07-02-2009
TerraTrike Dealer Featured on Spokane TV Show
He talks about his amazing shop that is using TerraTrikes to help disabled people enjoy bike riding again.
06-30-2009
TerraTrike Holiday Hours
We will be answering phones on Friday for orders and questions.
06-25-2009
Trade With TerraTrike Contest Back!
We’re doing it again! Back by popular demand the "Trade With TerraTrike" contest is back.
Got something as cool as a new Cruiser? Offer it up and maybe we’ll swap ya for it.
Click here to see the rules and what’s already been offered.
06-22-2009
TerraTrike Path Price Drops To An Amazing $899!
“We were the first to offer a trike of this quality for under a thousand dollars when we released the Path3 over a year ago, and now we’re pleased to offer this same trike at $899 for a limited time” says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Manager for TerraTrike.
“Due to cost savings we’ve been able to take advantage of over the last few months, we’ve been able to lower the cost of the trike and are passing the savings on to our customers. I’m not sure how long this price will last, but not forever.”
The Path3 is a chro-moly steel trike with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed internal hub and is the perfect entry level trike designed for people that want to enjoy riding the bike trails and exercising in comfort.
Click here to learn more!
06-01-2009
TerraTrike Review Featured on Leo Laporte Podcast
"Tech Guru" Leo Laporte of G4 and C-Net fame and MAD’s Magazine’s Maddest Writer and "Giz Wiz" Dick DeBartolo talk about Leo’s new Cruiser. Leo took possession of his Cruiser 2 weeks ago and has became an instant evangelist.
Listen to these 2 media pioneers rave about the TerraTrike here
05-28-2009
Last Chance for your Free Flag and Bag!
Also, be sure to check out the new Sport page - the discounted prices are awesome and you can combine that $300 savings with the $70 bag and flag deal to maximize your spending power this weekend. June is almost here; its time to get out and ride!
05-25-2009
Record Sales Month
05-22-2009
New Sport, New Look, New Price
TerraTrike is proud to reintroduce its popular Sport trike with a few significant changes, a new finish and a new price tag. The “Sport” will now incorporate Cruiser/Access parts. This includes: Bengal disc brakes, and the reliable Microshift drive train. The base Sport will now have a 24 speed drive train, and a very reasonable price of $1899.
The “Sport Elite” will share the same component level as the Zoomer Elite and Tour. This is a 27 speed drive train comprised of a Shimano LX rear derailleur, Shimano cassette, Avid disc brakes, FSA Vero crankset, and optional Dura-Ace bar end shifters or Sram Attack Gripshift shifters. The Sport Elite will retail for $2299!
The “Sport Pro” arguably utilizes some of the best components in the bike market. A Gossamer Mega X0 crankset, Sram X9 rear derailleur and Shimano Ultegra front derailleur make up the primary drive train. The Sport Pros stock configuration is X9 shifters and rear derailleur; however, Dura-Ace bar end shifters and an XT rear derailleur can be substituted. The retail price is $2699.
These three new models replace the Access, Sport, and Race respectively. And they are reduced in price below their predecessors by $300.00!
Features of the new aluminum Sport frame:• State-of-the-art welding. The quality and beauty of the welds on this made-in-the-USA frame are light-years beyond anything being done in the recumbent world. The new Sport frame has just established a new standard, and the bar is set very,very high.
• Anodized frame. We’ve had the frames bead-blasted and anodized producing a lightly textured finish with three deep, rich, luminescent colors that glow with different hues depending on the angle that the light hits the round tubes. Check it out in the sunlight for its maximum effect.
• Laser etching. That’s right; the logos are actually laser-etched into the anodized frame. This frame is far too nice for stickers so we had to go all out.
• Lower profile. The frame design was tweaked a bit to give you a slightly lower center of gravity to make this trike a bit racier and handle a bit tighter.
• Tighter tolerances. The quality control of tolerances is far beyond anything we’ve done or seen in the market. Parts fit on this trike like perfect puzzle pieces. For example: by design, the boom tube doesn’t quite fit into the receiver tube but with just a slight deflection of the boom clamp with a screwdriver, the boom falls right in without a scratch.
• Lighter frame. Anodizing the frame saves the weight of the powder coat which equates to a quarter pound. This frame weighs in at a measly 5 ¾ pounds.
• Color choices. The new frames come in your choice of three colors: Blue, Red and Silver.
Pricing:TerraTrike is “reintroducing” these trikes at $300 less than retail! No, we’re not crazy, here’s the deal: This is a limited time offer. How limited? Well, we’re not saying. One reason for this new price is due to significant cost savings using lean production methods and more efficient purchasing so we’re passing the savings on to the customer. The other reason for the discount is to help get these trikes out into the market quickly in order to show this beautiful new frame to the world. So take advantage of it while you can, this is an awesome trike at an exceptional price.
Sport = $1899 (was the Access at $2199)
Sport Elite = $2299 (was the Sport at $2599)
Sport Pro = $2699 (was the Race at $2999)
Confused by the name change? Eventually it will simplify our entire catalog. Rather than having three or four separate names for a family of trikes using the same frame, we will have one name for each frame and use 4 different component levels that will be referred to as Base, Elite, Pro, and SL. It will soon become much easier to understand our entire line-up of trikes.
These trikes are available today! So call and order now!
05-15-2009
TerraTrike Road Team In Edina Minnesota Saturday
Come Join us on Saturday and see some new models and accessories,
Sunday we will be participating in te atttempt for the worlds record for largest bike ride too!
Come join the fun!
Edina Bike & Sport
4504 B Valley View Road
Edina, MN 55424
952-922-2453
www.edinabike.com
05-14-2009
Leo Laporte Talks About Getting His New Cruiser
Hosted by "Tech Guru" Leo Laporte of G4 and C-Net fame and MAD’s Magazine’s Maddest Writer and "Giz Wiz" Dick DeBartolo, the Daily Giz Wiz is a popular podcast that features all things cool. Leo talks about his excitement about his forth coming Cruiser and how he expects to use it.
Click here to listen to the podcast
05-12-2009
Live Product Un-veiling This Thursday!
Tune in on Thursday May 14th at 2:00 EST and witness the live un-veiling of a brand new TerraTrike model. We will be broadcasting live on the internet and answering your questions shortly after. Point your browsers to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/terratrike shortly before 2:00 EST and prepare to be blown away.
Popcorn is optional.
05-04-2009
Economic Stimulus Sale Debuts!
Now when you purchase a new TerraTrike direct or from any dealers, you will qualify for a FREE seat bag and Safety Flag. A $70 VALUE!
The Economic Stimulus promotion runs from May 4 through May 31, 2009. Customers purchasing a trike must send in their warranty card along with a copy of the sales receipt to qualify for the free bag and flag. Bags and flags will be shipped to the customer within 1 week of us receiving the documents.
04-29-2009
TerraTrike Custom Shop Unveiled
Are you the kind of person that just can’t stand anything "Standard". Want a pimped out ride with a 42" plasma TV, spinners and 5.1 surround stereo? Ummmmm........okay, we can do that. The TerraTrike Custom Shop is now open for your customizing needs. The custom program is aimed at taking care of customers that want a little something extra-special on their trikes. For a modest up-charge, TerraTrike Custom Shop will provide you with the components you REALLY want on your trike.
Click here for more details.
04-29-2009
TerraTrike Showroon Grand Opening This Weekend
Where: TerraTrike Clubhouse / Showroom / Factory 4525 Stauffer Ave SE Kentwood MI 49508
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Come celebrate the opening of our new showroom with free test rides outside or in our indoor track. We will have all 10 models available as well as some special surprises. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and we’ll be having hourly raffles on accessories. Rain or shine.
We will also have special offers on all trike sales for the event AND will be unveiling 2 new never seen before models at noon. Be the first to drool over these babies!
We are at the end of the beautiful Paul Henry Bike Path, so make a day of it and bring your trike, or purchase a new one, and ride the trail afterwards. Forecasts are predicting a beautiful day for triking!
We look forward to seeing you there!
04-27-2009
TerraTrike Featured on Giz Wiz Podcast
Hosted by "Tech Guru" Leo Laporte of G4 and C-Net fame and MAD’s Magazine’s Maddest Writer and "Giz Wiz" Dick DeBartolo, the Daily Giz Wiz is a popular podcast that features all things cool. Prompted by a letter written in from fellow TerraTrike owner Larry Blakely asking for some awareness to the "Best Buddies" ride he is doing in Maine, the guys talked about TerraTrikes and perused the website on air commenting several times how "These Are Cool!" and "I Want One Of These!".
Click here to listen to the podcast (TerraTrike featured at the 11 minute mark)
04-22-2009
Happy Earth Day
Although we build the worlds most comfortable earth friendly vehicle, we think there is still room for everyone to do a little more. We especially like #6!
So here is a list of small things everyone can do to help make this world more sustainable.
1. Slow the Flow
A faucet leaking just one drop per second wastes over 1,300 gallons per year! A leak from a hot water source wastes both water and fossil fuel, creating more greenhouse gasses. Most repairs to plumbing fixtures pay for themselves within just a year. Fix it!
2. Think Green When You Clean
Cleaning products that contain chlorine or petroleum distillates expose your family to toxins and then end up in the ecosystem. Choose nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, which are proven effective but won’t cause long term damage to the Earth.
3. Choose Both SidesEvery year, pulp mills release over one trillion gallons of chlorine-tainted water as part of the paper making process. Using the other side of the paper can cut that pollution almost in half! And choose recycled paper—especially processed-chlorine-free recycled paper.
4. ’Green’ Your Machine
Americans waste over 700 million gallons of gasoline each year just because tires aren’t properly inflated. Millions more are wasted because our vehicles aren’t properly tuned up. Keep your machine running ‘Green!’ You’ll save money and reduce emissions!
5. Meat Less for Dinner
Once a week, plan a meat alternative for dinner. Enjoy pasta with a marinara or Alfredo sauce, meatless chili burritos, or even grilled veggie burgers! Reducing meat consumption conserves fresh water, saves topsoil, and even reduces air pollution!
6. Walk, Hike, Ride a Bike
If people in the U.S. would occasionally ride a bike for a short errand instead of driving a car, over 70 million gallons of fuel could be saved each year! And there’s the added benefit of enjoying the fresh air and exercise! For short errands, take a hike!
7. Plant a Tree Every Earth Day!
Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. It also provides shade that keeps homes and cities cooler!
8. Give Weeds a ’Hand’
Herbicides aren’t the only way to control weeds, and they’re certainly not the most environment-friendly way! Invest in a good pair of gloves and garden tools, and remove weeds by hand. Also, choose natural alternatives to pesticides for getting rid of pests!
9. Lighten Your Energy Bill
There’s a brighter way to light your home: new Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Compared to regular bulbs, CFLs last 10 times longer, use only 1/4 the energy and pro-duce 90% less heat—yet they produce more light per watt! Brighten the future: go CFL!
10. Reduce, Reuse Recycle
It’s more than just a slogan. You can start making the world a ‘greener’ place today: return hangers to the cleaners, donate clothing and computers to charities, pack lunches in reusable containers instead of bags, there are hundreds of easy things to do! It’s up to you!
04-15-2009
TerraTrike Showroom Now Open Saturdays
Our newly re-designed showroom is now open on Saturdays for the Spring and Summer from 11:00 to 3:00 EST. Stop in and test ride on our indoor track, parking lot or the nearby trail. We will be staffed with a mechanic and be able to install accessories also.
04-06-2009
TerraTrike Debuts New Trike Cover
Product manager Mike Kessenich says, ’This is a really nice addition to our ever-expanding line of accessories. We have had customers asking for this as well as our recently introduced Seat Cushion. We value their input and respond accordingly. While this new Trike Cover is designed specifically for our TerraTrikes it will work on many other tadpole trikes’.
TerraTrike has a wide range of recumbent trikes from which to choose and has a very large offering of accessory items to compliment them. From easy-going afternoon rides down the bike path to touring cross-country TerraTrike has it all.
• Light weight, yet durable waterproof nylon.
• One size fits all.
• Expandable rear area to accommodate large rear wheels, trunk pack and panniers.
• Pocket expansion for head rest.
• Keeps dust and dirt off of your trike during off-season storage inside.
• Keeps rain and sun off of your trike during outside storage.
The trike cover is reasonably priced with an MSRP of just $39.95 and is now in stock. Click here for more info and ordering.
04-02-2009
TerraTrike Featured In Rapid Growth Media Video
03-25-2009
Design TerraTrike’s Next T-Shirt Contest
Think you’re creative? Witty? Always wanted to get into the fashion business? Here’s your chance to become the star you’ve always known you were. TerraTrike is accepting designs for their next T-Shirt. Submit your design to us and we will select a winner and make the shirt available to everyone.
You’ll get a free t-shirt, some other great swag, the admiration of all your fellow trikers, and the ability to remain smug in the fact that you are better than all of them.
The rules are simple. The design must fit on the front of a shirt (no backs, sides, sleeves, etc.), contain no nudity or offensive language and contian our TerraTrike logo somewhere in the design. Logo artwork is available here.
Submissions must be in the form of JPG or PDF, and emailed to contest@terratrike.com. Contest will run until April 30 and a winner will be selected from the entries shortly after. All designs become the property of WizWheelz Inc.
03-18-2009
New 8 Speed Paths Are Here!
Interest in this model has been high and we suspect this batch won’t last long. So don’t hesitate to order yours now.
We will be working hard to get all pre-orders shipped in the next couple days.
03-17-2009
Wear Green Or Be Green!
In the spirit of St. Patricks Day, we here at TerraTrike would like to challenge everyone to try and BE GREEN as well as wear green for todays holiday. Do your part, even if it’s just something small.
We here at the TerraTrike clubhouse are going to close the shop for an hour and trike 10 miles (round trip) to our favorite lunch destination en masse.
How about you? What are you going to do?
03-16-2009
New 26" Rear Wheels Now Available
“That was wicked fast! I want one now!” –Customer test riding on the indoor TerraTrike test track.
The 26” rear wheel kit is available with a CST tire for the standard Zoomer or with a Schwalbe Marathon tire for the Zoomer Elite.
Wheels are expected to start shipping by end of March.
Click here for more information and ordering.
03-13-2009
Bentrider Showcases Snakeskin Trike
Pictures don’t do it justice and unfortunately neither does the video
Click here to check out this amazing trike
03-06-2009
TerraTrike Crew Interviews Swarm For Upcoming Film
The TerraTrike film crew was down in Ft. Meyers this week to film the swarm of retired women trikers for an upcoming episode of Part Of The SolutionRead their story here and check out some of the photos of this great group of gals.
03-02-2009
Introducing the Path 8 Speed
The Path 8 has disc brakes, an 8 speed drive train, and a chromoly frame. Unlike aluminum frame trikes, the chromoly Path 8 will absorb road vibration and give you the ride you’ve always dreamed of at a price that can’t be beat.
The Path 8 come in a beautiful sunset gold powder coat finish.
This is another great “bang for the buck” from TerraTrike that can’t afford to be missed. Click here to see more and click here to read the full press release.
02-27-2009
TerraTrike Florida Trip
The schedule only allowed for a short two hour visit at Bicycle Outfitters but it was time well spent. "It was awesome to meet the crew at Bicycle Outfitters" said Jack Wiswell, "we had limited time there but getting the chance to communicate and exchange ideas with these guys was priceless."
The TerraTrike boys then spent a full day at Suncoast helping out with their TerraTrike Rally & Open House. "Suncoast rolled out the red carpet for us! We had the time to really do this right. Charlie advertised to his customer list and in the newspaper. There were hoards of people test-riding all day long and Suncoast sold several trikes as a result of this rally and attracted many customers new to his shop. We also had time to gather valuable feedback from the sales and assembly staff, and enjoyed hanging out with the Suncoast guys after hours." said Wayne Oom.
They also had a couple of days of perfect weather for new product test-riding. "We’ve been testing our 26" inch rear wheel Zoomer trike in the warehouse this winter but this was the first time we had a chance to test it outdoors at speed" said Oom, "we were even able to test it against a competitor’s 26" wheel trike and WOW! We knew this Zoomer was going to be hot but it even surprised us. It tracks such a straight line and there is no upper body induced wag in the back with our trike. And if you haven’t tried the Zoomer with our new horizontal handlebar design you need to do it now. The added balance and leverage makes the trike handle brilliantly at speed. Other trikes with headsets feel twitchy at high speeds compared to this machine. The staff at both shops went nuts over this trike. If you’re considering a trike with a large rear wheel, make sure you try a Zoomer with the dropout extensions before you purchase. And here’s a tip, don’t just ride figure 8s in the parking lot, get it on a bike trail or road and get it up to speed. You’ll see the difference."
It was a great trip and the TerraTrike staff is excited about scheduling more of these dealer visits and in-store events. Their next tour stop is back to Florida to visit Paradise Bicycles in Cape Coral on March 4th in the afternoon. If you’re in the Fort Myers area, check out Paradise Bicycles - one of TerraTrike’s newest dealers.
02-25-2009
TerraTrike Flag Fest
The TerraTrike safety flag we all know and love is now customizable! TerraTrike has added nine different flag designs that can be added to your safety flag in place of the “wavy fingers”. After removing the wavy fingers, simply Velcro your new flag extension in place on the WizWheelz/TerraTrike logo flag. Flag extension designs include: United States flag, Checkered flag, Flame-Job flag, “Union Jack” British flag, Tie-dyed Hippie Triker flag, and Peace Sign flag. Also, who could forget such favorites as: “Hello My Name Is” flag, “Jolly Roger” skull and cross-bones flag, and the soon to be famous “Anti-Gas Pump” flag and our own “Don’t Tread On Me” Snake flag.
These flag add-ons are way too cool to pass up. You can pick them up for just $9.95 each. Click here to see the different styles
If you don’t have one already, you will need a WizWheelz/TerraTrike safety flag to add this flag extension to your trike. They sell for just $19.95 each.
02-05-2009
TerraTrike Founders to Visit Florida
Tour Stop #1: Saturday Feb. 7th 3:30 – 5:00 at Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole Florida (near St. Petersburg). Test rides, meet & greet, Q&A, etc.
Tour Stop #2: Tuesday Feb. 10th 9:30 – 5:00 at Suncoast Bicycles Plus in Inverness Florida. Test rides, meet & greet, Q&A, etc. Want to ride with them? Join them as they lead a ride on Tuesday afternoon from Suncoast.
"We selected Florida for our first two Tour Stops because two of our top 10 dealers are within a short drive of each other and it gives us some time to do some warm weather product testing in between events" said Oom. "We’re looking forward to meeting our dealers, their crews, and TerraTrike enthusiasts in Florida. Plus, we’ve got something new to show off. Come out and join us - this will be fun!"
Future Tour Stops will be announced as they’re scheduled.
02-03-2009
TerraTrike Launches Limited Edition Snakeskin Trike
“We listened to a lot of people that not only wanted more unique styles but also custom colors and designs”, says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Manager. “As always, we decided to step it up and not just offer a new color and a couple of stripes, but a truly innovative approach.”
The limited edition trike comes not only with the custom snakeskin frame, but also custom snakeskin coated Velocity rims and wheels, a custom embroidered seat mesh with a snake logo, and a custom “Don’t Tread On Me” flag. “You won’t see this on any other trike out there,” says Yonker.
“We are constantly improving our design and products. With the Snakeskin, we feel we’ve given the customer something unique that they cannot get any where else.”
Click here to learn more
02-02-2009
TerraTrike Launches Online Garage Sale
“We needed to make room for our Spring inventory and this stuff was piling up”, says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director. “Rather than just donate or throw it out, we figured there was someone who could possibly use one of these items. There are some really great priced items in there.”
All inquires regarding items and sales should be directed through sales coordinator Ben Williams at 800-945-9910.
Click here to browse through the items for sale.
01-09-2009
Lifetime Warranty Is Back!
"The truth was we had very few warranty claims anyways and we wanted to send the message that we do stand behind our products." says Marketing Manager Jeff Yonker. "Again, this is just another reason to own the most comfortable trike in the world."
Details of the warranty can be found by clicking here.
01-08-2009
Canine Powered TerraTrikes
The harness allows for you to walk up to 2 dogs or to actually use them as mushers and pull you along.
12-23-2008
Holiday Hours
12-16-2008
The Dog Days Of Winter
Thanks to our super dealer Charlie at Sun Coast Bicycles for bringing this to our attention.
12-16-2008
Time Running Out For Flex Money
If approved by a physician as an exercise or rehabilitation tool, your trike can be purchased pre-tax!
However, most Flex accounts run out on January 1st, so plan ahead. You can still also take advantage of our free "Bag & Flag" promotion as well as 2008 pricing to save a bundle! Now is the perfect time to purchase!
11-21-2008
Grand Rapids MI Ranks 19th Healthiest City in America
The CDC’s city-by-city report is based on annual health surveys. Residents were asked to rate their health as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.
We’d like to think it’s because of all the residents are riding around on their Terratrikes.
Read the complete article here.
11-12-2008
Holiday Bag and Flag Sale!
We are resurrecting our "Bag and Flag" Holiday Sale.From now through January 2nd, any customer who purchases a new TerraTrike either directly from us or from one of our great dealers will receive a free seat bag and safety flag. That’s a $70 value!
All you have to do is send in your warranty card and a receipt showing where you purchased it and we’ll mail it right to you. Customers purchasing directly from TerraTrike will receive their bag and flag in with their trike delivery.
Now is the best time to purchase your trike! Lead times are short and this offer only runs through January 2nd, so hurry before it ends.
11-03-2008
Triking In Paradise
Our buddy Dan Price, the self proclaimed hobo artist is at it again. He has landed in the Hawaiian island of Oahu with a brand new TerraTrike Zoomer Elite and is planning on riding across several of the islands over the next couple of months.He has been writing his next moonlight chronicles book while on this tour as well as taking some great photos of his travels.
Check out his adventure via the moonlight chronicles website and his photos along the way.
10-31-2008
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
10-29-2008
TerraTrike Sets Sales Record Despite Sluggish Economy
“I think people are choosing to invest in their own health” says Marketing Manager Jeff Yonker. “Health conscious people are looking at these as not only a way to ditch the gym membership, but also as a more economical and ecologically friendly way of commuting.”
The TerraTrike has recently been featured on CNN’s iReport as well as Nickleodeon’s game show My Family’s Got Guts. “We continue to promote awareness of the brand and it’s showing in our sales” says Yonker. “Our dealers are seeing significant traffic and sales because of it also.”
10-20-2008
New TerraTrike Catalogs Are Here!
Thank you to everyone who has requested a catalog and been waiting. We think you’ll be pleased.
You can request, view or download the catalog by clicking here
Dealers will be getting new copies in their kit boxes with their next order.
10-10-2008
TerraTrike Creates Presence on Facebook
09-24-2008
Limited Hours During InterBike Show
09-17-2008
TerraTrike Featured In Rapid Growth Media Article
09-15-2008
TerraTrikes To Be Featured On Nickelodeon Gameshow
TerraTrikes will be featured on the kids cable channel Nickelodeon’s new show titled "My Family’s Got Guts".
The game show is an obstacle course type race pitting one family against another. The TerraTrikes will be the vehicle of choice for one of the elective stages.
"We are really excited to be a part of this show" says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Director at TerraTrike. "Many of us here grew up on the original Guts show from many years ago and it’s neat to see a whole new generation enjoying TerraTrikes. We hope this encourages familys to get out and trike as a family"
The show, which is filmed in Orlando Florida premiers tonight and airs regularly at 8PM ET.
Extreme Sports + Family Time = GUTS!
Nickelodeons My Family’s Got Guts Official Homepage
09-15-2008
Cruisers Have Arrived!
We just recieved our shipment of Cruisers today and already they’re going fast. Hurry to get your order in as these won’t last long.
08-05-2008
Grand Rapids Press Features TerraTrike
Local trikemakers riding high
Monday, August 04, 2008
By Kristi Jourdan
The Grand Rapids Press
KENTWOOD -- They call it the "TerraTrike grin."
It’s the toothy smile first-time riders have as they slide into the beach chair-like seat of a TerraTrike, a low-riding recumbent tricycle.
But its makers at WizWheelz Inc. in Kentwood are smiling for another reason. As gas prices hit $4, the company’s sales have noticeably increased.
People are trading their four wheels for three.
"People want to get on the green bandwagon, and we built the bandwagon," said Jeff Yonker, marketing manager. "Every time the gas prices go up, the phone’s been ringing off the hook. People are looking for alternatives to get to work."
WizWheelz doubled it’s space in January and might need more room soon.The company, which says it is the largest in the world and the only in Michigan making recumbent trikes, assembles them in the Kentwood warehouse to be shipped to customers worldwide.
WizWheelz uses parts from local suppliers as well as overseas.
About 90 dealers nationwide carry TerraTrikes, which come fully assembled. The trikes can be taken to any bike shop for repairs and adjustments because parts are similar to traditional bicycles.
TerraTrike’s reclined seating spreads the rider’s body weight over a larger area, increasing comfort, while easy handling and pedaling allow for a safer ride, the company says.
Riders also are closer to the ground, giving a shorter distance to fall should an accident occur. And the feet-up position allows the body to effectively circulate blood, increasing oxygen to the muscles for a longer, less tiring ride, the company says.
"People are realizing they can save money on gas but also ditch the gym membership," Yonker said. "We’ve seen unprecedented growth within the last year."
Although the company doesn’t claim to be "treehugging," its 12 employees do everything they can to be environmentally friendly. Only hand tools and a limited amount of electricity are used to assemble the trikes, which usually take one person almost two hours to put together.
After riding 1,000 miles, riders will balance out the trike’s carbon footprint, the company says.
"Our motto is, ’Be part of the solution.’ We’re not telling people to stop driving cars; we’re just showing them this is one way they can make a difference," Yonker added.
Send e-mail to the author: kjourdan@grpress.com
08-04-2008
New Trade With TerraTrike Contest Announced!
A new Trade With TerraTrike contest has just been announced with 9 ways for someone to trade for a new trike. This months trike is the Path ($999).
07-28-2008
TerraTrike Dealer Featured On Public Radio
Local Alfred Station, NYl bike shop owner and TerraTrike dealer Peter Stull of the Bicycle Man was featured this past week on Public Radios "The Environmental Report"
The spot which featured Stull and his shop, talked about the surge in recumbent bike sales
Bicycles are about as green as you can get. They’re economical and provide great exercise. But a lot of people draw the line at hunching over those skinny, hard seats. There are bikes that offer more ways to ride, whatever your age or size.
07-27-2008
TerraTrikes featured on WZZM TV spot
Even the foosball table made a cameo!
Click here to view the video or watch below.
07-18-2008
Trade With TerraTrike Winner Announced
We announced the winner of our first ever Trade With TerraTrike Contest today.
And theWinner is...
Jeffrey Wollberg!
Jeff was able to trade us full accomodations with a couple condos in Las Vegas for the week of the InterBike convention (Which we were going to go to anyways). Now it has turned into an employee team building week getaway. WooHoo!
The trade offers were funny, ingenious and generous. It made for alot of heated discussions and bell laughs around the clubhouse. Many of these offers were worthy of the trade but we had to pick just one.
So congratulations to our first winner, Jeffrey, and thanks to everyone who participated. It was an over whelming experience for us. The response was greater than we expected and several of the offers were real contenders. Because of the success of this, we have decided to keep the ball rolling and do another trade contest next month.
This one will be even bigger and have more opportunities for several of you to trade. Feel free to re-submit your same offer or dress it up a bit - we might take you up on it next time. Watch August 1 for details.
We’re still keeping our fingers crossed for a wienermobile!
07-07-2008
TerraTrike Featured On CNN Segment
TerraTrike founders Jack Wiswell and Wayne Oom as well as Marketing Manager Jeff Yonker were featured on CNN Internationals weekly show called The iReport this weekend.
The segment which talks about the “Going Green” movement and small businesses that are making a difference interviewed the three at their shop in Kentwood Michigan.
“Our Part Of The Solution video featuring Dan Price is what caught their attention” said Yonker, “and they not only were intrigued by his story, but also by the TerraTrike itself and the culture here at WizWheelz”.
The iReport airs on Saturday (6:00pm EST), Sunday (6:00pm EST) and Tuesday (1:30pm EST) and our segment can be viewed at http://www.cnn.com/ireportforcnn or below. Look for the TerraTrike segment at 4:27 into the video.
07-01-2008
Car Free Challenge Starts Today
Second annual TerraTrike Car-Free Challenge hosted by BentriderOnline begins today!
Live without your car for 30 days between the dates of July 1 and August 15th and qualify to win free a TerraTrike Cruiser! Contestants will keep an online diary of their daily challenges, adventures, and milestones. One participant will take home a new TerraTrike Cruiser! Participate (or just follow along) by signing up for a free BikeJournal.com account and join the group entitled ’BentRider Car-Free Challenge’. Then simply log your trips and keep a diary of your progress. The winner will be chosen at random. This was a lot of fun last year and we’re very excited to sponsor this great event once again. So make your plans now to park that gas guzzler for 30 days and join the challenge. Can YOU do it?
More details are available on bentrideronline.com.
07-01-2008
TerraTrike Employees Challenge Each Other In Commute Contest
In tandem with the "Car Free Challenge", Employees at TerraTrike have started a contest to see which employee can commute the most miles and most days to work for the month of July
"We all commute to work depending on our schedules anyways" says Marketing Director Jeff Yonker, "So we thought we should have a contest along side the 30 day challenge. The winner not only gets a paid day off, but more importantly bragging rights around the shop".
You can check the leader board daily at http://www.terratrike.com/challenge.php
07-01-2008
Holiday Hours
06-30-2008
Paths are back in stock!
Paths are back in stock but they’re going fast. Hurry to get your order in as these won’t last long.
06-30-2008
Last Day of "Trade With TerraTrike" Contest
Already the "Trade With TerraTrike" contest has been an overwhelming hit! Today is the last day for submissions and we will accept them up until 12:00 p.m.
We will then be taking a breather to look over all the entries and decide which one we’ll pick. It’s going to be tough - there are a lot of good ones.
05-31-2008
Cruisers Sell Out In Record Time! Hotter Than Hannah Montana Tickets!
Our shipment arrived at yesterday at 8:30 a.m. and we were officially sold out by 1:30, selling out faster than the Hannah Montana concert here this past winter. This is a record for us.
We have a limited quantity of Cruisers coming in late June, so get your orders in NOW. Seriously!
Otherwise our next batch after that is scheduled to arrive late July.
05-30-2008
Cruisers are Back In Stock! Again!
We just recieved our shipment of Cruisers today and already they’re going fast. Hurry to get your order in as these won’t last long.
05-30-2008
Tours Also Back in Stock!
05-29-2008
2008 Car Free Challenge
Bentrider Online along with TerraTrike is again sponsoring the second annual Car-Free Challenge. We will be providing the winner with a brand new Cruiser. The Car-Free Challenge encourages people to use a bike (or Trike) exclusively for the entire month of July. Contestants will keep an online diary of their daily challenges, adventures, and milestones. Participate (or just follow along) by signing up for a free BikeJournal.com account and join the group entitled ’BentRider Car-Free Challenge’. Then simply log your trips and keep a diary of your progress. The winner will be chosen at random. This was a lot of fun last year so make your plans now to park that gas guzzler for the month of July and join the challenge. Can YOU do it? More details are available on bentrideronline.com.
05-16-2008
Cruisers Out Of Stock
We are currently sold out of Cruisers.
We are currently taking orders for the next batch which is tenatively scheduled to arrive in early June, however, similar to the last shipment, these too are going quickly so be sure to get your orders in soon.
In the meantime, can we interest you in a Zoomer?
05-15-2008
New Website Launches
In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve launched our new website (you’re soaking in it now) and it contains some new exciting features. Along with a newly redesigned look and feel, the site features videos, interactivity, a virtual salesman, a Dealer intranet and a new shopping cart.
Stop reading and go look around. You can come back when your done - we’ll wait for you.
“We’ve re-designed this site from the ground up” says Jeff Yonker, Marketing Manager and web designer for WizWheelz. “The old site had been up since 2005 and had accomplished it’s purpose, but we needed to bring it up to date in line with our current re-branding campaign and to take advantage of current technologies”.
“We are hoping to bring more people into the triking lifestyle. The new site has an ever growing community section that promotes not only triking, but environmental and health awareness. Our riders feel as passionate as we do about triking, and we want to include them into our family and give them an opportunity to contribute to the site”.
05-12-2008
May 16th is Bike To Work Day
When is the last time you smelled the honeysuckle in springtime during your morning commute? Or pulled into the parking lot with a big smile plastered across your face, pumped with endorphins and ideas? Or lost weight just by going back and forth to work every day?
Likely never, if you slide behind the wheel of a metal box and fight the freeway each morning. But what if one day you left the car in the driveway and rode a bike instead?
The League of American Bicyclists is promoting Bike-to-Work Week from May 12-16 and Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16.
So pedal to work and become Part Of The Solution
05-09-2008
Cruisers Are Back In Stock!
Our latest shipment of Cruisers have arrived and we are fulfilling our back orders as quickly as possible. Although this shipment gives us Cruisers for stock - that stock is quickly being sold so get in your orders today before they run out again!
05-05-2008
Dan Price Visits And Works On New Project
Our good friend and hobo artist Dan Price has spent the last couple weeks at the TerraTrike shop working on a top secret new project and decorating the walls with his original art work.
Dan has been feverishly working on a new trike design code named ’The Vagabond’ and it is rumored to be a tank capable of carrying the multitude of gear he takes with him on his tours.
Besides working on his project, he has been acting as our in-house artist and contributing his unique style to our photos, walls and adding a unique perspective to our lively conversations.
Catch up with where Dan is currently through his blog
03-12-2008
As Gas Prices Increase, Local Company Profits.
The local Kentwood company is the nation’s largest manufacturer of 3 wheel recumbent trikes and sells both direct and through a dealer network. ’We’re seeing an increase not just locally, but also with all our dealers across the U.S.’ says Yonker. ’I think people are just getting sick and tired of paying top dollar for gas, and with commuting distances getting shorter, riding a bike or trike to work makes a lot more sense on the pocket book.’
Combined with the health benefits and the environmentally friendly aspects of ‘pedal power’, bike and trike sales are up nationwide. ’You want to get on the ‘Green’ bandwagon? Well, we built the bandwagon!’ say Yonker.
WizWheelz has set a sales record for January and February, and March is shaping up to be the same. Yonker states, ’And we haven’t even gotten into our busy season yet. When the warm weather breaks, you’re going to see everyone on a TerraTrike.’
Kentwood, MI 49508
616-455-5988 800-945-9910
