Picking between the TerraTrike Maverick and ICE Trident Spike is tough. Both trikes are great. Both cost a lot of money. You need to pick the right one for your needs.
The Maverick comes from America. It focuses on comfort and reliability. The Trident Spike comes from England. It focuses on performance and features.
This guide covers everything. Price, comfort, speed, and more. You'll know which trike to buy by the end.
Quick Facts: Maverick vs Trident Spike
| Feature | TerraTrike Maverick | ICE Trident Spike |
| Price | $3,200-$3,800 | $4,800-$5,500 |
| Weight | 48 pounds | 38 pounds |
| Frame | Steel | Aluminum |
| Folds | No | Yes |
| Steering | Under seat | Above seat |
| Best For | Comfort rides | Performance rides |
The Maverick costs less. The Spike weighs less. The choice depends on what matters most to you.
TerraTrike Maverick Overview
The Maverick is TerraTrike's top touring bike. It's built in America. The company has made trikes for over 20 years.
This trike uses steel frame tubes. Steel is heavy but strong. It's also easy to fix anywhere in the world. The frame will last decades with care.
The seat sits low and tilted back. Your feet go forward on the pedals. The handlebars sit under the seat. This feels like a regular bike to most people.
TerraTrike built this for long trips. Many people ride across states on Mavericks. The design focuses on all-day comfort over top speed.
Maverick Key Features
- Steel frame: Strong and easy to repair
- Under-seat steering: Feels familiar to bike riders
- 26-inch rear wheel: Rolls over bumps better
- Front suspension: Smoother ride on rough roads
- 400-pound weight limit: Handles heavy riders and gear
- Wide gear range: 27 speeds for hills and flats
- Mesh seat: Stays cool in hot weather
- Good warranty: Frame covered for life
The Maverick targets people who want reliability. It's not the fastest trike. It's not the lightest trike. But it rarely breaks down.
ICE Trident Spike Overview
ICE makes the Trident Spike in England. The company started in 1999. They focus on high-end trikes for serious riders.
The Spike uses aluminum tubes. Aluminum is light but strong. The frame weighs much less than steel. But aluminum needs special tools to repair.
The seat tilts back more than the Maverick. The steering controls sit above your chest. This is called joystick steering. It takes time to learn but works well.
ICE designed this for touring and performance. The trike folds in half for transport. Many people fly with their Spike to ride in other countries.
Trident Spike Key Features
- Aluminum frame: Light and corrosion-resistant
- Joystick steering: Precise control with light effort
- 20-inch wheels: All three wheels same size
- Quick folding: Fits in most cars
- Premium parts: High-quality components throughout
- Adjustable seat: Fits riders from 5 feet to 6'6"
- Low center of gravity: Stable in turns
- International dealer network: Service worldwide
The Spike targets experienced riders. People who want the best available. Price is less important than performance and features.
Frame Comparison: Steel vs Aluminum
Frame material affects everything. Weight, comfort, cost, and repairs. The terratrike maverick vs trident spike choice starts here.
Steel Frame Benefits
Steel frames dampen road vibration. This means less fatigue on long rides. Your hands and back feel better after 50 miles.
Any welder can fix steel. Crash in the middle of nowhere? A local shop can likely help. Steel bends before it breaks. Aluminum cracks suddenly.
Steel costs less to make. This keeps the Maverick's price down. The frame will outlast several sets of components.
Aluminum Frame Benefits
Aluminum weighs much less. The Spike climbs hills easier. It accelerates faster from stops. You use less energy at the same speed.
Aluminum doesn't rust. Leave it in the rain for years. The frame stays strong. Steel needs paint protection to prevent rust.
The Spike folds because aluminum is strong in complex shapes. Steel frames can't fold reliably. Folding means easier transport and storage.
Which Frame Wins?
Steel wins for: Comfort, repairability, price, durability Aluminum wins for: Weight, corrosion resistance, folding, performance
Pick steel if you value comfort and simple maintenance. Pick aluminum if you want the lightest, fastest option.
Steering System Differences
Steering separates these trikes completely. The systems work differently. They feel different. One isn't better than the other.
Under-Seat Steering (Maverick)
The handlebars sit below your seat. You reach forward and down to steer. This feels like a regular bicycle.
Your arms have good leverage. Steering takes little effort even when stopped. The position protects your arms from wind.
Most people learn this system quickly. No special training needed. The controls are where you expect them to be.
Joystick Steering (Spike)
Two small controls sit above your chest. You barely move your arms to steer. Your elbows rest on pads.
The controls are light and precise. Small movements create big changes. This takes practice but offers great control.
Your arms stay completely relaxed. No reaching or stretching. This reduces fatigue on very long rides.
Which Steering System Wins?
Under-seat wins for: Familiar feel, easy learning, simple maintenance Joystick wins for: Precision, comfort, compact design, quick adjustment
Most people prefer under-seat steering at first. Many prefer joystick steering after trying both systems.
Performance and Speed
Performance means different things to different riders. Top speed? Hill climbing? Long-distance comfort? Both trikes excel in different areas.
Maverick Performance
The Maverick cruises comfortably at 12-15 mph. Top speeds reach 25-30 mph on flats. The heavy frame and relaxed position limit pure speed.
Hill climbing is steady but not fast. The steel frame flexes under hard pedaling. The 26-inch rear wheel rolls over obstacles well.
Crosswind stability is excellent. The long wheelbase keeps the trike tracking straight. Heavy touring loads don't affect handling much.
Cornering is predictable and safe. The trike won't surprise you. It feels stable at all speeds. New riders feel confident quickly.
Spike Performance
The Spike cruises at 15-18 mph easily. Top speeds reach 30-35 mph on flats. The light frame and aerodynamic position help speed.
Hill climbing is noticeably better. The rigid aluminum frame transfers all your power. The lighter weight makes climbs easier.
Cornering is quick and precise. The low center of gravity and joystick steering enable tight turns. The trike responds instantly to inputs.
Acceleration is much better than the Maverick. Traffic light sprints are easier. Keeping up with faster groups is possible.
Which Performs Better?
Maverick wins for: Stability, comfort, predictable handling, loaded touring Spike wins for: Speed, climbing, acceleration, responsive handling
Choose the Maverick for relaxed touring. Choose the Spike for spirited riding and performance.
Comfort and Long-Distance Riding
Comfort matters most on long rides. Both trikes handle 50-100 mile days well. The details make the difference.
Maverick Comfort
The steel frame absorbs road vibration. Your body feels less beating over rough pavement. The front suspension adds more cushioning.
The mesh seat breathes well. Your back stays cooler in hot weather. The seat angle puts less pressure on sensitive areas.
The under-seat steering keeps your shoulders relaxed. Your arms don't tire from holding them up. The position feels natural for hours.
Spike Comfort
The aluminum frame transmits more road feel. Some riders prefer this feedback. Others find it harsh on rough roads.
The ICE seat is famous for comfort. The design fits most body shapes well. Pressure points are minimal even on century rides.
The joystick steering eliminates arm fatigue completely. Your arms rest on pads. No reaching or stretching needed for steering.
Comfort Winner
Both trikes are comfortable for different reasons. The Maverick offers plush comfort. The Spike offers ergonomic comfort.
Pick the Maverick if you want maximum cushioning. Pick the Spike if you want precise ergonomics and arm comfort.
Price and Value
Price matters to most buyers. Both trikes cost serious money. You need to understand what you get for the price difference.
Maverick Pricing
The Maverick starts around $3,200. Well-equipped models cost $3,800. This includes most needed accessories.
The steel frame lasts decades. Components are standard and affordable to replace. Maintenance costs stay low long-term.
Resale value is good but not exceptional. Many used Mavericks are available. The market has plenty of supply.
Spike Pricing
The Spike starts around $4,800. Premium models reach $5,500. Optional accessories add more cost.
The aluminum frame also lasts decades. Components are higher-end but cost more to replace. Maintenance needs are less frequent.
Resale value is excellent. Used Spikes sell quickly at strong prices. Demand exceeds supply in most markets.
Value Analysis
The Maverick offers better initial value. You get a quality trike for less money. Long-term costs are predictable and reasonable.
The Spike costs more upfront but holds value better. The performance and features justify the premium for many riders.
Budget under $4,000: Choose the Maverick Budget over $4,500: Consider both options Want best resale value: Choose the Spike
Who Should Buy Each Trike?
Different riders have different needs. Your riding style and priorities determine the best choice.
Buy the Maverick If You
- Want maximum comfort on long rides
- Prefer familiar bicycle-like controls
- Need easy maintenance and repairs
- Have a limited budget under $4,000
- Ride mostly on paved roads and bike paths
- Carry heavy loads or camping gear frequently
- Want proven reliability over cutting-edge features
- Live where TerraTrike dealers provide good service
Buy the Spike If You
- Want the best performance possible
- Like precise, responsive handling
- Need folding capability for transport
- Have budget over $4,500 for premium features
- Ride varied terrain including hills
- Value light weight and efficiency
- Want the latest technology and features
- Travel internationally with your trike
Both trikes work for touring, commuting, and recreation. Your priorities determine the best match.
Maintenance and Repairs
Long-term ownership means maintenance and repairs. Consider the differences before buying.
Maverick Maintenance
Standard bicycle components keep costs down. Any bike shop can work on most parts. The steel frame is nearly bulletproof.
Chain and tire changes are straightforward. Brake adjustments use common tools. Parts are available at many shops.
Frame repairs are possible anywhere welders work. Steel bends rather than breaks. Many problems can be fixed temporarily.
Spike Maintenance
Premium components last longer but cost more. Specialized ICE dealers provide the best service. Some parts are unique to ICE trikes.
The aluminum frame rarely needs repair. When it does, specialized welding is required. Not all shops can work with aluminum properly.
The folding mechanism needs occasional adjustment. The joystick steering requires specific knowledge for major repairs.
Maintenance Winner
The Maverick wins for simple, affordable maintenance. The Spike wins for needing less frequent service.
Choose based on your technical skills and local dealer support.
Final Recommendation
The terratrike maverick vs trident spike choice depends on your priorities. Both are excellent trikes from respected companies.
Choose the TerraTrike Maverick For:
- Maximum bang for your buck
- All-day comfort on any road surface
- Simple maintenance you can do yourself
- Familiar controls that feel like a bicycle
- Proven reliability for worry-free touring
Choose the ICE Trident Spike For:
- Best-in-class performance and handling
- Premium features like folding capability
- Precise ergonomics and advanced comfort
- Cutting-edge design and technology
- Investment in the finest available equipment
Both trikes will provide years of excellent service. Your choice should match your riding style, budget, and priorities.
The Maverick offers outstanding value and proven comfort. The Spike offers premium performance and advanced features.
For more cycling gear reviews and comparisons, check out Technovasprint for detailed guides on the latest equipment.
You can't go wrong with either choice. Pick the one that matches your needs and budget best.
TerraTrike Maverick vs Trident Spike: Which Trike Wins in 2025?