schwinn Meridian フルサイズ 大人用三輪車 26輪サイズ バイク トライク。

This review is technical and rather lengthy. For a concise review, skip to [The Bottom Line...] Amazon advertised this Schwinn Meridian 7 Speed tricycle with an irresistible price when I searched for tricycles. The intention of buying this tricycle was for a rider with balancing issue. The red theme might not be everyone's favourite. However, the intended rider feels this colour is best to be seen in traffic ~ a safety feature. Schwinn has styled the Meridian as a "Retro" hence many components equipped were "a couple of eras behind". For example, instead of the current trend's thread-less fork, stem and headset, the Meridian is equipped with a quill stem and threaded fork and headset. The bottom bracket is a "cup and cone" type instead of a cartridge. They will do the job but they do need some attention on adjustments. ~~~ Below is a collection of my observations while putting the tricycle together and later the test ride: [Parts] Most parts arrived safely. There were minor dents and scratches on the two rear fenders. They're minor enough with nothing to scream about. [Assembly] Despite of watching "How to Assemble a Meridian Tricycle" video on Schwinn's own website, it is still difficult to assemble and much fine tuning is required. An average consumer might be able to assemble this tricycle with some degree of struggle. However, much more tools then the instructions indicate are needed to have this tricycle functioning properly. [Fine tuning] All the bearings are NOT adjusted. They are all TOO TIGHT as shipped. The bearings at the headset, bottom bracket, front & rear hubs, and the rear drive axle all need to be adjusted with proper tools (like cone wrenches, headset wrenches, and bottom bracket hook wrench). The derailleur mounting is tricky and require proper adjustments to clear the largest cog of the freewheel. Shifting range and cable adjustments are also required to have the gear shifting working properly. Many reviews on the internet have commented on the possibility of a bent rear axle. The one I received does have a minor bent. The instruction video on Schwinn's web site is questionable and being overly generalized for all models of their tricycles. There is no specific instructions for the 7 speed model. Best to have a professional bicycle mechanic fine tune this tricycle after assembly. [Test Ride] Most rider will think a tricycle would be more stable. However, this 7 speed Meridian has the tendency to power steers itself into the direction of steer. It is a very undesirable characteristic. Recalling from my childhood days, tricycles don't steer on its own. I inspected more closely and found the steering problem explained below in [QI 1] & [QI 2]. Although the Meridian is a supposedly a relaxed, up-right posture, leg slightly forward ride, the faraway handlebar disrupts this characteristic and causes the rider to reach forward. Once forward, the weight distribution is too far upfront. Part of the instability is due to this fact. - - - Questionable Implementations: - - - [QI 1] - Frame Geometry The effective top-tube length on this cruiser like step over frame is long. The saddle and seat tube are set back like a cruiser. However, the handlebar is too far away for a relaxed reach. [QI 2] - Steering Components The steering is UNSTABLE. This could be caused the combination of the head tube angle, rake, trail, handlebar, stem and tire profile. The stem is short. The handlebar is narrow and far in reach (for this tricycle). With its 30+ degrees of back sweep, it literally cancels all the effective stem extension. What that means is that the hands of the rider are literally turning the handlebar with no stem extension making the steering overly sensitive. The front tire's super fat round profile makes things worse by having gravity swaying the steer with its roundness. What this translates to, is that if the front end is not steered straight, any slight steering will force pull the steering towards that direction. It's a shock to any rider with this uncalled-for "power assisted steering" while riding. [QI 3] - Out of True Wheels All three wheels were found to be out-of-true. With my sample, the worst is the drive wheel. Next, it's the front. Then last is the idle wheel. They appear a bit warped. However, they are true-able. [QI 4] - Ineffective Rear Brake The rear band-brake does nothing when pulled. It feels firm to the pull and mushy at the end. It does not slow nor stop the tricycle. No matter how it is adjusted, this rear band-brake has yet to show any effectiveness. [QI 5] - Weak Saddle Clamp The clamp that holds the saddle to the post is inadequate. The saddle is way too large in proportion. Hence the clamp won't keep the saddle in place when a twisting force, like getting off the tricycle, is applied. It takes more than the usual torque on the saddle clamp bolt to keep the saddle from twisting. It is better to replace it with a unified seat post with an integrated saddle clamp. [QI 6] - Inappropriate Tire Size Besides what was mentioned in [QI 2], the 26" x 2.3" semi-slick tires are too wide and keep rubbing fender supporting beams in the rear. These tires weigh ~1.23 Kg (~2.7 lbs) each. [QI 7] - Too Heavy a basket. The basket alone weighs 5 Kg (11 lbs). [In the End...] To counter its shortcomings, I had already adjusted all bearings, trued the wheels, straightened the axle, changed the handlebar, stem, tires, seat post and rear brake to make this tricycle a far better ride with stable steering and functional rear braking. This tricycle, fully assembled weighs (as reported) 33.5-35 Kg (74-77 lbs). It make sense to reduce some weight. By replacing the equipped tires with 26" x 1.75" tires, the total weight is reduced by ~1.8 Kg (~4 lbs). Replacing the steel basket with a suitable substitute plastic basket takes off another 4 Kg (8.8 lbs). [The Bottom Line...] As is, this tricycle is not good for recommendation to the average consumer. This tricycle can be assembled by the average consumer but must be fine tuned by a professional. It has unstable steering due to poor choices of components to go with its geometry. It also requires specialized tools for fine tuning. However, this tricycle can become a great ride by replacing the components in question with ones that have appropriate parameters suitable for the frame's geometry. That could be an enjoyable project for some DIY enthusiasts.

Came disassembled, but building it was quite straightforward. Only real gripe I had was that one of the rear rims was wonky and had to be trued at a bike shop, who had to order some special tool because the back tires don’t have an axle attached to them as they bolt on to the trike’s main axle. Having 7 speeds really helps to get going as it is quite heavy.

Very nice bike! I wasn’t hesitant to purchase because of the assembly comments BUT Dick’s Sporting Goods assembled it for $59 bucks and it looks great.

Well-made machine constructed of quality materials. Does not have that "made in China" feel about it. All the parts, welds and fit are first rate. Assembled by myself in about an hour. Rides well. The single speed is geared perfectly for the flat land where I live. If you have any hills at all, I would defiantly buy the 7 speed model. Outstanding bargain at under $400. I did not put the fenders on because I will not be riding in the rain and I feel they will end up getting beat up and bent from normal use. Not because of poor quality but because of being in the garage with all the other garage activities. Great machine. You will have to adjust the center on the front brakes. I looked on YouTube for a tutorial.

Very good quality