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Reviewed by Adulttricyclereview.com
TerraTrike Rambler Posted on December 8, 2020
The new TerraTrike Rambler for 2021 is completely different from it's previous generation. The first thing you will notice is the large twenty four inch wheels and super high quality Schwalbe Big Ben Tires. The frame design has been changed which now allows the rider to get closer to the seat before they sit down. The big advantage of this is it makes it easier to get in and out of the trike. TerraTrike also upgraded the steering over the old Ramble design. TerraTrike has gone away from the two bushings used on the Kingpin and replacing the bushings with a lower bearing and a delrine upper bushing. We got invited to attend the TerraTrike open house for their trike dealers. The event is very well run and I can’t say enough good things on how the TerraTrike’s team treats their dealers.
Frame: The frame on the Rambler is a non folding Chro-moly steel, TIG welded together and come with a 400 lbs capacity. The Rambler frame is a full four pounds lighter than the TerraTrike Maverick even though they look similar. The Chro-moly steel is lighter, stronger and offers a superior ride quality over the High Tensile steel of the Maverick. The Rambler frame is two inches wider to accommodate the twenty four inch front wheels. This wider stance also give the rider more room between the handlebars and adds stability to the trike. The Ramblers boom is made out of aluminum to help keep the weight down and is independently adjustable from the frame. The welding on the frame was precise and consistent with no gaps or inconsistency. Terratrike has added lots of cable attachment fitting for routing the brake and shifter cables for a nice clean look.
Paint: Something about the paint on the Rambler just looks better than the Maverick. I am sure both trikes come down the same assembly line, but the paint just looks better to me on the Rambler. Possibly, it is just me, I think the bright yellow is much cooler looking than the gray. The paint was applied evenly and consistently, with no thin spots or runs on the Rambler.
Drive Train: TerraTrike offer the Rambler with a nine speed Microshift Drive Train. Microshift is a high quality manufacture in Taiwan of bicycle Drive Trains. Even though you may not have heard of Microshift, they have been building quality bicycle Drive Trains for quite a while. The Microshift system is just a better value and higher quality than the SRAM or Shimano at the same price. Even though the Rambler is only a nine speed trike it's gear inch range is 23-86 inches which is very broad.
Brakes: The brakes are ProMax mechanical disc brakes, which does a fine job stopping the trike. The brake levers have a parking lock where there is a button on the brake lever that you can push and lock the brakes in the on position.
Seat: The seat on the Rambler is a simple nylon with straps that hold it securely to the seat frame. The seat fabric has been upgraded over the Maverick. It is much more breathable and comfortable. The Rambler seat height is 17 ½ inches, which makes it one of the highest seats on the market and it can be adjusted from 40 to 70 degrees.
Ride: . I was skeptical at first and thought the 24 inch wheel would ride only a little bit smoother. I also thought the larger front wheels would hamper the turning of the trike. I have to say, I was wrong. I was very impressed with the improved ride from the 24 inch wheels. Add all the pieces up Chro-Moly frame, larger wheels supple wide tires with a lot of air volume just equals a very soft ride out of a non suspended trike. The Rambler was surprisingly nimble and it's turning circle is the same as other trikes with twenty inch wheels. The Rambler also has and upright seating position like most of the other TerraTrikes.
Accessories: Terratrike is one of the best companies when it comes to accessories. Terratrike includes Heal Slings on all there pedals, it amazes me that there is not one other trike company that does this. One of the worst things that can happen while riding your trike is to have your foot slip off the pedal which can cause an accident. In our opinion, just about everyone should be riding with clipless pedals and cycling shoes. Clipless pedals and shoes are safer and simply more comfortable than wearing your standard street shoes. For the people who can not be talked into the clipless pedals and shoes, there are Heal Sling. Terratrike also had a long list of well made accessories like racks, neck rest, mudguards, seat pads and mounts for lights and computers.
In Conclusions: The Rambler is a nice step up from the Maverick. Even though the seating position is similar, you get a trike that is about four pounds lighter. The Rambler has the ability to go faster and is more comfortable than its little brother, the Maverick.
Pros: Easy to get on and off of, larger wheel which give a softer ride, breathable seat mesh, cooler looking, 400 Lbs weight capacity.
Cons: Direct steering vs Indirect steering. I personally prefer the Indirect steering, but both will get you around the corner and to your destination. I really did not have any cons with the Rambler. I think Terratrike could still improve the seat fabric and offer a seat fabrick like on the ICE Adventure but that would probably add almost $100.00 to the price of the trike.