7

Are there standard technical terms for the location of the wheels on tricycles? I was writing up an answer to another question and was using clumsy terms such as front-wheel on a delta and rear wheel on a tadpole for the singleton wheel that isn't part of a pair. I assume we could just call the singleton the drive-wheel or steering wheel, depending on the configuration although that doesn't always work.

I'm particularly interested if there is a configuration-neutral term for the wheels that are paired (front wheels on a tadpole; rear wheels on a delta). They are what make tricycles unique in being located side-to-side of the rider and they are unique in having single-sided hubs, etc. Are they collectively called the paired wheels, side wheels, or something else? Or is there no agreement and we have to specify the configuration (tadpole/delta) and location (front/rear) each time?

Tricycle designs

Improve this question
9
  • 2
    You can use "the single wheel/the pair of wheels" if it's clear you're talking about a trike, e.g. "The pair of wheels must be the same size, the single wheel is often smaller". But this is of limited benefit (hence I don't think it's an answer).
    – Chris H
    Feb 3, 2017 at 9:30
  • 1
    I vote for "paired" wheels. I haven't ever heard an actual term to distinguish them.
    – Deleted User
    Feb 3, 2017 at 16:24
  • Note that not all trikes have paired wheels - sidecar bikes, for instance (and equivalent single-seat designs that are mostly antiques.. this! goldenoldy.org/trike.jpg) I edited some pics and links into the question because they're not an answer, they just make the question harder
    – Nuі
    Feb 4, 2017 at 0:48
  • Criggie and I have approved Nui's edit. Feel free to rollback or edit further :-)
    – andy256
    Feb 4, 2017 at 2:09
  • 2
    Sorry, I rolled back as it went against my original question intent too much. I'm looking for standard terminology for standard designs. I think alternate tricycle designs would be a great separate question. I would have broken it apart myself, but don't want to take credit for a great separate question.
    – RoboKaren
    Feb 4, 2017 at 4:43

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

I have been in the recumbent business for over 10 years and have not ever heard a technical term to distinguish the pair of wheels versus the single wheel. As there is so little standardization it would be difficult to describe the wheels without ever running into someone misunderstanding. I used to manufacture front wheel drive two wheeled recumbents and already got into problems since 'my' front wheels were really rear wheels (135mm hub spacing) and 'my' rear wheels were actually front wheels (100mm hub spacing). Then I started to experiment with trikes where I used a delta setup with a single powered wheel on the front (still 'my' front wheel that was still actually a rear wheel) and two single-sided hub wheels.

Whenever I had wheels made I found it best to describe as much detail as possible (and still sometimes got reversed quantities) and I did the same in my shop.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.