in the news". Recumbent News. bikeroute.com. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  5. Jose A. Hernandez. "Wizwheelz TerraTrike TT 3.6". BentRider Online. BentRider Online. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  6. "WizWheelz Introduces New Product Manager" (PDF). Recumbent Cyclist News. 087: 4. March 2005. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  7. Matthew Gryczan (April 7, 2013). "A bent for success: Maker of 3-wheeled recumbent bikes rides quest for comfort". Crain's Detroit Business. Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  8. Bryan Ball (January 4, 2011). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  9. "TerraTrike Rover".
  10. Bryan Ball (October 25, 2013). "TerraTrike Debuts Folding Traveller, Rover Nuvinci Auto and Several Other 2014 Changes". Bentrider Online. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
  11. "TerraTrike Rambler".
  12. "TerraTrike Tour".
  13. "TerraTrike Tour".
  14. "TerraTrike Tour".
  15. http://www.ey.com/US/en/About-us/Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year/MNWO_article_finalists
  16. http://www.fox.com/watch/215462979624
  17. http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-37874
  18. Leslie Linthicum. "Racing with ALS". ABQ Journal. ABQ Journal. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  19. http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/bike-race-vs-queen-latifah/n17362/
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