PRESS RELEASE - Trike riding is becoming even more efficient and comfortable. On stand FW-300 at the Eurobike trade show, recumbent manufacturer HP Velotechnik will be the world’s first manufacturer to exhibit a full-suspension foldable touring trike with a large 26-inch rear wheel.

Compared to the smaller 20-inch wheels conventionally found on recumbent trikes, the larger wheel on the suspended rear of the new Scorpion fs 26 model provides an even smoother ride, less rolling resistance, and easier obstacle traversing. The combination of full suspension with tried-and-tested chassis technology from the automotive engineering sector and the positive running properties of larger wheels sets new standards in riding dynamics.

Thanks to HP Velotechnik’s sophisticated self-locking folding hinge, the vehicle can be quickly folded into an easy-to-transport package with dimensions of just 123 x 83 x 69 cm.

The new Advanced Steering Geometry (ASG) enables riders to control the Scorpion fs 26 smoothly and precisely, giving it a small turning circle of just 5.5 meters (18 feet) despite its long wheelbase. From November 2012, all HP Velotechnik trike models will come with ASG as standard.

In addition to the ergonomically-shaped ‘BodyLink’ hard shell seat, HP Velotechnik also offers the option of the further improved ‘ErgoMesh’ seat. This not only provides optimum ventilation for the back but also offers more side support thanks to the enhanced seat design with strengthened, anatomically-shaped side cushioning. For larger riders, the seat is will be available in a 5 cm (2 inch) wider ‘ErgoMesh XL’ version with a 3 cm (1 1/8 inch) longer back rest and seat pan.

The Scorpion fs 26 touring trike is available from specialist dealers in the US and abroad from early 2013 with a starting price of US$ 4,355.

Trike riding is becoming even more efficient and comfortable. On stand FW-300 at the Eurobike trade show starting August 29th, recumbent manufacturer HP Velotechnik will be the world’s first manufacturer to exhibit a full-suspension foldable touring trike with a large 26-inch rear wheel.

Compared to the smaller 20-inch wheels conventionally found on suspended recumbent trikes, the larger wheel on the rear of the new Scorpion fs 26 model provides an even smoother ride, less rolling resistance, and easier obstacle traversing. These properties plus the good global tire availability of the classic road bike and mountain bike size make the Scorpion fs 26 the ideal sports- and touring bike.

The designers at HP Velotechnik have retained the compact 20-inch wheels on the front axle as these are ideal for withstanding the high lateral forces to which trikes can be subjected up front on a tadpole-trike.

A fusion of riding dynamics and comfort

An ergonomically-efficient seat position, optimum force distribution, and low air resistance are the benefits that have always provided riding pleasure with a recumbent trike and that encourage more and more cyclists to make the change.

With the Scorpion fs 26, the recumbent specialist HP Velotechnik combines tried-and-tested chassis technology from the automotive engineering sector with the positive running properties of larger wheels to set new standards in riding dynamics. The independent suspension on the front wheels based on the MacPherson principle provides impressive road holding and excellent stability on sharp corners.

The trike comes with an integrated HP stabilizer system featuring an anti-roll-bar positioned beneath the front axle wishbones that prevents the bike and the driver from leaning outward excessively when cornering hard. The chassis has plenty of well-balanced suspension travel to offer with 60 mm (2 1/3 inch) on the front and 80 mm (3 1/8 inch) on the rear wheel swingarm for outstanding riding comfort.

The front axle’s anti-dive geometry prevents the dive effect when braking sharp.

“True to the empirical principle that ‘length runs’, the larger rear wheel together with the enlarged 128 cm (50 1/3 inch) wheelbase also improve the road holding. At faster speeds in particular, the long wheelbase provides a smoother ride and greater safety,” explains HP Velotechnik Head of Development Daniel Pulvermueller.

Despite the enlarged wheelbase, the new Advanced Steering Geometry (ASG) gives the Scorpion fs 26 a small turning circle (of just 5.5 meters or 18 feet) and smooth-running, precise steering. From November 2012, all HP Velotechnik trike models will come with ASG as standard.

The designers at HP Velotechnik have resisted to the temptation to simply put a 26 inch wheel rear end on their well known Scorpion fs 20 trike as this would spoil their No Squat suspension design and deviate from the efficient riding position that Scorpion fs riders praise. To the contrary, the new frame has been specifically designed for optimum suspension without power-loss and a flat fold of the 26 inch rear wheel while keeping the seat position and bottom bracket height equal to those of it’s smaller brother Scorpion fs 20.

Ergonomic recumbent seat

While traveling, riders can lean back comfortably in the ergonomic ‘BodyLink’ hard shell seat, which can be individually adjusted to their back shape and evenly distributes body weight.

Alternatively, they can optionally chose the HP Velotechnik ‘ErgoMesh’ seat, which not only offers optimum ventilation for the back but also now provides more side support thanks to the enhanced seat design with strengthened, anatomically-shaped side cushioning.

But that is not all. The ‘ErgoMesh XL’ seat is also new for 2013: Specially developed for tall, heavy riders, this seat is 5 cm (2 inch) wider; the back rest and seat pan are also both 3 cm (1 1/8 inch) longer than on the standard model. Both ErgoMesh versions will be available in two seat heights.

Clever accessories turn the agile speedster into a practical tourer that can transport all kinds of luggage. This is held on a suspended luggage rack in two panniers with a total capacity of 25 kg (55 lbs). The center of gravity is optimally balanced thanks to the luggage’s position low down, close to the rider’s body behind the seat. The Scorpion fs 26 has a maximum supportable load of 140 kg (308 lbs) – another 10 kg (22 lbs) more than the previous foldable trike models from the manufacturer based in the town of Kriftel, Germany.

Quickly foldable for simple transportation

The trike is easy to transport: In just a couple of steps and a matter of seconds, it can be folded up into an easy-to-transport package with dimensions of just 123 x 83 x 62 cm. The manufacturer’s newly developed selflocking folding hinge makes folding up the trike child’s play. After removing the wheels, the dimensions reduce even further to a compact 93 x 74 x 54 cm. Even if the luggage rack and mud guard are attached, the bike can still be folded up without removing the wheels.

For a foldable full suspension trike, the Scorpion fs 26 comes with comparativly low weight from 18.2 kg (40 lbs), so 26 riders can accelerate quickly and even move swiftly uphill.

Touring trike also available as a pedelec with an electric motor

For impressively quick starts at the lights or high speeds when traveling uphill, HP Velotechnik also offers the Scorpion fs 26 as a E-Trike with electric motor assistance for up to 25 km/h or as an S-Pedelec (Speed Pedelec) with assistance for up to 45 km/h.

A broad range of accessories leaves no desire for your trike unfulfilled. The modular options can be selected online in the recumbent configurator at www.hpvelotechnik.com.

Attractive color options complete the trike’s sporty appearance. A two-color white/gray powder-coating and a dark gray powder-coated frame with blue accents are optionally available from specialist dealers. If these are not to your taste, HP Velotechnik also provides customized versions of this model in line with specific color requests.

HP Velotechnik provides a 10-year warranty on the frame.

The Scorpion fs 26 is available from specialist dealers from early 2013 with a starting price of 3,790 euros. (USA and Canada US$ 4,355 incl. shipping).