Test Ride FAQs
Test riding is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR in choosing the right trike. RPDX has over 20 demo trikes to test ride and we’re always happy to join you on test rides. Test ride as long and as often as you need to be sure. Here’s a link to our safety rules and ride waiver.
Come Ride Trikes!
Where Can I Test Ride?
Our favorite rides are right out our front door
- Ladds Addition -Called the nation’s most bike-friendly neighborhood
- The Tilikum Crossing -the world’s largest car free bridge- over the Willamette River
- 600 foot climb to the pine-covered summit of Mt. Tabor -the perfect hill-climbing test (motorized or not)
- Historic Riverview Cemetery bike path -a 13 mile roundtrip with about 900 feet of elevation
- Hinson Church Parking lot if you want a car and pedestrian-free environment
Can I Bring a Friend?
Absolutely! Bring friends and family members. We’re happy to get EVERYBODY out of a fabulously-fun test ride.
Will RPDX Join Me for a Test Ride?
Absolutely! We’re great guides and we’re always happy to get outdoors for some riding!!
What Should I Bring? What Should I Wear?
- No fancy biking clothes required -come comfortably-dressed
- Enclosed toe/heel shoes are a must for safe test riding
- If you already have bike shoes, bring them
- If you have a helmet in good working order, bring it. Otherwise, we have S-M-L loaner helmets
- Got a friend, spouse or family member coming along? We’ll get everybody set up for a test ride
Will the Trike Fit Me?
We’re experts at fitting. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and even take a spin or two around the showroom floor before we head out side.
What if I Have Adaptive Riding Needs?
We love helping folks overcome injury or physical limitation to embrace the joy of cycling. We’ve made something of a specialty fitting fitting those living with Parkinson’s, Ataxia, CP, ALS and MS as well as those recovering from balance deficits, stroke, orthopedic surgery and injury. Even those just looking to get back out on the road after a long absence.
We keep a completely line of adaptive components to help overcome most barriers to riding – If you have the desire, we’ll do our best to get you safely enjoying the joy of cycling again
We already have demos on the floor set up for many special needs, feel free to give us an advance call -we’re always happy to specially-outfit a demo trike just for you.
Learn more on our Adaptive Riding page
Did Somebody Say "Treats!"?
We want to make sure to make sure RPDX is the best shopping experience you ever have! Relax at our kitchen table between test rides and enjoy Mel’s homemade gluten-free energy bars and chocolate custards, Janet’s fresh-baked muffins, fruit, sparkling drinks and cappuccino.
Does RPDX REALLY Have More Demo Catrikes Than Any Shop in the World?!!
We really have more Demo Catrikes than anywhere in the world!! Check them out on our Demo Fleet Page.
In addition to EVERY Catrike, we’ve got Bosch and Bafang Motors for many of them. Plus electronic and manual shift Rohloff, 3×3 Internally Geared Hubs you can’t test ride ANYWHERE ELSE!
We’ve got adaptive accessories on demos including heel support pedals, assist arms for getting in and out of the trike. We’ve got holders for your cane or walking stick. We’ve got left or right single-side controls (for those living with hemiparesis).
And, every imaginable accessory!
Can I Ride a Demo With a Motor Kit?
All of our trikes can be outfitted with a motor kit -at time of sale or even after years of use.
We have multiple demo Catrikes with Bosch Smart System and Bafang motor kits.
Motor Kits provide safe, reliable enjoyment -allowing you to
Extend your ride -so you can see more
Enjoy cycling with partners faster than you
Easily overcome barriers -like steep hills
Be confident you can throttle home if you become fatigued
For those whose cycling is limited -due to stroke, Parkinson’s, Ataxia, ALS, MS, CP or amputation- motor kits can replace lost functionality. We often pair adaptive accessories with a motor kit
You can learn more in our Motor Kit section
Do I Need an Appointment?
So, you can be sure of getting our full attention, RecumbentPDX is by appointment only.
We can often do same-day appointments, but -if you’re traveling from out-of-town- it’s best to give us a couple days’ notice.
Also, if you’ve got complex riding needs, we’ll want to know so we can block out a bit more time
Will I Get Safety Training Before I Ride?
Pre-test ride, we’ll review safety and answer questions. No questions are off limits.
You can also learn about trike safety from the New Rider Safety video on our Maintenance page. While your there, we have videos on gear shifting, tire care and other helpful topics.
If you’d still feel more comfortable with a little company, Janet and Mel are always happy to join you for a ride.
Can I Read the RPDX Test Ride Waiver?
You can read and sign our test ride waiver ahead of time or when you’re in the shop. Before we test ride, we’ll reinforce trike safety and answer any safety questions you have. We also have our New Rider Safety video on our Maintenance page. While your there, we have videos on gear shifting, tire care and other helpful topics
And If I'm Ready to Purchase?
There’s never any rush to buy at RPDX -we always go at your pace. But, when you are ready to buy, we have more Catrikes and Bosch and Bafang motor kits in inventory than any store on the West Coast. Our mechanics can often have trikes fitted and ready to take home same day -though, complex builds such as Rohloff, 3X3 Nine and some motor kits can take an overnight.
Trike with Friends!