Modern adult tricycles, sometimes referred to simply as trikes, come in a wide range of styles and designs. Some, called uprights, are similar to traditional bicycles, only with a wider frame and two wheels in the rear. Others are low, fast sporty recumbent cycles called deltas, while still others, called tadpoles have two wheels mounted in front and one at the rear. Regardless of the design, trikes all have certain parts required to ride the vehicle.
Frame
The frame of a tricycle holds the other components and forms the body of the trike. In upright trikes the frame is simply a modified road or comfort bike frame that is wider in the rear to hold an axle with two wheels. Delta trikes, are similar in design, but have lower frames for a more streamlined appearance and recumbent seating position. Tadpole trike frames revers the configuration of the wheels to place two wheels for steering up front and one wheel in back, similar to traditional multi-speed bicycles.
Seat
Upright trike seats are set on a seat stem that fits within the seat tube in the frame. Similar to seats on comfort bikes, they are typically wider for more comfort. Delta and tadpole trikes have reclining seats incorporated into the frame itself. These seats are very comfortable, allowing the rider to lean back when riding, providing ample back support.
Steering
The steering on upright trikes is the same as that of traditional bicycles, with handlebars, a steering stem and column attached to the frame that turns a fork, which holds the front wheel. Delta trikes also have similar steering, although the handlebars may alternately be replaced with steering handles on either side of the rider that mount under the frame. These handles provide greater comfort and control. Tadpole trikes use the same under-frame steering mechanism that lead to not one, but two separate steering columns, one for each wheel in the front of the vehicle.
Wheels
All three types of trikes use a wheel consisting of an axle, bearings and hub, metal spokes, a rim, and inner tube and pneumatic tire. The axle of upright and delta trikes are wider and designed to hold two wheels. Tadpole trikes typically use a standard road bike rear wheel with a multiple gear system, including a derailleur.
Drive Assembly
The drive assembly on tricycles consists of the crankset and pedals, the drive chain, derailleurs, if using multiple gears, and the drive gears on the rear axle of the bike. The drive assembly on upright bikes is nearly identical to that of traditional bikes, with only the exception being where on the axle the rear drive sprocket is mounted. The crankset, and pedals on delta and tadpole trikes typically mount forward on the bike so the rider can pedal out instead of down, due to the recumbent position of the trike seat. A longer drive chain is necessary for this configuration.
Brakes
Tricycles also require a way to stop. The brakes on a upright bikes are often set up with a caliper hand brake up front and a coaster type brake for the rear wheels. Delta trikes and tadpole trikes, due the design of their frames, usually have disc-type brakes installed for greater stopping power and control.
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