Sun Seeker EZ-3 USX HD Review on December 17, 2020

Every trike has it place and every person can find the perfect trike for their needs by doing their homework.  The Sun Seeker EZ-3 USX HD can be the perfect trike for someone who is mobility challenged or over 300 pounds.  The HD at the end of the USX name stand for Heavy Duty and that is exactly what this trike is all about. Sun Bicycle, the manufacture of the USX HD, is the largest manufacture of adult triycles in the world and have been building quality trikes for over fifty years.  Sun trikes are at the lower end of the market cost wise compared to other brands yet still offer good quality.

Frame: The frame is TIG welded together out of steel and is heavy and a bit overbuilt compared to other trikes on the market. The USX HD is capable of carrying very heavy loads; you should have no worries about the durability of this frame no matter how heavy the rider.

Paint: Any color you want as long as it is silver.  The paint is more than adequate, sprayed on evenly with a nice finish. The paint should last the life of the trike even if you live in a harsh weather environment.

Drive Train:  The Drivetrain is a 21 speed Shimano with a grip type shifter. It is an entry level Shimano and works adequately for an entry level rider.

Brakes: The Sun USX HD has unique brake system where the right brake lever controls both the rear brakes.  For the rear brakes, Sun used discs that are attached to each wheel.  The left brake lever controls the front brake and both brake levers have a parking lock.  For people with special needs the brakes can be switched from left to right or if someone just prefers to have the rear brakes controlled by their left hand it can easily be switched.  The brake have good stopping power and stop the trike sufficiently while not making the trike pull to one side or the other.

Seat: People find the seat on the Sun USX HD very much to there liking.  The bottom is very wide and uses a very nice soft gel material.  The seat back is independent from the bottom so the back can be positioned very upright if someone so desires. Breathable mesh makes up the seat back so your back should not get hot and sweaty.

Wheels: This is where most problems happen with trikes. The Sun USX HD wheels are exceptional, and I will go so far as to say that they are the strongest recumbent wheels on the market period. Sun wheels have 48 spokes per wheel whereas most trikes have 32 or 36 spokes per wheel.  The rims on the Sun USX HD are also wider and heavier duty than rims on other brand trikes.  Sun also chose a premium tire the Maxis Hookworm which is wider and more durable than most tires used on other trikes. The Hookworn tire has a smooth tread to improve the roll of the trike an can be inflated all the way up to 110 Psi.   Sun also chose a heavier duty rear axle which can withstand significantly more punishment than standard diameter axles.

Ride: The Sun USX rear wheels are chamfered giving the trike increase stability when turning corners. The USX frame is hinged in the middle with a shock absorber which smooths out the ride considerably over a rigid frame. It handled well and the steering had a light feel to it. I am sure Sun Seeker had a target person in mind when they were designing this trike.  The trike can fit people with the X-Seam between 36 and 47 inches.

In conclusion: I think this trike could be a good choice for someone over 300 Lbs. If you weigh less than 300 Lbs you should probably look at some lighter more efficient trikes.

Pros: Full Suspension, Strong, Durable, dependable, comfortable and built to last.

Cons: Heavy and slow, handlebars feel a bit awkward on the placement if the seat is in a very upright position.  Not stable on down hill compared to a tadpole style trike.

Best place to buy: Your local Sun Bicycle shop or on line at www.industrialbicycles.com