Updated 01/31/04
The RS24 Spitfire
Water bottles, Fenders, pedals, and mirror sold separately
Please Note
The Spitfire RS/ST24 and Spitfire ST20 are no longer in production
Introduction
The Spitfire is a culmination of ten years of trike design experience and four generations of innovative products. Our design criteria is based on a few fundamentals; a stiff and light-weight frame, great ergonomics, and uncompromised aesthetics. To complement our high-quality frame we integrate the finest component groups available. In closing, we design trikes right.
Product Features
Unleashed Performance
The Spitfire is an ultra-light and nimble trike offering exhilarating high speed handling and fast acceleration. The direct linked steering knuckles provide optimum Ackerman compensation. The steering is finely tuned to reduce brake steering allowing safe, high-speed braking. The weight distribution is adjusted for optimum stability and handling. The ultra light-weight frame allows faster acceleration and uphill climbing with no frame flexing. For optimum performance, the Spitfire has no equal. For more information on what makes the Spitfire the performance leader click here.
High Quality Components are Standard
We complement our high quality Spitfire frame with the finest components found on any recumbent trike. Our basic ST is equipped with Shimano XT/Ultegra components. For our high performance RS we equip it generously with the finest components available from Shimano.
TIG Welded, Reinforced 6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
Rickey Horwitz was one of the first trike manufacturers to market a welded aluminum frame back in 1994. Aluminum with its excellent forming and workability was chosen as the primary material. All critical points are reinforced with tube gussets. The rear-end uses a fully triangulated stay design. The lower seat is an integral part of the frame that reduces torsion and lateral flexing of the middle frame section. The results is an ultra-lightweight trike that is incredibly stiff. A stiff frame reduces pedal flexing that ultimately can cause high speed instability.
A bare RS-24 frame (8 lb, 8 oz) (click for larger size)
Note the generous use of oversized tube gussets
Each tube is thoroughly welded by a TIG process. Unlike MIG, a TIG weld fully mixes the welded seams together guaranteeing a solid joint. The TIG process is used by the finest bicycle frame manufactures in the world. Therefore, we would not expect anything less for our quality product. Upon this welding process the frames are fully stress relieved and heat treated for maximum strength and integrity.
Total Comfort
The Cordura/Lanoloc mesh combination seat sling is fully adjustable and provides padding to the neck and shoulders. The base of the seat is concave giving it ample lateral support. Unlike other sling seats, the rider sits IN the seat not ON top of the seat, allowing excellent lateral support. The contour of the rear seat offers excellent lower lumbar support. Last, the independent rear seat frame allows seat angle adjustment without changing the geometry of the base seat. Unlike some trikes, our seat angle adjustment does not affect the frame geometry or require making chain length adjustments.
Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes are Standard
The dual Hope Mini Disc brakes are nothing less than phenomenal and are standard equipment on every Spitfire. On the above seat club tiller steering model, both left and right brakes are synchronized using a single handle. For under seat U-bar steering one or two brake levers are used. The placement and adjustment of hand controls on both configurations makes this machine easy and comfortable to control.
The picture above is a view of the disc brake system
Proudly Made In the USA
The Spitfire is designed and built with pride in USA. At Hellbent Cycles we strongly believe that we Americans have the know-how and determination to build a world class product.
Aesthetic Beauty
The looks of this trike steals attention from any crowd. The basic outline of the Spitfire is reminiscent of the award winning Zephyr released in 1994. Careful attention to every detail is made to blend in styling and elegance without compromising performance or comfort. In short, this trike represents the pinnacle of practical performance and styling.
True Quality and Value
For the performance, features, and quality, we offer the best product for the money. To top it off, we warranty our frames for 5 years.
Other Features:
