I unpacked my Vortex+, purchased from PowerOn Cycling, on April 1, 2012, so the time is right for a one year anniversary report. I received the machine three weeks after the order. PowerOn provided excellent service. The price today is about $5550. I paid a little less a year ago. I admit upfront that I love this trike, and think it is worth every penny. I rarely go for a ride that I don't get thumbs up and "cool bike" salutations, especially now that I have added the Renn Disc. Nevertheless, I will attempt objectivity.
Last winter, when I was considering the purchase, I compared the Vortex+ against the Catrike 700. Test rode both and posted a thread requesting input from my BROL friends. There were ample opinions supporting each trike. I chose the Vortex because a) I have owned ICE trikes in the past and liked them all. ICE service is outstanding. b) The Vortex has a hardshell seat, which I prefer. c) I prefer ICE's indirect steering setups over Catrike's direct steering.
Overall, the Vortex gives the rider all the well-documented advantages of a trike plus a high level of performance. This is not a particularly versatile trike, however. I doubt whether I would use it as a tourer, commuter or shopper. Carrying stuff is a challenge, however, I have added Radical Low Racer bags to carry the bare essentials for long rides. Here is my assessment:
Comfort - In my year of ownership, I have ridden seven centuries, and several other metric length rides. I had no serious comfort issues, but two things should be noted. First, the hardshell seat plus the rigid frame, both positive performance characteristics, offer much 'road feel', to put it mildly. The Vortex ride is not for everyone. One of my Metric Centuries was over some very rough roads, and I suffered a bit. The rough roads also slowed me down. At the time, I was running Schwalbe Durano tires on the front and a Schwalbe Ultremo ZX on the back, all pumped up to 115 psi. Others have reported a better Vortex ride using wider, softer tires like the Kojaks. I haven't tried this.
Six weeks or so ago, I switched the Duranos to Ultremo ZX 406 front tires. I notice no difference in ride quality, but a noticeable increase in speed. However, my 406 Ultremos started shedding threads on the sidewall after about 1200 miles. The tires were replaced under warranty by Schwalbe. The jury is still out regarding which front tires I will use. The Ultremos are expensive. I have been pleased with the performance and the durability of the Ultremo 700 tires. I have been getting about 2000 miles, which is acceptable for a performance tire.
The other comfort issue is the seat. To me, the seat is ideal, but I had to add some extra foam strategically in just the right places to achieve maximum comfort. This took me about a month of riding to get just right. Now, I finish long rides with no seat problems. The Vortex+ carbon fiber seat, properly custom-cushioned, is the best recumbent seat I have used.
Speed - Speed is always a tough issue to discuss. I am a medium speed (71 yo) rider averaging 13.5-16.5 mph on most rides. My best century speed on the Vortex+ has been 14.5 mph. My goal is to continually increase my speed through improved equipment, and, most of all, harder training. This week, I added a Renn rear disc wheel purchased at Vite Bikes. It is too early to tell whether this enhancement will aid my speed, but I did achieve my personal best trike century using the Renn disc. Some argue that if you ride at speeds less than 20 mph, the disc wheel is a waste. We shall see.
My speed on the Vortex+ is roughly 1.5 mph slower than on two wheel performance bents. I hope to close this gap. I have added the disc wheel, short cranks, and triple 50/39/27 Q-Rings, but, otherwise, the components are stock. I believe that the Vortex+ offers speed comparable to the Catrike 700, and other top performance trikes.
Frame flex at speed seems minimal for a steel framed trike. I have noticed almost none in the boom, and a little bit on the rear triangle. The frame alignment and front wheel toe-in have remained perfectly fixed since day one.
The seat has an adjustable setting (25-32 degrees) which I keep close to its maximum recline.
Safety - Like most trikes, especially laid back performance models, visibility, and thus safety, is an issue. My performance compromises, except when riding traffic-free bike trails, are bright Dinotte flashing headlight and taillight whenever there is traffic. I also run a flag. I know the flag provides aero drag, and the lights add weight. I also run a mirror on both sides of the handlebar. Safety First!
I am sure there are things I have forgotten to include, but in summary:
Pros - Performance, Comfort, Aesthetics/Bling, ICE Service
Cons - Price, Ride Quality (for some), Lack of Versatility
Tigerpaw 04-01-2013 11:14 PM
Nice summary Howard. I ditto your experience on the Vortex. Only one exception. I do experience boom flex.
LayZeeD 04-01-2013 11:21 PM
What did end up with milage for the year?
Howard Veit 04-01-2013 11:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LayZeeD (Post 1066960)
What did end up with milage for the year?
I didn't keep a log last year. This year I have about 2800 thus far.
dragonfly 04-01-2013 11:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1066909)
This week, I added a Renn rear disc wheel purchased at Vite Bikes. It is too early to tell whether this enhancement will aid my speed, but I did achieve my personal best trike century using the Renn disc. Some argue that if you ride at speeds less than 20 mph, the disc wheel is a waste. We shall see.
The rear disc wheel covers on my two big-wheel trikes help a lot. I don't average speeds anywhere near yours, but they make me pretty quick for being on a trike. Anytime I'm cruising at 15+ mph, I can feel the advantage of the disc. There's also that great "sail effect" on windy days.
Thanks for the comments on Ultremos vs. Duranos. I still love the Stelvios I have left!
Howard Veit 04-01-2013 11:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dragonfly (Post 1066980)
The rear disc wheel covers on my two big-wheel trikes help a lot. I don't average speeds anywhere near yours, but they make me pretty quick for being on a trike. Anytime I'm cruising at 15+ mph, I can feel the advantage of the disc. There's also that great "sail effect" on windy days.
Thanks for the comments on Ultremos vs. Duranos. I still love the Stelvios I have left!
Hi Hot Chick,
Stelvios were my favorites too. I may spend a fortune on the Ultremo 406s, but they are neat tires. Hopefully, Schwalbe will improve durability without sacrificing performance.
The Renn is noisy, but I enjoy the whirring sound right behind my head. It is kind of like the wheel is whispering in my ear as I ride, "Move Your Ass! Move Your Ass!"
dragonfly 04-02-2013 01:27 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1066990)
Hi Hot Chick,
Stelvios were my favorites too. I may spend a fortune on the Ultremo 406s, but they are neat tires. Hopefully, Schwalbe will improve durability without sacrificing performance.
The Renn is noisy, but I kind of like the whirring sound right behind my head. It is kind of like the wheel is whispering in my ear as I ride, "Move Your Ass! Move Your Ass!"
You got the hot part right. Suddenly we have temps in the 70s, shorts weather and hot sun beating in the windows. :sunny:
I won't be forgetting the "Move Your Ass!" mantra next time I'm on my Windcheetah!
Jimbo 04-02-2013 06:04 AM
Any time you can cover up bare spokes you will get a speed improvement. The back wheel will be minimal. You only have 20" wheels on the front so you can get a set of lightweight full covers for both wheels. Because the wheels are so small you won't have much problem with the wind blowing you around. You would be looking at around 1 mph increase in speed at top speed.
Wheel covers help at all speeds. But the amount is so small at slower speeds that it's hard to measure. I get a consistent 2 mph speed increase with my 88 mm deep vee rims. But they are 700c and the 2 mph is at a speed of 30+ mph. I get less improvement at slower speeds. However, riding in the wind at any speed is improved. Acceleration is vastly improved. I cannot use full wheel covers on the front 700s because I get blown all over the road. Even small cars going past cause me to be moved around.
Bare spokes churn the hell out of the air and rob you of speed. So anything you can do to stop the churning will give you a positive result.
Quote:
It is kind of like the wheel is whispering in my ear as I ride, "Move Your Ass! Move Your Ass!"
My deep vee rims do that to such an extent that I banish them to the tire rack for anything except time trials. I cannot do recovery days with them on the trike. My training wheels are getting bad habits from the deep vees but at least I can control them. For the time being at least.
stephenoliver 04-02-2013 06:26 AM
Fewer miles, but similar experiences.
Thank you, Howard, for the detailed update on your Vortex. I found it very interesting to read.
You have many more miles under your wheels than I do so far - a non-trike injury and winter having somewhat derailed me - but I share several of your experiences.
I find the seat the best I've ever ridden on, although I find it fits my back more precisely at more upright angles, which I'm also slightly faster with thus far. The way the wings of seat fit are perfect for me and give a real sense of being part of the trike, as well as plenty of security on fast corners. There is plenty of vibration but no more than on a road bike or on my Corsa.
I also use a strobing Dinotte rear light (as well as a Lezyne front light) during day time for visibility but no flag. I tend to use the flag at night due to its reflectives and would probably use it if I were likely to be in a lot of nose-to-tail traffic.
You are faster than I am. My road bike overall average for all sorts of rides is about 17 mph. My Corsa average was about 15 mph and my Vortex average thus far is about 13.5 mph. However, I tend to ride recumbents in a more relaxed fashion. When I put a similar effort in (judging from heart rate monitoring) I am about 3 mph slower on the Vortex than on a road bike or two wheel recumbent.
Thanks again for posting your review. It might help me to put in many more miles so that I can post a similar annual review this December!
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 07:41 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo (Post 1067067)
Any time you can cover up bare spokes you will get a speed improvement. The back wheel will be minimal. You only have 20" wheels on the front so you can get a set of lightweight full covers for both wheels....
Regarding the 406 front wheels, I was told that wheel covers will not work because I can install covers on the outside only. The inside of the wheels have disc brake hardware, and thus will not accommodate covers. Is that correct?
Also, I am in Florida now riding mostly windy flats. When I return to hilly N. Georgia, the Renn's additional weight (150 grams over the stock Vortex wheel) might be a slight avg. speed disadvantage. I may swap wheels when I am in steep climbing territory.
Jimbo 04-02-2013 08:13 AM
I just made a bigger center hole on the cover for the inside of the wheel. It still covers a substantial amount of the spokes. You can make your own trial covers for a custom fit from corflute. It's cheap and easy to cut. Some people are making ultra light weight covers out of fabric covered with epoxy type stuff.
I'm not all that concerned about weight myself. I carry at least 4 litres of liquid on all of my hard rides. So 150 grams means nothing to me. Just lose 1 lb of body fat and you've got it covered. However, don't discount the speed advantage of going down the hills. I don't know how that would balance out but I doubt you would lose much speed overall. Do a couple of tests with the different wheels. The results would be of interest.
joseph1959 04-02-2013 03:26 PM
Sounds to me like you need to find someone to make you a tailbox. Morciglio maybe? The tailbox on the Windcheetah weighs next to nothing, gives me quite a bit of storage space and adds to the speed.
3TracksintheSand 04-02-2013 04:22 PM
I well remember your first posts about the trike and I am glad the romance continues. That is a team effort. A good trike and a dedicated rider make for a great combination!
George
Chazz 04-02-2013 04:38 PM
Hi Howard,
Hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since you and I rode with Richard Clarke on the West Orange Trail, here in central FL.. It was a beautiful trike then, and even better with all of your upgrades. I still remember Phil Mix jumping into his car and rushing down to meet us before you left, just to see your V+. That same day, while driving back home, he called Mark Power and ordered his own V+. Amazing!
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 07:21 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1067299)
Hi Howard,
Hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since you and I rode with Richard Clarke on the West Orange Trail, here in central FL.. It was a beautiful trike then, and even better with all of your upgrades. I still remember Phil Mix jumping into his car and rushing down to meet us before you left, just to see your V+. That same day, while driving back home, he called Mark Power and ordered his own V+. Amazing!
Hi Chazz,
Sounds like Phil is liking his Vortex. I called Mark Powers after Phil ordered his trike, and requested a commission, but he wouldn't do it. :crazy:
I have evolved the Vortex, and am still working on it. I would like to get it as light and aero as possible, but when I mix safety into the equation, I get stymied. Dinotte lights and that darned flag counteract everything I am trying to do.
Did I see you on the Withlacoochie on Saturday? I was going north, and you and a group south. I was by you a half mile or so, and then thought that the Windcheetah and you might have been part of the group.
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 07:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by joseph1959 (Post 1067270)
Sounds to me like you need to find someone to make you a tailbox. Morciglio maybe? The tailbox on the Windcheetah weighs next to nothing, gives me quite a bit of storage space and adds to the speed.
Great idea. I'll check it out. I guess my new Renn disc and the tailbox not only would be overkill, but an awfully noisy combination. :evilgrin:
joseph1959 04-02-2013 08:24 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1067358)
Great idea. I'll check it out. I guess my new Renn disc and the tailbox not only would be overkill, but an awfully noisy combination. :evilgrin:
The tailbox is more useful IMO. Does make transporting a tiny bit more difficult.
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 08:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by joseph1959 (Post 1067368)
The tailbox is more useful IMO. Does make transporting a tiny bit more difficult.
With a tailbox, I would probably have to take out my van's middle seats to transport. No big deal.
Chazz 04-02-2013 09:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1067355)
...Did I see you on the Withlacoochie on Saturday? I was going north, and you and a group south. I was by you a half mile or so, and then thought that the Windcheetah and you might have been part of the group.
Yes, that probably was me along with my wife and another couple that we picked up on the trail. I thought I noticed a fast looking trike with a wheel cover go by. That must have been you. The Withlacoochee is virtually our home trail. If I knew you were going to be around I would certainly have tried to ride with you, at least part of the way. The group (CRABS) will be riding the West Orange Trail this Thursday, if you'd like to join a laid back social ride. The website is: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...cumbentRiders/
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 09:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1067394)
Yes, that probably was me along with my wife and another couple that we picked up on the trail. I thought I noticed a fast looking trike with a wheel cover go by. That must have been you. The Withlacoochee is virtually our home trail. If I knew you were going to be around I would certainly have tried to ride with you, at least part of the way. The group (CRABS) will be riding the West Orange Trail this Thursday, if you'd like to join a laid back social ride. The website is: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...cumbentRiders/
Chazz,
Thanks for the invite. My son is visiting this week so I can't make it. Maybe sometime later in the month. I would like to see you guys again.
The Withlacoochie and the Suncoast Trails have been my favorites, although it takes me two + hours to get to them from Sarasota. I love trails where I can shed all the extra weight on the trike (lights/flag, etc) and really cut loose. My Vortex especially loves the Suncoast Trail where there is minimal user traffic during the week.
Jimbo 04-02-2013 09:21 PM
A properly designed tailbox, not just any box, will do much more than the rear disk wheel. Probably about the same as front wheel disks. Combine the three things, tailbox, front wheel and rear wheel disks and you will have done about everything you can do to make your tadpole faster.
I'm at the end of physical things I can do to my QNT. I am trying to stay "unfaired". A tailbox is a fairing of sorts. Full wheel covers are fairings unless the wheel has no spokes and many TT's won't permit full wheel covers on the front wheels. So I went with the next best thing which is 88mm deep vee rims. I still haven't matched my best times with 3 full wheel covers but I do come close and, at least, I can ride on the road with the deep vees.
Oh, btw, didn't someone just have some 20" deep vee rims on the forum. That would be a good alternative to full wheel covers. The spokes will be so short that they will have a minimal effect. And you can still get at the valve stem.
In the end the only thing you can do is to make the tadpole go as fast as you can make it go. It will still be a slow trike. There have been several threads recently about tilting, narrow track deltas with fwd, mbb. THAT will be the fastest trike. With both wheels shadowed behind the seat it is almost as aero as the best 2 wheeler.
But, be that as it may, it is still a challenge to make the tadpole faster, so until I come up with some sort of delta I will keep trying to make my QNT faster. Just can't let a challenge go unanswered.
Howard Veit 04-02-2013 11:41 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo (Post 1067403)
A properly designed tailbox, not just any box, will do much more than the rear disk wheel. Probably about the same as front wheel disks. Combine the three things, tailbox, front wheel and rear wheel disks and you will have done about everything you can do to make your tadpole faster.
I'm at the end of physical things I can do to my QNT. I am trying to stay "unfaired". A tailbox is a fairing of sorts. Full wheel covers are fairings unless the wheel has no spokes and many TT's won't permit full wheel covers on the front wheels. So I went with the next best thing which is 88mm deep vee rims. I still haven't matched my best times with 3 full wheel covers but I do come close and, at least, I can ride on the road with the deep vees.
Oh, btw, didn't someone just have some 20" deep vee rims on the forum. That would be a good alternative to full wheel covers. The spokes will be so short that they will have a minimal effect. And you can still get at the valve stem.
In the end the only thing you can do is to make the tadpole go as fast as you can make it go. It will still be a slow trike. There have been several threads recently about tilting, narrow track deltas with fwd, mbb. THAT will be the fastest trike. With both wheels shadowed behind the seat it is almost as aero as the best 2 wheeler.
But, be that as it may, it is still a challenge to make the tadpole faster, so until I come up with some sort of delta I will keep trying to make my QNT faster. Just can't let a challenge go unanswered.
Think my next project is to get aero front wheels. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'd rather do that than wheel covers.
And train like a madman. I have been doing a hard TT (personal) per week. My old bod is the main equipment weakness at this point.
Jimbo 04-03-2013 03:00 AM
http://www.bentrideronline.com/messa...ad.php?t=94845
TheBentMix 04-12-2013 04:12 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1067355)
Hi Chazz,
Sounds like Phil is liking his Vortex. I called Mark Powers after Phil ordered his trike, and requested a commission, but he wouldn't do it. :crazy:
I have evolved the Vortex, and am still working on it. I would like to get it as light and aero as possible, but when I mix safety into the equation, I get stymied. Dinotte lights and that darned flag counteract everything I am trying to do.
Did I see you on the Withlacoochie on Saturday? I was going north, and you and a group south. I was by you a half mile or so, and then thought that the Windcheetah and you might have been part of the group.
Hi Howard, RE: Update on the V+. Chas is correct. I did order my V+ from POC less than an hour after I sat in your Medium seat V+.
Wow, Got two weeks to owning it a year, 4,000 miles, rear 2x700 Durano change at 3,500 mi. The two 406 Duranos are still going. I love it. Finally found the minimalist bags I was looking for: 2 Xlab Tire bags, about 1-1/2 L size. Good for all the day ride needs. Thanks for the ride. Hope to see you on Sharky's Ride of the Beaches.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8...c300f34f_c.jpg
damrunner1 04-12-2013 04:44 PM
Nice to hear about your 1 year anniversary and thanks for the seat of the pants experience. The people in your neighborhood are right, your trike is sweet. Keep on rolling.
Howard Veit 04-12-2013 05:25 PM
[quote=TheBentMix;1071957]Hi Howard, RE: Update on the V+. Chas is correct. I did order my V+ from POC less than an hour after I sat in your Medium seat V+.
Wow, Got two weeks to owning it a year, 4,000 miles, rear 2x700 Durano change at 3,500 mi. The two 406 Duranos are still going. I love it. Finally found the minimalist bags I was looking for: 2 Xlab Tire bags, about 1-1/2 L size. Good for all the day ride needs. Thanks for the ride. Hope to see you on Sharky's Ride of the Beaches.
Hi Phil,
Glad you are enjoying the Vortex+. And glad I played a small role. See you at Sharky's.
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