Ice VTX vs Sprint X

[jamminbmx]

Hi all! I usually commute to work around 15 miles each way. Quite flat and long stretches.

I had a race bike but got knocked off if and blew up my shoulder! While I’m recovering i’ve been looking at a trike for the future…

Was thinking of an Ice trike as they look great and my mum is cornish 🤭

The Sprint X with 700c rear looks great as the folding will be handy for storage. But will it be much slower than the VTX? Any ideas?

Thanks all!!!

 

[PaulM]

The VTX is narrower and significantly lighter. By what I've read, I think there would be a noticeable difference in speed. However for lots of people comfort wins, and the Sprint X has suspension options. Let us know how it goes.

 

[jamminbmx]

Will do! Rotator cuff surgery next week so still a while before i can ride anything…

 

[Psamathe]

They are very configurable so ICE Sprint X could be configured to be closer to a VTX.

eg on my Sprint X Tour I opted for the hardshell seat - which I love and despite the (significant) extra cost would select were I re-purchasing.

Different people use differently but note that to fold the Sprint X you need to remove the seat - very easy to do (3 QR levers).

I can't comment on speed as mine is a Sprint X Tour which has the 26" rear wheel and I don't go fast but do go "laden touring.

Ian

 

[PaulM]

They are very configurable so ICE Sprint X could be configured to be closer to a VTX.

eg on my Sprint X Tour I opted for the hardshell seat - which I love and despite the (significant) extra cost would select were I re-purchasing.

Different people use differently but note that to fold the Sprint X you need to remove the seat - very easy to do (3 QR levers).

I can't comment on speed as mine is a Sprint X Tour which has the 26" rear wheel and I don't go fast but do go "laden touring.

Ian

Yes, I think the new Sprint X can be pretty much as low and laid-back as the VTX though still wider and heaver. I find it hard to believe that changing one 26" wheel to a 700c one can make that much difference. The VTX does seem to have some magic sauce that makes it go faster than a Sprint though.

 

[Psamathe]

Yes, I think the new Sprint X can be pretty much as low and laid-back as the VTX

Again, I can't compare (never ridden a VTX) but a Sprint X with a hardshell seat it actually longer than a Sprint X with a "slung" seat. (Something I discovered when changing chain tubes - discovered that you need different chain tubes for the Sprint X with Airpro and my spare set was for slung).

Edit: Correction: I should have said a Sprint X Tour with hardshell seat is longer rather than a Sprint X Tour with slung seat. I only know about the Sprint X Tour so don't know if the same applies to the Sprint X (which I believe has the 700c rear wheel).

Ian

 

[PaulM]

Again, I can't compare (never ridden a VTX) but a Sprint X with a hardshell seat it actually longer than a Sprint X with a "slung" seat. (Something I discovered when changing chain tubes - discovered that you need different chain tubes for the Sprint X with Airpro and my spare set was for slung).

Ian

And the Sprint X is longer than a VTX. The VTX has a shorter subframe, the rear wheel tucks under the seat, and the max tyre size is more limited. I used to have a Sprint 26 with a mesh seat, and haven't ridden a VTX either. I did have a Catrike 700 which was noticeably quicker than the Sprint.

 

[Psamathe]

And the Sprint X is longer than a VTX. The VTX has a shorter subframe, the rear wheel tucks under the seat, and the max tyre size is more limited. I used to have a Sprint 26 with a mesh seat, and haven't ridden a VTX either. I did have a Catrike 700 which was noticeably quicker than the Sprint.

To correct my post (which may or may not be true) but I should have said "The Sprint X Tour with hardshell seat is longe rthan with slung seat" as I don't know about the Sprint X with I believe a 700c rear wheel. Same may or may not be true - I don't know.

Sorry for my not thinking and carelessly not discriminating properly between Sprint X and Sprint X Tour. I've edited my post so as to make sure I don't mislead others who may refer to it in future.

Ian

 

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

I have a VTX but haven’t ridden a Sprint X (though I have a QNT, in some ways its ancestor). The VTX is a light and nippy trike, though if you’ve never ridden a recumbent before it will strike you as very low down and very laid back (my ears are about level with the top of the rear wheel). Mine is roughly about 13kg at a guess, or less - I have very deliberately never weighed it! The shorter wheelbase is important, as it reduces wheel spin on steep hills and also makes it more responsive. The low seat height means it goes round corners like it’s stuck to the road. I think it’s as quick on the flat as my Nazca Fuego but faster uphill being quite a lot lighter - and I don’t have to worry about balancing which is a challenge for me personally on two wheeled recumbents. The ride is a lot less forgiving than the 3x20” wheeled QNT (which does have suspension all round, admittedly). If I may be permitted a motoring comparison, QNT (and I suspect Sprint) = Mazda MX5; VTX = Caterham 7 even though they have the same engine 😁

 

[FishFright]

I have a VTX it's seriously the most fun I've had on 3 wheels. Climbs well , is nimble in the corners and feels mental rapid on a fast decent.

I find it very comfortable on longer rides despite the narrow tyres and stiff frame.

@404 Not Found Anywhere The MX5 vs Caterham is thing is spot on.