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2011 Trident Stowaway 1
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Starting at: $1369
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Current Availability:
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In addition to the Chameleon Convertitrike, Trident Trikes also offers 2 Folding Single Trikes- The Stowaway I & Stowaway II. Both offer an incredible component mix at a value price.
Both Stowaway models use our Powder Coated Aircraft Quality 4130 Cro-Moly Tig Welded Frame, as well as Avid Brakes/ Promax Levers with Parking Brake, Double Wall Alloy Rims with Kenda Kwest 100 psi Tires, and Ackerman Compensated Crossover Steering, but that is where the similarities end.
The Stowaway I is our Base Model. It uses a Microshift Front Derailleur and a SRAM X5 Rear Derailleur. Shifting is done with SRAM X5 Gripshifters.The Brakes are Avid BB5's .The Seat Frame, handlebar, and Boom is also made of CroMoly and are both powder coated.
The Stowaway II is our High Spec Model. It uses a Microshift Front Derailleur and a Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur. Shifting is done with Bar End Shifters.The Brakes are Avid BB7's.The Crankset is a High End Forged Crankset with CNC Machined Rings, and an Integrated Bottom Bracket. The seat frame, handlebar and boom are Sandblasted and Anodized Aluminum Alloy. For all you Short Crank Afficianados, the Stowaway II will also be available with 160 mm Cranks for an additional $60.
As with all Trident Trikes- we don’t charge you for the extras!! Also included with both models are a Rear Rack, a full set of 3 Fenders, a Safety Flag, a Mirror, and Front and Rear Lights.
Detailed Specifications:
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| Frame Material | ChroMoly Steel |
| Trike Weight | 41 lbs. |
| Front Wheel | 20" (406) / Double Wall Alloy |
| Rear Wheel | 20" (406) / Double Wall Alloy |
| Stock Tires | Kenda Kwest 100PSI |
| Tube Valve | Schraeder |
| Wheelbase | 44.5 in. |
| Wheel Track | 30.7 in. |
| Total Width | 33.4 in. |
| Seat Height | 12 in. |
| Total Assembled Heig | 30 in. |
| Total Length | 76 in. |
| Turning Circle | 148 ft. |
| Gear Inch Range | 17.2 - 92.1 |
| Ground Clearance | 6 |
| Seat Angle | 39/41 degrees |
| Seat Type | Mesh Seat/Steel Frame |
| Seat Width | 17 in. |
| Total Weight Capacit | 275 lbs. |
| Bottom Bracket Heigh | 16 in. |
| X-Seam Range | 37-47 |
| Number of Gear Combi | 27 |
| Shifters | SRAM X5 GripShifters |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X5 |
| Front Derailleur | Microshift |
| Front Brakes | Avid BB5 Mechanical Disk |
| Rear Brake | Avid BB5 Mechanical Disk |
| Break Levers | Promax Alloy w/Lock |
| Front Gearing | 52/42/30 Alloy 170 mm Crankset |
| Rear Gearing | SRAM PG970 11-34 9spd |
| Chain Type | KMC Z9000 |
| Standard Color(s) | Carolina Blue |
| Optional Colors | Wolfpack Red |
| Boom Type | Adjustable ChroMoly Steel |
| Seat Type | Linkage/Indirect |
| Ackerman Steering | Ackerman Compensation |
| Brake Steer | Some |
| Self Centering | Soft |
| Center Point | Yes |
| Pedals | Alloy w/ toe-clips |
| Mirror | 1 Included |
| Flag | Included |
| Fenders | Full Set Included |
| Rack | Included |
| Chain Tubes | Yes |
Special Features: Includes front and rear light.
Trident Trikes Stowaway I & II Review
By Ashley Guy and the Utah Trikes Team
The self-proclaimed "New Kid on the Block," Trident Trikes has caused a big stir in the recumbent world. When Tom Flohr, the founder of Trident Trikes, first called me and told me what he had in planned I wondered if he could really pull it off. He said he was producing a folding trike with good components for only $1299. My first thought as a trike reseller was "that's way too low of a price," and my next thought was "I wonder what kind of compromises he's going to make to get the price down." Well, I eagerly told him to put my name down as a dealer and send me some trikes as soon as he got them. The emails and calls started coming in almost immediately. Unfortunately, I couldn't really answer the questions regarding quality until almost 2 months later. When we finally got the aptly-named Stowaway trikes in stock it was an exciting day.
There are two foldable models from Trident Trikes, similar trikes with a few key differences, named the Stowaway I and Stowaway 2. So, what do we think? Does the Trident Stowaway live up to the hype? Read on and see what we think.
Frame
The Stowaway I and II frames are identical, which means for the most part these trikes will perform and handle the same. The frames are made from chromoly steel (4130) which is pretty standard fare in the cycling world. A key difference between the two Stowaway versions is the chromoly boom on the Stowaway I and the Aluminum boom on the Stowaway II. Trike aficionados will recognize some of the design elements that Trident Trikes has borrowed. This is definitely not a bad thing. I mean who among us hasn't thought "If I could only have the key features of three different trikes all in one?"
The cross arms have a downward v-shaped look similar to some of the European trikes. While not my favorite design, I'm coming around as it does make it much less likely that you'll ever strike your heel and it gives you more room when getting in and out of the trike.
At 41 and 37 lbs, respectively, the Stowaway I and II are not lightweight trikes, but nor do they feel heavy either. The chromoly frame makes the Stowaway very sturdy and provides for a smooth comfortable ride. The aluminum boom on the Stowaway II is responsible for part of its lighter weight. The more rigid aluminum boom also demonstrates a little less boom flex than the chromoly boom. This in turn should translate into a little bit faster speed off the line, but I doubt most people could really tell the difference. The booms on both trikes are adjustable with a reported Xseam of 37-47 inches.
The weld quality on the trikes is a little rough, but in line with the quality of most of the other TIG welded chromoly frames we see from other manufacturers. The one weld that really bothers me is on the end of the derailleur post. While most manufacturers use a plastic cap to cover the top of the post, Trident has welded a plug on the top of the Stowaway II's post that just looks a little weird. Otherwise, the welds appear to be strong and should hold up very good. (NOTE: Tom has informed me that he is planning on switching to a capped end on future production runs.)
The Stowaways are available in either a sparkle red and sparkle blue named "WolfPack Red" or "Carolina Blue" by Trident Trikes. The frames are powder coated then baked, which makes the paint strong and durable. This is standard practice by most manufacturers and provides the most durable paint surface. The decals on all of the Trident Trikes models are applied on top of the powder coat with no clear coat on top. This means that if you are not careful the stickers can be peeled off or scratched.
The main feature that distinguishes the Stowaway from anything else in its price range is the center hinge. The foldability of the frame makes these trikes easy to store and easy to transport. The hinge features a quick release lever making tools unnecessary and the trike very easy to fold. I was concerned that the hinge would be cheap and not solid, but that is definitely not the case. The hinge latch locks with a pin that goes through the opening side and then is fully secured by the quick release clamp. Completely folding the trike only takes about a minute.
Seat
The Stowaway seat is very comfortable with some differences between the two models. The seat frame on the Stowaway I is chromoly steel while the Stowaway II version is a lighter-weight anodized aluminum. 
The seat frames appear to be very durable with two points of connection to the frame. The Stowaway I seat is a bit longer length and also is a little more rounded than the Stowaway II's aluminum seat. This would be a benefit for larger riders as the seat will not hit you uncomfortably under your shoulder blades like shorter seats may. Also the bottom of your seat won't cut into your hind quarters on long rides quite as much as the Stowaway II would. Smaller riders may find the Stowaway II seat to be more comfortable because the top of the seat won't hit your back uncomfortably, and it also has extra padding on the top where the crossbar on the seat frame contacts you. Average size riders will undoubtedly fit well in either size seat. The seats both feature a similar lumbar bend that makes the seat very comfortable to ride in.
The mesh covering makes the seat very breathable for hot weather riding. On the rear of the seat there is a bright neon yellow reflective strip near the top to make you more visible to cars and other riders. The seat mesh features a small zipper bag in the same spot as the reflective strip that is big enough to carry either a spare tube or your cell phone and keys.
The seat features two different, but limited, seat angles, 39 or 41 degrees. The seat frame has special "dropouts" that allow the seat to use quick releases to attach the seat directly to the trike frame. 
The quick releases are a nice feature which makes collapsing the trike for transporting it very easy. It would not take much to make a bracket allowing the seat to be angled forward more. Tom has told me that an optional hardshell seat will be made available as an upgrade in the future.
Drivetrain
Besides the aluminum boom and seat frame pieces, the main difference between the two Stowaway models is found in the components used. Both trikes have 27-speed drivetrains. While some sacrifices in the quality of components were made, none of the components are junk. With that said both Stowaway models have better components than those found on other trikes in the same price range.
The Stowaway I uses the SRAM X.5 rear derailleur and shifter set. The X.5 is pretty much a bulletproof setup. It shifts nice and does not need frequent adjustment. The shifters are twist-grips with the standard positioning of the 3-speed front derailleur controlled from the left side and the 9-speed rear derailleur controlled from the right side shifter. The front derailleur is the same Microshift 9 derailleur that has become the de facto standard on most trikes now.
The Stowaway II comes standard with bar end shifters and a Shimano Deore rear derailleur. The Deore derailleur is the most entry level 9-speed derailleur that is compatible with a bar end shifter. The Microshift bar end shifters feel rather low end compared to the standard Shimano Ultegra/Dura Ace shifters used by other manufacturers. They do seem to work fine. Since neither the shifter or derailleur has a built-in cable adjuster there is an inline cable adjuster located in the rear that allows for easy adjustment.
The Stowaway I has a Lasco triple crankset with 52/42/30 chainrings with a square taper bottom bracket, and aluminum chain rings. It's a good durable crankset, and rolls smooth without noise or vibration. The rear cassette is a 9-speed 11-34T SRAM PG970. We like the PG970 as its aluminum sprockets are a bit lighter, run quieter, and shift smoother that steel sprockets.
The Stowaway II crankset is a Samox triple 52/42/30, I've never heard of this brand but they seam to be comparable to a cheap Truvativ Xfire series clone, it has a sealed bottom bracket that roll really smooth. The chainring selection give this model both higher and lower gearing than the Stowaway I. The two bigger chain rings a made of aluminum with a steel chain ring on the small side. 
This crank does feature a really cool built in chainring guard to help keep your pants from getting snagged on a tooth or by the chain, it also keeps the chain from derailling off the big chain ring. The Stowaway II crank can be upgraded to a 160mm version for $60.
Both Stowaway models feature a single idler and tubing to route the chain. The idler is probably the best OEM, non-TerraCycle idler that I've seen. It appears to be milled from some sort of alloy and is very smooth and quiet. The tubing is firmly attached to the frame with spring-like clips that allow them to move freely with gear changes and folding of the trike. The springs also keep the chain tight when the trike is folded.
Brakes
There was no skimping on the brakes, with Avid calipers and rotors used on both Stowaway models. Both trikes use the same 160mm Avid Roundagon rotors on the front wheels. The Stowaway I model comes with Avid BB5 brake calipers while the Stowaway II comes with BB7 calipers. 
Both calipers can be adjusted without tool. The BB7 has larger pads with dual adjustments at the caliper, while the BB5 requires twisting the cable adjuster to move the inside pad.
Neither trike has a rear brake, but brake mounts are included at the rear so it is not difficult to install one. The stock rear wheels have a standard six-hole rotor mounts so the cost would not be too high.
The Promax brake locking levers were kind of an odd choice. While I can appreciate the desire to have locking brake levers, I question why both handlebars use a right side lever. This affects the positioning of the locking lever on the left side, making the locking feature a little difficult to operate. (NOTE: I was informed by Tom that this was due to a supply issue and will be corrected on future trikes.)
Wheels and Tires
The Stowaways use 20-inch (406) wheels and tires all the way around, which is nice to see on a foldable trike. The dual channel rims on this trike are of good construction. They are 36 spoke which typically makes for a strong wheel. 
A unique thing about the front wheels is that they didn't cross the spokes on the outside giving it a very cool look. Radial spoke patterns don't tend to be as strong and I'm curious to see how they hold up on a tadpole trike with high lateral forces in the turns. Time will tell. At least the braking side of the wheel uses a stronger crossed pattern. The front wheels can be removed fairly by removing just one bolt on the inside of the spindle.
Both trikes comes stock with Kenda Kwest 100 P.S.I racing tires, which feature smooth rounded tread. They roll smoothly and provide a nice ride while providing some level of flat protection. These tires are a great mid-range tire to start out your triking experience. Presta tubes are used all the way around.
Steering and Handling
The steering on the Stowaway I and II is an indirect linkage setup with dual tie rods. The linkage setup gives the Stowaways a turning radius that rivals that of some delta trikes. The turning radius is awesome and was something we all feel very happy about. It's actually pretty amazing that you can turn that sharp and still have nice feedback in the turns. The linkage arrangement appears to offer a true Ackerman compensation combined with a geometry that has strong self centering qualities. The steering is very smooth and intuitive. Like any tadpole trike you can lift a wheel if you try on a hard turn, but it won't happen by accident under average riding circumstances.
The tie rod steering assembly is very interesting. The tie rods run in front of the handlebar under the frame. The tie rods themselves are anodized to match the color of the trike which is a real nice touch of bling. The tie rods connect to control arm plates in the front of the handlebar and feel a little exposed. It would not take much to bend the control arm if you came off a curb wrong. That should definitely be a consideration if you'll be doing any trail riding.
Obviously a lot of thought was put on the steering design. The handlebar position is fixed though with no ability to move the grips closer to you or farther away. All of the team here feel that the handlebars are comfortable, but on longer rides you might start feeling it unless the position fits you perfectly.
Overall the handling is smooth and predictable. The self centering of the steering geometry makes the Stowaway fun to ride at high speed and gives good feedback during hard cornering. Despite the trike being able to fold in the middle, there is no feeling of flex when the hinge is locked.
Included Accessories
Another thing that makes the Stowaway trikes such a bargain is the inclusion of several accessories. Both models include a rack, full fender kit, mirror, water cage, headlight, and taillight. This is a nice kit for someone who needs the basics and is trike shopping on a budget.
The fender kit is a nice quality kit. The front supports attach to the top headset mount and pivot with the wheel. They require no outside support to the center of the axle, making it easy to do tire repairs without having to pull the fender off. The rear fender attaches in standard fashion with a frame support and wire stays on the side. The fenders are made of a High-impact plastic and have pinstripe detailing.
It' nice to see a mirror other than the Mirrycle mirror on a trike. These custom mirrors are about twice the size of the Mirrycle mirror and feel very solid. The mounting attachment for the mirror has an extra accessory mount built in. With a single mirror you would most likely use the mount for the headlight, but it could also be used to mount a computer.
The included headlight is actually a flashlight with a handlebar mount. Pretty slick. It has a single push button on the rear and can be switch on, off, or flashing mode. The Lichao police light is powered by three AAA batteries (not included) and can run up to 40 hrs. The light contains a bright one watt luxion L.E.D. The light can be removed from the holster and used as a standard flashlight. Being dual purpose is nice, but it is heavier than the comparable made-for-cycling CatEye Uno Headlight.
The rear taillight appears to be the exact same thing as the SunLite Tl-l700 and TailFazer 5 which we are very familiar with. It has five red L.E.Ds with various flashing modes. It is powered by two AAA batteries (not included) and lasts up to 110 Hrs on a set of batteries. This light is a well built light and is easily removed to prevent theft.
A water bottle cage is included whisch can be mounted behind the seat. There is another mounting position under the seat on the main frame suitable for for other accessories like a pump or AirZound bottle.
To round out the package The Stowaways also comes stock with a mid range rear rack. It is a decent rack and I don't think I would spend any more money on a replacement. This rack will carry standard pannier bags and will fit most trunk bags.
The Verdict
There are only a few things about the Stowaway trikes that I don't like and those can all be changed by upgrading the components. If you are looking for a folder for general riding then a Stowaway should be on the top of your list. The Stowaways are not racing trikes but either one will make a great choice for everyday commuting and weekend riding. They are comfortable to ride and handle well. At $1299 the Stowaway I is probably the best bargain available for an entry-level tadpole trike even if it didn't have the folding feature. With the hinge it comes in at half the price of any other folder. At $1599, the Stowaway II will give you a wider gear range, bar end shifters, better brakes, and is 4lbs lighter.
Stowaway Review Summary
First impressions:
The Stowaway trikes look great and with the included accessories make a complete package. The paint job is well done and the matching anodized tie rods look great.
Frame:
The chromoly steel frame is strong and provides a smooth ride. It has a 275lb weight limit and would be good choice for light touring or everyday commuting. It is not the lightest trike, nor the heaviest. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a century ride, but its great for longer weekend rides.
Seat:
The seat is comfortable and removes easily to fold the trike. There are only two seat angles which are very close to each other. The seat has some built in padding, a pocket, and reflective strip.
Adjustability:
Both models have an adjustable boom so getting the right leg length is easy. The seat adjustments are limited to just two angles and the handlebars are not adjustable.
Gears:
Both Stowaways have a gear range of 17-94 GI. This means most riders will max out at about 20 mph. Great for cruising around town, but most conditioned riders will eventually want to upgrade to a faster gearing option.
Tires:
The Kenda Kwest stock tires are fast and durable.
Dimensions:
The Stowaways are just under 34 inches wide. When folded the trike collapses down small enough to fit in a standard trunk.
Front end:
The bottom bracket height will depend on the length of the boom.
Pedals:
The Stowaway comes with platform pedals and included toe straps.
Wheels:
The stock wheels look great. The front wheels have an interesting radial pattern on the outside which looks cool, but time will tell if they hold up
Weight:
At 37-41 lbs the weight of the Stowaway trikes compares favorably to other trikes in their price range. These are not performance trikes, but are a great choice for general triking.
Components:
Both trikes have good brake sets. The drivetrain components are entry-level but functional.
Steering:
The Trident steering is terrific. The Stowaways have the sharpest turning radius of any indirect linkage tadpole I've seen. The tie rods look great but do seem a little exposed with their position under the frame.
Safety issues:
The reflective stripe on the rear of the seat is nice. The trikes come with a mirror and flag to help you see and be seen. The included lights will help too.
Transporting the trike:
The Stowaway models fold easily without any tools needed. This makes it very easy to take the trike with you.
Accessories:
The Stowaway comes with a rack, fenders, mirror, taillight, headlight, and water cage. All the accessories are functional and make for a good basic kit. For serious riding some better lighting might be desired as well as a better water cage.
Overall Value:
If you are looking for a folder, these trikes are half the cost of other folders. Even if you don't care about the folding feature, at $1299 and $1599 the value of the Stowaway models is tremendous. While not comparable in performance to aluminum trikes in the $2,000+ range, Trident Trikes has made two excellent packages for anyone looking in the $1500 range.
Share your comments below:
Can a five foot tall person fit on the trident Stowaway 1 trike?
Posted by pj
12/20/2009 03:06:00 PM
It would be very close. To be sure we would need the xseam measurement.
Posted by Ashley
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TerraTrike Trike Cover
SRAM 07 X.9 9spd Trigger shifter set
Shimano Deore LX Rear Derailleur