Superb Steering System
Some trikes use what they call direct steering, in which
the handle bars are merely extensions of the kingpins. This is done
because it is cheap, with no extra linkage except for the track rod.
However, this usually results having the arms out stretched in
uncomfortable and awkward manner, or at the best, having the use the
weaker muscles of the arms to move the handle bars sideways, rather than
using the biceps in a fore and aft motion. The Magnum BW uses the
GreenSpeed “Cross Over” steering system, for easy and superior control,
and unlike conventional “indirect” steering systems, which have a larger
turning circle, the Magnum BW has a tiny turning circle for its size,
making it extremely manoeuvrable. Plus the Magnums use NSR steering
geometry, 1st introduced on the Series II GT3s, in which the steering
automatically corrects if you use only use one front brake. The 5
degrees of negative camber increases the stability of the trike and
reduce the overall width, making it easy to steer through bollards,
gateposts or doorposts, and ensuring that the tire rather than the axle
end will touch them if you happen to get too close.
As the steering is light, it works well for people with
the use of only one arm, like stroke survivors, as all the controls can
be fitted on one side.
Strong, Light, Folding Frame
The Magnum SD/XL/BW is a new frame design from
GreenSpeed. Similar to the rectangular section main tube used on the
Anura for many years, the new Magnum main tube is both stronger and
stiffer than the round tube used on the early Magnums. And to make
further gains in strength and stiffness we have eliminated the welds in
the main tube and the cross member, by making the front main tube in one
piece, and cross member also in one piece, and curved so that it comes
closer to the seat to enable the rider to mount and dismount easier. The
frame material is 7005 aluminium alloy, which is stronger than the more
commonly used 6061 aluminium alloy and stronger than mild steel, yet
only 1/3 the weight. The frame is hinged like the earlier GT3, so that
rear half can be folded over the front half to reduce the size enough to
fit in the trunk of a car. The rectangular main tube also makes it
easier to adjust the trike for leg length, as the cranks are now
self-aligning, plus the cranks will not twist in the frame, if the pinch
bolts or Q/R for leg length adjustment have not been done up really
tight. We have also welded a boss to the frame to take the fixed idler
for the optional Chain Gobbler, which automatically adjusts the chain
length, as the cranks are moved in and out, to suit riders with
different leg lengths.
Yet another feature of the new Magnum frames, is the
ability to change frame sizes. The standard frame will take riders with
an X-seam from 40 to 50 inches, or from about 5’ 3” to about 6’ 6” in
height. However, as the boom clamp is an external clamp, rather than
part of the frame, the main tube can be shortened as much as 4” to allow
riders with an X-seam as small as 36 inches or about 4’ 9” in height.
So, now at last you can have your cake, and eat it too! A 26” rear
wheeled trike with the legendary GreenSpeed roadholding and handling!
The Magnum BW is available in usual the Magnum colours, Metallic
Burgundy, Metallic Blue, and Yellow. The best news is that the price is
only $3,490 USD / $3,690 AUD. The 1st initial Magnum BW shipment has now
landed, so if you are interested, please order from your local GS
dealer now, to avoid disappointment.