Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel Bike Product Review

 

PRICE:  $249.00  (save $150.99 buying it from Amazon.com)

RATING:  4.0/5.0 by 341 customers

When I was first looking for a bike after my strokes, I spent a lot of time checking out trikes.  Trikes are like the ultimate choice when you're balance is off, and mine was. 

The problem is, I live in the foothills of the Appalachians, which is anything but flat.  Even the spots that appear to be flat, are just there to psyche you out.  Therefore - non-recumbent trikes were out the door.

But, for those who live in town, or an area that's basically flat, trikes are a great option. 

Who would really enjoy a trike?

So, aside from people like me, who have had a stroke, who else would really like this trike?

• Mom's who are afraid to ride a bike with their little one in a seat for fear of wrecking and hurting their child.
• Older folks who are afraid of riding a two-wheeled bicycle and risk breaking a hip
• People with MS, Dystonia, etc.
• Anyone with balance problems
• Anyone who has never ridden a bike before
• Anyone who simply thinks trikes are cool!

Getting down to the nitty gritty.

I picked out the Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel bike, because I saw a lot of people have been checking it out.  Curiosity encourages the fingers to hop on the keyboard.

Here's the specs on the Schwinn Meridian Adult 26-Inch 3-Wheel bike:

1.  Single-speed, 3-wheeled bike with lightweight aluminum step-through frame
2.  Rear hand brake and front linear pull brake for reliable, sure stopping
3.  Alloy rims with stainless-steel spokes and smooth-riding tires
4.  Comfortable padded spring cruiser saddle; upright handlebars
5.  Folding rear basket is perfect for picnics or storing groceries
6.  72 pounds
7.  Measures: 72 x 30 x 44 (L x W x H)
8.  For ages 15 and up

Shooting straight into the pros and cons, based on customer reviews.

PRO'S:

1.  The big basket. People really like this.
2.  Made of aluminum, so no rust problems
3.  Excellent for people who have never ridden a bike before.
4.  Much safer than a two-wheel bike

CON'S:

1.  One gear
2.  It's a heavy bike.
3.  Some say it pulls to the right.
4.    Bulky

Dissecting the customer reviews.

The most common complaint is that it's difficult to put together.  Check out any customer review, on any bike, and you'll read the same thing.  Not everyone has the tools to put a bike together.  Not everyone is mechanically inclined.

My suggestion is the same as I always give, the best thing you can do for your sanity is to take it to the local bike shop and have them put it together. 

Yes, it will cost you a little bit, but if you bought a bike from the shop, you still get charged, you just don’t know it because it’s hidden in the price tag.

Some people complained there were missing bolts, washers, dents, etc.  Again, check out any bike, and you'll see the same thing.  The reason you don't notice it when you go to a bike shop is they've already touched up the goofs, and they don't tell you.

Summing it up!

On the whole, most people agreed that it's a great trike!  Out of 341 owners it got a 4/5 stars. That's impressive!  They enjoy the basket because they can not only load it with groceries, or stuff to take on a picnic, they can put their dogs in the basket and take them for a ride!

They like that the basket folds down and makes a platform. A number of customers love how it's made a great gift for their parents!  I read where one rider was 90!  My grandma was in great shape at 90, so I can picture that one with ease. 

All in all, I think it's a great trike, and worth the buy. 

Anyway, take some time out and check it out for yourself.  Read some of the comments in each rating to get a good feel on your own.  Click here.

By the way, if you've found this product review helpful, how about sharing it with your friends! 

 

 

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Ergo The Seat Ultimate Bicycle Saddle Product Review: A more comfortable and healthier alternative to the traditional saddle.

Funny, isn’t it?  Despite how numb and uncomfortable our butts can get when we’re out on long bike rides, we still do it.  It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or just plain windy – we still hop on our bikes and ride. 

I like to think of it as a healthy addiction.  My bum, on the other hand, has it’s own opinion.  It yells, “GIVE ME A BREAK!”

 

So, I’m in search of a new saddle for my mountain bike, and this isn’t it.  But!  If it wasn’t a mountain bike – this would be the seat for me and here’s why.

Let’s take a look at the specs:

1. lycra-covered soft gel seat
2. removes pressure from you private parts
3. dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3.5 inches (23 x 15 x 9cm)
4. 3-M Scotchlite rear reflectors

That doesn’t sound impressive, but let’s keep going.

THE CONS:

   • Takes a bit to get used to not having the nose.

   • "Stationary" exercise bikes, require conventional rail-mounts for proper installation

   • Won’t work on a mountain bike.  You need the horn.

   • Some folks have balance issues with it, and other’s don’t.

• It looks funny.

THE PROS:

   • Although not listed as “unisex,” both men and women find it comfortable.

   • Easy installation and adjustment.

   • Relieves pressure from your privates.

   • Fits any standard, conventional rail-mount bicycle

THE IN-BETWEENS (or TIPS):

1)  This doesn’t really fall under either of the above categories, but it’s important to know.  The trick with this seat is getting the angle right.  Once you’ve got it set – you’ve got it made.

2)  Another one for this category:  Riding hands free.  Some folks don’t like the idea of not being able to ride that way.  Let’s face it, riding hands free is risky, so no loss there. 

On the other hand, if you’re hand signaling, it does make a difference.  The trick to this one is – practise before you take your main ride.

3)  Pay attention to the saddle measurements, and how big your own bum is.  I read some complaints that the saddle was too small, and they were upset about it.  They should have read the specs.

So, I repeat!  Pay attention to the saddle measurements!

ANALYSIS

The thing for me, as always, is the rating.  145 owners gave it 4.0/5 stars.  That’s pretty darn good for a bike saddle, especially when you think of how picky we are when it comes to what we think is the best comfortable bike seat. 

After scouring the comments, I really couldn’t come up with an excuse not to give it a go.

CONCLUSION

In the end (pun intended), it all comes down to personal preference.

Some folks don’t adjust well to changes, and so not having that nose or horn, makes them feel insecure.  While others aren’t bothered by it at all.

The best thing you can do is grab one yourself.  Check out the seat here.

Also, here’s an article I wrote earlier on noseless saddles that I think you’ll really find helpful:

Sexual Dysfunction, Inflatable Dolls, and Bicycle Seats

Mark sat at the breakfast table, across from his wife, barely enjoying his chocolate chip pancakes.

He was fighting hard not to say what was on his mind. He knew if he did, he'd probably end up sleeping on the couch. On the other hand, did it really matter?

Nope. So he went for it, "You know what? I'd have more fun in bed with an inflatable doll."

And that's how the fight began…

 

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